Galaxy S24 FE vs iPhone 16
Brand preference aside, the Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 are close competitors, both pitched at flagship smartphone buyers. On the overall scorecard, the iPhone 16 is ahead: 2 of 5 areas, with performance doing the heavy lifting. It also matters that $149 separates their launch prices, with the iPhone 16 at the top.
At a glance
- Display Trade-off
- Performance iPhone 16 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S24 FE wins
- Battery & Charging iPhone 16 wins
- Price Galaxy S24 FE wins
- Display5.0
- Camera2.3
- Display2.6
- Camera1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Galaxy S24 FE has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
The numbers aren’t close. The Galaxy S24 FE lists 120 Hz for refresh rate, while the iPhone 16 lists 60 Hz. Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power.
-
The iPhone 16 has a 1.52 oz lighter build
A clear win for the iPhone 16: 6 oz against 7.51 oz. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. A few grams won’t matter, but bigger gaps add up in a pocket or a small bag over a full day.
-
The Galaxy S24 FE has an extra rear camera
Here the Galaxy S24 FE pulls well ahead of the iPhone 16, with 3 compared to 2. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The Galaxy S24 FE has a 0.6-inch larger screen
The Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 differ on screen size (6.7 in vs 6.1 in), and this is one to judge by personal preference. A bigger screen makes reading, video and maps more comfortable, while a smaller one is easier to use with one hand and slips into more pockets.
-
The iPhone 16 has 19% sharper pixel density
The iPhone 16 doesn’t just edge this one; 460 ppi against 385 ppi is a lead you’ll feel. Pixel density matters most if you hold your phone close or read a lot of small type; for casual use, the gap is subtle.
Design & Size
- Galaxy S24 FE 6.38 in × 3.04 in × 0.31 in
- iPhone 16 5.81 in × 2.82 in × 0.31 in
If compact matters to you, the iPhone 16 is the one to look at. The Galaxy S24 FE is physically larger all round. In the weight column, the iPhone 16 leads by 1.52 oz.
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.38 in | 5.81 in |
| Width | 3.04 in | 2.82 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.31 in |
| Weight | 7.51 oz | 6 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Trade-off
Give the Galaxy S24 FE credit for a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, and the iPhone 16 credit for 19% sharper pixel density. Bottom line for display: decide which advantage matters more to you.
Refresh rate
Galaxy S24 FE: 120 Hz iPhone 16: 60 Hz A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison.
Screen size
Galaxy S24 FE: 6.7 in iPhone 16: 6.1 in A larger display also means a larger phone overall, so this is as much about your hands and pockets as it is about the picture.
Performance
iPhone 16 leads
The iPhone 16 does a little better in the performance section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Galaxy S24 FE. The iPhone 16 delivers a newer 3 nm chip process. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life. Prioritize performance, and the iPhone 16 is where you should land.
Process node
Galaxy S24 FE: 4 nm iPhone 16: 3 nm The iPhone 16’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much.
CPU cores
Galaxy S24 FE: 10 iPhone 16: 6 Phone chips mix large and small cores, so a different count mostly reflects a different design rather than a clear speed gap.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
On memory & storage, the Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 are effectively level. Bottom line for memory & storage: it’s a wash.
Camera
Galaxy S24 FE leads
By a small margin, the Galaxy S24 FE is the stronger of the two in this area. Choose the Galaxy S24 FE and you get an extra rear camera. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S24 FE gives you more lenses to choose from. The iPhone 16 answers with a sharper 12 MP selfie camera. Weighing only camera, the Galaxy S24 FE comes out ahead.
Rear cameras
Galaxy S24 FE: 3 iPhone 16: 2 More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S24 FE’s extra lens adds.
Front camera
Galaxy S24 FE: 10 MP iPhone 16: 12 MP If you mainly use the front camera for calls, the gap is minor; if you post selfies often, the iPhone 16’s extra resolution helps.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 16 leads
The iPhone 16 edges the battery & charging section, though the Galaxy S24 FE stays close. The iPhone 16 gives you faster 25 W wireless charging. If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the iPhone 16 refills quicker there. For battery & charging, the iPhone 16 is the one to beat.
Wireless charging
Galaxy S24 FE: 15 W iPhone 16: 25 W Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up.
Software & Updates
For software & updates, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | OLED (Super Retina XDR) |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Pixel density | 385 ppi | 460 ppi (winner) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz (winner) | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,900 nits | 2,000 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes (winner) | No |
Performance
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2400e | A18 |
| CPU cores | 10 | 6 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm (winner) |
| RAM | 8 GB | N/A (not specified) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | N/A (not specified) | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 48 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 8 MP | N/A (not specified) |
| Optical zoom | 3× | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear cameras | 3 (winner) | 2 |
| Front camera | 10 MP | 12 MP (winner) |
| Max video | 8K30 | 4K60 Dolby Vision |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,700 mAh | N/A (not specified) |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | N/A (not specified) | 22 h |
| Wired charging | 25 W | N/A (not specified) |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 W (winner) |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C (USB 2) |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) | iOS 18 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years | N/A (not specified) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.38 in | 5.81 in |
| Width | 3.04 in | 2.82 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.31 in |
| Weight | 7.51 oz | 6 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy S24 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $650 (winner) | $799 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
You pay $149 extra for the iPhone 16 at launch prices, a difference of 23%. If $149 isn’t a stretch, the iPhone 16 gives you a 1.52 oz lighter build and 19% sharper pixel density.
Launch prices in the US as of October 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy S24 FE if…
- you want smoother scrolling (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
- you like checking the time and alerts without waking the phone
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($149 less)
Choose the iPhone 16 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (6 oz vs 7.51 oz)
- you want the sharper screen (460 ppi vs 385 ppi)
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (25 W vs 15 W)
- you want a chip built on a finer process (3 nm vs 4 nm)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Galaxy S24 FE or the iPhone 16?
For most people, the iPhone 16 is the stronger choice, unless you know that a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the Galaxy S24 FE or the iPhone 16?
Size goes the other way: the Galaxy S24 FE is larger (6.38 × 3.04 × 0.31 in), and the iPhone 16 is the smaller option (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in).
Which is faster, the Galaxy S24 FE or the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 has the edge in performance thanks to a newer 3 nm chip process.
Does the Galaxy S24 FE have a stronger camera setup than the iPhone 16?
Going by the hardware, the Galaxy S24 FE comes out ahead: an extra rear camera.
Which costs less, the Galaxy S24 FE or the iPhone 16?
The Galaxy S24 FE is the cheaper option, launching at $149 less than the iPhone 16 (launch prices as of October 2024).
Is the Galaxy S24 FE lighter than the iPhone 16?
Going by the official figures, the iPhone 16 weighs 1.52 oz less than the Galaxy S24 FE.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Samsung or Apple. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16. Practically speaking, the iPhone 16’s biggest advantage is a 1.52 oz lighter build. Add 19% sharper pixel density to the list, and the iPhone 16 looks even better. Still, if you care most about a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, the Galaxy S24 FE deserves a look.
If camera is your thing, the Galaxy S24 FE fits. If performance matters more, the iPhone 16 makes more sense.
My pick: the iPhone 16, and I’d only look at the Galaxy S24 FE if you value a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.