Which is healthier, Apple or Samsung? Whereas each present full ecosystems, together with merchandise, on-line providers, and distinctive working techniques, this is not nearly private desire. This text goals that can assist you select properly in your subsequent smartphone buy.
iPhone or Samsung: Catalog vary and costs
Apple is understood to be very totally different from its opponents. Whereas manufacturers like Oppo or Xiaomi have complicated ranges with loads of the fashions having virtually similar specs, the Cupertino large has at all times insisted on having the leanest catalog doable. Thus, this 12 months isn’t any totally different with 9 fashions on supply in its retailer.
The iPhone 15 launch ditched the 13 mini variant. Going ahead, Apple will rely on the Plus, Professional, and Professional Max fashions along with the bottom mannequin.
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
- Enormous catalog of units.
- Extra inexpensive handsets.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
- Clearly outlined product vary.
- Older fashions are nonetheless aggressive when it comes to options and efficiency.
A number of years in the past, the variety of merchandise from Apple’s smartphone line elevated slightly, with the addition of the mini mannequin. Since then, the mini was changed by the large Plus mannequin, and Apple has saved the 2 previous-generation fashions as a less expensive various. Even so, the iPhone product vary is the smallest among the many prime 5 smartphone producers at the moment.
iPhone catalog and costs
As talked about earlier, Apple’s 2024 catalog consists of 9 fashions, 4 of which have been launched in 2024, two from 2023, and three in 2022. Along with the brand new iPhone 16, Apple additionally retains the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 14, 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (2022) in its lineup.
All present iPhones in contrast:
All 9 fashions are 5G-compatible. As well as, all fashions, besides the iPhone SE (2022), have an OLED show.
Samsung’s smartphone catalog and costs
Whilst you can depend the iPhones in 2024 by yourself fingers (with two palms, after all), Samsung’s catalog is way extra in depth. It begins with cheap entry-level smartphones and goes all the way in which to costly foldables with top-notch {hardware}.
Samsung’s line of smartphones is made up of the Galaxy household, which additionally consists of wearables, headsets, tablets, notebooks, and different devices. The household is split into classes similar to:
- Galaxy Z (foldable telephones)
- Galaxy S (premium handsets)
- Galaxy A and M (entry-level and mid-range fashions)
- Galaxy XCover (rugged handsets that focus on the company phase)
All present Galaxy in contrast:
Editor’s selection | Large-screened S24 | Compact flagship | 2024 foldable flagship | 2024 compact foldable | Inexpensive flagship | The favored mid-ranger | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Image | ||||||||
Evaluate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Show |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SoC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reminiscence |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digicam |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selfie Digicam |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Battery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connectivity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IP Certification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affords* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Since Apple does not supply entry-level and mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A, M, and XCover ranges don’t compete immediately with the model’s fashions. Subsequently, for this comparability, now we have solely thought-about fashions which can be in the identical worth vary because the iPhone vary offered by Apple.
There are additionally no foldable iPhones, regardless of years of rumors on the contrary, making the Galaxy Z vary compete solely with its Android friends.
In 2024, the pricing argument will not be as related because it was, as Samsung is advertising and marketing smartphones which can be virtually as costly as Apple’s. Nonetheless, whereas the costs of Apple’s fashions often stay steady till a brand new technology is launched, Samsung’s smartphone costs usually drop far too quickly after their launch. This makes the iPhone a reasonably good buy by any customary.
This has an influence on the depreciation and resale worth of its units, within the case of iPhones, as they usually obtain new working system variations and safety updates for an extended time frame, a niche one thing which Samsung has been making an attempt to slim just lately.
iPhone or Samsung: The {hardware}
As an example it proper from the beginning, Apple is clearly not a champion with regards to worth for cash. The Cupertino-based firm is understood for providing smartphones that do not push the envelope with regards to new applied sciences as their opponents however at larger costs.
As for Samsung, even when costs have risen currently to strategy these of Apple, the model strives to supply the most recent technological improvements in every new technology of flagships.
For instance, if we have been to match the technical specs of the most recent “vanilla” flagships of Apple and Samsung, i.e. the Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15, we are able to clearly see that Samsung presents a way more fascinating smartphone, whether or not it’s the display screen, digicam, or the quick charging functionality.
Nonetheless, now we have to confess that the technical specs are usually not every part, and that exhibits with the software program optimization carried out on the Apple iPhone. Nonetheless, it’s outstanding that Apple has lowered its costs in comparison with final 12 months, not less than in Europe. Thus, the iPhone 15 is precisely as costly/low-cost because the Galaxy S23/S24, not less than when one seems to be on the respective really useful retail costs.
Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24
Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
After adopting the 120 Hz refresh charge with its ProMotion mode in 2021, Apple marked the event in 2022 with a brand new digicam in addition to a substitute for the notch, calling it Dynamic Island. In 2023, USB Sort-C ports have been lastly launched for all new iPhones.
For 2024, the largest change is the Digicam Management button which not solely permits for dual-stage press to focus but in addition serves as a shortcut for digicam settings. Additionally, the Motion Button arrived on the bottom fashions after a 1-year exclusivity to the Professional fashions. One other improve on the bottom iPhone 16 is a rise in RAM to eight GB, matching the Professional fashions in preparation for the reminiscence necessities for AI options.
Whereas Samsung stands out with superlative figures in its extravagant specs, Apple’s sturdy level could be the mixing of its parts, particularly its SoCs. Apple’s iPhones are often probably the most highly effective available on the market, and the model doesn’t hesitate to point out it by evaluating its SoCs with the competitors.
For example, the A16 Bionic is claimed to be 40% extra highly effective than its direct competitor on Android (the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that has been tailored as ‘For Galaxy’). We are going to replace the next comparability with assessments from the iPhone 16 as quickly as we get the telephones.
iPhone 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 & S24
Check | iPhone 15 (A16) | Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon) | Galaxy S24 (Exynos) | Galaxy S23 FE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Geekbench |
Single: 2,623 Multi: 6,605 |
Single: 2,252 Multi: 7,107 |
Single: 2,131 Multi: 6,676 |
Single: 1,614 Multi: 4,073 |
Wild Life Excessive Stress Check |
Greatest Loop: 3,253 Worst Loop: 2,271 |
Greatest Loop: 5,160 Worst Loop: 2,637 |
Greatest Loop: 4,242 Worst Loop: 2,637 |
Greatest Loop: 2,370 Worst Loop: 1,809 |
Briefly, the very best smartphone will not be essentially the one with the very best technical specs as a result of having the most recent modern parts will not be at all times sufficient. That is additionally true for the value as a result of the most costly flagship will not be at all times the very best. Nonetheless, the 128 GB iPhone 16 is equally priced to the Samsung Galaxy S23/S24, however not drastically higher.
On the prime finish of the market, Apple and Samsung supply roughly the identical. It’s particularly stark within the mid-range that Samsung has a transparent benefit since Apple will not be well-represented in that phase in any respect. And the place does the iPhone SE 2022 stand in all this? I do not actually take into account it a mid-range/entry-level gadget just like the Galaxy A55, so it’s a moot level.
Conclusion
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
- Extra superior specs.
- A strong and extra inexpensive mid-range gadget.
- Higher screens for all its smartphones.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
- Not excessively larger costs on the high quality phase.
- Efficiency is commonly higher than the technical specs recommend.
- Probably the most highly effective smartphones available on the market, all manufacturers included.
iPhone or Samsung: The person interface
The person interface has at all times been Apple’s sturdy level in its battle in opposition to Samsung. iOS is praised for its good optimization and its virtually good integration with the Apple ecosystem. By shopping for an iPhone, you’ll profit from the profitable interconnectivity between the totally different Apple merchandise.
However, through the years, Samsung has caught up with Apple and now presents an ecosystem that whereas not as well-developed, remains to be purposeful and environment friendly. Due to parts similar to your Samsung account, SmartThings, and even unique options for its units similar to DeX mode, Samsung tries to supply an identical expertise to Apple however with a barely much less closed ecosystem.
Nowadays, Apple and Samsung are shifting in related instructions, and customers from each camps can get pleasure from a terrific software program expertise on both model’s merchandise.
This 12 months, relying on whether or not you select an iPhone or a Galaxy, you may be integrating with iOS 18 or One UI 6. Each working techniques supply well-thought-out person experiences which can be fairly in style with followers of every aspect.
Launched in September 2024, iOS 18 extends the customization choices, making it simple to wreck your private home display screen similar to on Android. Large updates to the Management Heart to rearrange, add, and resize widgets, dwell audio transcriptions on the Notes app, and extra management and simpler administration of privateness settings.
And naturally, not one to skip on the most recent tech pattern, AI (“Apple Intelligence” right here) guarantees enhancements to Siri, textual content writing, photographs group, and extra. Nonetheless, many of the new AI options on iOS 18 are scheduled to reach in later level releases, beginning with iOS 18.1.
Apple has thus caught up with Android and as traditional, the Cupertino firm has taken its time however has managed to implement in a really considerable means, options which have been obtainable on Android for some time.
As for One UI, it is one of the crucial in style Android skins, together with Xiaomi’s MIUI. For instance, it’s extra extensively used than inventory Android, Google’s unique Android interface. Visually, One UI is kind of a departure from inventory Android and is a quite heavy pores and skin, however it is vitally full.
Samsung’s One UI presents a great multitasking expertise due to options like cut up display screen, floating home windows, or the power to clone functions to have two accounts. To study extra about its options, learn our full One UI 6 evaluation.
iOS and One UI are beginning to get increasingly related, so the ultimate selection will in the end boil all the way down to your private preferences. Notice, nevertheless, that iOS is unique to Apple whereas One UI depends upon Android updates, so you’ll not obtain the most recent model as shortly on a Samsung in comparison with an Apple iPhone.
Each the just lately launched iOS 18 and Android 15 are quite mild with regards to massive adjustments to the person interface, principally persevering with to evolve the obtainable customization choices whereas additionally enhancing on safety and privateness controls. For extra particulars on what modified with the most recent updates, verify our overview pages:
Conclusion
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
- Extra customizable interface.
- Way more superior multitasking optimization.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
- Easy and seamless expertise inside the Apple ecosystem.
- Very excessive knowledge safety.
- Excessive-quality native functions.
- Extra frequent safety updates all through its total telephone line.
- Clear and uncluttered design.
iPhone or Samsung: Replace coverage
The replace coverage was one of many foremost promoting factors of Apple’s iPhones, however through the years, Samsung has additionally been capable of enhance on this side by lowering the hole. The iPhone is mostly saved up-to-date for 5 years, and all fashions obtain the replace virtually on the identical time. Samsung now guarantees seven years of options and safety updates for its Galaxy S24 telephones, with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches for its 2023 flagships.
Apple’s replace coverage
Based on the official Apple web page, we are able to see that iOS 18, for instance, is on the market for even the iPhone XS which was launched in 2018. These fashions have subsequently acquired 5 iOS variations since their launch (not counting the model current by default at launch). Till 2023, no Android producer supplied such in depth software program upkeep.
The graph above illustrates this hole fairly effectively, though the methodology used to depend the period of software program upkeep is faulty. Certainly, the graph assumes that one 12 months is equal to 1 replace. This works for iPhones since every new mannequin is launched concurrently every new (main) model of iOS. However for Samsung, its flagships are launched at first of the 12 months with the earlier 12 months’s Android model after which up to date inside the identical 12 months as soon as a brand new Android model is launched.
Samsung’s replace coverage
Just lately, Samsung has made nice strides with its replace coverage. Whereas most Android producers are content material to supply 2 or not often 3 variations of Android and three years of safety patches, the South Korean producer guarantees for its flagship S and Z 2024 fashions seven years of Android upgrades and safety patches, with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches for its earlier high-end smartphones.
In apply, the South Koreans promise that the Galaxy S24 will obtain “Android 21” in 2031, whereas its S23 predecessor will prime at 2026’s model of Android (presumably Android 17). Intermediate telephones within the Galaxy A household launched after 2023 are additionally scheduled to obtain 5 years of safety updates, whereas entry-level fashions shall be supported for 4 years.
Cheaper Samsung smartphones launched in 2024 are coated with 4 or 5 years of safety updates, with a shorter promise for OneUI/Android updates.
Conclusion
- With the Galaxy S24 fashions, Samsung basically matched the best-supported iPhone fashions with regards to characteristic updates.
- Nonetheless, some iPhone fashions acquired safety updates after seven years of launch in extraordinary circumstances.
iPhone or Samsung: Information safety
iOS is safer than Android, that is a truth. Information safety is among the factors the place Apple is forward of Samsung, nevertheless it must be famous that just lately, thanks particularly to the advances of Android 12 when it comes to knowledge safety, the hole has narrowed.
With regards to safety, the variety of standards to be thought-about is way too giant for the scope of this text. That is why I’ve restricted myself to the privateness and safety features of every producer.
Samsung’s privateness options
One UI 4 briefly launched the brand new options present in Android 12, together with the brand new privateness controls. The privateness panel is accessible from the privateness menu, and like iOS 15 (and MIUI earlier than each), you may be notified at any time when apps use options like geolocation, digicam, and microphone.
Not instantly enabling background activation of geolocation can be a plus. It should be carried out from the web page devoted to the appliance in query from the system settings. Further steps which can be purported to discourage or not less than make you suppose twice earlier than letting an utility monitor you even when you are not utilizing it make issues safer.
Scoped storage (launched on Android 10) which lets you compartmentalize knowledge based mostly on the totally different functions was fascinating. This implies one app has entry to a specific silo with out one other app sharing the identical area. In sensible phrases, this limits app entry to just a few folders in inner storage, so apps cannot see your different information.
For file managers, One UI 4 has introduced a brand new permission “Access to all files”, which permits them to work as in earlier variations. Nonetheless, the appliance should meet sure situations to obtain this permission. All different functions are restricted to “Access to media only”.
One UI additionally permits you to give solely your approximate location. So when an app first asks for permission to entry your location, along with selecting when the situation might be shared, it is possible for you to to decide on to not share your exact location. Nonetheless, the appliance will be capable to request permission to entry the exact location for a given goal later.
Samsung additionally presents its Secret Folder which lets you retailer all of your photographs, movies, information, functions, and knowledge away from prying eyes in a folder secured by a password or the fingerprint sensor. This folder is protected by Samsung Knox which ensures that your knowledge is protected in opposition to any malicious assaults.
Additionally, One UI presents a useful characteristic within the Samsung browser. Certainly, Samsung Web robotically begins in personal looking mode in case you have used this mode throughout your final looking.
Apple’s privateness options
Apple has additionally put numerous emphasis on safety just lately with the ATT or App Monitoring Transparency, which strictly controls the entry of third-party and native functions to your private knowledge. You may study extra by studying our tutorial which exhibits easy methods to activate the ATT perform in your iPhone.
iOS 15 launched a number of different new privacy-related options. I invite you to learn our full information to iOS 15 to study extra about it if you have not already.
With iOS 16, Apple has continued its momentum by launching Security Examine and computerized verification. With Security Examine, Apple desires to supply extra management to customers who share passwords or entry sure apps and knowledge like geolocation. Security Examine helps fight abuse in poisonous relationships by shortly revoking entry to knowledge and the situation that was beforehand shared with others.
Computerized verification is a brand new characteristic from Apple that bypasses CAPTCHAs, these annoying verification instruments that ensure you’re not a robotic. To realize this, iCloud robotically verifies your Apple ID and gadget within the background, so you do not have to fill out a Captcha when authenticating to a web site or app.
Conclusion
- Each iOS and Android/One UI have come a good distance with regards to knowledge safety. Producers perceive that increasingly customers worth it and make it a purchase order criterion for his or her new smartphones.
- However in any case, irrespective of how a lot management an interface offers you over your knowledge, the extent of risk depends upon components past your management, such because the irregularity of updates and the benefit and pace with which hackers can exploit vulnerabilities.
- Apple presents extra frequent and common updates for all its units, a closed ecosystem that’s more durable to penetrate, and an app retailer with a stricter verification course of. All these components are nonetheless lacking in Android. Whereas the stability of energy will not be as tremendously skewed because it was previously, Apple remains to be a step above.
iPhone or Samsung: Resale worth
When selecting a brand new smartphone, it is essential to remember when you are going to half with it sooner or later. The typical person retains his or her smartphone for two to three years earlier than reselling it to finance the acquisition of its substitute.
Based on a research commissioned and printed in January 2022 by Bankmycell, Android smartphones shed a mean of greater than 33% of their worth in 2020, in comparison with about 16% for iPhones. This decline accounts for over 50% of its worth for a mid-range/entry-level smartphone.
Android smartphones drop in worth a lot sooner than iPhones. Certainly, iPhones retain their worth higher over time than Samsung’s Galaxy vary. It is possible for you to to resell an iPhone for a much better worth than a Galaxy smartphone. Nonetheless, this isn’t a nasty factor in itself.
To purchase the most recent Samsung flagship, you often solely have to attend a number of months to see its worth drop, whereas to switch your iPhone with the most recent mannequin, it’s a must to wait for much longer for its worth to drop.
Conclusion
Benefits of Samsung in comparison with Apple:
- The likelihood to seek out smartphones at a greater worth just a few months after their launch.
- Flagships expertise good worth drops, not like iPhones.
- The second-hand market forces e-tailers to make promotions often.
Benefits of Apple in comparison with Samsung:
- Chance to resell your iPhone at a great worth one or two years after buy.
To those that’ve learn by means of, I hope this Apple vs. Samsung comparability was insightful. Your suggestions on this format is welcome, and if you would like related guides for different manufacturers, please inform me. I aimed for thoroughness with out making it excessively lengthy. If I ignored or erred on any level, kindly level it out within the feedback.
The article was up to date in September 2024 with the launch of the iPhone 16 and iOS 18. Feedback earlier than the replace have been saved and could appear out of context.