iPhone 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

Apple’s iPhone 15 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ represent the pinnacle of smartphone engineering, but cater to different philosophies. The iPhone 15 prioritizes a streamlined experience and efficient performance, while the S24+ aims for raw power and feature richness. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and a seamless ecosystem, the iPhone 15 edges out the Galaxy S24+. Its superior battery endurance rating of 98 hours, combined with the optimized A16 Bionic, provides a more consistent and worry-free experience. However, the S24+’s faster charging and more versatile chipset appeal to power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone 15 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 - A30901, 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 - A30901, 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
Dimensions147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 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
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)196 g or 197 g (6.91 oz)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Shield glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1179 x 2556 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~461 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~513 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~86.4% 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 3349 mAhLi-Ion 4900 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, PinkOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue
ModelsA3090, A2846, A3089, A3092, iPhone15,4SM-S926B, SM-S926B/DS, SM-S926U, SM-S926U1, SM-S926W, SM-S926N, SM-S9260, SM-S926E, SM-S926E/DS
Price€ 519.00 / $ 396.00 / £ 449.99 / ₹ 50,990$ 429.50 / € 549.00 / £ 445.98
SAR1.12 W/kg (head)     1.14 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

  • Exceptional battery endurance (98h rating)
  • Optimized A16 Bionic chip for smooth performance
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Slower wired charging compared to S24+
  • Less customizable software experience

Samsung Galaxy S24+

  • Faster 45W wired charging
  • Potentially higher multi-core performance (Snapdragon variant)
  • More versatile Android operating system

  • Shorter battery life in real-world usage
  • Exynos variant may exhibit thermal throttling

Display Comparison

Both the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24+ boast excellent displays, but the iPhone 15 takes a slight lead in peak brightness, achieving 1643 nits compared to the S24+'s 1452 nits. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both are likely using OLED panels, Apple’s historically superior color calibration and potentially higher PWM dimming rates (data not provided) may benefit users sensitive to flicker. The S24+’s larger screen size, however, provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are capable of capturing excellent photos and videos, but their approaches differ. Without detailed sensor information, we can infer that both rely on sophisticated computational photography. The iPhone 15’s strength lies in its consistent image processing and natural color reproduction. The Galaxy S24+ typically offers more vibrant, saturated images, appealing to users who prefer a bolder look. The S24+’s chipset advantage may provide faster image processing speeds, particularly for features like night mode and video stabilization. The absence of detailed camera specs makes a definitive judgment difficult, but the S24+'s potential for more advanced features due to its processing power is notable.

Performance

The chipset battle is complex. The iPhone 15’s Apple A16 Bionic (4nm) is a hexa-core processor known for its exceptional single-core performance and efficiency. The Galaxy S24+ presents a regional split: a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) for USA/Canada/China, and an Exynos 2400 (4nm) for international markets. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s 8-core architecture, with its Cortex-X4 prime core, promises superior multi-core performance, potentially benefiting demanding applications. However, the Exynos 2400’s thermal performance has been a historical concern, and its efficiency may lag behind the Snapdragon and A16. Both phones utilize LPDDR5X RAM, but the A16’s tight software integration allows it to extract maximum performance with potentially less RAM overhead.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S24+ boasts a 45W wired charging capability, achieving 65% charge in 30 minutes, significantly faster than the iPhone 15’s 50% in 30 minutes using PD2.0. However, the iPhone 15 compensates with superior battery endurance. Its active use score of 13:20h surpasses the S24+'s 12:30h. The iPhone 15’s overall endurance rating of 98 hours further highlights its efficiency. While both offer 15W wireless charging (Qi/MagSafe), the iPhone 15’s MagSafe ecosystem provides a more secure and convenient wireless charging experience. Both offer 4.5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if you need a phone that consistently delivers all-day battery life, integrates flawlessly with other Apple devices, and prioritizes a polished, user-friendly software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24+ if you prefer a more customizable Android experience, demand faster charging speeds, and anticipate pushing your phone to its limits with demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2400 chip in the international Galaxy S24+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
Historically, Exynos chips have been prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While Samsung has made improvements, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant is generally expected to offer better thermal management. Users in regions receiving the Exynos version should be aware of potential performance dips during extended gaming or video recording.
❓ Is the 4.5W reverse wireless charging on either phone useful for anything beyond earbuds?
4.5W reverse wireless charging is primarily useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It's too slow to significantly charge a smartphone, but can provide a small emergency boost if needed. It's a convenience feature rather than a core functionality.
❓ How does the iPhone 15's MagSafe ecosystem enhance the wireless charging experience?
MagSafe utilizes magnets to precisely align the wireless charger with the iPhone 15, ensuring optimal charging efficiency and preventing wasted energy. It also allows for the attachment of accessories like wallets and stands, expanding the phone's functionality.
❓ What real-world impact does the difference in CPU core configurations (Hexa-core A16 vs Octa-core Snapdragon/Exynos) have on everyday tasks?
For typical tasks like browsing, social media, and email, the difference in core count is negligible. The A16 Bionic's efficiency and software optimization provide a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's advantage becomes more apparent in demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphically intensive games.