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

The Samsung Galaxy S24, an Android-based smartphone released in January 2024, and the Apple iPhone SE (2022), an iOS device launched in March 2022, offer distinct smartphone experiences. The Galaxy S24 presents a modern, expansive display with a versatile camera system, while the iPhone SE (2022) maintains a compact form factor with a traditional home button and a single primary camera. These devices cater to different user preferences, from operating system choice to physical design and photographic capabilities.

When evaluating the practical lifespan of these devices, both software support and physical resilience are important considerations.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is designed for extended software support, with a commitment to seven years of major Android operating system upgrades and security updates from its release, potentially extending support through Android 21. The iPhone SE (2022) typically receives major iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years, with security updates continuing beyond that period.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) incorporates durable glass on both its front and back and has an IP67 rating, indicating resistance to submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 has a high repairability score, with components like the battery designed for easier removal. The iPhone SE (2022) has an average repairability score, with screen and battery replacements being feasible, though some repairs may require specialized tools and could impact features like True Tone.

Both devices offer responsive performance, but they differ in their approach to processing power and memory management.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a current-generation octa-core processor, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications and efficient multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022) features a powerful hexa-core processor, providing a highly responsive user experience for everyday tasks and gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, offering more headroom for running multiple applications simultaneously and managing intensive tasks. It offers storage options up to 512GB, utilizing UFS 4.0 for faster data access. The iPhone SE (2022) includes 4GB of RAM and is available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4000mAh battery, providing approximately 1.5 days or 34 hours of typical use, with some tests showing over 13 hours of web browsing. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 2018mAh battery, which generally provides enough power for a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging.

The visual experience on these smartphones varies significantly due to differences in display technology, size, and refresh rates.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high resolution of 2340x1080 pixels. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, providing clear visuals in a more compact format.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S24's display can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The iPhone SE (2022) has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a lower peak brightness, which is suitable for typical indoor and outdoor use.
• Eye Comfort: The Galaxy S24 incorporates a higher PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) refresh rate of 492Hz, which can contribute to reduced eye strain for some users.

The camera systems on both devices are designed for different photographic approaches, impacting versatility and performance in various conditions.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone SE (2022) has a single 12-megapixel main camera, which relies on its powerful processor for image enhancements like Smart HDR 4 and Portrait mode for human subjects.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S24's camera system, supported by its processing capabilities, performs well in low-light conditions, with an effective night mode. It is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution. The iPhone SE (2022) lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can affect its low-light photography, but it records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 12-megapixel front camera. The iPhone SE (2022) features a 7-megapixel front camera.