iPhone 16 vs. Samsung S24: Which is Better for Pakistani Users?
If you are standing at a mobile shop in Hafeez Center or Saddar right now, staring at two boxes that cost as much as a used Mehran, you are facing the ultimate dilemma. The battle of iPhone 16 vs. Samsung S24 isn't just about specs; in Pakistan, it’s about resale value, PTA taxes, social status, and pure utility.
Spending over 300,000 PKR on a smartphone is a massive decision. You aren't just buying a phone; you are investing in an ecosystem. I have used both devices extensively as my daily drivers here in Lahore, dealing with everything from 4G signal drops to capturing aesthetic shots at weddings. So, let’s cut through the marketing noise and talk about which phone actually makes sense for the Pakistani user in 2025.
Design and Build: The "Feel" Factor
Let's be honest, we Pakistanis love a phone that looks expensive. The iPhone 16 continues with its refined, industrial design. The new vertical camera layout is a nice throwback, but the real winner is the Action Button making its way to the non-Pro models. It feels premium, solid, and holds that recognizable "Apple" look that people notice immediately.
On the other hand, the Samsung S24 is a masterpiece of ergonomics. It is slightly lighter and feels incredibly comfortable in the hand. If you are someone who hates heavy phones that drag down your shalwar kameez pocket, the S24 is the winner here. However, I have noticed the matte finish on the Samsung picks up fewer fingerprints compared to the glossy back of the standard iPhone 16.
Display: battling the Pakistani Sun
We live in a country where the sun is unforgiving. You need a display that gets bright enough to read WhatsApp messages when you are stuck in traffic at noon.
Both phones are excellent here. The Samsung S24 hits a peak brightness of 2600 nits, which is technically brighter than the iPhone 16. In practical usage outdoors, I found the Samsung slightly easier to read under direct sunlight. However, the iPhone’s color calibration looks more natural. If you watch a lot of Netflix or YouTube, the S24’s punchy, vibrant colors are more pleasing to the eye.
Camera Wars: The Wedding Season Test
This is arguably the most important category. In Pakistan, your phone is your primary camera for events, food snaps, and selfies.
The iPhone 16: It remains the king of videography. If you are a content creator on TikTok or Instagram Reels, the iPhone is non-negotiable. The app optimization is unmatched. You upload a story, and it looks crisp. The shutter speed is instant, meaning you won't miss a candid moment at a Mehndi function.
The Samsung S24: This is for the photographers. The zoom capabilities, even on the base model, blow the iPhone out of the water. If you want to snap a picture of a stage from the back of the wedding hall, the Samsung wins. Also, Samsung’s processing handles Pakistani skin tones a bit differently—it tends to brighten and smooth images slightly, which many users here prefer over the "harsh reality" of the iPhone camera.
(Internal Link Suggestion: If you are looking for a phone strictly for photography but have a tighter budget, check out our guide on the [Link to Best Camera Phones for TikTok & Vlogging] for some surprising alternatives.)
Performance and Battery Life
We deal with long days and sometimes erratic charging schedules due to load shedding. You need a battery that lasts.
The iPhone 16, with its A18 chip, is a powerhouse. It doesn't lag, ever. But more importantly, the standby time is incredible. You can leave it overnight, and it drops maybe 1%. For gaming—specifically PUBG Mobile—the iPhone is still the device of choice for competitive players in Pakistan due to its touch response consistency.
The Samsung S24 (Exynos version in our region) is fast, but it does tend to get a little warmer than the iPhone when you are using 4G data outdoors in the summer heat. Battery life is a "one-day" affair for both, but the iPhone 16 squeezes out an extra hour or two of screen-on time in my testing.
The Elephant in the Room: PTA Tax & Resale Value
This is the section that international reviewers won't tell you about, but it's the most critical part for us.
1. The PTA Tax Situation
This is painful. The PTA tax on an iPhone 16 is significantly higher than on the Samsung S24. We are talking about a difference that could buy you a decent mid-range Android phone.
- Samsung S24: Often comes officially approved if you buy from authorized dealers, or the tax is somewhat manageable.
- iPhone 16: The tax is astronomical (often 130k+ PKR depending on the passport/CNIC slot). This forces many users to keep their iPhones "Non-PTA" and carry a secondary cheap Android for calls/data. Is that a hassle you are willing to deal with?
2. The "Investor" Mindset (Resale)
Pakistani mobile market logic is simple: iPhone is cash.
If you buy an iPhone 16 today for 300k, you can probably sell it next year for a very decent amount. It holds value like gold. The Samsung S24, unfortunately, depreciates faster. If you like to change phones every year without losing too much money, the iPhone is the safer financial bet.
3. The "Patch" vs. "JV" Reality
You can get a "Patched" (CPID) Samsung S24 that works with SIM cards for a much lower price than an official one. iPhones typically rely on JV chips (Gevey), which can be unreliable with signal stability. If you want a cheaper route that still makes calls flawlessly, a patched Samsung is a more stable option than a JV iPhone.
(Internal Link Suggestion: Confused about legal statuses? Read our detailed breakdown on https://www.empooria.com/search/label/Tech before you hand over your cash.)
Empooria's Take: Which One Should You Buy?
Here is my honest verdict after using both.
Buy the iPhone 16 if:
- You are a content creator (Video quality is king).
- Resale value is your top priority.
- You are already deep in the Apple ecosystem (AirPods, MacBook).
- You don't mind carrying a secondary phone for SIM calls (Non-PTA life).
Buy the Samsung S24 if:
- You want ONE phone that does everything (Calls + Data + Apps) without PTA headaches.
- You prefer a customizable operating system (Android).
- You want a better zoom camera.
- You want a 120Hz display without paying the "Pro" price tag (standard iPhone 16 is still 60Hz, which is criminal in 2025).
Personally? I lean towards the Samsung S24 for the average Pakistani user simply because the 60Hz screen on a 3-lakh rupee iPhone 16 feels insulting, and the freedom of an approved Android phone beats the hassle of carrying two devices.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
iPhone 16
Pros:
- Incredible Video Quality
- Highest Resale Value in Pakistan
- Powerful A18 Chip
- USB-C Charging (Finally!)
Cons:
- Still a 60Hz Screen (Not smooth)
- Insanely High PTA Tax
- Slow Charging Speeds
Samsung S24
Pros:
- 120Hz Smooth Display
- Cheaper/Easier PTA Solutions
- Amazing Zoom Camera
- Customizable One UI
Cons:
- Resale Value Drops Quickly
- Exynos Processor (Can heat up in PK summer)
- Shutter lag in indoor photos
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the iPhone 16 and Samsung S24 in Pakistan comes down to head vs. heart. The iPhone is the status symbol that holds its money. The Samsung is the practical, feature-packed tool that respects your freedom.
Whichever you choose, make sure you buy from a reputable seller and verify the IMEI before leaving the shop. Scams are rampant, especially with "open box" units.
Which team are you on? Are you willing to pay the PTA tax for an iPhone, or is Samsung the smarter play? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the iPhone 16 support physical dual SIM in Pakistan?
It depends on the region of the model. The Hong Kong/China models (ZA/A) usually support dual physical SIMs, which are very popular in Pakistan. Other international models support one physical SIM and one eSIM.
Is the Samsung S24 resale value really that bad?
It is not "bad," but compared to an iPhone, yes. A Samsung flagship might lose 30-40% of its value in a year, whereas an iPhone might only lose 10-15% in the Pakistani market.
Can I use banking apps on a Non-PTA iPhone?
Yes, absolutely. PTA status only affects your SIM card's ability to connect to cellular networks. Your WiFi, Banking Apps, WhatsApp, and social media will work perfectly fine on a Non-PTA device.
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