When it comes to flagship smartphones, the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra represent the pinnacle of mobile technology in 2024. In this detailed comparison, we will explore various categories including design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, display quality, software experience, and more. Both devices are strong contenders in the premium smartphone market, but which one is the better choice for you? Let’s break down the differences.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key features and differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for quick reference:
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Titanium frame, IP68 rating | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, IP68 |
| Dimensions | Compact, slim (6.1 inches) | Larger, rectangular (6.8 inches) |
| Colors | Sky Blue, Mint Green, Pastel Colors | Phantom Black, Cream, Burgundy |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2778 x 1284 pixels | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
| Brightness | 2200 nits peak brightness | 2500 nits peak brightness |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Chipset | A18 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8GB RAM | 12GB to 16GB RAM |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, microSD expandable |
| Main Camera | Triple 48MP system | Quad 200MP system |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto / Zoom | 12MP, 5x optical zoom | 10x optical zoom, 100x Space Zoom |
| Video Recording | 8K at 60fps, ProRes support | 8K at 30fps, advanced stabilization |
| Battery Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 30W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless | 45W wired, 25W wireless |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 14 with One UI 6 |
| Ecosystem | Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch) | Samsung ecosystem (Galaxy Book, Watch, Buds) |
| Security | Face ID | In-display fingerprint sensor, Samsung Knox |
| Starting Price | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Top Model Price | $1,699 (1TB model) | $1,799 (1TB model) |
| Availability | Late September 2024 | Mid-October 2024 |
Design and Build Quality
iPhone 16 Pro Design
- Material: The iPhone 16 Pro features a sleek titanium frame, giving it a premium and sturdy feel.
- Dimensions: Slim and ergonomic, making it comfortable for one-hand use.
- Colors: Available in new pastel colors, including Sky Blue and Mint Green.
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance ensures it withstands tough environments.
Samsung S24 Ultra Design
- Material: Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both the front and back.
- Dimensions: Larger and more rectangular, emphasizing its professional look.
- Colors: More traditional color options such as Phantom Black, Cream, and Burgundy.
- Durability: IP68 rating along with a rugged design for those who need extra toughness.
Display Quality
iPhone 16 Pro Display
- Size: 6.1-inch OLED display, perfect for everyday use.
- Resolution: 2778 x 1284 pixels with 120Hz ProMotion technology.
- Brightness: Improved peak brightness, reaching up to 2200 nits for outdoor visibility.
- Features: Always-on display and Dynamic Island for enhanced notifications.
Samsung S24 Ultra Display
- Size: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a more immersive experience.
- Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels, offering sharper details.
- Brightness: Peak brightness of 2500 nits, making it superior in direct sunlight.
- Features: S Pen support and advanced refresh rate adjustments up to 120Hz.
Performance: Power and Speed
iPhone 16 Pro Performance
- Chipset: Powered by the A18 Bionic chip, offering industry-leading performance.
- RAM: 8GB RAM, optimized for iOS efficiency.
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
- Software: iOS 18 with enhanced AI integration and smoother multitasking.
Samsung S24 Ultra Performance
- Chipset: Runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, perfect for high-end gaming and productivity.
- RAM: Starts at 12GB and goes up to 16GB for power users.
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and a microSD slot for expandable storage.
- Software: Android 14 with One UI 6, offering a highly customizable experience.
Camera Capabilities
iPhone 16 Pro Camera
- Main Camera: Triple 48MP system with improved low-light performance and AI-powered features.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP sensor for capturing wider shots.
- Telephoto Lens: 12MP 5x optical zoom for crisp zoomed-in photos.
- Video Capabilities: 8K video recording at 60fps with ProRes video support.
Samsung S24 Ultra Camera
- Main Camera: Quad 200MP sensor for ultra-detailed images.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP sensor with a wider field of view.
- Periscope Zoom: 10x optical zoom, up to 100x Space Zoom.
- Video Capabilities: 8K video recording at 30fps, with advanced stabilization modes.
Also Read: iPhone 16 All Variants and Comparison
Battery Life and Charging
iPhone 16 Pro Battery
- Capacity: 4200mAh, improved efficiency thanks to the A18 chip.
- Charging Speed: Supports 30W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
- Battery Life: All-day battery for typical use, lasts 18-20 hours on average.
Samsung S24 Ultra Battery
- Capacity: 5000mAh, larger battery for extended use.
- Charging Speed: Supports 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging.
- Battery Life: Can last up to 24 hours with heavy use, thanks to power optimization features.
Software Experience and Ecosystem
iPhone 16 Pro Software
- Operating System: iOS 18, featuring new widgets, enhanced privacy features, and seamless integration with other Apple products.
- Ecosystem: Easily integrates with Macs, iPads, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
- Security: Face ID improvements and Apple’s signature privacy-centric approach.
Samsung S24 Ultra Software
- Operating System: Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6, offering a highly customizable interface.
- Ecosystem: Works seamlessly with Samsung’s Galaxy Book laptops, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds.
- Security: In-display fingerprint sensor and Samsung Knox security suite.
Price and Availability
iPhone 16 Pro Price
- Base Model: Starts at $1,199 for the 128GB version.
- Top Model: 1TB model priced at $1,699.
- Availability: Available in stores and online starting from late September 2024.
Samsung S24 Ultra Price
- Base Model: Priced at $1,299 for the 256GB version.
- Top Model: 1TB model can go up to $1,799.
- Availability: Available globally from mid-October 2024.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung S24 Ultra offer top-tier features and performance, but your choice will depend on personal preferences:
- Choose the iPhone 16 Pro if you value seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, prefer iOS, and prioritize a compact, premium design.
- Choose the Samsung S24 Ultra if you prefer a larger display, need powerful zoom capabilities, or want the flexibility of Android and S Pen features.