Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy S24
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers impressive flagship performance at a compelling $499 price point, featuring the A18 chip, 48MP main camera, and Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1200 nits brightness. Samsung's Galaxy S24 commands a $300 premium, justifying it with a brighter 2600-nit Dynamic AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate versus 60Hz, superior camera system with optical zoom and 8K video, and larger 4000mAh battery versus 3279mAh. Both share IP68 ratings, 8GB RAM, and identical storage options. Display performance favors S24 significantly,the refresh rate difference impacts everyday scrolling noticeably, while its 2600-nit peak brightness excels outdoors. Camera versatility heavily advantages Samsung with telephoto and ultrawide lenses absent from SE 4. Battery capacity and charging speeds (25W vs 20W) also favor the Galaxy. iPhone SE 4 remains exceptional value for performance-per-dollar and iOS loyalists, but Galaxy S24 provides tangible practical advantages in display, cameras, and endurance that justify the higher investment for demanding users.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if…
- →Compact form factor with flagship features
- →Galaxy AI suite including live translate
- →Bright 2600-nit AMOLED display
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S24
Pros
- Compact form factor with flagship features
- Galaxy AI suite including live translate
- Bright 2600-nit AMOLED display
- Seven years of software updates
- IP68 dust and water resistance
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow 25W charging
- Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7
- Smaller battery than rivals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 167 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Deca-core (1x3.2 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Xclipse 940 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Exynos 2400 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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