Short answer: neither is objectively “better” — it depends on what you value. Here’s a concise breakdown to help you choose.

Operating system and experience

• iPhone (iOS): polished, consistent, very easy to use; long-term software support; strong privacy controls; tighter security and App Store curation. Best if you want simplicity and reliability.
• Galaxy S (Android with Samsung One UI): more customization (home screens, widgets, default apps), deeper integration with Google services, and features you can tweak. Best if you like flexibility and personalization.

Hardware and performance

• iPhone: Apple’s silicon (A-series) typically leads in single-core CPU performance and sustained efficiency, so iPhones feel very fast and smooth across apps and games.
• Galaxy S: Samsung uses top-tier Snapdragon/Exynos chips and often matches or exceeds iPhone in multi-core and GPU tasks, plus it frequently offers higher RAM and storage options. Great for multitasking and some heavy workloads.

Cameras

• iPhone: excellent color accuracy, reliable processing, strong video capabilities (stabilization, cinematic modes). Consistently good photos across lighting conditions.
• Galaxy S: often pushes camera hardware (higher zoom ranges, larger sensors, advanced night modes). Tends toward punchier colors and aggressive processing — better for telephoto and high-zoom shots in many models. Which is “better” depends on which look you prefer (natural vs vibrant) and whether you prioritize zoom/video.

Battery and charging

• iPhone: usually excellent real-world battery life thanks to hardware/software optimization; historically more conservative on charging speeds.
• Galaxy S: often offers faster wired charging, reverse wireless charging, and larger batteries in some models. Battery life can be model-dependent.

Display

• iPhone: high-quality OLED on recent models with excellent color accuracy and brightness.
• Galaxy S: Samsung is a leader in display tech — typically brighter panels, higher peak refresh rates, and sometimes higher resolution options. Best for HDR content and media.

Ecosystem and accessories

• iPhone: seamless integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime — huge advantage if you already use Apple devices.
• Galaxy S: integrates well with Windows (Link to Windows), Samsung tablets/watches, Galaxy Buds, SmartThings smart-home, and often offers more cross-brand cloud choices. Better if you want flexibility or use non-Apple devices.

Software updates

• iPhone: long software support (many years of major iOS updates).
• Galaxy S: Samsung has dramatically improved update support (multi-year Android and security updates), but historically still a bit behind Apple in total years of major updates.

Customization and features

• iPhone: simpler, more curated feature set (shortcuts, focus modes, widgets).
• Galaxy S: more built-in features (edge features, deeper multitasking, file system access, default app choices, more widget/layout control).

Privacy & security

• iPhone: strong privacy features, strict App Store review process.
• Galaxy S: good security (Knox), and Android offers privacy controls too — but overall iOS is often perceived as more locked-down.

Price and model variety

• iPhone: ranges from entry-level SE/standard models to Pro; pricing is stable with fewer deep discounts.
• Galaxy S: multiple models (standard, Plus, Ultra) with varied specs; frequent promotions and carrier deals make some models cheaper at purchase.

When to pick which

• Choose iPhone if you want: simplicity, long software support, best-in-class video, and if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem.
• Choose Galaxy S if you want: maximum hardware features (zoom, display, charging), deeper customization, better value/promotions, or tighter Google/Android integration.

Quick buying tips

• Prioritize battery life and camera samples rather than just megapixels — check real-world photos/videos.
• If you use a laptop/tablet from the same brand family, prioritize the phone that integrates with it.
• Consider storage: neither brand makes storage cheap; pick what you realistically need.
• Try both in person (feel, UI, typing) — personal fit matters.

If you want, tell me which features matter most to you (camera zoom, battery, ecosystem, price, customization) and I’ll recommend a specific model.