Iphone 16 Plus Vs S24 Plus Is Apple Finally Catching Up Or Is Samsung Still King

The battle between Apple and Samsung in the premium smartphone space has never been more intense. With the release of the iPhone 16 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Plus, consumers are faced with two powerful devices that represent the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems. While Samsung has long held an edge in hardware flexibility and innovation, Apple’s tightly integrated software-hardware model continues to win loyalty. But is this generation the one where Apple finally closes the gap — or does Samsung remain the undisputed king of Android flagships?

Design and Build: Refinement vs Innovation

Apple’s design philosophy remains rooted in minimalism and durability. The iPhone 16 Plus retains the flat-edge aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front, now with a slightly refined curvature on the back for improved ergonomics. It's available in five muted color options and maintains IP68 water and dust resistance. At 207 grams, it's lighter than its predecessor but still feels substantial in hand.

Samsung, on the other hand, pushes boundaries with the S24 Plus. Featuring a titanium-reinforced aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 3, it manages to be both stronger and 10% lighter than last year’s model at 196 grams. The curved display edges return subtly, blending aesthetics with usability. Samsung also introduces a new matte finish that resists fingerprints — a small but meaningful upgrade for daily users.

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and one-handed use, the S24 Plus’s slimmer bezels and lighter weight may offer better comfort over extended use.

Display and Visual Experience

The S24 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, supporting HDR10+ and peak brightness of 2,600 nits. This makes it exceptionally readable under direct sunlight and ideal for streaming high-dynamic-range content.

The iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits and a fixed 60Hz refresh rate — a notable limitation compared to Samsung’s fluid 120Hz adaptive panel. While Apple improves color accuracy and touch responsiveness with its new \"ProMotion Lite\" haptic engine, it still lags behind in smoothness during scrolling and gaming.

“Samsung’s display technology continues to set the benchmark for brightness, contrast, and motion clarity — especially in outdoor environments.” — David Lin, Display Analyst at TechInsight Group

Performance: Chip Wars Heat Up

This year marks a turning point. The iPhone 16 Plus is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, built on a 3nm process with enhanced neural engine performance for on-device AI tasks. In single-core benchmarks, it outperforms all current competitors, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in the S24 Plus.

However, real-world multitasking tells a different story. The S24 Plus leverages Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1, allowing true background app switching, split-screen functionality, and desktop-like window management via DeX. With 12GB of RAM (vs 6GB on the iPhone), the S24 Plus handles heavy workflows — such as editing 4K video while running navigation and music apps — without reloading suspended apps.

Apple’s strength lies in optimization. iOS 18 introduces AI-powered summarization in notifications, email filtering, and live transcription, all processed locally for privacy. But these features are limited to specific regions at launch due to regulatory concerns.

Camera Comparison: Versatility vs Consistency

Both phones feature triple-lens setups, but their philosophies diverge.

Feature	iPhone 16 Plus	S24 Plus
Main Sensor	48MP, f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS	50MP, f/1.8, dual-pixel OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, macro support
Telephoto	12MP, 3x optical zoom	10MP, 5x periscope zoom
Video	4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 60fps	8K@30fps, HDR10+, ProGrade mode
AI Features	Photographic Styles, Clean Silence (audio cleanup)	Generative Edit, Object Erase, Director’s View

The iPhone excels in natural color science, skin tone rendering, and seamless transitions between lenses. Its computational photography delivers reliable results in most lighting conditions, especially in video, where stabilization and audio focus lead the industry.

The S24 Plus counters with superior zoom capability and advanced AI editing tools. The 5x optical periscope lens captures distant subjects with remarkable clarity, and post-shot editing allows users to remove unwanted objects or generate realistic backgrounds — features absent from Apple’s suite.

Tip: For travel photographers who shoot landscapes and wildlife, the S24 Plus offers greater creative flexibility. For vloggers and social media creators prioritizing consistency, the iPhone 16 Plus remains unmatched.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Meets Speed

The iPhone 16 Plus packs a 4,352mAh battery, delivering up to 28 hours of video playback — Apple’s longest-lasting Plus model yet. It supports 27W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless, though third-party chargers still cap at 7.5W unless certified.

The S24 Plus uses a 4,900mAh battery with AI-driven power management that learns user habits. Despite higher screen demands, it matches the iPhone in endurance, lasting about 26–29 hours depending on usage. Where it pulls ahead is charging: 45W fast charging (adapter sold separately) can reach 70% in 30 minutes, versus the iPhone’s 50% in the same window.

• iPhone 16 Plus: Excellent efficiency, slow charging, best-in-class standby drain
• S24 Plus: Faster recharge, adaptive power learning, but slightly higher idle consumption

Ecosystem and Software Longevity

Apple guarantees five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 16 Plus — a significant commitment that ensures security patches and feature upgrades through 2029. This is critical for users who keep devices long-term. Integration with AirPods, Apple Watch, and Mac provides seamless continuity, such as handing off calls or using Continuity Camera.

Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 series, matching Google’s Pixel line. This includes Android version upgrades through Android 21, making it the first major Android OEM to match Apple’s update lifespan. Additionally, Samsung integrates Microsoft’s AI tools like Recall (opt-in) and Cocoon for cross-device productivity.

“Samsung’s seven-year promise changes the game. It removes one of the last structural disadvantages Android had against iOS.” — Priya Nair, Mobile Strategy Lead at Gartner

Mini Case Study: Two Professionals, Two Choices

Consider Sarah, a freelance videographer who uses her phone for client meetings, shooting B-roll, and editing reels. She switched from the S23 Plus to the iPhone 16 Plus because Final Cut Remote syncs perfectly with her iPad and MacBook. She values consistent color grading across devices and uses iMessage extensively with clients.

Meanwhile, James, a field engineer, relies on his S24 Plus for site documentation, augmented reality manuals, and multitasking between blueprints and communication apps. He uses DeX to connect to a portable monitor at client sites, transforming his phone into a workstation. The faster charging means he can top up during lunch breaks without carrying extra batteries.

Their choices reflect deeper priorities: ecosystem cohesion versus functional versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 16 Plus worth upgrading to from the iPhone 14 Plus?

If you value improved battery life, better low-light photos, and access to iOS 18’s AI features, yes. However, if you're already on an iPhone 15, the jump is marginal unless you need the latest chip for future-proofing.

Does the S24 Plus support expandable storage?

No. Like most flagship Samsung models since the Note 10, the S24 Plus does not have a microSD slot. Storage options start at 256GB and go up to 512GB.

Can I use an iPhone with a Samsung smartwatch?

Limited functionality. You can receive notifications and track basic activity, but core features like ECG, blood pressure monitoring (if available), and call handling require a Galaxy phone. Pairing an iPhone with a Galaxy Watch disables many health integrations.

Conclusion: Who Wins?

Samsung still holds the crown for raw innovation, display quality, and feature breadth. The S24 Plus is a powerhouse designed for users who demand customization, multitasking, and cutting-edge AI tools. It appeals to professionals, tinkerers, and those embedded in the Windows/Microsoft ecosystem.

But Apple isn’t chasing — it’s refining. The iPhone 16 Plus may lack flashy specs, but its strengths lie in reliability, privacy-focused AI, and unmatched ecosystem synergy. For users who value simplicity, longevity, and seamless integration across devices, Apple has never been closer to offering a complete alternative.

So, is Apple finally catching up? In key areas — performance, battery, and AI — absolutely. But “catching up” might be the wrong framing. These devices aren’t just competing on specs; they represent two distinct visions of what a smartphone should be. Your choice depends not on which brand is “better,” but which philosophy aligns with how you live and work.

💬 Which phone fits your lifestyle? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments — let’s settle the debate together.