Choosing the best compact smartphone in 2025 has never been more challenging. With Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Apple’s iPhone 16 both vying for the title, let’s dive deep into their features, specifications, and performance to determine which compact phone reigns supreme.
1. Design and Build
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Material: Armor Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 3.
- Dimensions: 146.7 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm.
- Weight: 168g.
- Colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender.
- Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes).
iPhone 16:
- Material: Ceramic Shield front with aerospace-grade aluminum frame.
- Dimensions: 146.3 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.
- Weight: 174g.
- Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Product(RED), and Blue.
- Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 6m for 30 minutes).
Winner: iPhone 16 offers slightly better water resistance, but the Galaxy S24’s lighter frame is more ergonomic for extended use.
2. Display
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
- Size: 6.1 inches.
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz.
- Brightness: 2000 nits peak.
iPhone 16:
- Type: Super Retina XDR OLED.
- Size: 6.1 inches.
- Resolution: 2556 x 1179 pixels.
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz ProMotion.
- Brightness: 2000 nits peak.
Winner: Tie. Both phones boast vibrant displays, but Apple’s higher resolution may appeal to pixel purists.
3. Performance
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Processor: Exynos 2400 (Global) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US, China).
- RAM: 8GB.
- Storage: 128GB/256GB (UFS 4.0).
- OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1.
iPhone 16:
- Processor: A17 Pro Bionic chip.
- RAM: 6GB.
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB.
- OS: iOS 17.
Winner: iPhone 16. The A17 Pro chip delivers unmatched efficiency and GPU performance, although Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant isn’t far behind.
4. Camera
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.8, OIS).
- Ultra-wide: 12MP (f/2.2).
- Telephoto: 10MP (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom).
- Front Camera: 12MP (f/2.2).
iPhone 16:
- Main Camera: 48MP (f/1.6, OIS).
- Ultra-wide: 12MP (f/2.4).
- Telephoto: None.
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9).
Winner: Galaxy S24. The inclusion of a telephoto lens provides more versatility for photography enthusiasts.
5. Battery and Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Battery Capacity: 3900mAh.
- Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless.
iPhone 16:
- Battery Capacity: 3400mAh (estimated).
- Charging: 20W wired, 15W MagSafe.
Winner: Galaxy S24. Faster wired charging and a larger battery make it a better pick for power users.
6. Software and Ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Strengths: Highly customizable UI, seamless integration with Galaxy devices, and Samsung DeX.
- Updates: 4 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.
iPhone 16:
- Strengths: Robust ecosystem, superior app optimization, and exclusive features like AirDrop and FaceTime.
- Updates: Likely to receive 6-7 years of software updates.
- Winner: iPhone 16. Apple’s extended software support ensures long-term value.
7. Price
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Starts at $799.
- iPhone 16: Starts at $899.
- Winner: Galaxy S24. It offers excellent value for a lower starting price.
Final Verdict
- Best for Android Fans: Samsung Galaxy S24 excels in battery life, camera versatility, and affordability.
- Best for Apple Enthusiasts: iPhone 16 shines with its processor performance, software longevity, and ecosystem integration.
- Overall Best Compact Phone: Both phones deliver top-tier performance, but your choice depends on personal preferences like OS ecosystem, camera needs, and budget. If you value affordability and features, the Galaxy S24 is unbeatable. For seamless software and long-term updates, the iPhone 16 takes the crown.