Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 16: Best Discounted Compact Flagship in 2026
Both placed at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards: iPhone 16 won Best Small Phone; Galaxy S24 was runner-up. Now both heavily discounted in 2026 — iPhone 16 at $599–$699, Galaxy S24 at $599–$699. Identical price tier, completely different ecosystems.
Updated · Verdict based on MKBHD Smartphone Awards results and spec analysis.
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung · 2024 · From $799
iPhone 16
Apple · 2024 · From $799
Round wins
Samsung Galaxy S24: 1 · iPhone 16: 1 ·Ties: 6
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S24 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Apple A18 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Camera | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 3,561 mAh |
| OS | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) | iOS 18 |
| Starting price | $799 | $799 |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
Round-by-round breakdown
Display
TieBoth 6.1–6.2-inch OLED. Galaxy S24 is 120Hz; iPhone 16 is 60Hz — Galaxy wins on refresh rate.
Performance
TieA18 (iPhone 16) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Galaxy S24 US) are roughly equivalent for everyday use.
Camera
Winner: iPhone 16Galaxy S24: 50MP main + 12MP ultra + 10MP 3x telephoto. iPhone 16: 48MP main + 12MP ultra (no telephoto). Galaxy wins on lens count.
AI features
TieiPhone 16 has Apple Intelligence; Galaxy S24 has Galaxy AI. Both are useful, both are still maturing.
Battery
TieBoth 6–7 hours screen-on.
Software longevity
TieBoth ship 7 years of major OS updates.
Ecosystem
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24iPhone 16 wins decisively if you have iPad/Mac/AirPods. Galaxy wins on cross-Windows/Android device flexibility.
Price
TieBoth $599–$699 in 2026. Identical price tier.
Final verdict
iPhone 16 if you have other Apple devices or want Apple Intelligence — won MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone. Galaxy S24 if you want a slightly more capable camera (3x telephoto vs none on iPhone 16) and Galaxy AI. Both are excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Galaxy S24 or iPhone 16: which to buy?
iPhone 16 (MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone winner) for iOS-ecosystem buyers. Galaxy S24 (runner-up) for Android — slightly more capable camera with 3x telephoto.
Best compact flagship in 2026?
Both are excellent at the $599–$699 price tier. Pick on platform preference.
iPhone 16 has no telephoto — does the Galaxy S24 win on camera?
Yes for zoom photography (3x telephoto). For everyday family shots, processing differences are minimal.