Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 unless you're on a tight budget. Battery life: Samsung Galaxy S24 is rated for up to 29 hours. In real-world use, the Galaxy S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip crushes the A15 Bionic in raw performance, giving you a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking. If a premium experience is what you're after, the S24 is worth the investment with its 7 years of OS updates and vibrant display. Key specs: Display: 6.2" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S24 (high-end) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.6★ (1,055 reviews) | 4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Commitment to 7 years of OS and security updates | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Wired charging capped at 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models) | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S24
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy S24
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,055)Amazon | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031) | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.2" (6.17" measured diagonally as a full rectangle; 6.0" accounting for rounded corners) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO) | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 416 ppi) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120 Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 2600 nits peak (outdoor) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (67 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 2x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Space Zoom) | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240 fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 4000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum 2 frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 5.79" x 2.78" x 0.30" (147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) (mmWave model) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Samsung Galaxy S24
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Commitment to 7 years of OS and security updates
- Bright 2600-nit LTPO display adjusts down to 1Hz
Cons
- Wired charging capped at 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the better buy for most people - its 6.2" AMOLED display crushes the iPhone SE's outdated 4.7" screen.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 if: you want a stunning 6.2" display for watching movies, need long-lasting battery life with up to 29 hours of video, or crave top-tier performance for gaming.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a lightweight phone that's easy to use one-handed, want an affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem, or need a device that offers great performance for basic tasks. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,055 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S24 edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S24 or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Samsung Galaxy S24 is the better choice if you prioritize commitment to 7 years of os and security updates. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) wins if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S24 offers commitment to 7 years of os and security updates, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S24 wired charging capped at 25w (slower than plus/ultra models). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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