Galaxy S24+ Vs iPhone 16 Plus

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£337.00

Versus £997.95 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£503.46

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in January 2024, and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus, expected in September 2025, represent two prominent large-screen smartphone options from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer expansive displays and robust performance, they differ in their operating systems, camera approaches, and specific display technologies. The Galaxy S24 Plus runs on Android with Samsung's One UI, while the iPhone 16 Plus operates on Apple's iOS platform, each offering distinct user experiences and ecosystem integrations.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical durability are key factors. Both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus are designed for extended use, though their support timelines and build philosophies vary.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is notable for its commitment to seven years of major Android and security updates, offering a prolonged period of software relevance. Apple typically provides iOS updates for iPhones for approximately five to seven years from their release, suggesting the iPhone 16 Plus will also receive substantial long-term support.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 Plus features an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front for screen protection. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to continue with Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, known for its resilience against drops and scratches. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and receive critical updates for many years. The Galaxy S24 Plus's extended update policy provides a clear advantage for those prioritizing the absolute longest software support on an Android device. The iPhone 16 Plus, while also offering significant support, benefits from Apple's consistent track record of optimizing older hardware for newer software versions.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus are equipped with advanced internal components designed to deliver smooth and efficient performance across a wide range of tasks. Their capabilities are tailored to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive content.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Plus, powered by a current-generation processor, handles daily tasks, app launches, and navigation with fluidity. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature Apple's latest mobile processor, ensuring a highly responsive user experience for general use and system interactions.
  • Demanding Applications and Multitasking: For more intensive activities like gaming or video editing, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers substantial processing power and comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking. The iPhone 16 Plus is also anticipated to provide robust performance for heavy applications and seamless switching between multiple apps, a hallmark of Apple's integrated hardware and software design.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S24 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to offer various storage configurations, likely starting from 128GB and extending to 512GB or 1TB, providing options for different user needs.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus is a highlight, with each device featuring a large, high-quality display designed for immersive viewing. There are distinct differences in their underlying technologies and specifications that cater to varying preferences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, known for its accurate color reproduction and deep blacks.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Plus offers an impressive peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that scales from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 15 Plus, as a predecessor, has a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits. The iPhone 16 Plus may introduce a higher refresh rate, but it is not guaranteed for non-Pro models.
  • Viewing Experience: Both devices provide expansive screens suitable for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. The Galaxy S24 Plus's higher resolution and adaptive refresh rate offer a potentially smoother and more detailed visual experience, while the iPhone 16 Plus's OLED panel is expected to deliver consistent color accuracy and contrast.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different hardware configurations and processing philosophies.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to build upon the iPhone 15 Plus's dual-camera system, which includes a 48MP main sensor that utilizes pixel binning for detailed 24MP photos and offers 2x optical-quality zoom through sensor cropping, alongside a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 Plus is noted for producing good-looking photos with excellent dynamic range in various lighting conditions, and includes AI-powered editing features. User sentiment suggests strong daylight performance, though some have noted inconsistencies in low-light or post-processing after software updates. The iPhone 16 Plus is anticipated to continue Apple's reputation for consistent image quality, accurate colors, and strong low-light performance, particularly with its main sensor.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S24 Plus supports up to 8K video recording, offering high resolution for those who need it. iPhones are generally praised for their video stabilization and overall video quality, and the iPhone 16 Plus is expected to maintain this strength. Both phones are expected to offer clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and provide a good media consumption experience through their stereo speakers.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core performance and display capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus incorporate various practical features that enhance daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S24 Plus includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature modern Wi-Fi standards, potentially Wi-Fi 7, and an updated Bluetooth version, likely Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring robust wireless connections.
  • Charging and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a USB-C port and supports 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 16 Plus will also feature a USB-C port, following its predecessor, and is expected to support similar wired and wireless charging speeds, including MagSafe compatibility.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy S24 Plus utilizes an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 Plus will rely on Face ID for biometric authentication. Both phones feature premium build materials; the Galaxy S24 Plus uses Armor Aluminum, while the iPhone 16 Plus is expected to retain an aluminum frame with a color-infused glass back. Their dimensions are similar, offering a substantial screen size that may require two-handed use for some.

Weight

197 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus often highlights its impressive display, with its QHD+ resolution and high peak brightness being frequently praised. Many users appreciate the extended software support commitment and the integration of AI features. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around battery performance for the Exynos variant under heavy load, and some users have noted perceived inconsistencies in camera processing after software updates.

For the iPhone 15 Plus, its predecessor, users consistently praise its exceptional battery life, often lasting well over a day even with heavy use, and its strong video recording capabilities. The overall consistency and reliability of the camera system are also frequently mentioned as positives. A common point of discussion for the non-Pro iPhone models, including the 15 Plus, has been the 60Hz refresh rate, which some users find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

Users prioritizing a highly detailed and bright display with an adaptive refresh rate, along with a long-term software update commitment on an Android platform, may find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its dedicated telephoto lens also offers a distinct advantage for those who frequently use optical zoom. Conversely, users who value consistent camera performance, particularly for video, and exceptional battery longevity within the iOS ecosystem, will likely find the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus to be a compelling choice. Its expected integration of new AI features within iOS will also appeal to those deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem.

Both devices represent robust options in the large-screen smartphone category. For those seeking an eco-friendly and quality-assured alternative, considering a refurbished version of either model can be a sustainable choice that offers excellent value.

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