Short answer: neither is universally “better.” iPhone (Apple) and Galaxy S (Samsung) each excel in different areas — the right choice depends on what you value: ecosystem, camera style, customization, software updates, price, or specific features.

Quick comparison by category

• Operating system

  • iPhone: iOS — polished, consistent, simple, and tightly integrated with Apple services (iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud). Apps are often first-class and well-optimized.
  • Galaxy S: Android (Samsung One UI) — more flexible and customizable (default apps, widgets, deeper file access). Better for power users who like to tweak things.

• Hardware & performance

  • iPhone: Apple’s custom chips (A-series / Apple Silicon) typically lead in single-core performance and efficiency; great sustained performance and longevity.
  • Galaxy S: High-end Exynos or Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (varies by region) offer top-tier performance too, with Samsung focusing on display tech (high-refresh, bright AMOLED) and extras (expandable storage rarely on S-series, though).

• Displays

  • Galaxy S: Samsung makes industry-leading AMOLED displays — often brighter, higher peak HDR brightness, and very high refresh rates.
  • iPhone: Excellent OLEDs as well, color-accurate and well-calibrated with true-tone + haptic touch integration.

• Cameras

  • iPhone: Excellent color science, reliable HDR, video quality and computational consistency. Great for people who want accurate skin tones and straightforward results.
  • Galaxy S: Often provides higher-resolution sensors and more aggressive processing (vibrant colors, strong zoom capabilities on Ultra models). Offers more camera modes and versatility for telephoto/space zoom.

• Battery & charging

  • iPhone: Strong battery life per watt due to hardware-software optimization; MagSafe and reliable fast charging but Apple’s wired charging speeds historically trail some Android rivals.
  • Galaxy S: Competitive battery sizes and faster wired/wireless charging options on many models. Battery life varies with screen settings and SoC.

• Software updates & longevity

  • iPhone: Long software support (many iPhones get 5–7 years of major iOS updates depending on model/Apple’s policy).
  • Galaxy S: Samsung has greatly improved support (several years of Android OS upgrades + security updates), but historically not as long as iPhone for major OS versions — gap has narrowed.

• Ecosystem & accessories

  • iPhone: Strong ecosystem — Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomeKit — seamless continuity features (Handoff, Universal Clipboard, iCloud).
  • Galaxy S: Samsung ecosystem is robust (Galaxy Watch, Buds, Galaxy Tab, Windows/One UI integration), and Android’s openness works well with many third-party devices.

• Privacy & security

  • iPhone: Apple emphasizes privacy features and tighter app permission controls.
  • Galaxy S: Strong security features as well (Knox, secure folder), plus Android gives more granular control but depends on user choices.

• Customization & power features

  • iPhone: More locked-down but simple; fewer customization options.
  • Galaxy S: Highly customizable UI, deeper multitasking (multi-window), and features like DeX (desktop-like experience) on supported devices.

• Price & model variety

  • iPhone: Premium pricing, fewer model variations but solid resale value.
  • Galaxy S: Multiple models (S-series, Plus, Ultra) giving more options for size, camera and price — often more sales/discount opportunities.

How to choose (practical guidance)

• Choose iPhone if you:

  • Use or plan to use other Apple products (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch).
  • Want long software support and consistent performance over years.
  • Prefer simpler, reliable user experience and best-in-class video recording.

• Choose Galaxy S if you:

  • Want the best smartphone display, more camera flexibility (especially zoom), faster charging options, or heavy customization.
  • Prefer Android’s openness and features like DeX or advanced multitasking.
  • Want more model/price choices or features not available on iPhone.

Final tip Decide by priorities: if possible, try each in-store to see feel/UI and view camera samples. If you tell me which features matter most to you (camera zoom, ecosystem, battery, price, gaming, or customization), I’ll recommend a specific model.