Galaxy S24+ vs iPhone 13

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$619.00

Versus A$1,833.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$407.00

Versus A$1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in January 2024, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, represent different generations and operating systems in the smartphone market. While the Galaxy S24 Plus runs on Android, the iPhone 13 operates on iOS. Key differentiators between these two devices include their release timelines, display technologies, and camera systems, catering to varying user preferences and needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release dates and manufacturer support policies are important factors. The Galaxy S24 Plus, being a more recent release, benefits from a longer guaranteed software update period compared to the iPhone 13.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is expected to receive seven years of operating system and security updates from its release, offering extended software longevity. The iPhone 13, released earlier, typically receives major iOS updates for about 5-6 years from its launch, meaning fewer years of guaranteed updates remain.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds with IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand immersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S24 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection, while the iPhone 13 uses Apple's Ceramic Shield on its front cover.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and access to the latest features will find the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a more extended practical lifespan due to its newer release and longer update commitment.

Performance

The performance of a smartphone directly impacts daily usage, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks. The Galaxy S24 Plus and iPhone 13 offer different levels of processing power and memory configurations.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a more recent generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications, advanced AI features, and high-fidelity gaming with notable smoothness and efficiency. The iPhone 13, powered by its A15 Bionic chip, provides a responsive experience for everyday tasks, general app usage, and casual gaming.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers substantial memory for seamless multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without experiencing slowdowns. The iPhone 13 comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical multitasking but may show limitations with a large number of simultaneously active or memory-intensive applications.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities, with the Galaxy S24 Plus available in 256GB and 512GB options, and the iPhone 13 offering 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S24 Plus and iPhone 13 feature high-quality screens with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing exceptionally smooth scrolling and excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 13 offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize a larger screen, higher resolution, and smoother motion for tasks like gaming or media consumption will find the Galaxy S24 Plus's display more advanced. The iPhone 13's display still delivers a high-quality viewing experience, particularly for those who prefer a more compact device.

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer distinct photographic and videographic experiences.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 13 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, known for consistent image quality in diverse conditions.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S24 Plus benefits from advanced computational photography and AI enhancements, contributing to improved image processing and detail, especially in challenging lighting. The iPhone 13 offers features like Cinematic Mode for video recording and Sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its main camera, enhancing video stability and low-light performance.
  • Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S24 Plus supports 8K video recording, while the iPhone 13 offers 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 13 features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, utilizing Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Both devices offer 5G connectivity.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S24 Plus includes an under-display fingerprint sensor in addition to face recognition. The iPhone 13 relies solely on Face ID for biometric authentication.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S24 Plus measures 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 196 grams, offering a larger form factor. The iPhone 13 is more compact at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighs 174 grams.

Screen size (in)

6.7

6,1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy S24 Plus for its cutting-edge display, powerful performance, and comprehensive camera system, particularly its telephoto capabilities and long-term software support. Some users might find its size and weight to be a consideration. The iPhone 13 is frequently praised for its consistent performance, reliable camera for everyday use, and the intuitive iOS ecosystem. Criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display and the continued use of the Lightning port.

Users prioritizing the latest technology, a larger, high-refresh-rate display, advanced camera versatility, and extended software support may find the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more compact device, value the established iOS ecosystem, and require dependable performance for daily tasks without the absolute newest features might lean towards the iPhone 13. Both devices offer robust functionality, and choosing between them often comes down to individual preferences regarding operating system, size, and specific feature priorities. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons