Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked vs iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus, launched in September 2024, are both large-screen smartphones offering distinct experiences within their respective ecosystems. While the Galaxy S24 FE operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 16 Plus runs on Apple's iOS. Key differentiators between these two devices include their camera systems, display technologies, and the integration of their unique AI features.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both offer substantial software support and robust build quality, though their approaches differ.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is notable for its commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, extending its software support until approximately 2031. The iPhone 16 Plus, following Apple's typical update cycle, is expected to receive major iOS updates for at least five to six years from its release, likely until late 2029 or 2030.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature strong materials for everyday resilience. The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, alongside an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16 Plus also boasts an IP68 rating and features a Ceramic Shield front, known for its enhanced drop performance, with a glass back and an aluminum frame.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 FE has received a repairability score of 8.5 out of 10, indicating that components like the battery are relatively accessible for replacement. While specific repairability scores for the iPhone 16 Plus are not widely published, Apple devices generally offer a more integrated design, which can make certain repairs more complex.

Both the Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 Plus are equipped with powerful internal components designed to handle demanding tasks and provide a responsive user experience.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 FE is powered by an Exynos 2400e processor, which is a variant of Samsung's flagship chip, enabling smooth operation for multitasking and gaming. The iPhone 16 Plus features Apple's A18 chip, which is engineered for efficient performance across a wide range of applications, including those leveraging Apple Intelligence.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app management. Storage options for both models typically range from 128GB to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a 4700 mAh battery, supporting fast wired charging and wireless charging. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery and supports fast charging, MagSafe wireless charging, and Qi2 wireless charging. Both are designed to provide extended usage throughout the day for most users.

The visual experience on both smartphones is a highlight, with each offering a large, vibrant display tailored for media consumption and daily interactions.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vivid colors. The iPhone 16 Plus also comes with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering excellent contrast and color accuracy.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 FE's display reaches a peak brightness of 1900 nits, and it includes a unique DC-like dimming method in its High Brightness Mode for enhanced eye comfort. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits and can reach up to 2000 nits for peak outdoor brightness, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. Both displays have a resolution that results in a sharp pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch (ppi) for the iPhone 16 Plus and 385 ppi for the Galaxy S24 FE, providing clear text and images.
• Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 16 Plus maintains a 60Hz refresh rate.

Both devices offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, each with its own set of features and capabilities.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Plus features an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP Fusion Main camera with OIS that also enables a 2x telephoto option, and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera.
• Photography Features: The Galaxy S24 FE integrates Galaxy AI features for enhanced photo editing and improved low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a dedicated Camera Control button and leverages Apple Intelligence for advanced photographic capabilities, including Visual Intelligence.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S24 FE supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 4K Dolby Vision video recording at various frame rates, along with Cinematic mode, Action mode, and Spatial video recording for immersive content. Both devices include a 10MP front camera for the S24 FE and a 12MP front camera for the iPhone 16 Plus, suitable for selfies and video calls.