Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 14

Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$622.00

Versus A$1,841.10 new

See options
iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$468.00

Versus A$1,049.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24, an Android smartphone released in January 2024, and the Apple iPhone 14, an iOS device launched in September 2022, represent distinct approaches to mobile technology. While both offer robust smartphone experiences, they differ in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S24 emphasizes a highly adaptive display and advanced AI features, whereas the iPhone 14 focuses on a refined user experience within the Apple ecosystem and enhanced safety functionalities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 was released in January 2024, making it a newer device compared to the iPhone 14, which launched in September 2022. This difference in release date inherently provides the Galaxy S24 with a longer potential lifespan for receiving the latest software and security updates.
  • OS Support: Samsung has committed to providing 7 years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S24, extending its software longevity significantly. The iPhone 14 typically receives 5 to 6 years of iOS updates from its release. This means the Galaxy S24 is projected to receive software support for a longer duration.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S24 has received a high repairability score, with reviewers noting its internal design allows for relatively easy battery removal with pull tabs. The iPhone 14 initially received a favorable repairability score due to hardware design, but this was later downgraded due to software authentication requirements for replacement parts, which can complicate independent repairs.

Release year

2024

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices deliver smooth performance for daily tasks, but their underlying architectures and real-world usage impacts vary.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24, powered by a current-generation octa-core processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with fluidity. The iPhone 14, featuring a capable processor, provides a responsive experience for general use and gaming within its ecosystem.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, and users often report it lasting through a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 14 has a 3279 mAh battery, which Apple states provides all-day battery life for typical usage.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting efficient multitasking and app management. The iPhone 14 features 6GB of RAM, which is optimized by iOS to manage multiple applications effectively.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant, though they employ different display technologies and features.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vivid color reproduction. The iPhone 14 utilizes a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also offering excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 14 offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits, providing clear visibility in various lighting environments. Both devices offer sharp resolutions, with the Galaxy S24 at FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) and the iPhone 14 at 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in high pixel densities.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations while optimizing power consumption. The iPhone 14 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience for most content.

Resolution

1080x2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they differ in their configurations and specialized features.

  • Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 14 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 includes features like faster shutter speeds and AI-powered enhancements for improved image quality, especially in varied lighting. The iPhone 14 benefits from its Photonic Engine, which enhances low-light performance across all cameras, and offers features like Cinematic mode for video and Action mode for stabilized footage.
  • Front Camera: Both phones are equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy S24's front camera supports autofocus, while the iPhone 14's front camera also features autofocus and improved low-light capabilities.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device handling.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 14 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S24 supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, while the iPhone 14 supports Wi-Fi 6. Both also feature Bluetooth 5.3.
  • Ports and Sensors: The Galaxy S24 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and includes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The iPhone 14 uses a Lightning port and relies on Face ID for secure unlocking.
  • Build and Handling: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability, weighing 167g. The iPhone 14 has an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front cover, weighing 172g. Both devices offer IP68 water and dust resistance.

Weight

167 oz

172 oz

Screen size (in)

6.2

6,1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 14 cater to users with different priorities and preferences. Users often praise the Galaxy S24 for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and its extensive software support commitment, making it a compelling choice for those seeking the latest Android innovations and long-term updates. Its versatile camera system and advanced AI features are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Some users, however, might find the regional variations in its processor a point of consideration.

The iPhone 14 is generally lauded for its consistent performance, the intuitive iOS ecosystem, and its robust safety features like Crash Detection. Its camera system, while having fewer lenses than the S24, is appreciated for its image processing and video capabilities. A common point of discussion for the iPhone 14 is its standard 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users might perceive as less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates. Additionally, the software authentication requirements for repairs on the iPhone 14 have been noted as a potential challenge for independent repair options.

Ultimately, users prioritizing a cutting-edge display, a longer software support window, and advanced AI functionalities may find the Galaxy S24 more aligned with their needs. Conversely, those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, valuing consistent performance, and specific safety features, might lean towards the iPhone 14. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering a sustainable choice for consumers looking to make an informed decision.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons