Galaxy S24+ Vs iPhone 16e

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£335.00

Versus £949.36 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£359.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in January 2024, and the Apple iPhone 16E, introduced in February 2025, represent distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While both devices offer advanced mobile technology, they cater to different user preferences through their operating systems and hardware configurations. The Galaxy S24 Plus operates on Android, providing extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 16E runs on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators include display technology, camera systems, and overall design philosophy.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Plus was released in January 2024, making it a slightly older model compared to the iPhone 16E, which was introduced in February 2025. This difference in release dates means the iPhone 16E benefits from a more recent hardware foundation.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing seven years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S24 Plus, extending its software support until approximately 2031. Apple typically offers major iOS updates for around five to seven years, with security patches often continuing beyond that period. The iPhone 16E launched with iOS 18 and is currently running iOS 26.3.1(a).
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S24 Plus incorporates an Armor Aluminum 2 frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back. The iPhone 16E utilizes a Ceramic Shield front and an aluminum frame. Both models carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements.

Year of Release

2024

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently its software utilizes them for daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a current-generation high-performance processor, either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy or the Exynos 2400, depending on the region. The iPhone 16E features Apple's A18 chip, a powerful current-generation Apple chip. Both processors are designed to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive gaming smoothly.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and quick app switching. The iPhone 16E is noted to have 8GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, provides a responsive user experience.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy S24 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of storage. The iPhone 16E offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is significantly influenced by its display technology, resolution, and brightness capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16E has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its color accuracy and contrast. The larger screen of the S24 Plus provides more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a QHD+ resolution of 3120x1440 pixels, resulting in a sharp visual experience, and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 16E offers a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels (460 PPI) and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S24 Plus can reach a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits. The iPhone 16E provides a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of up to 1200 nits.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though they differ in their configurations and photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This allows for a range of photographic perspectives, including zoomed-in shots without significant loss of detail. The iPhone 16E is equipped with a single 48MP main rear camera that includes 2x in-sensor zoom capabilities, alongside a 12MP ultrawide lens. It does not feature a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S24 Plus includes features like Nightography for enhanced low-light performance, Super HDR, Instant Slow-mo, and Galaxy AI for generative editing. The iPhone 16E leverages its powerful chip for computational photography, offering strong image processing and good low-light performance for its class.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 Plus is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, and its front camera is 12MP. The iPhone 16E supports 4K video recording and has a 12MP front camera.

Front camera

12 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Plus supports Wi-Fi 7, 5G, and Bluetooth 5.3, and features a USB-C port. The iPhone 16E also supports 5G and Bluetooth 5.3, and includes Wi-Fi 6. It features a USB-C port, though with USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Biometric Security and Special Features: The Galaxy S24 Plus uses an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16E relies on Face ID for biometric authentication and includes an Action Button, which can be customized for quick access to various functions.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S24 Plus measures 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 196 grams. The iPhone 16E is slightly more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm and a weight of 167 grams. These differences can influence one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

196 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the iPhone 16E offer distinct strengths, making each device suitable for different user priorities. Users often praise the Galaxy S24 Plus for its expansive, high-resolution display with a high refresh rate, which provides a fluid visual experience for gaming and media. Its versatile camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens, is frequently highlighted for its flexibility in various shooting scenarios. The extended software support from Samsung is also a significant advantage for those who prefer to keep their devices for a longer period. Some users, however, might find its size less convenient for one-handed use.

The iPhone 16E is generally appreciated for its compact form factor and the seamless integration of the iOS ecosystem. Its powerful Apple chip ensures smooth performance across applications, and the camera, despite being a dual-lens system, is known for its consistent image quality and computational photography capabilities. The inclusion of the Action Button offers a practical shortcut for frequently used functions. Potential considerations for some users might include the standard 60Hz refresh rate of its display, which is less fluid than higher refresh rate screens.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display and a comprehensive camera system with optical zoom may find the Galaxy S24 Plus aligns better with their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a more compact device, the integrated iOS experience, and consistent performance for everyday tasks might lean towards the iPhone 16E. Both devices represent quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking advanced smartphone technology.

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