Apple vs Samsung: The ultimate head-to-head
significantly. This has to do with variations in functionality, compatibility, pricing, design, and maybe even a little allegiance bias, which we hope to dispel.
Compared to Apple, Samsung offers a far wider range of phones.
Samsung has several phone lineups available. For those who simply want the essentials, the Galaxy A and M series provide reasonable prices and decent specifications. With some of the fastest processors and snappiest cameras available, the Galaxy S series is Samsung’s flagship smartphone. The foldable Galaxy Z series, which debuted recently, is still very pricey.
Apple has a limited selection of iPhone models. There are presently four different iPhone 15 models available, but only two of them—the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max—have the greatest technology offered by the firm and are also the most expensive. Only the iPhone 14 and Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy range are juggernauts in the smartphone industry. With 52% of the local smartphone market in the first quarter of 2023, Apple leads Samsung, which came in second with 27%. Apple is the market leader in the United States. Naturally, though, quality does not necessarily equate to quantity, and this guide will evaluate the two businesses on every front—from ecosystem and security to performance and design. Awaiting the decisive battle? This is the comparison between Samsung’s Galaxy series and Apple’s iPhones.
Samsung vs. iPhone: Product lineup
Although Apple and Samsung are rivals in many of the same consumer electronics markets (such as phones, laptops, wearables, and so forth), their target markets may differ iPhone 13 as well as the iPhone SE are available as “budget” alternatives. Either in 2025 or later this year, the SE should receive an update.
The lineups of Apple and Samsung have been divided into three groups: entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Although excellent phone offers might always change the game, in order to maintain fairness, we’ll be using typical retail prices.
Beginning Level
Regarding low-cost phones, Samsung enjoys one of the greatest reputations. The Galaxy A series is a cost-effective selection that won’t leave you with the impression that you’ve sacrificed any significant quality.
The $200 Galaxy A14 5G ($199 at Amazon) boasts a clear FHD Plus display and a battery life of almost two days, all while providing respectable performance. It’s noteworthy because it’s one of the few recent phones with a 3.5mm headphone port.
The Galaxy A03s, which costs $124.99 at Samsung, is the least expensive Samsung phone we suggest. Although it’s a rather simple gadget, you get a sturdy battery, a dependable fingerprint reader, and two OS updates along with four years of security patches for much under $200.
Samsung sells low-cost phones in India, the UK, and numerous other European nations. These phones come with multi-lens camera systems and large-capacity batteries. It is positioned behind the more streamlined Galaxy A series, even though the most recent, comparatively higher-end models were modified versions of the A series. For example, MediaTek CPUs are found in a lot of these phones.
Regarding Apple, unless it’s a much older model (which probably has out-of-date hardware and software) or is purchased used, you won’t find an iPhone for less than $429. That is the nature of things with Apple.
Mid-range
In comparison to its predecessor, Samsung’s Galaxy A54 5G ($379.5 at Amazon) has an entirely new design that includes a stronger construction and a brighter, higher-resolution display. For less than $500, it also has a few future-proof communications features, like support for Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. You get a long update commitment and good battery life, which is maybe more significant.
The Galaxy S23 FE, available for $599 at Amazon, is Samsung’s other noteworthy mid-range device. A potent processor, a 120Hz display, wireless charging, a 50MP primary camera with optical stabilisation, and other features are all still present in what is effectively a condensed version of the S23.
At $429 on Amazon, the 2022 iPhone SE is the least expensive “new” iPhone available. Apple’s potent A15 Bionic chip, which is also present in the iPhone 13 series and the iPhone 14/14 Plus, is housed inside the SE despite its outdated shell, which hasn’t changed since the iPhone 8. Its modest 4.7-inch LCD screen, one 12MP wide-angle camera, and absence of MagSafe are its biggest drawbacks; however, you may charge it wirelessly if you prefer not to use Lightning.
The iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14/14 Plus are Apple’s only other mid-range models. Although the iPhone 14 is currently less expensive than the iPhone 15 in terms of ranking, some may argue that it still qualifies given its starting price of $699.
High-end
This category’s phones are frequently priced at $1,000 or more, which is exactly what most consumers consider to be the greatest high-end Samsung phone. In this aspect, the Galaxy S24 Plus ($1119.99 at Amazon) is the finest choice. No one should have any complaints thanks to the improved CPUs that now fuel AI intelligence, the sturdy triple-camera arrangement, a full day’s battery life, and a seven-year software support guarantee.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1419.99 at Amazon) is a power user’s fantasy if you’re looking for Samsung’s pinnacle. Its 6.8-inch AMOLED display is eye-catching, and its cameras might be the best in the business. Naturally, it’s also among the priciest phones, but it comes with an integrated S Pen.
Apple’s current top models are the iPhone 15 Pro ($999 at Amazon) and Pro Max ($1199 at Amazon). With its titanium frame, improved cameras, multifunctional Action button, lightning-fast A17 Pro CPU, and USB 3.1 port—which finally frees iPhones from the sluggish Lightning technology—the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro is a powerful device. With a 6.7-inch display and 5x optical zoom instead of 3x, the Pro Max is essentially identical to the S23 Ultra’s 10x, though it still trails behind.
Compared to its brothers, the vanilla iPhone 15 ($829.99 at Amazon) is more reasonably priced. It’s packed with the A16 Bionic processor originally used in the iPhone 14 Pro, and lacks any kind of telephoto lens, which puts it at a disadvantage relative to comparable Android phones, including the basic S24. Additionally, it is restricted to a poor USB 2.0 speed and has an antiquated 60Hz refresh rate. It also has a USB-C connection. Overall, it’s a decent phone, but Apple really, really wants you to shell out an additional $200 for a Pro. If screen size and battery life are your only concerns, you may purchase the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus ($899 from Apple) for an additional $100.
Right now, out of the two firms, Samsung is the only one having foldables. With its modern take on a classic clamshell shape, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 ($1099.99 at Samsung) offers a lot of power, good rear cameras, and more for $1,000. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 (available from Samsung for $1899.99) is a capable tablet substitute, but its exorbitant $1,800 base price does not include a S Pen. You’re paying as much as you could on a desktop gaming PC at that point.
Everything else
Both businesses provide a vast array of non-phone consumer products, such as tablets, laptops, wearables, earphones, and smart home appliances. Generally speaking, Apple leads in these categories. For example, iPads are more popular than Galaxy Tabs, while MacBooks are often far more popular than Samsung’s Galaxy Books. Apple Watches and AirPods readily surpass sales of Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watches.
The tightly connected nature of Apple’s ecosystem is largely responsible for this; the more Apple products you own, the better your experience is. Certain goods, such as the Apple Watch, require another Apple device in order to function. Samsung has made an attempt to replicate this, but their ecosystem is a little more flexible, so you can mix and match brands if you’d like. For example, you can combine a Galaxy Watch 6 with a Google Pixel.
Samsung is present in appliances like TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines that Apple may never touch. Samsung’s version of HomeKit and Find My, SmartThings, even allows you to connect them to your other devices.
iPhone vs Samsung: Hardware and Tech
This area can be the real deal when it comes to choosing the right phone for you, depending on what features are important to you. Here are a few brief comparisons of the key features of Samsung and Apple phones.
Chips
In the past, Samsung had a tendency to employ its first-party Exynos CPUs in some regions of the world and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets in others, including the US. The Qualcomm/Exynos split has returned for the Galaxy S24 series, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and Exynos 2400 living in separate regional variants. This practice was put on hold for the Galaxy S23 phones, which only have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
Apple doesn’t carry out this activity. Usually, depending on the model, it provides two chipsets globally. The Pro versions use cutting-edge technology, whereas the standard iPhone models often use the chipset from the previous year. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are examples of this.
In terms of CPU performance, the A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 15 seems to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Even better is the A17 Pro found in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, however devices with higher GPU scores include the S23 Ultra. In terms of multi-core performance, the base Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the A17 Pro in a far more competitive battle. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll find out how this chipset’s “for Galaxy” variant in the Galaxy S24 series compares to Apple’s silicon.
The conclusion is that while Samsung typically offers superior GPU performance, iPhone typically offers greater CPU performance. Thus, choose Samsung if you plan to play a lot of 3D games. An iPhone might be a better option if you want to swiftly switch between a variety of applications, while the difference in speed between high-end handsets is little overall. If you’re just looking for something inexpensive and don’t really care about either of those factors, Samsung offers a lot of affordable possibilities that Apple doesn’t.
Cameras
Since only professionals and enthusiasts will be using independent cameras after 2024, camera technology will become more and more relevant to the general public than processors. The majority of Samsung phones include incredibly flexible camera configurations; entry-level models come with three or more back cameras: a primary (wide), a macro, and an ultrawide. Telephotos are rolling into Samsung’s entry-level market. Unless you want to shell out a lot of money for a Pro model, your options for iPhones are limited to wide and ultrawide models.
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra is the undisputed champion in the photography category when it comes to raw power. We deemed it to be the greatest phone camera we’ve tested thus far because of its megapixel strength on both the front and back, along with extensive control. A 200MP stellar camera, a 10MP periscope camera, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide lens make up its quad-camera system. We anticipate that the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its improved zoom lens and further AI functions, will push this threshold even further.
In light of this, Apple’s most recent flagship model, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, makes a commendable backup. Along with Apple’s customary sensor and processing magic, you get a 48MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5x telephoto, allowing the company to surpass paper specs. In fact, even though they might require specialised lenses, the majority of true professionals would probably prefer to shoot video on a Pro Max in order to benefit from features like ProRes files, log recording, and support for the Academy Colour Encoding System.
Display
Regarding the screen you’ll be viewing, the flagship models from Apple and Samsung both have crisp HDR screens with comparable peak brightness values; however, Apple’s iPhone 15 series gives it the edge. When comparing affordable devices, Samsung typically comes out on top. The AMOLED screens on even the less expensive Galaxy A-series phones are respectably large, while the 4.7-inch LCD on Apple’s iPhone SE remains stuck in the stone age with no way to fully darken.
For the majority of its phones, Samsung uses Gorilla Glass protection, whose durability often increases with the device’s price. Victus is the toughest substance used in this process. Since the release of the iPhone 12 series, Apple has been using Ceramic Shield, a novel kind of glass created by Corning, the company that also created Gorilla Glass. Regardless of price, every non-SE iPhone has the same level of protection from the Ceramic Shield, which is generally good even though you should still use a case to avoid cracks.
With relation to screen specifications, Samsung’s dedication to quicker refresh rates is the largest distinction between the two companies. As previously stated, the displays of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus remain at 60Hz, while the less costly Galaxy phones are reaching 120Hz. You must purchase an iPhone Pro if you want incredibly smooth action. Likewise, if you choose always-on display technology—which is incredibly prevalent among Android users—ditto.
Who wins
Which brand, then, wins out? I apologise if you were hoping that this post would end the conflict between iOS and Android once and for all. Every year, this question is posed, and the response is always the same: it depends. Some of the greatest phones available are from Samsung and Apple, but which is best for you will depend on your needs, your preferred operating system, and the ecosystem you want to be a part of.
We hope that after weighing the benefits and drawbacks of Samsung Galaxy and iPhone models, you will be able to make an informed decision on which option is better for you. For the most part, Samsung Galaxy phones outperform iPhones in terms of photography, battery life, and display technology. In spite of this, a Samsung phone can lose value more quickly, and Apple’s optimisation is quite important.
Although Samsung is swiftly catching up, iPhones also often provide greater security, more frequent upgrades, and a more cohesive environment. Naturally, all of that comes with being in Apple’s exclusive realm. Samsung is the best option if you want to personalise the appearance of your phone and have complete control over where you download apps. Furthermore, Samsung offers some excellent mid-to-lower range options for those on a tight budget, while the majority of iPhones are still quite expensive, even when they are two or three years old.
In case that wasn’t enough to think about, don’t overlook Google’s Pixel smartphones. The AI-focused Pixel 9 series (from $799 at Amazon) or the more affordable Pixel 8 line (from $699 at Amazon) may be a better fit for you if neither Apple nor Samsung have exactly what you want for your budget. Ideas to ponder.