Galaxy S24 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in January 2024, and the iPhone SE 2022 Verizon, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S24 offers a modern Android flagship experience with advanced features, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact iOS device with a classic design. The primary differentiators lie in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera systems.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and overall design.

• Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is notable for its commitment to extended software updates, offering seven years of operating system upgrades and security patches from its release. This provides a long period of access to the latest features and security enhancements. The iPhone SE 2022, while also receiving consistent updates, typically follows Apple's pattern of 5-6 years of iOS support. However, it was discontinued in February 2025, which might influence future update prioritization compared to newer models.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, contributing to its resistance against drops and scratches. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes an aluminum frame and ion-strengthened glass, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, but the Galaxy S24's longer promised software support and more advanced protective materials suggest a potentially longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software and robust physical protection.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing and social media to demanding applications and gaming.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a current-generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced AI features with ease. This results in a highly responsive user experience across various tasks. The iPhone SE 2022 features a powerful processor that was also used in the iPhone 13 series, providing smooth performance for everyday applications and most games.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S24 offers ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns, ensuring a fluid transition between tasks. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical smartphone usage and multitasking, though it may offer less headroom for extremely heavy usage scenarios compared to the Galaxy S24.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4000 mAh battery, designed to provide reliable power through a full day of varied use, supported by the efficiency of its processor and display. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery. While its efficient processor helps optimize power consumption, heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, influencing everything from media consumption to daily interactions.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution ensures sharp text and detailed images. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, providing clear visuals and accurate color reproduction, though it does not match the contrast levels of an AMOLED panel.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The iPhone SE 2022 offers a peak brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most everyday viewing but less fluid than higher refresh rate displays.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution, and higher refresh rate display of the Galaxy S24 provides a more immersive and dynamic viewing experience, particularly for video content and gaming. The iPhone SE 2022's smaller screen is ideal for users who prefer a more compact device that is easy to operate with one hand.

For many users, the camera system is a key decision-making factor, capturing everyday moments and special occasions.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, 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 is equipped with a single 12MP wide main camera, which is capable of capturing good quality photos in well-lit conditions.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24's multiple lenses and advanced processing capabilities contribute to strong performance in various lighting conditions, including improved low-light photography and detailed zoom shots. The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from its processor's image signal processing for good everyday photos, but it lacks a dedicated Night mode and the versatility of multiple focal lengths.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices offer capable video recording, with the Galaxy S24 supporting up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, and the iPhone SE 2022 capable of 4K video recording. Both phones feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.