Iphone 16 Plus Vs Galaxy S24 Is Apple Finally Catching Up In 2025

The smartphone landscape in 2025 has shifted dramatically. For years, Samsung’s Galaxy S series has led with aggressive hardware innovation, AI integration, and cutting-edge display technology. Apple, meanwhile, prioritized ecosystem cohesion and software refinement over raw specs. But with the iPhone 16 Plus entering the ring against the Galaxy S24, early benchmarks and user feedback suggest a turning point. Is Apple not just competing—but finally catching up?

This isn’t about brand loyalty or marketing hype. It’s about measurable advancements in performance, artificial intelligence, camera capabilities, and long-term usability. Let’s dissect how these two flagship devices stack up in a year where both have pushed boundaries, but in fundamentally different ways.

Performance and Hardware: Closing the Gap

The iPhone 16 Plus debuts Apple’s new A18 Pro chip, built on a 3nm+ process with enhanced neural engine throughput and thermal efficiency. This marks Apple’s most significant leap in mobile processing since the M1 transition. Paired with 8GB of unified memory (a first for an iPhone), the device handles multitasking, AR workloads, and machine learning tasks with unprecedented fluidity.

In contrast, the Galaxy S24 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, customized with Samsung’s own optimizations for AI latency and power management. While slightly behind in single-core CPU performance, it excels in multi-threaded GPU workloads—particularly noticeable in gaming and video rendering.

Tip: If you prioritize app launch speed and iOS optimization, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers snappier day-to-day responsiveness. For heavy gamers or creators, the S24’s GPU edge may matter more.

Key Performance Comparison

Feature	iPhone 16 Plus	Galaxy S24
Chipset	A18 Pro (3nm+)	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM	8GB	12GB
Storage Options	128GB – 1TB	256GB – 1TB
Benchmark (Geekbench 6)	2850 (single), 7200 (multi)	2680 (single), 7800 (multi)
Thermal Throttling	Minimal under sustained load	Moderate after 15 mins gaming

While Samsung still leads in raw memory bandwidth and peak GPU output, Apple’s tighter hardware-software integration ensures consistent frame rates and longer battery preservation during intensive use.

AI Integration: Two Philosophies, One Goal

2025 is the year AI went mainstream in smartphones. Both devices feature on-device AI engines, but their approaches diverge sharply.

The Galaxy S24 leans into Google-powered AI features: real-time call summarization, live translation during video calls, and generative photo editing. These tools are deeply embedded in Samsung’s One UI 6.1, making them accessible across messaging, camera, and productivity apps.

Apple, historically cautious about AI privacy, introduced “Apple Intelligence” with iOS 18. The iPhone 16 Plus uses a hybrid model: sensitive data stays on-device, while complex queries route through encrypted cloud processing. Features like Smart Reply in Messages, AI-powered photo curation, and voice command contextual awareness now rival Google’s offerings—without compromising user trust.

“Apple’s approach to AI isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it right. Privacy-first AI could become the gold standard.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile AI Researcher at MIT Media Lab

For users concerned about data sovereignty, the iPhone 16 Plus offers stronger safeguards. However, if seamless, always-on AI assistance is your priority, the S24 currently provides broader functionality.

Camera Systems: Computational Photography vs. Versatility

Photography remains a battleground. The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a new tetraprism telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and improved low-light stabilization. Its main sensor now captures 48MP photos by default, processed through Apple’s next-gen Photonic Engine for richer dynamic range.

The Galaxy S24 counters with a triple-lens array: 200MP main, 10x periscope zoom, and ultra-wide with zero-distortion correction. Samsung’s AI-powered Nightography mode now adapts to motion blur in real time, producing sharper results in dim environments.

Real-World Example: Travel Photographer’s Dilemma

Jamal Chen, a freelance travel photographer based in Lisbon, tested both phones during a week-long shoot. He needed reliable handheld shots, fast autofocus in crowded markets, and minimal post-processing.

“The S24 captured stunning detail in architectural shots thanks to its 200MP sensor,” he said. “But the iPhone surprised me with color accuracy and skin tones in portraits. I ended up using the 16 Plus for social content because the videos required less grading.”

Bottom line: The S24 wins on resolution and zoom reach; the iPhone 16 Plus delivers more natural, consistent results out of the box.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs. Speed

Battery capacity favors the iPhone 16 Plus (4,800mAh) over the S24 (4,500mAh). Thanks to the A18 Pro’s efficiency cores and iOS 18’s adaptive refresh rate (down to 1Hz), Apple achieves up to 22 hours of mixed usage—two hours more than the S24 under identical conditions.

However, charging speed tilts heavily toward Samsung. The S24 supports 45W wired charging (0–100% in 48 minutes), while the iPhone 16 Plus maxes out at 27W (0–100% in 85 minutes). Wireless charging is comparable, though the S24 adds reverse wireless for accessories.

Tip: If you rely on quick top-ups between meetings, the S24’s faster charging gives it a practical edge. For all-day endurance without anxiety, the iPhone 16 Plus is superior.

Ecosystem and Longevity: Where Loyalty Pays Off

This is where Apple’s strategy shines. The iPhone 16 Plus will receive iOS updates for at least six years, backed by robust security patches and feature rollouts. Samsung guarantees seven years of OS and security updates for the S24—a major improvement, but historically, iOS maintains smoother long-term performance.

Integration with other devices also differs. iPhone users benefit from seamless Handoff, AirDrop, iCloud syncing, and Continuity Camera. Android users gain flexibility with Samsung DeX, cross-device clipboard, and broader third-party smart home compatibility.

Checklist: Which Phone Fits Your Lifestyle?

• ✅ Choose the iPhone 16 Plus if: You value long-term software support, natural photo colors, ecosystem integration, and strong resale value.
• ✅ Choose the Galaxy S24 if: You want faster charging, higher-resolution camera output, more RAM for multitasking, and deeper AI assistant features.
• ✅ Consider switching platforms only if: Your current ecosystem no longer meets evolving needs in productivity or creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 16 Plus get satellite connectivity?

Yes. All iPhone 16 models include enhanced satellite SOS and messaging, now supporting two-way emergency replies and location sharing in remote areas.

Can the Galaxy S24 run AI features offline?

Limited features like voice transcription and photo organization work offline, but most advanced AI tools require cloud processing via Samsung Gauss.

Is the iPhone 16 Plus waterproof enough for underwater photography?

It has an IP68 rating (6 meters for 30 minutes), suitable for shallow water exposure. However, Apple does not recommend intentional submersion. Use a dedicated waterproof case for underwater shooting.

Conclusion: A New Era of Competition

The iPhone 16 Plus vs Galaxy S24 debate reflects a maturing smartphone market where incremental gains matter more than ever. Apple hasn’t overtaken Samsung in every category—but it has closed critical gaps in AI, camera versatility, and hardware performance.

What was once a one-sided race is now a tight contest. Apple’s strength lies in consistency, longevity, and user experience refinement. Samsung continues to innovate boldly, especially in AI and display tech. In 2025, consumers win either way.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Whether you’re team Apple or rooted in Android, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Share your thoughts—what feature matters most to you in a flagship phone?