iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Expert Consensus Guide (2025)
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How We Researched This Guide
We analyzed in-depth reviews and test data from Tom’s Guide, RTINGS, GSMArena, DXOMARK, and The Verge to compile this comparison. All specific measurements and test results are attributed to their original sources.
Note: This is a research synthesis based on expert reviews, not hands-on testing by our team. Both phones now have successors—if you want the latest models, see our iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra comparison.
Quick Comparison: Expert Test Results
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Launch) | $999 (128GB) | $1,299 (256GB) | Official |
| Display Size | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Official |
| Peak Brightness | 2,058 nits (measured) | 2,646 nits (measured) | GSMArena |
| Battery Life (Endurance) | 90 hours | 122 hours | GSMArena |
| Camera Score | 154 (Photo + Video) | 153 (Photo + Video) | DXOMARK |
| Weight | 187g | 232g | Official |
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Display: Expert Test Results
GSMArena’s display testing found significant differences in brightness performance:
- iPhone 15 Pro: 2,058 nits peak brightness (measured), excellent color accuracy
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 2,646 nits peak brightness (measured), anti-reflective coating for outdoor visibility
Tom’s Guide noted the S24 Ultra’s display is “simply stunning” with superior outdoor visibility, while praising the iPhone 15 Pro’s color accuracy for content creators.
Expert Consensus: Samsung wins on brightness and size; iPhone wins on color accuracy. Choose based on your priority.
Battery Life: Expert Test Results
GSMArena’s standardized battery testing revealed a significant gap:
| Test | iPhone 15 Pro | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance Rating | 90 hours | 122 hours |
| Video Playback | 18h 36m | 24h 45m |
| Battery Capacity | 3,274 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
Source: GSMArena battery testing
Tom’s Guide’s real-world battery test (web surfing at 150 nits) showed the S24 Ultra lasting 14 hours 9 minutes versus the iPhone 15 Pro’s 10 hours 53 minutes.
Expert Consensus: Samsung wins decisively on battery life—roughly 30% longer in most expert tests.
Camera: Expert Test Results
DXOMARK Scores
DXOMARK’s comprehensive camera testing rated both phones closely:
- iPhone 15 Pro: 154 overall (Photo: 150, Video: 157)
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 153 overall (Photo: 151, Video: 155)
Where Each Excels (Per Expert Reviews)
iPhone 15 Pro strengths (Tom’s Guide, The Verge):
- Superior video stabilization and ProRes workflow
- More natural, true-to-life color reproduction
- Better low-light video performance
Galaxy S24 Ultra strengths (Tom’s Guide, Android Authority):
- 5x optical zoom with better detail retention
- 200MP sensor captures more detail in good lighting
- Superior zoom range (up to 100x Space Zoom)
Expert Consensus: Choose iPhone for video and natural colors; choose Samsung for zoom and photo detail.
Performance: Expert Benchmarks
Tom’s Hardware and AnandTech benchmark testing showed:
| Benchmark | iPhone 15 Pro (A17 Pro) | Galaxy S24 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core | ~2,900 | ~2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | ~7,200 | ~6,700 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
Note: Benchmark scores vary by source; these are approximate averages from multiple reviews.
Expert Consensus: iPhone leads in raw performance; Samsung’s extra RAM helps with multitasking. Both handle any task effortlessly in real-world use.
Software & Updates
Update Commitments
- iPhone 15 Pro: Apple historically supports iPhones for 5-6 years (iPhone 8 from 2017 still received iOS 16)
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Samsung promises 7 years of OS updates and security patches
Key Software Differences
- iOS: Tighter ecosystem integration, simpler interface, StandBy mode
- One UI: More customization, DeX desktop mode, S Pen features
Expert Consensus: Samsung now matches or exceeds Apple on update longevity. Choose based on ecosystem preference.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?
Choose iPhone 15 Pro If:
- You’re in the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch)
- You prioritize video recording and editing
- You prefer a compact, lighter flagship
- You value resale value (iPhones historically retain value better)
Choose Galaxy S24 Ultra If:
- Battery life is a top priority (30%+ longer per GSMArena)
- You want a large, ultra-bright display
- You use or want the S Pen for notes/productivity
- Zoom photography matters to you
Consider Alternatives:
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Best computational photography, 7 years of updates, $999
- iPhone 16 Pro / Galaxy S25 Ultra: If you want the latest models
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better camera?
DXOMARK rates them nearly identically (154 vs 153). iPhone excels at video; Samsung excels at zoom and photo detail.
Is the S24 Ultra worth $300 more?
If you value battery life, display brightness, S Pen, and zoom photography—yes. If you prioritize video or prefer iOS, the iPhone offers better value for those needs.
Which lasts longer with updates?
Samsung now promises 7 years of updates for the S24 Ultra. Apple historically supports iPhones for 5-6 years. Both are excellent for longevity.
Which has better battery life?
Samsung, decisively. GSMArena measured 122-hour endurance vs 90 hours for iPhone—roughly 35% longer.
Can I transfer data from iPhone to Samsung?
Yes. Samsung Smart Switch transfers contacts, photos, messages, and apps. Some iOS-exclusive apps won’t transfer.
Our Research Sources
This comparison synthesized expert reviews from:
- GSMArena – Battery and display measurements
- DXOMARK – Camera scoring
- Tom’s Guide – Real-world testing and comparisons
- The Verge – Editorial reviews
- AnandTech – Performance benchmarks