Which is healthier, Apple or Samsung? Whereas each present full ecosystems, together with merchandise, on-line providers, and distinctive working methods, this is not nearly private desire. This text goals that will help you select correctly to your subsequent smartphone buy.
iPhone or Samsung: Catalog vary and costs
Apple is understood to be very completely different from its opponents. Whereas manufacturers like Oppo or Xiaomi have complicated ranges with loads of the fashions having nearly similar specs, the Cupertino large has all the time insisted on having the leanest catalog doable. Thus, this 12 months isn’t any completely different with eight fashions on provide in its retailer.
The iPhone 15 launch additionally ditched the 13 mini variant. As an alternative, Apple will as soon as once more rely on the Plus, Professional, and Professional Max fashions along with the bottom mannequin.
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
- Big catalog of gadgets.
- Extra reasonably priced handsets.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
- Clearly outlined product vary.
- Older fashions are nonetheless aggressive when it comes to options and efficiency.
Just a few years in the past, the variety of merchandise from Apple’s smartphone line elevated somewhat, with the addition of the mini mannequin. Since then, the mini was changed by the massive Plus mannequin, and Apple has saved the 2 previous-generation fashions as a less expensive different. Even so, the iPhone product vary is the smallest among the many high 5 smartphone producers right this moment.
iPhone catalog and costs
As talked about earlier, Apple’s September 2023 catalog contains eight fashions, 4 of which have been launched in 2023, three in 2022, and one in 2021. Along with the brand new iPhone 15, Apple additionally retains the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, iPhone 13, and iPhone SE (2022) in its lineup.
The entry-level iPhone SE (2022) which was launched in March 2022 can also be there, providing many iPhone 11 options at a a lot cheaper price.
All present iPhones in contrast:
All eight 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 arms, after all), Samsung’s catalog is way extra in depth. It begins with cheap entry-level smartphones and goes all the best way to costly foldables with top-notch {hardware}.
Samsung’s line of smartphones is made up of the Galaxy household, which additionally contains wearables, headsets, tablets, notebooks, and different devices. The household is split into classes corresponding 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 section)
All present Galaxy in contrast:
Since Apple would not provide entry-level and mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A, M, and XCover ranges don’t compete straight with the model’s fashions. Due to this fact, for this comparability, we have now solely thought of fashions which are in the identical worth vary because the iPhone vary bought 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 smartphones which are nearly 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 impression on the depreciation and resale worth of its gadgets, within the case of iPhones, as they usually obtain new working system variations and safety updates for an extended time period, a niche one thing which Samsung has been making an attempt to slender lately.
iPhone or Samsung: The {hardware}
To illustrate it proper from the beginning, Apple is clearly not a champion relating to worth for cash. The Cupertino-based firm is understood for providing smartphones that do not push the envelope relating 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 newest technological improvements in every new technology of flagships.
For instance, if we have been to check the technical specs of the newest “vanilla” flagships of Apple and Samsung, i.e. the Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15, we are able to clearly see that Samsung gives a way more fascinating smartphone, whether or not it’s the display, digital camera, or the quick charging functionality.
Nonetheless, we have now to confess that the technical specs aren’t all the pieces, and that exhibits with the software program optimization carried out on the Apple iPhone. Nonetheless, it’s exceptional that Apple has lowered its costs in comparison with final 12 months, no less than in Europe. Thus, the iPhone 15 is precisely as costly/low-cost because the Galaxy S23/S24, no less than when one seems to be on the respective really helpful retail costs.
Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24
| Apple | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Picture |  |
 |
| SoC | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US) Samsung Exynos 2400 (International) |
| Reminiscence | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
| Expandable reminiscence | No | |
| Show | 6.1-inch OLED “Super Retina XDR”. 1170 x 2532 pixels, 460 DPI 60 Hz refresh price Most brightness of two,000 nits |
6.1-inch OLED “Dynamic AMOLED 2X”. 1080 x 2400 pixels, 422 DPI 120 Hz refresh price Most brightness of two,600 nits |
| Digicam | 48 MP most important digital camera: f/1.6 aperture / Twin Pixel PDAF / OIS sensor-shift 12 MP ultra-wide angle digital camera: f/2.4 aperture / 120° FOV 12 MP selfie digital camera: f/2.2 aperture / 1/3.6″ / 120° FOV |
50 MP most important digital camera: f/1.8 aperture / Twin Pixel AF / OIS 12 MP ultra-wide angle digital camera: f/2.2 aperture / Twin Pixel PDAF / 120° FOV 10 MP telephoto digital camera: f/2.4 aperture / OIS / 3x optical zoom / 36° FOV 12 MP selfie digital camera: f/2.2 aperture |
| Battery |
3349 mAh |
4000 mAh Wired charging: 25 W USB PD 3.0 Wi-fi charging: 15 W Qi Reverse wi-fi charging: 4.5 W Charger not included |
| Audio | Stereo No headphone jack |
|
| Worth | from $799 | from $799 |
Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
| Apple | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Determine |  |
 |
| SoC | Apple A17 Professional | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Reminiscence | 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
| Expandable reminiscence | None | |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED “Super Retina XDR” 2796 x 1290 pixels, 460 DPI 120 Hz refresh price Most brightness of two,000 nits |
6.8-inch OLED “Dynamic AMOLED 2X” 1440 x 3088 pixels, 515 DPI 120 Hz refresh price Most brightness of two,600 nits |
| Digicam | 48 MP most important digital camera | F1.78 aperture | 2.44 µm pixels | 24 mm focal size | sensor-shift OIS 12 MP ultra-wide angle digital camera: f/2.2 aperture / 120° FOV / PDAF 12 MP | F2.8 | 77 mm focal size | 3x optical zoom | sensor-shift OIS 12 MP | F2.8 | 120 mm focal size | 5x optical zoom | sensor-shift OIS 12 MP selfie digital camera: aperture f/1.9/ 1/3.6″ / 120° FOV |
200 MP most important digital camera: f/1.7 aperture / multidirectional PDAF / OIS 12 MP ultra-wide angle digital camera: f/2.2 aperture / 120° FOV / Tremendous Regular Video 10 MP telephoto lens: f/2.4 aperture / twin pixel PDAF / OIS / 3x optical zoom 50 MP telephoto lens: f/3.4 aperture / Twin Pixel PDAF / OIS / 5x optical zoom 12 MP selfie digital camera: f/2.2 aperture / Twin Pixel PDAF |
| Battery | 4441 mAh 20 W wired charging USB PD 2.0 15 W Qi/MagSafe wi-fi charging Charger not included |
5000 mAh 45 W USB PD 3.0 wired charging 15 W Qi wi-fi charging 4.5 W reverse wi-fi charging. Charger not included |
| Audio | Stereo No headphone jack |
|
| Worth | from $1,199 | from $1,299 |
After adopting the 120 Hz refresh price with its ProMotion mode in 2021, Apple marked the event in 2022 with a brand new digital camera in addition to a alternative for the notch, calling it Dynamic Island. In 2023, USB Kind-C ports have been lastly launched for all new iPhones.
The brand new Professional iPhones launched in 2023 additionally function a titanium case, slimmer bezels, and are powered by the A17 Professional chipset. The motion button can also be new and replaces the mute button.
Whereas Samsung stands out with superlative figures in its extravagant specs, Apple’s sturdy level could be the combination of its elements, particularly its SoCs. Apple’s iPhones are usually probably the most highly effective available on the market, and the model doesn’t hesitate to indicate 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’).
iPhone 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 & S24
| Take a look at | 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 Take a look at |
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 perfect smartphone will not be essentially the one with the perfect technical specs as a result of having the newest trendy elements will not be all the time sufficient. That is additionally true for the value as a result of the costliest flagship will not be all the time the perfect. Nonetheless, the 128 GB iPhone 15 is equally priced to the Samsung Galaxy S23/S24, however not drastically higher.
On the high finish of the market, Apple and Samsung provide kind of 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 section in any respect. And the place does the iPhone SE 2022 stand in all this? I do not actually contemplate 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 reasonably priced mid-range gadget.
- Higher screens for all its smartphones.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
- Not excessively larger costs on the prime quality section.
- Efficiency is usually higher than the technical specs recommend.
- Essentially the most highly effective smartphones available on the market, all manufacturers included.
iPhone or Samsung: The consumer interface
The consumer interface has all the time been Apple’s sturdy level in its battle towards Samsung. iOS is praised for its good optimization and its nearly good integration with the Apple ecosystem. By shopping for an iPhone, you’ll profit from the profitable interconnectivity between the completely different Apple merchandise.
Then again, through the years, Samsung has caught up with Apple and now gives an ecosystem that whereas not as well-developed, continues to be purposeful and environment friendly. Due to parts corresponding to your Samsung account, SmartThings, and even unique options for its gadgets corresponding to DeX mode, Samsung tries to supply an identical expertise to Apple however with a barely much less closed ecosystem.
Lately, Apple and Samsung are transferring in comparable instructions, and customers from each camps can take pleasure in an incredible 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 17 or One UI 6. Each working methods provide well-thought-out consumer experiences which are fairly in style with followers of every facet.
Launched in September 2023, the iOS 17 added options just like the contact poster or NameDrop for fast info sharing together with your contacts.
Apple has thus caught up with Android and as ordinary, the Cupertino firm has taken its time however has managed to implement in a really considerable manner, options which were out there on Android for some time. I invite you to learn our full information to iOS 17 to be taught extra.
As for One UI, it is probably the most in style Android skins, together with Xiaomi’s MIUI. For instance, it’s extra broadly used than inventory Android, Google’s unique Android interface. Visually, One UI is sort of a departure from inventory Android and is a relatively heavy pores and skin, however it is vitally full.
Samsung’s One UI gives an excellent multitasking expertise due to options like cut up display, floating home windows, or the power to clone purposes to have two accounts. To be taught extra about its options, learn our full One UI 6 assessment.
iOS and One UI are beginning to get increasingly more comparable, so the ultimate alternative will finally boil all the way down to your private preferences. Do notice, nonetheless, that iOS is unique to Apple whereas One UI will depend on Android updates, so you’ll not obtain the newest model as rapidly on a Samsung in comparison with an Apple iPhone.
Launched within the second half of 2023, neither iOS 17 nor Android 14 introduced tons of visible modifications for the overall interface, however each continued their earlier variations’ pattern of including extra customization to the lock display. iPhone’ homeowners can create customized caller ID photos with Contact Posters, whereas Android customers on the Pixel launcher have extra clock designs to select from.
iOS 17 additionally introduced a wise display-like interface when docked, whereas Android 14 gives extra granularity to privateness settings. To see all of the options in 2023’s iOS and Android updates, verify our overview pages with all of the confirmed modifications to each working methods within the linked articles beneath:
Conclusion
Samsung’s benefits over Apple:
- Extra customizable interface.
- Way more superior multitasking optimization.
Apple’s benefits over Samsung:
- Clean and seamless expertise throughout the Apple ecosystem.
- Very excessive knowledge safety.
- Excessive-quality native purposes.
- Longer safety updates offered.
- Clear and uncluttered design.
iPhone or Samsung: Replace coverage
The replace coverage was one of many most important promoting factors of Apple’s iPhones, however through the years, Samsung has additionally been capable of enhance on this facet by lowering the hole. The iPhone is mostly saved up-to-date for 5 years, and all fashions obtain the replace nearly on the similar 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 17, for instance, is on the market for even the iPhone XS which was launched in 2018. These fashions have subsequently obtained 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 nicely, though the methodology used to depend the period of software program upkeep is misguided. Certainly, the graph assumes that one 12 months is equal to 1 replace. This works for iPhones since every new mannequin is launched similtaneously 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 throughout the similar 12 months as soon as a brand new Android model is launched.
Samsung’s replace coverage
Not too long ago, Samsung has made nice strides with its replace coverage. Whereas most Android producers are content material to supply 2 or hardly ever 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.
So, with a Galaxy S23 for instance, it is best to have the ability to obtain Android 17 in 2026. Initially, this promise solely catered to high-end fashions, however it was later utilized to higher mid-range fashions such because the Galaxy A54 and A34 launched in 2023. As for the Galaxy S24, it ought to obtain as much as “Android 21” in 2031.
Conclusion
- With the Galaxy S24 fashions, Samsung primarily matched the best-supported iPhone fashions relating to function updates.
- Nonetheless, some iPhone fashions obtained safety updates after seven years of launch in extraordinary instances.
iPhone or Samsung: Information safety
iOS is safer than Android, that is a reality. Information safety is among the factors the place Apple is forward of Samsung, but it surely ought to be famous that lately, thanks particularly to the advances of Android 12 when it comes to knowledge safety, the hole has narrowed.
On the subject of safety, the variety of standards to be thought of is way too massive for the scope of this text. That is why I’ve restricted myself to the privateness and security measures 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 every time apps use options like geolocation, digital camera, and microphone.
Not instantly enabling background activation of geolocation can also be a plus. It should be carried out from the web page devoted to the appliance in query from the system settings. Extra steps which are speculated to discourage or no less than make you assume twice earlier than letting an utility observe you even if you are not utilizing it make issues safer.
Scoped storage (launched on Android 10) which lets you compartmentalize knowledge based mostly on the completely different purposes was fascinating. This implies one app has entry to a selected 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 purposes 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 placement will be shared, it is possible for you to to decide on to not share your exact location. Nonetheless, the appliance will have the ability to request permission to entry the exact location for a given function later.
Samsung additionally gives its Secret Folder which lets you retailer all of your images, movies, information, purposes, 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 towards any malicious assaults.
Additionally, One UI gives a useful function within the Samsung browser. Certainly, Samsung Web routinely begins in non-public searching mode when you have used this mode throughout your final searching.
Apple’s privateness options
Apple has additionally put a whole lot of emphasis on safety lately with the ATT or App Monitoring Transparency, which strictly controls the entry of third-party and native purposes to your private knowledge. You may be taught extra by studying our tutorial which exhibits easy methods to activate the ATT operate 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 be taught extra about it if you have not already.
With iOS 16, Apple has continued its momentum by launching Security Examine and automated verification. With Security Examine, Apple needs 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 rapidly revoking entry to knowledge and the placement that was beforehand shared with others.
Computerized verification is a brand new function from Apple that bypasses CAPTCHAs, these annoying verification instruments that ensure you’re not a robotic. To attain this, iCloud routinely verifies your Apple ID and gadget within the background, so you do not have to fill out a Captcha when authenticating to an internet site or app.
Conclusion
- Each iOS and Android/One UI have come a good distance relating to knowledge safety. Producers perceive that increasingly more customers worth it and make it a purchase order criterion for his or her new smartphones.
- However in any case, regardless of how a lot management an interface provides you over your knowledge, the extent of risk will depend on components past your management, such because the irregularity of updates and the benefit and pace with which hackers can exploit vulnerabilities.
- Apple gives extra frequent and common updates for all its gadgets, 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 drastically skewed because it was up to now, Apple continues to be a step above.
iPhone or Samsung: Resale worth
When selecting a brand new smartphone, it is vital to keep in mind when you are going to half with it at some point. The common consumer retains his or her smartphone for two to three years earlier than reselling it to finance the acquisition of its alternative.
Based on a research commissioned and printed in January 2022 by Bankmycell, Android smartphones shed a median 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 quicker 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 newest Samsung flagship, you often solely have to attend just a few months to see its worth drop, whereas to switch your iPhone with the newest mannequin, you must wait for much longer for its worth to drop.
Conclusion
Benefits of Samsung in comparison with Apple:
- The chance to search 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 usually.
Benefits of Apple in comparison with Samsung:
- Chance to resell your iPhone at an excellent worth one or two years after buy.
To those that’ve learn by, I hope this Apple vs. Samsung comparability was insightful. Your suggestions on this format is welcome, and if you would like comparable guides for different manufacturers, please inform me. I aimed for thoroughness with out making it excessively lengthy. If I neglected or erred on any level, kindly level it out within the feedback.
The article was up to date in July 2024 with modifications to replace insurance policies and lineup streamlining. Feedback earlier than the replace have been retained and will learn as if they’re out of context.