Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers exceptional value at $499, featuring the powerful A18 chip, a bright 6.1-inch OLED display, and capable 48MP camera in a compact, lightweight design. Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra commands a premium at $1,299.99, justifying its cost with a stunning 6.8-inch 120Hz display, superior 200MP camera system with 5x periscope zoom, 8K video recording, and significantly larger 5000mAh battery with 45W charging. Performance-wise, both handle demanding tasks seamlessly, though the S24 Ultra edges ahead with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's raw power and specialized imaging processing. The SE 4 excels in portability and iOS efficiency, while the S24 Ultra impresses with photography versatility and display brilliance at 2600 nits. For budget-conscious users prioritizing core performance and longevity, the iPhone SE 4 is outstanding. Photography enthusiasts, power users, and those wanting cutting-edge features should choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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 Ultra if…
- →Flat titanium design with anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor
- →Outstanding 200 MP camera with dual telephoto
- →Built-in S Pen for productivity
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 Ultra
Pros
- Flat titanium design with anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor
- Outstanding 200 MP camera with dual telephoto
- Built-in S Pen for productivity
- Bright 2600-nit display readable in sunlight
- Seven years of OS and security updates
Cons
- Very heavy at 232 g
- Expensive starting price
- Charging speed unchanged at 45W
- S Pen lost Bluetooth air actions
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 232 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps |
| Telephoto | — | 50 MP 5x periscope + 10 MP 3x |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.39 GHz + 5x3.1 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 750 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| 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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