iPhone vs. Samsung: The Ultimate Showdown to Help You Pick Your Perfect Pocket Pal

Oh man, I remember it like it was yesterday. My old phone was on its last leg, screen cracked, battery barely holding a charge, and every app took ages to open. It was time for an upgrade, and like so many folks out there, I found myself in the digital battleground, staring down the two titans: Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy. Friends swore by their iPhones, touting their simplicity and seamless ecosystem. Others championed Samsung, praising the endless customization and cutting-edge tech. It was a real head-scratcher, leaving me scratching my head and wondering, “Which phone is better, iPhone or Samsung?”

Well, here’s the skinny right off the bat: The “better” phone, iPhone or Samsung, isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it truly boils down to individual priorities, budget, and how deeply you’re entrenched in a particular ecosystem. There’s no single champion because what makes a phone “better” is entirely subjective. Are you after ultimate simplicity and rock-solid privacy? An iPhone might be your jam. Do you crave endless customization, a wider range of hardware, and bleeding-edge features? A Samsung Galaxy device could be your perfect fit. Let’s dive deep into what makes each one tick, so you can make an informed decision and pick your perfect pocket pal.

The Ecosystem Divide: iOS vs. Android – More Than Just Operating Systems

When you’re comparing an iPhone to a Samsung phone, you’re not just comparing hardware; you’re really pitting two colossal software ecosystems against each other: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android (which Samsung heavily customizes with its One UI). This is, hands down, the biggest differentiator and often the main reason folks lean one way or the other.

Apple’s iOS: The Walled Garden of Simplicity and Security

If you’re an iPhone user, you know the drill. iOS is all about a streamlined, intuitive experience. Apple prides itself on making things just *work*. From the moment you unbox your new iPhone, the setup is straightforward, and navigating the interface feels instantly familiar, even if you’re new to the game. My own experience with iOS has always been one of smooth sailing; there’s rarely a hiccup, and everything feels tightly integrated.

• Strengths of iOS:
  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: The learning curve is practically flat. Everything is where you expect it to be, and the user interface is clean and consistent. My grandma, bless her heart, picked up an iPhone faster than she learned to use her smart TV remote.
  • Seamless Ecosystem Integration: This is a big one. If you own an Apple Watch, an iPad, a MacBook, or even AirPods, the way they all talk to each other is pretty magical. Handoff, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard – it all makes your digital life flow effortlessly. Sharing photos from my iPhone to my Mac for editing is just a couple of clicks, no cables needed.
  • Security and Privacy: Apple has made privacy a cornerstone of its brand, and it shows. Features like App Tracking Transparency give you control over which apps can track your activity. On-device processing for things like Face ID and Siri requests also adds a layer of security. Malware is relatively rare on iOS compared to the broader Android landscape, thanks to Apple’s stringent App Store review process.
  • Consistent Software Updates: iPhones typically receive major iOS updates for many years – often 5-7 years for flagship models. This means your phone stays current with the latest features and security patches, which is a huge bonus for longevity and resale value.
  • App Store Quality: While both platforms have millions of apps, the iOS App Store is often perceived to have a higher overall quality, with developers sometimes prioritizing iOS for new features or polished interfaces first.
• Weaknesses of iOS:
  • Less Customization: If you love tinkering with widgets, launchers, and deeply personalized themes, iOS can feel a bit restrictive. You get what Apple gives you, which for some, is perfectly fine, but for others, it’s a drag.
  • The “Walled Garden”: While great for integration within the Apple ecosystem, it can make playing nice with non-Apple devices a bit more challenging. Sharing files with an Android user via AirDrop, for example, is a no-go.
  • Higher Entry Price: Generally speaking, iPhones tend to start at a higher price point than many comparable Android devices, especially when looking at the flagship tiers.

Android (Samsung’s Flavor): The Open Playground of Customization and Choice

Samsung runs on Android, but it’s not just any Android. They slap their own custom interface, One UI, on top, which significantly changes the look and feel from stock Android. Samsung has done a fantastic job evolving One UI over the years, making it more polished and feature-rich, often adding unique functionalities you won’t find on other Android phones or even iPhones.

• Strengths of Android (Samsung):
  • Openness and Customization: This is where Android truly shines. Want a different launcher? Go for it. Widgets that perfectly match your aesthetic? You got it. Deep-seated themes that transform your entire UI? Samsung’s got tools like Good Lock that let you tweak almost everything. For power users and folks who love to make their phone truly *theirs*, this is invaluable.
  • Wider Hardware Variety and Price Points: Samsung offers an incredible range of phones, from budget-friendly A-series devices to the cutting-edge Galaxy S, Fold, and Flip flagships. This means there’s a Samsung phone for almost every budget and need, unlike Apple’s more concentrated lineup.
  • Innovation Often Appears Here First: Foldable phones? Samsung led the charge. Under-display cameras, massive zoom lenses, reverse wireless charging – these often debut on Samsung Galaxy devices before or alongside other Android flagships. Samsung isn’t afraid to push the boundaries.
  • More Port Options and File Management: Historically, Android phones (including Samsung’s) have been more flexible with external storage (microSD cards) and universally adopted USB-C much earlier, making file transfers and connectivity with other devices a breeze. While iPhones now sport USB-C on Pro models, Android has been there for ages.
  • Multi-tasking Prowess: Samsung’s One UI offers robust multi-window capabilities, allowing you to run multiple apps side-by-side or in pop-up windows, which is super handy on their larger screens.
• Weaknesses of Android (Samsung):
  • Fragmentation and Update Cycles: While Samsung has improved dramatically in recent years, historically, Android updates could be spotty. While flagship Samsung phones now get 4-5 years of major OS updates and even longer security updates, it’s still generally less consistent across the entire Android landscape than Apple’s unified approach.
  • Perceived Security Risks: Due to Android’s open nature and the ability to side-load apps from outside the Play Store, there’s a *perceived* higher risk of malware. However, Google Play Protect and Samsung Knox provide robust security, and if you stick to reputable app sources, the risks are minimal for the average user.
  • Less Seamless Integration (Across Different Android Brands): While Samsung has its own ecosystem (SmartThings, Galaxy Watch, Buds), it’s not as universally integrated with *other* Android brands as Apple’s ecosystem is with its own devices.

Hardware and Design: A Tale of Two Philosophies

Both companies craft beautiful, premium devices, but their design philosophies often diverge. Apple tends to refine an existing design for several generations, focusing on subtle improvements and iconic recognition. Samsung, on the other hand, is often more experimental, especially with its flagship S series and the groundbreaking Fold/Flip lines.

iPhone’s Iconic Aesthetics

Apple’s design language is instantly recognizable. Think sleek lines, premium materials like aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless steel, and often a very symmetrical, minimalist look. The squared-off edges of recent iPhones have become a staple. They’re built to feel solid and high-quality in your hand. My first iPhone felt like a little piece of luxury, and that feeling has mostly persisted through generations. The consistency in design is a big draw for many, as is the feeling of holding a meticulously engineered device.

Samsung’s Diverse and Innovative Designs

Samsung offers a much broader array of designs. Their Galaxy S series often features stunning curved displays (though less so recently), punch-hole cameras, and a more futuristic aesthetic. The materials are equally premium, often glass and aluminum, but with a willingness to experiment with finishes and colors. Then there are the foldables – the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip. These are absolute game-changers in terms of form factor, offering pocketable tablets or stylish flip phones that literally bend the rules of smartphone design. This innovation is something Apple has yet to fully embrace, giving Samsung a distinct edge for those who want something truly different.

Camera Capabilities: Capturing Your World

For many, the camera is *the* most important feature on a smartphone. Both Apple and Samsung consistently produce some of the best mobile cameras on the market, but they approach photography with slightly different philosophies.

iPhone: The “Point and Shoot” Master

iPhones are renowned for their “point and shoot” simplicity. You pull it out, snap a picture, and 99% of the time, you get a great shot with accurate colors, excellent dynamic range, and natural-looking results. Apple’s computational photography, like Deep Fusion and Photographic Styles, works behind the scenes to optimize your photos without you ever needing to tweak a setting. Their video capabilities are often considered best-in-class, with incredible stability and cinematic modes that add a professional touch. For me, the iPhone camera is reliable and consistent, always delivering a solid image, especially for family photos and quick memories.

Samsung: Versatility and Feature-Rich Imaging

Samsung’s Galaxy cameras, especially on the Ultra models, often boast more lenses and higher megapixel counts, leading to incredible zoom capabilities (Space Zoom can get you surprisingly close to distant objects). Their photos often have more vibrant, punchy colors – sometimes a bit oversaturated for some tastes, but undeniably eye-catching. Samsung’s camera app is packed with features, from robust Pro modes to unique shooting modes like Single Take, which captures multiple photos and videos from one press. Nightography on recent Samsung phones has also been seriously impressive, pulling in a ton of detail in low light. If you love having more control, more options, and pushing the limits of mobile photography, Samsung often gives you more to play with.

Camera Feature Quick Look

Here’s a little table comparing some general camera strengths:

Performance and Power: Under the Hood Battle

Both Apple and Samsung produce incredibly powerful phones, but the way they achieve that power and how it translates to user experience can differ.

Apple’s A-Series Chips: Unmatched Raw Power and Optimization

Apple designs its own A-series Bionic chips, and they are consistently beasts. For years, these chips have outperformed pretty much every other mobile processor in raw benchmarks. But it’s not just about raw power; it’s about Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software. Because they control both, they can optimize iOS to run incredibly efficiently on their chips. This translates to buttery-smooth performance, lightning-fast app launches, and excellent gaming capabilities, even on phones with less RAM than their Android counterparts. You rarely see an iPhone stutter, even after years of use.

Samsung’s Exynos/Snapdragon: Pushing the Envelope

Samsung uses either Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips (in many regions, including the US) or its own Exynos chips (in others). These are also incredibly powerful processors, often pushing the boundaries with new features and efficiency gains. Samsung phones often come with more RAM than iPhones, which helps with heavy multitasking and keeping many apps open in the background. While benchmark scores might sometimes show Apple’s chips slightly ahead, in real-world use, flagship Samsung phones are incredibly fast and responsive. They handle demanding games, video editing, and complex apps without breaking a sweat. My current Samsung phone feels just as snappy as any iPhone I’ve used, especially for heavy-duty tasks.

Display Technology: A Feast for the Eyes

If there’s one area where Samsung has often led the pack, it’s displays. They’re a major supplier of OLED panels to many companies, including Apple.

Samsung’s AMOLED Dominance

Samsung pioneered many of the advancements in smartphone displays. Their Super AMOLED panels are known for incredibly vibrant colors, deep blacks (because pixels can truly turn off), and often higher peak brightness. They’ve also been quicker to adopt higher refresh rates (like 120Hz), making scrolling and animations feel incredibly fluid and smooth. Samsung displays are truly a feast for the eyes, whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or just navigating the UI.

Apple’s Refined Retina and ProMotion

Apple’s Super Retina XDR displays are also absolutely stunning. They might not always push the boundaries of saturation as much as Samsung, but they focus on incredible color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. With their ProMotion technology (on Pro models), iPhones also offer adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, providing that same silky-smooth experience. Apple also incorporates features like True Tone, which adjusts the display’s white balance to match the ambient light, making for a more natural viewing experience. And let’s not forget Ceramic Shield, Apple’s proprietary display cover that boasts impressive drop resistance.

Security and Privacy: Guarding Your Digital Life

In our increasingly connected world, how our phones protect our data and privacy is a paramount concern. Both companies take this seriously, but with different approaches.

Apple’s Privacy-First Approach

Apple has positioned itself as a champion of privacy. As mentioned, features like App Tracking Transparency give users significant control over how apps collect and share their data. iOS also heavily relies on on-device processing for many features, meaning your data doesn’t necessarily leave your phone to be analyzed. Face ID, their biometric authentication system, is incredibly secure and convenient. The closed nature of iOS means a tightly controlled environment, which generally results in fewer security vulnerabilities.

Samsung’s Knox and Android’s Robust Permissions

Samsung addresses security with its Knox platform, an enterprise-grade security solution built into their hardware and software. Knox creates a secure environment on the phone, isolating sensitive data from the rest of the system. Android itself offers robust app permissions, allowing users to granularly control what each app can access (camera, microphone, location, etc.). Google Play Protect scans apps for malware, and Android’s open nature also means security researchers can often find and report vulnerabilities quickly, leading to patches. While Android is inherently more open, Samsung’s layers of security make their devices very secure for everyday use.

Value and Longevity: A Long-Term Investment

A smartphone is a significant investment, so considering its initial cost, how long it will last, and its resale value is crucial.

Initial Cost and Range

Samsung offers a massive range of phones across various price points. You can get a decent Samsung phone for a couple hundred bucks, or you can splurge on a top-tier flagship like a Galaxy S Ultra or a foldable that costs well over a grand. Apple, on the other hand, typically starts its entry-level iPhones at a higher price point, with its flagship Pro models often pushing into the four-figure range. If budget is your absolute top priority, Samsung almost certainly has a more affordable option that fits your needs.

Resale Value and Software Support

This is where iPhones often shine. Historically, iPhones hold their resale value better than almost any Android phone. This is largely due to Apple’s long-term software support. An iPhone can receive major iOS updates for 5-7 years, meaning even an older model still feels current and secure. Samsung has made huge strides here, now offering 4-5 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates for its flagship devices, which is fantastic for the Android world. However, the perception of Apple’s long-term support still gives it an edge in the secondary market.

User Experience: Which Feels Right?

Beyond specs and features, how a phone *feels* to use every day is paramount.

Simplicity vs. Customization Revisited

This really comes down to whether you prefer a curated, consistent experience or one you can mold to your will. iPhones offer that streamlined, “it just works” simplicity. Everything is clean, clear, and follows Apple’s design guidelines. Samsung, with One UI, offers a more feature-rich, customizable experience. You can change almost anything, from the app icon shapes to the animations. For some, this freedom is liberating; for others, it’s overwhelming. Personally, I appreciate the customization options on my Samsung, but I know plenty of people who just want their phone to be simple and get out of their way.

Gestures and Navigation

Both platforms have evolved to rely heavily on gesture navigation, which works remarkably well on both. Swiping up to go home, swiping from the side to go back – these have become standard. While there are subtle differences, adapting to either system is usually quick and painless.

Accessibility Features

Both Apple and Samsung deserve major props for their comprehensive accessibility features. VoiceOver/TalkBack, magnifiers, hearing aid support, haptic feedback adjustments – both companies are committed to making their devices usable for everyone, and they continue to innovate in this space.

Who is the iPhone For?

Based on all this, an iPhone might be your ideal choice if:

• You value ultimate simplicity and ease of use. You want a phone that just works without a lot of fuss.
• You’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. You own an Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, or AirPods and want seamless integration.
• Privacy and security are your top priorities. You appreciate Apple’s strong stance and features like App Tracking Transparency.
• You want the best video camera in a smartphone. iPhones are incredibly reliable for capturing high-quality video.
• You’re looking for excellent long-term software support and high resale value. Your phone will stay current for many years.
• You prefer a consistent, premium design aesthetic. You like Apple’s iconic look and feel.

Who is a Samsung Galaxy Phone For?

A Samsung Galaxy phone, especially one from their flagship lines, could be your perfect match if:

• You crave deep customization and control over your phone’s interface. You love to tinker with widgets, launchers, and themes.
• You want cutting-edge hardware and innovative features. Things like foldable screens, incredible zoom cameras, or reverse wireless charging excite you.
• You appreciate a wider range of price points and models. You can find a Samsung device that perfectly fits your budget and specific needs.
• You desire a feature-rich camera experience with lots of options. You like having multiple lenses, advanced modes, and powerful zoom.
• You’re a power user who benefits from robust multitasking capabilities. Samsung’s multi-window and DeX features are incredibly powerful.
• You need a phone that plays well with other Android devices and open standards. You appreciate the flexibility of file management and wider compatibility.

Making Your Choice: A Decision Checklist

Still on the fence? Let’s break it down into a handy checklist to help you ponder what really matters:

1. Budget: What’s the absolute most you’re willing to spend? (Samsung offers more budget-friendly options, while iPhones generally start higher.)
2. Operating System Preference: Do you prefer the straightforward, curated experience of iOS or the open, customizable nature of Android?
3. Ecosystem Integration: What other devices do you own? (Apple for Apple devices, Samsung/Android for broader compatibility or Samsung’s own ecosystem.)
4. Camera Priorities: Are you a “point and shoot” person who values consistency, or do you want advanced zoom, multiple lenses, and more control?
5. Design and Form Factor: Do you prefer Apple’s iconic, refined design, or are you intrigued by Samsung’s innovation, including foldables?
6. Customization Needs: How important is it for you to personalize every aspect of your phone’s interface?
7. Longevity and Updates: How long do you plan to keep the phone, and how important are years of guaranteed software updates?
8. Gaming/Performance: Do you play a lot of demanding games or use resource-intensive apps? (Both excel, but Apple often has an edge in raw power/optimization.)
9. Display Quality: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and the latest display tech (often Samsung), or balanced accuracy and brightness (both excel)?
10. Security and Privacy: Which company’s approach to these crucial aspects aligns more with your personal values?

My Take: A Personal Perspective

Having navigated this exact dilemma countless times for myself, friends, and family, my conclusion remains steadfast: neither iPhone nor Samsung is inherently “better” across the board. It’s truly about finding the best fit for *you*. If I had to generalize, I’d say the iPhone offers a premium, consistent, and exceptionally reliable experience that minimizes friction, especially for those already in Apple’s orbit. It’s like a finely tuned instrument that plays beautiful music every time, no matter who picks it up.

Samsung, on the other hand, often represents the cutting edge of smartphone technology. With a Samsung, you’re getting a device that’s frequently pushing boundaries, offering more customization, and a wider array of features that truly let you tailor your mobile experience. It’s more like a versatile toolbox, packed with every gadget and gizmo you could imagine, ready for you to experiment and create something truly unique.

My current daily driver happens to be a Samsung Galaxy, primarily because I crave that customization and the versatility of its camera system. But I’ve loved my iPhones in the past, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend one to someone who values simplicity above all else. The best advice I can give? Get your hands on both if you can. Visit a store, play around with the interface, snap some photos, and see which one *feels* right in your hand and for your digital life. Because at the end of the day, your phone is a deeply personal tool, and the “best” one is the one that makes you happy.

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone vs. Samsung

Q1: Which has better battery life, iPhone or Samsung?

This is a question without a simple, universal answer because battery life varies significantly by specific model, usage patterns, and software optimization. Historically, iPhones were often criticized for smaller batteries, but Apple has made tremendous strides in recent years, especially with their “Max” and “Pro Max” models, which consistently offer excellent, all-day battery life for most users. Apple’s efficient A-series chips and tight iOS optimization allow them to squeeze more life out of smaller batteries.

Samsung, especially with its flagship Ultra series, often packs larger physical batteries. Coupled with improving software optimization in One UI and the efficiency of modern Snapdragon/Exynos chips, many high-end Samsung phones also offer superb battery longevity. For instance, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra can easily last a full day or even more for many users. Mid-range Samsung phones can also offer great battery life due to larger capacities and less demanding hardware. Ultimately, both brands offer models with excellent battery performance, so it’s best to check reviews for specific models you’re considering, rather than generalizing across the entire lineup.

Q2: Is iPhone or Samsung better for photography/videography?

Both iPhone and Samsung consistently rank among the top contenders for smartphone photography and videography, but their strengths often lie in different areas, catering to different user preferences. For photography, iPhones excel in “point and shoot” simplicity, delivering consistently natural-looking images with excellent color accuracy and reliable exposure. Their computational photography ensures that most everyday shots turn out great without much effort. Samsung, particularly with its Ultra models, often offers more versatility with advanced zoom capabilities (both optical and digital), a wider array of lenses, and a feature-rich camera app that includes powerful Pro modes and creative options like Single Take. Samsung photos can often appear more vibrant and punchy, which many users prefer, though sometimes they can be slightly oversaturated.

For videography, iPhones are widely considered to be the gold standard. Their video quality, stabilization, and ability to handle various lighting conditions are incredibly consistent. Features like Cinematic Mode add a professional-grade depth-of-field effect that’s impressive for a smartphone. While Samsung phones also offer excellent video recording, including 8K on some models, Apple’s overall consistency and ease of use for video often give it a slight edge for the average user, especially if you’re not constantly tinkering with settings.

Q3: Which is more secure, iPhone or Samsung?

Both iPhone and Samsung devices offer robust security features, making them both highly secure for the vast majority of users, assuming good digital hygiene practices (like strong passwords and avoiding suspicious links). Apple’s iOS is renowned for its “walled garden” approach, which means a tightly controlled ecosystem where apps undergo rigorous review before appearing in the App Store. This closed nature inherently reduces the attack surface for malware. Apple also puts a strong emphasis on user privacy with features like App Tracking Transparency and on-device processing of sensitive data.

Samsung, while running on the more open Android platform, bolsters its security with its enterprise-grade Knox security platform, which provides hardware-backed security, isolating sensitive data from the main operating system. Android itself has strong app permission controls and Google Play Protect actively scans apps for malware. While the Android ecosystem’s openness *can* theoretically lead to more vulnerabilities if users side-load unverified apps, sticking to the Google Play Store and keeping your software updated mitigates most risks. For the average user, both platforms offer excellent protection, but Apple’s reputation for privacy and its closed ecosystem often give it a perceived edge in security.

Q4: Do iPhones or Samsung phones last longer?

The lifespan of a smartphone depends on several factors, including build quality, battery degradation, and perhaps most crucially, software support. In terms of physical durability, both companies use premium materials, and with proper care (and maybe a good case), both can last for many years. However, software updates play a massive role in a phone’s perceived longevity. Apple is historically unmatched in providing long-term software support, often delivering major iOS updates to iPhones for 5-7 years. This means an iPhone released several years ago can still feel modern, secure, and compatible with the latest apps.

Samsung has significantly improved its software update policy in recent years. Many of their flagship Galaxy devices now receive 4-5 years of major Android OS updates and up to 5 years of security updates, which is excellent for an Android manufacturer. While this is a huge step up, it generally still falls a bit short of Apple’s exceptional commitment. Therefore, if having the absolute latest software and security updates for the longest possible duration is your primary concern for longevity, iPhones typically have an edge. However, a well-cared-for Samsung flagship will also serve you very well for many years.

Q5: Is it harder to switch from iPhone to Samsung or vice-versa?

Switching between operating systems used to be a major headache, but both Apple and Samsung (and Google) have invested heavily in making the transition as smooth as possible. If you’re moving from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy, Samsung has an app called “Smart Switch” that’s designed to transfer most of your data – contacts, messages, photos, videos, call history, and even some app data – from your old iPhone to your new Samsung phone. You can connect them wirelessly or via a cable. The biggest adjustment will be getting used to the Android interface, its customization options, and how certain settings or notifications are handled. Learning the ins and outs of One UI will take a little time, but it’s generally intuitive.

Conversely, if you’re moving from a Samsung (or any Android phone) to an iPhone, Apple offers the “Move to iOS” app. This app guides you through transferring contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, and calendars to your new iPhone. It even helps you find your free Android apps on the App Store. The main learning curve will be adapting to iOS’s more structured interface, fewer customization options, and Apple’s ecosystem (like iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud). While there will always be a period of adjustment for either switch, modern tools make the actual data transfer surprisingly straightforward.

Q6: Which offers better value for money?

Value for money is a tricky one because it’s so subjective and depends heavily on individual budget and priorities. If “value” means getting the absolute cheapest phone that does the job, Samsung, with its extensive range of budget and mid-range devices, often wins out. You can find very capable Samsung phones for a fraction of the cost of an entry-level iPhone. These phones often come packed with features that were once exclusive to flagships, offering a lot of bang for your buck.

However, if “value” also encompasses long-term ownership, total cost of ownership, and resale value, iPhones tend to present a very compelling argument. While their initial purchase price is often higher, iPhones typically hold their resale value much better than Android phones. This, coupled with Apple’s exceptional long-term software support (meaning you don’t *need* to upgrade as frequently), can make an iPhone a more cost-effective investment over several years. So, for upfront savings and variety, Samsung often takes the lead. For long-term value, including excellent resale and extended software support, Apple frequently comes out ahead.