Galaxy S24 • Unlocked 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 both offer robust performance within their respective ecosystems, they differ significantly in display technology, camera capabilities, and overall form factor. The Galaxy S24 operates on Android, offering extensive customization, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined user experience.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S24, being a more recent release, benefits from an extended commitment to software updates, while the iPhone SE 2022, though older, still offers a respectable lifespan within the Apple ecosystem.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is projected to receive seven years of OS and security updates, extending its software support until approximately 2031. This commitment provides a long period of access to new features and security enhancements. The iPhone SE 2022, released earlier, is expected to receive iOS updates for about five to seven years from its launch, likely until 2028-2030, offering consistent, though potentially shorter, software support.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, contributing to its resistance against drops and scratches. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum and glass design, with glass described as durable, similar to that found on the iPhone 13 series, and has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
• Material Composition: The Galaxy S24 incorporates various recycled materials, including recycled cobalt, rare earth elements, steel, and aluminum in its construction, aligning with sustainable manufacturing practices. The iPhone SE 2022 is notable for being manufactured with carbon-free aluminum, reflecting an emphasis on reducing environmental impact.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, impacting everything from app loading times to multitasking efficiency and gaming experiences. Both devices offer capable performance, though they cater to different expectations based on their respective generations and design philosophies.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a current-generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphically intensive games with smooth responsiveness. This advanced processing capability ensures a fluid user experience across various tasks. The iPhone SE 2022 features a powerful processor for its class, enabling it to manage everyday applications, navigate the operating system, and run many games efficiently.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S24 offers storage options starting from 128GB and includes 8GB of RAM, providing ample space for files and supporting efficient multitasking with multiple applications open simultaneously. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with storage options starting at 64GB and includes 4GB of RAM, which is suitable for typical smartphone usage and managing several apps concurrently.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 is powered by a 4000 mAh battery, designed to support its larger display and more powerful components, generally providing a full day of use for many users. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery, which, combined with its smaller display and efficient processor, offers sufficient power for moderate daily use, though heavy users may find themselves charging more frequently.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and the Galaxy S24 and iPhone SE 2022 present distinct visual experiences due to their underlying technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This technology provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and general use. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, which delivers accurate colors and good viewing angles, suitable for users who prefer a more compact screen.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features a FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) for sharp images and text. The iPhone SE 2022 has a maximum brightness of 625 nits and a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, providing clear visuals in most indoor and outdoor environments.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S24 offers an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which contributes to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and can conserve battery life by adjusting dynamically. The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent and responsive experience for everyday interactions.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture moments, but they offer different capabilities and features that cater to varying photography and videography needs.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP rear camera with OIS, which is capable of capturing clear and color-accurate photos in well-lit conditions.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24's camera system benefits from advanced image processing, resulting in detailed images with generally more natural colors, though some users note a tendency towards saturation. Its multiple lenses provide flexibility for different scenes and lighting. The iPhone SE 2022 excels in daylight photography, producing pleasing images with good color balance. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light performance.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 can record video at up to 8K resolution and features a 12MP front-facing camera, offering high-quality video capture and detailed selfies. The iPhone SE 2022 supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second and includes a 7MP front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies in good lighting.