Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy lineup are juggernauts in the smartphone industry. Apple is supreme in the US, having claimed 65% of the local smartphone market in the first quarter of 2023, compared to Samsung, which took second place with 43%. But quantity doesn’t always mean quality, naturally, and this guide will compare the two companies along every measure, from performance and design to ecosystem and security.
There seems to be a fairly universal opinion that Samsung creates phones with better battery life, storage, and a better camera, while Apple likes to focus on fancy features like talking emojis and a smoother user experience. However, once you go iPhone you don’t go back. For what iPhone devices potentially lack in quality they make up for in innovation. Apple Pay first came out in 2015 and it took Samsung and Android a year to catch up, Apple was the first phone company to bring in fingerprint ID with the iPhone 5, and in 2017 when the iPhone X came out they introduced Face ID for the first time.
The latest smartphone from any company is not usually the cheapest way to get a smartphone. However, in terms of price for a new phone in 2024, it’s a close tie between iPhone vs Samsung. Samsung has a slight edge in this category since the S23 starts at $699 while Apple’s iPhone 15 starts at $799.
Both 256 GB pro models retail at $1,199. For 1 TB of space, the iPhone 15 Pro Max costs $1,599 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra costs $1,619. It’s a barely noticeable difference — especially when you consider both have a USB-C port, meaning you don’t have to spend more on expensive add-ons.
Resale value is another consideration. iPhones have long been the most valuable used phones out there. Whether it’s because of the longstanding popularity of the iPhone, brand recognition, or long-lasting product support, used iPhones are easier to sell and sell for higher prices than used Samsung phones.
Picking the right smartphone that suits your needs best is harder than it sounds, and may be a trickier task than picking the best TV or headphones. You use your smartphone every day, and for many of us, it houses all the integral things we need to keep our day running smoothly. This is where the essentials come into play: a good battery life, a design that’s comfortable to hold, and a screen that’s not too big and not too small.
With all of these key factors in mind, many see it a daunting task to pick a new phone, dreading the day their contract is up; but fear not, we have some of our approved picks below to help you make your decision
