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

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, 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 Plus offers a large, high-resolution display and a versatile camera system within the Android ecosystem, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact form factor and a streamlined iOS experience. Both devices support 5G connectivity, but they cater to different user preferences regarding screen size, camera capabilities, and overall user interface.

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

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S24 Plus, being a newer device, benefits from Samsung's commitment to providing seven years of OS and security updates, extending its software lifespan significantly. The iPhone SE 2022, while older, typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from its release, with security updates potentially continuing for a year or two beyond major OS upgrades. This means the Galaxy S24 Plus is projected to receive software support until around 2031, while the iPhone SE 2022 is expected to continue receiving updates until at least 2028, and possibly up to 2030.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 Plus features an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display, offering robust protection against drops and scratches. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum and glass design, with Apple stating it has the toughest glass in a smartphone on its front and back. It is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, with their respective manufacturers providing extended software support. Users prioritizing the absolute longest software update commitment will find the Galaxy S24 Plus advantageous. However, the iPhone SE 2022 still offers a substantial period of support, making both viable options for long-term use, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options that extend a device's life cycle.

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

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor designed to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with ease. This results in quick app loading times and a highly responsive user experience. The iPhone SE 2022 features a powerful chip that delivers excellent performance for its class, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks, most games, and general app usage.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between numerous open applications and complex workflows. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB, providing ample space for files, photos, and applications. The iPhone SE 2022 includes 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical smartphone usage and multitasking, though it may show limitations with a very high number of demanding apps open simultaneously. Storage options for the iPhone SE 2022 include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a 4900 mAh battery, which users often report can last through a full day of heavy use and sometimes even two days with moderate usage. It supports fast wired charging and wireless charging. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery. While smaller, its efficient processor and compact display contribute to a battery life that is generally sufficient for a full day of moderate use, though heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently. It also supports fast charging and wireless charging.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels). This technology provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, and sharp detail, making it well-suited for media consumption and detailed work. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. This display delivers accurate colors and good viewing angles, characteristic of LCD panels.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Its adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsive interactions while conserving battery life when a high refresh rate is not needed. The iPhone SE 2022 has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits. It features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for general use but does not offer the same fluidity as higher refresh rate displays.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen size and higher resolution of the Galaxy S24 Plus provide a more expansive and immersive viewing experience, ideal for watching videos, browsing detailed content, and gaming. The iPhone SE 2022's smaller display is designed for one-handed use and portability, appealing to users who prefer a more compact device that is easy to handle.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50MP wide-angle main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. Despite having a single lens, it leverages computational photography to enhance image quality.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 Plus offers strong performance in various lighting conditions, with its multiple lenses providing flexibility for different scenarios. Users generally find its camera system capable, though some reviews suggest that while good, it may not always match the absolute top-tier camera performance of some competitors in all aspects. The iPhone SE 2022's single camera delivers consistent and reliable image quality in good lighting, producing sharp and color-accurate photos. It includes features like Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion to improve image processing.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 Plus is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution, offering high levels of detail. Its front camera is a 12MP sensor. The iPhone SE 2022 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and features a 7MP front camera. Both devices provide good quality for video calls and selfies.