iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S24: Which Will Last Longer in 2025?

Overview

Which smartphone will still be worth your money in 2028—the iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S24? That's the question more buyers are asking as flagship prices climb past $1,000. In this guide, we're not comparing camera megapixels or benchmark scores. Instead, we're focusing on longevity and resale value over three years, using historical data and real-world ownership costs. Because ultimately, the true cost of a phone is what you pay today minus what you get back later.

Background/Context

The flagship market in 2025 is tough. Both Apple and Samsung sell their top-tier phones at premium prices, but they hold value very differently. Historically, iPhones have resisted depreciation much better than Android flagships. According to data from SellCell over the past five years, the average iPhone retains about 40–50% of its original value after three years, while Samsung flagships often fall below 30%. The Galaxy S24 launched at $799.99, and the iPhone 16 at $799.99 as well—so the starting point is identical. Yet the long-term cost of ownership diverges significantly.

But price isn't the only factor. Software support, battery replacement costs, and repairability all affect how long you can keep a phone running smoothly. This year, Samsung extended its OS update promise to seven years for the S24 series, matching Apple's own track record. That's a game changer. Still, hardware durability and ecosystem incentives lean heavily toward Apple. Let's break down what actually matters.

Core Concepts

What Does "Value" Really Mean in a Flagship?

Value isn't just the sticker price; it's the total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO includes:

• Purchase price
• Accessories and repairs (cases, screens, batteries)
• Resale value after a few years
• Software support duration and quality
• Performance longevity (how well it runs after updates)

Longevity Drivers

Three main factors determine how long your phone stays relevant:

1. Software updates: Both the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 now offer six to seven years of major OS updates, but Apple's updates roll out to all compatible devices simultaneously, while Samsung's often lag months behind.
2. Battery health: Both use lithium-ion batteries, but Apple offers cheaper out-of-warranty battery replacements ($89–$99) compared to Samsung's $70–$90, though availability varies.
3. Repairability: The iPhone 16 adopts more repairable design with a new adhesive system; the S24 is also easier to open than previous generations, though both still use proprietary parts.

In-Depth Analysis

Historical Depreciation: iPhone vs Samsung

Let's look at numbers. A typical iPhone 13 (2021) retained around 45% of its value after three years, while a Galaxy S22 (2021) often dropped to just 25–30%. That means a $799 iPhone 13 was still worth ~$360 in 2024, but the Galaxy S22 (also $799) was worth only ~$220. That's a $140 difference in real money. For the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24, this trend is likely to continue, although Samsung's improved update policy could slow its depreciation curve.

Software Support: More Equal Than Ever

Samsung's pledge of seven years of OS/security updates for the S24 is a monumental shift. But there's a catch: Apple controls both hardware and software, so updates are optimized for the exact chipset. In tests, older iPhones (e.g., iPhone X) still handle iOS 12–17 reasonably well, while even recent Samsung devices often show slowdowns after major Android updates. The A18 chip in the iPhone 16 is identical to the Pro models, ensuring long-term headroom. The S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is powerful too, but Android's fragmentation can cause inconsistent performance.

Battery and Repairability

Battery health directly impacts resale value. Both phones let you check battery capacity, but Apple's battery replacement process is more streamlined. In 2025, Apple will even allow used parts pairing—meaning you can buy a battery from dead iPhone and use it in another. Samsung is still behind on this front. For a three-year use case, you'll likely need a battery replacement. The average cost for iPhone 16 battery replacement is $89; the Galaxy S24 battery replacement runs about $70. That $20 savings doesn't offset the resale gap.

Resale Value Projections for 2025–2028

Based on historical data, here's our independent forecast for the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 bought at $799 in 2025:

Phone	Value After 1 Yr	After 2 Yrs	After 3 Yrs
iPhone 16	$520–$560	$400–$440	$320–$360
Galaxy S24	$430–$460	$300–$340	$210–$250

That's a $110–$120 difference at the three-year mark—enough to buy a mid-range phone case and an Apple MagSafe charger, or two years of cloud storage. If you sell your phone, iPhone clearly wins.

Ecosystem Lock-in

Apple users are more likely to upgrade within the same brand, which boosts trade-in values. Samsung offers trade-in deals but they're often promotional and require you to switch carriers. The iPhone's integration with Macs, iPads, and Watch makes it stickier. If you ever decide to switch, iPhones sell faster on the secondary market—averaging 8 days on Swappa vs. 14 days for Galaxy devices.

Practical Applications

Who Should Buy an iPhone 16?

• The three-year planner: If you want maximum resale value and smooth performance for years, iPhone 16 is the safer bet.
• Ecosystem users: Already own a Mac or iPad? The iPhone 16 just works.
• First-time flagship buyers: The iPhone's lower depreciation means you'll feel less buyer's remorse.

Who Should Buy a Galaxy S24?

• Android loyalists: You prefer customization and a more open OS. The S24's value is still decent if you use it for 4–5 years.
• Power users: The S24's 120Hz AMOLED display and multitasking features may appeal more.
• Budget-conscious switchers: If you can get a carrier deal that discounts the S24 heavily (e.g., $300 off), the resale dip becomes less painful.

Accessories That Preserve Value

A case is non-negotiable. A scratched or cracked phone loses an extra 20–30% in resale. We recommend:

• Spigen Ultra Hybrid for iPhone 16 – clear and rugged, has kept our test phone pristine
• OtterBox Symmetry for Galaxy S24 – minimal bulk, good grip
• ZAGG InvisibleShield for iPhone 16 – screen protection that truly works

Also consider buying a used iPhone 16 or Galaxy S24 from a trusted reseller like Swappa. Our colleagues at Review Atlas have a handy resource on 7 cheaper alternatives to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which includes tips for buying older flagships if you're stretching your budget.

Should You Wait for a Deal?

Both phones are already discounted. The iPhone 16 is often $50–$100 off during holiday sales; the S24 has dropped to as low as $599. If you're tight on cash, the Galaxy S24 at $599 is a steal—but remember that lower initial price also means lower resale. If you keep it four years, the depreciation becomes insignificant. The iPhone 16 rarely dips below $699, but its trade-in value stays high.

Our Recommendations

After crunching the numbers, here's our bottom line:

For most buyers, the iPhone 16 is the better long-term value. The upfront price is similar, but after three years, you'll recoup roughly $100 more than with the Galaxy S24. Plus, iOS updates are more consistent and the ecosystem makes future upgrades easier. The iPhone 16 is especially right for users who plan to upgrade in 2–3 years.

The Galaxy S24 only makes sense if you buy it at a significant discount or are committed to Android for personal or work reasons. The new seven-year update promise is excellent, but the physical resale market still punishes Samsung devices. If you keep your phone for five-plus years and don't care about trade-in, the S24 is a competent, capable flagship.

We also encourage you to consider emerging alternatives like the Pixel 8 or OnePlus 12, but based on historical data, neither challenges the iPhone's depreciation resistance.

Bottom Line

In the flagship comparison for 2025, value is about what you keep, not what you spend. The iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 start at the same price, but the iPhone's superior resale value, longer real-world lifespan, and cheaper battery repairs make it the smarter investment for most people. The Galaxy S24 is a great phone—it just costs more in the long run. If you're looking to maximize every dollar, choose the iPhone 16. If Android is your life, the S24 is still a good choice, but don't expect a hefty return when you sell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of ownership for an iPhone 16 vs a Galaxy S24?

Both start at $799. Over three years, the iPhone 16 retains $320–$360, while the Galaxy S24 drops to $210–$250. Add battery replacements ($89 vs $70) and you’re looking at a net cost of roughly $530–$570 for the iPhone versus $620–$660 for the Galaxy. That’s a $100+ difference, making the iPhone the better long-term value.

How does Samsung's 7-year update guarantee compare to Apple's iOS support in real-world performance?

Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates, matching Apple’s timeline. However, Apple’s updates arrive simultaneously across all supported devices and are optimized for specific chips, so older iPhones tend to stay smooth. Samsung’s updates roll out in waves over months and can introduce slowdowns, even on flagships. So while the duration is now equal, the user experience still favors Apple.

Why do iPhones depreciate slower than Samsung Galaxy phones?

iPhones have a larger, more liquid resale market, driven by strong brand demand and ecosystem lock-in. Buyers trust iPhone longevity, and Apple’s consistent software updates maintain usability. Samsung devices, despite improvements, face faster competition and steeper discounts on new models, which pushes used prices down. Historically, iPhones retain 40–50% after three years versus under 30% for Samsung flagships.

When is the best time to sell your iPhone 16 or Galaxy S24 to maximize resale value?

Sell before the next model launches, typically after one to two years. For the iPhone 16, aim around the 1-year mark, when value is $520–$560; the drop accelerates after the iPhone 17 release. For the Galaxy S24, sell within the first year—value falls to $430–$460 initially, then plummets with new Androids. Waiting three years costs you $110–$120 more in depreciation.