When you walk into any electronics store or scroll through online listings, the debate almost always lands on two giants: Apple is a multinational tech company best known for its premium smartphones, computers, and services. Its devices run the iOS 18 operating system, which emphasizes privacy, seamless integration, and a curated app ecosystem. On the other side, Samsung is a South Korean conglomerate that dominates the Android market with powerful hardware, custom UI tweaks, and a wide range of price points. Samsung phones ship with Android 15, layered with the company’s One UI skin.
How to compare Apple and Samsung smartphones
Instead of getting lost in brand hype, break the comparison into concrete criteria. In 2025 the flagship models - Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra - illustrate the strengths and trade‑offs of each ecosystem. Use the following checklist to decide which matters most to you:
- Operating system experience (iOS vs Android)
- Performance chipsets (A18 Bionic vs Exynos 2400)
- Display technology (OLED vs Dynamic AMOLED)
- Camera system and software processing
- Battery endurance and charging speeds
- Design, build quality, and durability
- Price, storage options, and overall value
- Ecosystem lock‑in (services, accessories, wearables)
Key criteria for 2025 flagship phones
Both brands have pushed the envelope, but they prioritize different aspects. Apple leans heavily on tight hardware‑software integration, while Samsung bets on cutting‑edge specs and flexibility.
- Performance: Apple’s A18 Bionic chip promises up to 30% faster CPU performance than its predecessor, while Samsung’s Exynos 2400 brings a 5nm process and an integrated GPU that rivals the best Android rivals.
- Display: The iPhone 15 Pro uses a 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with ProMotion 120 Hz, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED screen, also at 120 Hz but with a higher peak brightness.
- Camera: Apple continues its focus on computational photography, featuring a 48 MP main sensor paired with a 12 MP ultra‑wide and a 12 MP telephoto lens. Samsung counters with a 200 MP primary sensor, a 12 MP ultra‑wide, and a 10 MP periscope telephoto offering 10× optical zoom.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - side‑by‑side
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 18 | Android 15 with One UI 6.0 |
| Chipset | A18 Bionic (5nm) | Exynos 2400 (4nm) |
| Display | 6.1" OLED, 2550 × 1170 px, 120 Hz | 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED, 3200 × 1440 px, 120 Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP | 200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP (10×) |
| Battery | 3,250 mAh, 20 W wired, 15 W MagSafe | 5,000 mAh, 45 W wired, 15 W wireless |
| Price (base) | $999 (USD) | $1,199 (USD) |
| Build | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield | Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Ecosystem lock‑in: iOS vs Android
Beyond raw specs, the day‑to‑day experience depends on how your phone talks to other devices. Apple’s ecosystem includes the MacBook line, Apple Watch, AirPods, and services like iCloud and Apple TV+. The continuity features (Handoff, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard) work flawlessly because Apple controls both hardware and software.
Samsung counters with its Galaxy ecosystem, which now covers Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, SmartThings home automation, and seamless integration with Windows via the Link to Windows feature. Android’s openness means you can also pair with a wider array of third‑party accessories, but you may need extra apps to match Apple’s native continuity.
Design, display and durability
Apple’s shift to a titanium frame for the iPhone 15 Pro gives a premium feel while keeping weight down. The Ceramic Shield front glass, engineered with nano‑ceramic crystals, claims a 4× drop‑test improvement over previous models.
Samsung’s Armor Aluminum chassis and the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offer similar drop resistance, but the larger screen adds a bit more fragility. However, the S24 Ultra’s curved edges and higher refresh rate make media consumption feel more immersive.
Camera performance in real life
Apple leans on computational photography: Smart HDR 5, Photonic Engine, and ProRAW give excellent colour accuracy and low‑light detail without much user tweaking. The telephoto lens is limited to 3× optical zoom, but the overall image quality feels consistent.
Samsung’s 200 MP sensor captures incredible detail in bright conditions, and its periscope lens truly reaches 10× optical zoom. Night mode, however, can sometimes oversharpen textures. If you love high‑resolution prints or advanced manual controls, Samsung leads; for a balanced point‑and‑shoot experience, Apple remains strong.
Battery life and charging speed
The iPhone 15 Pro’s 3,250 mAh battery sounds small, but the A18 chip’s efficiency and iOS’s tight power management often deliver a full day of mixed use. Fast charging tops out at 20 W wired, with MagSafe delivering 15 W wirelessly.
Samsung’s 5,000 mAh cell, paired with a 45 W wired charger, refuels the phone to 50 % in under 15 minutes. Wireless charging speeds are similar, but Samsung also offers reverse wireless charging to power accessories like earbuds.
Pricing and value for money
At $999, the iPhone 15 Pro lands in the high‑end but still under the $1,200 barrier. Apple includes a year of free iCloud storage and a solid resale value - typically retaining 70‑80 % after a year.
Samsung’s starting price of $1,199 for the S24 Ultra feels steep, yet it bundles a larger screen, higher‑resolution camera, and a bigger battery. Resale values drop faster, averaging 50‑60 % after a year.
Which brand suits which user?
If you already own a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone 15 Pro will feel like a natural extension - the continuity perks are hard to beat. It’s also ideal for users who prefer a consistent, privacy‑first OS with timely updates.
Conversely, power users who crave top specs, customizable UI, and a wider accessory market may lean toward the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Those who enjoy Android’s flexibility, need expandable storage (via Samsung’s microSD in select regions), or want a larger display for media will find Samsung compelling.
In a nutshell, there’s no universal "better" brand - it’s all about which ecosystem, design philosophy, and feature set aligns with your daily routine. Both phones earn the title of best phone in their own right for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the iPhone 15 Pro receive software updates longer than the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Yes. Apple typically supports iPhones for five years of major iOS updates, while Samsung promises four years of Android upgrades plus three years of security patches for its flagship line.
Is the camera quality noticeably better on the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
In bright daylight, the 200 MP sensor on the S24 Ultra captures more detail than the iPhone’s 48 MP sensor. However, Apple’s image processing often delivers more natural colours and better low‑light performance without extra tweaking.
Which phone has a better display for gaming?
Both displays offer 120 Hz refresh rates, but Samsung’s larger 6.8‑inch Dynamic AMOLED panel provides higher peak brightness and a slightly higher resolution, giving it a small edge for immersive gaming.
Does Samsung’s One UI add noticeable bloat?
One UI adds a few extra features and visual tweaks, but Samsung has streamlined it over the years. Most users find it lightweight enough, especially compared to heavily skinned Android builds from other manufacturers.
Can I use the iPhone’s MagSafe accessories with the Galaxy?
No. MagSafe is an Apple‑specific magnetic ecosystem. Samsung offers its own wireless accessories, but they are not compatible with MagSafe chargers or cases.