Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in January 2024, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S24 offers a modern Android experience with advanced features, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact iOS option with a classic design. These devices primarily differ in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera capabilities.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24, introduced in January 2024, is a more recent device compared to the iPhone SE 2022, which was released in March 2022. This difference in launch dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S24 is notable for its extended software commitment, offering seven years of operating system and security updates, ensuring support through Android 21. The iPhone SE 2022 is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from its release, with support potentially extending until 2028-2030, and is compatible with iOS 26.
• Physical Durability and Repairability: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It has a high repairability score, with easily accessible components and a battery that can be removed with pull tabs. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Its repairability is considered average; while some parts like the battery and screen are replaceable, strong adhesives and specific tools are often required, and screen replacements may affect certain display functions.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are handled.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a newer generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with consistent power and efficient thermal management, even during intensive gaming sessions. The iPhone SE 2022 features a capable processor that delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and can efficiently manage more demanding applications, though some users note its processing power is substantial for a device in its category.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically includes 8GB of RAM, contributing to its multitasking capabilities. It offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM and is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4000 mAh battery, with many users reporting that it provides sufficient power for a full day of heavy use. However, some users have expressed concerns about battery life, particularly following certain operating system updates. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery, offering average battery life that typically lasts a day with moderate usage, though heavy 5G use or gaming can reduce this duration.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a sharp 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution. The iPhone SE 2022 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a 1334 x 750 pixel resolution, offering clear visuals but with the inherent contrast limitations of LCD technology.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 boasts a high peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The iPhone SE 2022 offers a peak brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution, and higher refresh rate display of the Galaxy S24 provides a more immersive and fluid viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone SE 2022's smaller screen and classic design with bezels offer a more traditional and compact feel, which some users prefer for one-handed use.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing the quality and versatility of photos and videos.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, including a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, complemented by a 12MP front camera. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP wide rear camera and a 7MP front camera.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 delivers excellent image quality in well-lit environments, characterized by good color balance and detail. Its low-light performance is generally strong, though some users note it may not match the absolute best in class. The iPhone SE 2022 captures very good images in adequate lighting conditions with accurate colors and detail, but it lacks a dedicated night mode, which can result in darker and grainier photos in low-light scenarios.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording. The Galaxy S24 can record up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. The iPhone SE 2022 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. Both phones feature stereo speakers, with the Galaxy S24 including Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience.