When Samsung unveils a new flagship phone, it is worth exploring every element to understand how it differs from its predecessors. We compare and contrast both Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra models and look into what has changed, what remains similar, and whether upgrading to the more powerful Galaxy S24 Ultra would warrant purchasing one instead.
Samsung is committed to pushing mobile technology forward, but one must ask whether the higher price point justifies itself about either smartphone. Here we break it all down.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Compare Table
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Discount | No Discount | No Discount |
| Release Date | January 31, 2024 | February 17, 2023 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Display | 6.8 inches QHD+ AMOLED | 6.8 inches QHD+ AMOLED |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP main, 50MP 5x telephoto | 200MP main, 10MP 10x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 45W | 45W |
| Dimensions | 6.4 inches x 3.11 inches x 0.34 inches | 6.4 inches x 3.11 inches x 0.34 inches |
| Weight | 8.22 ounces | 8.25 ounces |
| Colors | Titanium Black, Titanium Gray | Phantom Black, Mystic Lilac |
Price and Availability
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has an initial starting price of $1,299, representing an increase of $100 over its predecessor the S23 Ultra (launch price: $1199). Both phones can be found through Samsung or other retailers with trade-in offers potentially lowering this figure to as low as $669; or discounted up to $299 during sales events for either phone.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers several modifications in terms of its design. Gone is its armour aluminium frame; replaced by a stronger titanium one which reduces weight significantly (at 8.22 ounces, it is marginally lighter than 8.25).
One significant change between models is the switch from curved-edge displays on S23 Ultra devices to flat displays in S24 Ultra devices, which may aid with using the S Pen but could divide opinions as some users might prefer their aesthetic of having curvier screens.
Display Quality
Both phones share the same 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x Display for stunning visuals at an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, offering stunning visuals. Although their displays are nearly identical in terms of visual quality and features, one phone stands out in terms of brightness; peaking at 1,353nits against 1,225 for its counterpart – The Galaxy S24 Ultra provides better brightness levels at 1,353 nits than that found on its S23 Ultra counterpart.
Though not an enormous difference, this difference does give the S24 Ultra an edge in outdoor visibility and overall viewing experience.
Performance
In terms of performance, both S24 Ultras are powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor; however, only one features AI capabilities or overall improved efficiency compared with its counterpart.
The S24 Ultra offers standard 12GB RAM across its storage variants, while its sibling S23 Ultra can offer either 8GB or 12GB options depending on which model it’s being sold as.
Camera Comparison
This comparison between the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra phones becomes especially intriguing when looking at their cameras. Both phones feature 200MP main cameras with 12MP ultrawide camera support; however, their respective telephoto lenses reveal quite distinct experiences between the phones.
Samsung touts that its S23 Ultra offers a 10x optical zoom telephoto lens while its 50MP sensor compensates by improving zoom quality via AI image processing and improving zoom quality. While this may appear as a downgrade, they state that this can actually increase zoom quality through AI image processing and improve zoom quality overall.
Realistically, the S23 Ultra is superior when it comes to long-range zoom photography; however, due to its advanced AI features and portrait shot capabilities, the S24 Ultra excels more in portrait shots and low-light photography.
Battery Life and Charging
Both S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra come equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging technology for optimal battery performance, offering long battery life while offering quick recharging capabilities. There’s little differentiation in terms of their endurance capabilities between models as both have excellent endurance rates.
Software and AI Features
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers several new AI-driven features to set it apart from its S23 Ultra predecessor, such as Generative Edit, Circle to Search and improved AI image processing capabilities that help streamline tasks more quickly while editing photos more effortlessly.
These AI upgrades contribute to an enhanced overall user experience, particularly when it comes to photography and multitasking.
Conclusion: Should You Upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers some incremental upgrades over its predecessor, including stronger titanium frames, brighter displays, increased processing power and enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) features; however, the S23 Ultra still stands its ground with superior zoom functionality and more affordable pricing options.
If you are upgrading from an older phone model or prioritize software innovations and AI features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may be ideal. But if your current S23 Ultra offers enough benefits without drawing your interest – such as AI features or performance boost – staying put may be a wiser option.
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