Galaxy S24 Ultra VS iPhone 16

90

Galaxy S24 Ultra

6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 · 5000mAh · 200MP · IP68

$1299

MSRP

84

iPhone 16

6.1-inch OLED 60Hz · A18 · 3561mAh · 48MP · IP68

$799

MSRP

$1299

MSRP

Check price

$799

MSRP

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Our verdict

The Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the performance lead, 7% ahead overall, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and an AnTuTu score of 2,050,000.

On value the iPhone 16 stands out at $799, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 3561mAh battery.

For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter choice. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences.

Performance winner

Galaxy S24 Ultra

7% faster overall

Best value for money

iPhone 16

6% better value per dollar

Galaxy S24 Ultra best for

Power efficiency

7% faster overall

Overview

The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes out ahead overall, scoring 90 to the iPhone 16's 84. Priced at $1299 against $799, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 2,050,000 against 1,500,000, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The Galaxy S24 Ultra pairs a 200MP main camera with optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 16 answers with 48MP, zoom and a 12MP selfie camera.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with a 5000mAh cell against 3561mAh. For refills the Galaxy S24 Ultra is quickest at 45W, spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The Galaxy S24 Ultra measures 6.8" and peaks at 2600 nits, while the iPhone 16 is 6.1" and reaches 2000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the iPhone 16 is the one we would steer most buyers toward. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Consider the Galaxy S24 Ultra instead if longer battery life matters more to you.

battery

Battery
5000mAh
3561mAh
Wired charging
45W
25W
Wireless charging
15W
25W

camera

Main camera
200MP
48MP
Ultrawide
12MP
12MP
Front camera
12MP
12MP
Max video
8K30
4K60

display

Display size
6.8"
6.1"
Display type
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
60Hz
Peak brightness
2600 nits
2000 nits
Resolution
3120x1440
2556x1179

Performance

Chipset
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
A18
RAM
12GB
8GB
Storage
256GB
128GB

Physical

Weight
233g
170g
Thickness
8.6mm
7.8mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
6,950 pts
8,100 pts
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
2,250 pts
3,300 pts
AnTuTu v11
2,050,000 pts
1,500,000 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra better than the iPhone 16?

Overall the Galaxy S24 Ultra scores 90 out of 100 against the iPhone 16's 84, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 200MP main sensor and optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra carries the larger 5000mAh battery against 3561mAh, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra charges fastest at 45W. For heavy all-day use the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16?

In benchmarks the Galaxy S24 Ultra is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 2,050,000 against 1,500,000 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16?

For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if longer battery life is your priority.

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