iPhone 15 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+: A Deep Dive Comparison

Apple’s iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ represent the pinnacle of large-screen smartphone design from their respective ecosystems. This comparison focuses on the core differences – battery life, processing power, and display technology – to determine which device delivers the best overall experience for demanding users.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day battery life and a streamlined software experience, the iPhone 15 Plus emerges as the winner. Its 16:33-hour active use score significantly surpasses the S24+'s 12:30h, despite the S24+'s faster charging capabilities. However, the S24+ offers a more versatile chipset option and potentially faster performance depending on the region.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone 15 Plus Samsung Galaxy S24+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66 - A30941, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A30941, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, September 122024, January 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, September 22Available. Released 2024, January 24
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm (6.24 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - INT· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - USA· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - CN
Weight201 g (7.09 oz)196 g or 197 g (6.91 oz)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Shield glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~513 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)8-core (1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.1GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A520)10-core (1x3.2GHz Cortex-X4 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.6GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.95GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/ChinaExynos 2400 (4 nm) - International
GPUApple GPU (5-core graphics)Adreno 750 (1 GHz) - USA/Canada/ChinaXclipse 940 - International
OSiOS 17, upgradable to iOS 26.1Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec.8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, Dolby Vision HDRHDR, HDR10+
Single12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update 4.5W reverse wired45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 4383 mAhLi-Ion 4900 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, PinkOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue
ModelsA3094, A2847, A3093, A3096, iPhone15,5SM-S926B, SM-S926B/DS, SM-S926U, SM-S926U1, SM-S926W, SM-S926N, SM-S9260, SM-S926E, SM-S926E/DS
Price€ 555.00 / $ 441.16 / £ 450.00$ 429.50 / € 549.00 / £ 445.98
SAR1.01 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)1.16 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.98 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)0.74 W/kg (head)     1.25 W/kg (body)

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

  • Exceptional battery life (16:33h active use)
  • Streamlined iOS ecosystem
  • Higher peak display brightness (1642 nits)

  • Slower wired charging (50% in 30 min)
  • Less chipset flexibility (A16 Bionic only)

Samsung Galaxy S24+

  • Faster wired charging (65% in 30 min)
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 option (select regions)
  • More versatile Android operating system

  • Shorter battery life (12:30h active use)
  • Chipset variance (Exynos vs Snapdragon)

Display Comparison

The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1642 nits, exceeding the Galaxy S24+'s 1452 nits, making it more visible in direct sunlight. While both utilize OLED technology, the iPhone 15 Plus benefits from a potentially more refined color calibration, typical of Apple’s displays. The S24+’s display, however, is likely to have a variable refresh rate (LTPO) for improved power efficiency, a feature not explicitly stated for the iPhone 15 Plus but commonly found in flagship OLEDs. The S24+ also supports Vision Booster, enhancing visibility in bright conditions, but the iPhone's higher peak brightness provides a baseline advantage.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer capable photo and video recording systems, but detailed sensor information is lacking. The image processing philosophies differ significantly; iPhones generally aim for natural color reproduction, while Samsung often boosts saturation and contrast. The S24+’s chipset likely includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The absence of detailed camera specs necessitates a reliance on real-world testing to determine a clear winner, but the S24+'s potential for computational photography advancements is noteworthy.

Performance

The Galaxy S24+ presents a chipset divergence: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) for USA/Canada/China, and the Exynos 2400 (4nm) for international markets. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with its Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.39GHz, is expected to deliver superior sustained performance and thermal management compared to the Exynos variant. Apple’s A16 Bionic (4nm), a hexa-core processor, offers a different architectural approach. While core count is lower, Apple’s chip design and software optimization often result in exceptional single-core performance and efficiency. The S24+'s 8-core CPU offers more multi-threaded potential, but real-world gains depend heavily on software optimization and the specific chipset variant.

Battery Life

The iPhone 15 Plus demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 16:33h compared to the S24+'s 12:30h. This translates to nearly 4 hours of additional usage on a single charge. While the S24+ supports 45W wired charging (PD3.0), reaching 65% in 30 minutes, the iPhone 15 Plus’s 50% charge in 30 minutes (PD2.0) is slower. Both offer 15W wireless charging, but the iPhone 15 Plus gains compatibility with Qi2, offering potentially more efficient wireless charging with compatible accessories. Both devices also offer 4.5W reverse wired charging, useful for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Plus if you need exceptional battery endurance, a consistently smooth iOS experience, and are invested in the Apple ecosystem. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24+ if you prefer the flexibility of Android, faster wired charging, and the potential for peak performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (available in select regions).

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2400 chip in the international Galaxy S24+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
Early reports suggest the Exynos 2400 can experience thermal throttling under sustained load, potentially leading to reduced performance during extended gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant is expected to manage heat more effectively due to its improved manufacturing process and architectural optimizations.
❓ Is the 4.5W reverse wireless charging on either phone useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
While both phones offer 4.5W reverse wireless charging, it's primarily a convenience feature for emergencies. It's slow and best suited for topping up small accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, rather than fully charging them.
❓ What is the practical benefit of Qi2 wireless charging on the iPhone 15 Plus?
Qi2 offers improved wireless charging efficiency compared to older Qi standards, potentially resulting in faster charging speeds and reduced heat generation when used with compatible chargers. It also introduces magnetic alignment, ensuring a more secure connection.
❓ How does the A16 Bionic compare to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in real-world app launch speeds?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 generally boasts higher raw processing power, Apple’s A16 Bionic is highly optimized for iOS. In real-world app launch speeds, the difference is often negligible, with both phones providing a fluid and responsive experience. The A16 excels in single-core tasks, while the Snapdragon shines in multi-threaded applications.