Galaxy S24 FE Vs iPhone 16

Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£250.00

Versus £741.91 new

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iPhone 16
iPhone 16
Starting at

Refurbished price:£475.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, and the Apple iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, represent two distinct approaches to modern smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer advanced features for everyday use, they cater to different user preferences through their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S24 FE runs on Android, providing extensive customization options, whereas the iPhone 16 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience. Key differentiators include display technology, camera capabilities, and long-term software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE was released globally in October 2024, while the iPhone 16 became available in September 2024 [1, 8, 10, 17, 18, 23, 25]. This means both devices are relatively new, offering a similar starting point for their operational lifespan.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the Galaxy S24 FE, extending its software support until approximately 2031 [9, 17, 27, 34]. The iPhone 16, running iOS, typically receives major software updates for about five to six years from its release, with security updates often continuing for longer [23]. This suggests the Galaxy S24 FE may offer a longer period of official software feature updates.
  • Repairability and Materials: Both devices incorporate recycled materials in their construction, reflecting a focus on sustainability [3, 7, 16, 17, 31, 32, 34]. The iPhone 16 features an aluminum design with a Ceramic Shield front and color-infused glass back, rated IP68 for water and dust resistance [3, 7]. The Galaxy S24 FE also uses recycled plastics, aluminum, glass, and rare earth elements, and is designed with a durable build [17, 34].

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing and multitasking to demanding applications and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 16 is equipped with Apple's A18 chip, which delivers a significant boost in performance and efficiency, enabling smooth operation for demanding applications and games [3, 5, 7, 16]. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is powered by a current-generation processor that provides performance close to flagship levels, handling daily usage and intensive games smoothly [2, 6, 13, 26, 30]. Users of the Galaxy S24 FE have noted that app opening times are quick and the overall experience is fluid [26].
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer ample RAM to support efficient multitasking. The iPhone 16 comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its responsive performance across various applications [23]. The Galaxy S24 FE also features 8GB of RAM, ensuring that multiple apps can run concurrently without significant slowdowns [2, 6, 8, 13, 21].
  • Gaming and Demanding Apps: While both phones can handle graphically intensive games, the iPhone 16's processor is designed for high-performance gaming and complex tasks [16]. The Galaxy S24 FE also performs well in gaming, maintaining consistent frame rates, though some users have observed slight warming during extended gaming sessions [13, 26, 30].

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for users, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors [3, 7, 12, 14, 23, 24]. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity [2, 6, 8, 22].
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both displays offer excellent clarity. The iPhone 16 has a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring sharp text and detailed visuals [3, 7, 12, 14, 23, 24]. The Galaxy S24 FE features a 1080x2340 pixel resolution, also delivering clear and crisp images [2, 6, 8, 22].
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 16's display can reach up to 1000 nits typical brightness, 1600 nits for HDR content, and an impressive 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors, ensuring excellent visibility in various lighting conditions [3, 7, 12, 14, 24]. It maintains a 60Hz refresh rate [23, 24]. The Galaxy S24 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, with a peak brightness of 1900 nits, though real-world tests show it can reach around 659 nits under ambient light [2, 8, 22].

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S24 FE and iPhone 16 offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 16 features an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP Fusion Main sensor that supports high-resolution photos and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens [3, 5, 7, 23]. It also leverages its main sensor for a 12MP 2x telephoto effect [3, 7]. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a versatile triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a dedicated 8MP 3x optical telephoto lens [1, 2, 11, 19, 20, 21, 22].
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 16's main camera excels in various lighting conditions, offering features like sensor-shift optical image stabilization and 100% Focus Pixels for sharp images [3, 7]. The Galaxy S24 FE's main camera also performs well, especially in ideal lighting, with its ultrawide lens delivering good detail [11]. The dedicated telephoto lens on the S24 FE provides optical zoom capabilities [19].
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support high-quality video recording. The iPhone 16 can record 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 60 frames per second [3, 7, 24]. The Galaxy S24 FE supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second [1, 19, 22]. For selfies, the iPhone 16 has a 12MP front camera with autofocus [3, 7, 23], while the Galaxy S24 FE features a 10MP front camera [1, 2, 19, 21].

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data [1, 3, 7, 21, 23, 38]. The iPhone 16 features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C port, though its data transfer speed is limited to USB 2.0 [3, 5, 7, 23]. The Galaxy S24 FE supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and includes a USB Type-C port with faster USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds [1, 6, 21, 22].
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The iPhone 16 relies on Face ID for secure authentication and includes an Apple second-generation Ultra Wideband chip [3, 7]. The Galaxy S24 FE features an in-display optical fingerprint scanner for unlocking the device [2, 8]. Both devices incorporate a range of sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors [7, 8].
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 16 has dimensions of 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 170 grams, offering a compact and manageable form factor [3, 7, 23]. The Galaxy S24 FE is slightly larger and heavier at 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm and 213 grams, providing a more expansive screen experience [6, 21]. Both devices feature durable build materials, with the iPhone 16 utilizing Ceramic Shield for its front display [3, 7].

Weight

213 g

170 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for both the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 highlights their respective strengths and areas for consideration. The Galaxy S24 FE is often praised for its vibrant 120Hz display and robust battery life, with many users appreciating its near-flagship performance for daily tasks and gaming [13, 26, 30]. Some users have noted that while the camera system is capable, it may not always match the performance of higher-end flagship models, and a few have reported occasional network inconsistencies [13, 26, 30].

The iPhone 16 receives commendation for its exceptional display clarity and brightness, powerful processing capabilities, and consistent camera performance, particularly in video recording [12, 14, 16, 24]. A common point of discussion among users is the continued use of a 60Hz refresh rate, which some find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates [23, 24].

Users prioritizing a larger, smoother display and extensive software support may find the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE well-suited to their needs. Its dedicated optical telephoto lens also appeals to those who frequently use zoom in their photography. Conversely, users who value a compact design, a highly integrated ecosystem, and top-tier processing power for demanding applications will likely lean towards the iPhone 16. Its advanced main camera system and superior outdoor display brightness are also significant advantages. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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