Is iPhone 16 the Best Smartphone of 2024? Read on to see how it compares and decide!
On September 9, the much-awaited iPhone 16 series finally hit the market. Nearly two months after this launch, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, a new feature that has been part of the buzz since its initial announcement back in June. Known for its brilliant design and groundbreaking innovation, the iPhone remains a major player in the smartphone industry, standing toe-to-toe with a formidable lineup of flagship Android devices.
As new models flood the market, everyone’s asking, “Does the iPhone 16 hold its ground against the competition?” Below, we’ll break down how the iPhone 16 compares to some of its biggest rivals to help you decide if it’s worth the upgrade.
iPhone 16 overview
iPhone 16
Image from Apple’s website
The iPhone 16 rolls out with some impressive upgrades, starting with the new 48MP Fusion camera that delivers stunning detail and enhanced low-light performance. This high-resolution camera supports both wide and macro shots, which means you can crop photos without losing quality.
Apple has also stepped up its game with an advanced Camera Control system. It mimics a DSLR’s half-press feature, allowing users to lock focus and exposure before recomposing the shot. A double half-press activates quick access to zoom and settings, simplifying the process of capturing both photos and videos.
Moreover, the iPhone 16 series now includes spatial audio recording, which is a game-changer for content creators looking for professional-grade sound. Paired with next-generation Photographic Styles for live editing previews, these features make the iPhone 16 an attractive option for creative users.
Competitor overviews
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24 in Onyx Black
Image from Samsung’s website
Released in January, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 stands out with a display that sets new standards for brightness and clarity. Its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor boosts gaming and overall performance, making it a strong contender among 2024’s flagship smartphones.
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Image from Google Store’s website
Google launched the Pixel 9 just weeks before the iPhone 16. It utilizes AI to boost user interaction, introducing features like Gemini, a personal AI assistant and advanced camera capabilities such as Super Res Zoom Video. With its AI-driven Pixel Studio, the Pixel 9 is perfect for those passionate about mobile photography and creative expression.
OnePlus 12
OnePlus 12 in Silky Black
Image from OnePlus’s website
Debuting in February, the OnePlus 12 delivers notable upgrades, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a robust 5400 mAh battery and a 50MP main camera with up to 120X digital zoom. Its 2K 120 Hz ProXDR Display and Aqua Touch technology enhance visual and touch interactions, offering an immersive user experience.
Key feature comparison
Design and build quality
The iPhone 16 maintains Apple’s signature minimalist style, made with aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless steel for a sleek, durable finish. This design not only looks refined but also stands up well to daily wear and tear. In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 opts for a curved design with a glass back, blending style with comfort. However, you might need a case to protect this beauty from drops.
With the Pixel 9, Google uses recycled aluminum for its frame, appealing to eco-conscious consumers without sacrificing style or durability. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12 features an advanced cooling system, ideal for heavy users and gamers who need consistent, high performance without overheating.
Display technology
The iPhone 16’s Super Retina XDR display is all about providing rich, true-to-life colors and deep blacks, which makes watching videos and viewing photos feel more cinematic and immersive. If you enjoy vibrant visuals or watching movies on your phone, this display will make the experience feel more like a mini-theater.
However, for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 could be the better choice. It features the brightest display in Galaxy history—with QHD+ resolution and 2600 nits of brightness—making it incredibly easy to read even in direct sunlight.
Google’s Pixel 9 offers a high refresh rate and HDR support, which means animations, scrolling and videos look smoother and more vivid. Whether you’re gaming or just scrolling through apps, it’s easier on the eyes and looks visually stunning.
As for the OnePlus 12, it features a 2K 120 Hz ProXDR Display with Aqua Touch, making it both highly responsive and incredibly clear. This makes it especially handy for gaming or multitasking. The Aqua Touch technology also enhances the smoothness of each interaction, making it feel intuitive and responsive.
Camera systems
The iPhone 16 debuts a 48MP Fusion camera, promising top-notch clarity and color accuracy. Features like ProRAW give photography fans more editing options, while 4K video at 120fps delivers smooth, high-quality video, making it ideal for users who love capturing sharp, detailed moments.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24, with its 200MP sensor, provides incredible detail even when zooming or cropping photos. This is perfect for capturing distant subjects like landmarks or wildlife, with impressive zoom capabilities that bring you closer to the action without impacting quality.
Google’s Pixel 9 is known for its AI photography tools like Super Res Zoom and Magic Editor for easy, creative enhancements. You can zoom in clearly, adjust lighting or remove objects directly on your phone, making it great for quick, high-quality edits on the go.
Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12’s 50MP main camera features zoom up to 120X with optical and electronic stabilization, which means steady, clear photos even from a distance or when moving. It’s a versatile option for users who want flexibility, from everyday snapshots to distant shots, with less worry about blurriness.
Battery life
Battery life is better than ever across these models, according to tests by Tom’s Guide. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by a 4,685 mAh battery, leads with about 17.5 hours of battery life, making it great for heavy users who want all-day power without constant charging. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra follows closely, lasting around 16 hours and 45 minutes with its 5,000 mAh battery, which is also solid for a full day of use.
Google’s Pixel 9 models (4,700-5,060 mAh) last between 12.5 to 13.5 hours, providing enough for moderate use but likely needing another charge for intensive tasks or long days. The OnePlus 12 offers around 17 hours and 5 minutes on a single charge, thanks to its larger 5,400 mAh battery. Known for fast charging, it’s ideal for those who want quick, efficient top-ups throughout the day.
Hardware and software
The iPhone 16, with its A18 Bionic chip, delivers fast, smooth performance across apps and games, ideal for users who want a reliable, responsive experience. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12 use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which balances high performance with good battery efficiency, great for those who need power without draining the battery too quickly. Google’s Pixel 9, powered by the AI-focused Tensor G4 chip, excels in smart features like voice recognition and quick on-device processing, perfect for users who want a phone that’s intuitive and adaptive.
On the software side, iOS on the iPhone 16 provides a seamless ecosystem with enhanced privacy and continuity across Apple devices, making it highly secure and user-friendly. Android powers the Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 9 and OnePlus 12, which offer greater customization options. Particularly, the Pixel 9 deeply integrates with Google’s services and AI, enhancing task automation and personalizing the user experience.
AI features
While all the contenders come with AI features, the key distinction lies in their approach to the integration of AI capabilities. On the iPhone 16, Apple Intelligence focuses on privacy, handling AI-powered tasks like rewriting text, adjusting tone and creating images directly on the device to protect user data. Siri also gains contextual smarts, so it can prioritize notifications, summarize emails or even edit a photo and send it—all seamlessly. However, this feature is limited to Apple’s latest devices, like the iPhone 15 and 16.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI, found in the Galaxy S24, makes AI very accessible and visible with real-time language translation, photo editing and personalized recommendations. While these features are free until 2025, they will require a subscription afterward. Samsung’s AI is designed for users who want hands-on features they can engage with actively.
Google’s Pixel 9 brings in Gemini, an upgraded AI assistant replacing Google Assistant, that excels in natural conversation and context. With features like Magic Eraser and other smart tools, it’s ideal for users who want seamless AI help across tasks. Unlike Apple and Samsung, Gemini is available on all Pixel devices and many Android phones, making it more widely accessible.
The OnePlus 12, running OxygenOS, includes some AI for photography and performance boosts, but it doesn’t go as deep into AI as the other brands. It’s a good choice for users who want straightforward enhancements without the added complexity of extensive AI features.
Pricing
All four phones start at about US$799 for the base 128 GB model, making them similarly priced for flagship options. The iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 both offer the 256 GB model at US$899. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 offers a slight price break at US$859.99 for the 256 GB model. Notably, Samsung and Google do not offer a 512 GB option for their non-pro models, whereas the iPhone 16 does, available at US$1,099.
Meanwhile, OnePlus 12 stands out for its cost-efficiency, with the 256 GB version at US$799.99 and 512 GB at US$899.99, making it a great choice if you want more storage without a big price jump.
Should you get the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 brings together Apple’s signature design, innovative camera features and a host of AI-powered tools that cater to a broad spectrum of users. If you value a secure and seamless ecosystem and smooth integration with other Apple devices, the iPhone 16 is an excellent choice. Its powerful A18 Bionic chip, advanced Camera Control and Apple Intelligence make it especially appealing to content creators, tech enthusiasts and those who prioritize privacy and on-device processing for AI tasks.
However, if customization is a priority, or if you’re looking for AI features designed to enhance daily productivity in more flexible ways, options like Google’s Pixel 9 or Samsung’s Galaxy S24 may better suit your needs. OnePlus 12 also provides a strong alternative, particularly for users who want high storage options at a slightly lower price point.
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Header Image by Apple
