PhoneLifespan

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 FE

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 2 points overall, so it depends on you: keep phones for years → Galaxy S24 FE (supported until Oct 2031); want maximum speed → iPhone 16 Pro Max (Apple A18 Pro).

Value Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 71 · Galaxy S24 FE 73 methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max $649
Safe to buy$10.26/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Sep 20292031
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE $499
Safe to buy$7.84/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Oct 20292031

Category by category

Display
iPhone 16 Pro Max 80Galaxy S24 FE 70

The iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is the better one — 6.9-inch super retina xdr oled, promotion 1–120hz, up to 2000 nits peak.

Performance
iPhone 16 Pro Max 95Galaxy S24 FE 82

The iPhone 16 Pro Max's Apple A18 Pro is simply the faster chip.

Camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max 74Galaxy S24 FE 79

The Galaxy S24 FE has the stronger camera system — same lens count, higher-grade sensors.

Battery
iPhone 16 Pro Max 74Galaxy S24 FE 74

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
iPhone 16 Pro Max 75Galaxy S24 FE 76

Both phones' support windows end around the same time.

Value
iPhone 16 Pro Max 71Galaxy S24 FE 73

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
SpeciPhone 16 Pro MaxGalaxy S24 FE
Price (street)$649$499
Display6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 1–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, up to 120Hz, up to 1900 nits
ChipsetApple A18 ProExynos 2400e
RAM8GB8GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery4,685 mAh4,700 mAh
ChargingWired fast charge — 50% in ~30 min with a 20W+ adapter; MagSafe wireless up to 25W25W wired, 15W wireless
Rear cameras48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP periscope 5x50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm162.0 × 77.3 × 8.0 mm
Weight227 g213 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Supported untilSep 2031Oct 2031

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.