Introduction
The battle between Apple and Samsung continues with the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24, two of 2024’s most powerful smartphones. Choosing between them isn’t just about specs, it’s about ecosystem, software preferences, and daily usability.
The iPhone 15 refines Apple’s signature design with USB-C, Dynamic Island, and the A17 Pro chip, while the Galaxy S24 counters with a 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and AI-powered One UI 6.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down:
- Design & Build Quality
- Display & Refresh Rate
- Performance & Hardware
- Camera Comparison
- Battery Life & Charging
- Software & Ecosystem
- Price & Value
By the end, you’ll know exactly which phone fits your needs.
1. Design & Build Quality
iPhone 15
- Materials: Aerospace-grade aluminum, Ceramic Shield front, matte glass back.
- Design: Flat edges, Dynamic Island (replacing the notch), slimmer bezels.
- Ports: USB-C (finally!), but limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps).
- Durability: IP68 water/dust resistance (6m for 30 mins).
- Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow.
Galaxy S24
- Materials: Armor Aluminum 2.0, Gorilla Glass Victus 3 (front/back).
- Design: Curved edges (S24 Ultra has a flat screen), S Pen support (Ultra only).
- Ports: USB-C (USB 3.2, faster data transfer).
- Durability: IP68 (same as iPhone).
- Colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender (plus exclusive online colors).
Which is Better?
- Premium feel: iPhone 15’s flat edges feel more industrial, while the S24 is more ergonomic.
- Durability: Tie (both IP68).
- Winner? Depends on preference, iPhone for sleekness, Galaxy for grip and S Pen functionality (if Ultra).
2. Display & Refresh Rate
iPhone 15 (Pro Models)
- Screen: 6.1″ or 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz ProMotion (adaptive).
- Brightness: 2,000 nits peak (HDR).
- Features: Always-On Display (AOD), True Tone, Ceramic Shield.
Galaxy S24
- Screen: 6.2″ or 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
- Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz LTPO (more efficient).
- Brightness: 2,500 nits peak (better in sunlight).
- Features: S Pen support (Ultra), Vision Booster, Gorilla Glass Victus 3.
Which is Better?
- Smoothness: Tie (both 120Hz).
- Brightness: Galaxy S24 wins (2,500 vs. 2,000 nits).
- Extras: Galaxy has S Pen support (Ultra) and better outdoor visibility.
- Winner? Galaxy S24 for display tech, iPhone for color accuracy.
3. Performance & Hardware
iPhone 15 (A17 Pro Chip)
- Processor: 3nm A17 Pro (20% faster CPU, 30% better GPU than A16).
- RAM: 8GB (unified memory).
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB (no expandable storage).
- Modem: Qualcomm X70 (better efficiency than previous iPhones).
Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400)
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (30% faster AI tasks) or Exynos 2400 (global).
- RAM: 12GB (base model).
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB (expandable via microSD in some regions).
- Modem: X75 (5G Advanced), Wi-Fi 7 support.
Benchmark Scores (Geekbench 6)
| Device | Single-Core | Multi-Core |
| iPhone 15 | 2,900 | 7,200 |
| Galaxy S24 | 2,300 | 6,800 |
Which is Better?
- Raw Power: iPhone 15 (A17 Pro wins in CPU/GPU).
- AI & Multitasking: Galaxy S24 (more RAM, better AI processing).
- Winner? iPhone for gaming, Galaxy for multitasking & future-proofing.
4. Camera Comparison
iPhone 15
- Main: 48MP (f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS).
- Ultrawide: 12MP (f/2.2).
- Zoom: 3x optical (Pro models only).
- Video: 4K 60fps Dolby Vision, Cinematic Mode.
Galaxy S24
- Main: 200MP (f/1.7, pixel-binning for 12MP/50MP shots).
- Ultrawide: 12MP (f/2.2).
- Zoom: 10x optical (S24 Ultra only).
- Video: 8K 30fps, Super HDR.
Real-World Performance
- Daylight: Tie (both excellent).
- Low Light: iPhone 15 (better noise control).
- Zoom: Galaxy S24 Ultra (10x optical crushes iPhone’s 3x).
- Video: iPhone 15 (better stabilization, color grading).
Winner?
- Photography: Galaxy S24 (versatility, 200MP detail).
- Videography: iPhone 15 (best for content creators).
5. Battery Life & Charging
| Feature | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S24 |
| Battery Size | ~3,500mAh | ~4,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 20W (50% in 30 mins) | 45W (65% in 30 mins) |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W Qi |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes (Power Share) |
Which Lasts Longer?
- Screen-On Time: Galaxy S24 (~8hrs vs. iPhone’s ~7hrs).
- Standby: iPhone 15 (iOS optimizations).
- Winner? Galaxy S24 for fast charging, iPhone for standby efficiency.
6. Software & Ecosystem
iOS 17 (iPhone 15)
- Longer updates (5+ years)
- iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop.
- Tighter Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Watch).
One UI 6 (Galaxy S24)
- More customization (themes, widgets).
- Samsung DeX (desktop mode).
- Google integration (Assistant, Photos).
Winner?
- iPhone for simplicity & longevity.
- Galaxy for flexibility & multitasking.
7. Price & Value
| Model | Starting Price |
| iPhone 15 | $799 |
| Galaxy S24 | $799 |
Trade-In Deals: Samsung often offers better trade-in bonuses.- Resale Value: iPhone holds value longer.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose iPhone 15 if you:
- Prefer iOS and long-term updates.
- Want the best video recording.
- Use other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, AirPods).
Choose Galaxy S24 if you:
- Need more customization & multitasking.
- Want a better zoom camera (S24 Ultra).
- Prefer faster charging & expandable storage.
For most users:
- Best Overall: iPhone 15 (for ecosystem & polish).
- Best for Power Users: Galaxy S24 (for hardware flexibility).
What’s Your Pick?
Are you Team iPhone or Team Galaxy? Let us know in the comments!
