Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Does Size Matter?

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Comparing Flagship and Ultra Models

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Does Size Matter? The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra, both from the 2024 flagship smartphone lineup, present distinct differences in design and functionality. Which of these devices is the ideal choice for you?

Having thoroughly reviewed both phones and spent considerable time with each, we’re well-positioned to offer guidance. While one phone excels in various metrics, selecting the right one depends on specific preferences and requirements.

Although one model stands out in performance, there are trade-offs to weigh before making a purchase decision. Indeed, the optimal choice may not necessarily align with what suits most users.

Before delving into this dilemma, let’s examine the specifications of the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Here’s a detailed comparison of how these Samsung smartphones stack up against each other, highlighting their distinctive features and functionalities.

This table provides a clear comparison of the key specifications between the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra models.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 VS SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Samsung Galaxy S24

• Dimensions: 147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm
• Weight: 167g
• Frame: Enhanced Armor Aluminum
• Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2,600-nit peak brightness
• Resolution: 2,340 x 1,080
• Refresh Rate: 1Hz-120Hz variable
• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy / Exynos 2400
• Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)
• Front Camera: 12MP
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB
• Battery: 4,000mAh
• Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Dimensions: 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6mm
• Weight: 232g
• Frame: Titanium
• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2,600-nit peak brightness
• Resolution: 3,088 × 1,440
• Refresh Rate: 1Hz-120Hz variable
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
• Rear Cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 50MP periscope (5x zoom), 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)
• Front Camera: 12MP
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless

This breakdown highlights the differences in size, weight, materials, display size and resolution, camera capabilities, RAM, storage options, battery capacity, and charging speeds between the two models.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues its distinct design evolution, setting it apart from the Galaxy S24. The S24 is compact with rounded corners, whereas the Ultra model is notably larger and more angular. It measures 15mm taller, 8mm wider, and 1mm thicker, weighing 65g more, emphasizing its dominance in size and requiring both hands for optimal use, catering to power users.

Both phones retain familiar elements from their predecessors with subtle refinements. The Galaxy S24 opts for a flatter aluminum finish, reminiscent of the iPhone 15, while the S24 Ultra upgrades to a premium titanium alloy frame, maintaining its flat top and bottom edges with gently curved sides.

In terms of durability, the S24 Ultra enhances its robustness with Gorilla Armor glass, offering superior scratch resistance compared to the S24’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Both models share IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Design-wise, the S24 benefits from reduced screen bezels, while the S24 Ultra features a completely flat display, departing from its previously curved edges.

Color options vary significantly: the Galaxy S24 offers Onyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, and Sapphire Blue, whereas the S24 Ultra showcases Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, and Titanium Orange, complementing its rugged material.

A standout feature of the S24 Ultra is the included S Pen stylus, a powerful tool for productivity and creativity, absent from the Galaxy S24.

Regarding display, the S24 Ultra’s screen is notably larger at 6.8 inches compared to the S24’s 6.2 inches, although both achieve a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The Ultra model boasts QHD+ resolution, while the S24 opts for FHD+, yet the S24’s smaller screen size helps mitigate this difference.

Both displays incorporate LTPO panel technology, supporting a 1 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for improved energy efficiency. However, the S24 Ultra’s larger, sharper display arguably positions it as one of the best on the market.

In conclusion, while both models offer impressive features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra distinguishes itself with its larger display, sharper resolution, and bundled S Pen, making it a standout choice for users seeking top-tier performance and functionality.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 VS SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA: CAMERAS

When it comes to camera quality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra decisively outshines the Galaxy S24 in nearly every aspect. The Ultra boasts four cameras compared to the S24’s three, featuring an additional 50MP 5x telephoto lens that offers significantly enhanced zoom capabilities.

The Galaxy S24 includes a 1/1.56″ 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra steps up with a larger and sharper 1/1.3″ 200MP main sensor, a similar 12MP ultra-wide camera, a larger 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a new 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens. This configuration ensures superior 1x shots in various lighting conditions, delivering enhanced detail, exposure, and contrast. The real standout feature, however, is its exceptional zoom capabilities, surpassing every other smartphone on the market. Using Samsung’s hybrid zoom technology, the Ultra can produce usable shots even at around 25x zoom.

Both phones incorporate advanced AI features for photography. Samsung’s Generative Edit AI allows users to resize, move objects within images, and change backgrounds based on the context of the shot. The Samsung Gallery app offers intelligent photo editing suggestions, such as removing unwanted reflections. While both devices excel at capturing vibrant photos in most lighting scenarios and offer robust AI editing capabilities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels with superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, and unparalleled zoom performance.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 VS SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA: PERFORMANCE AND SOFTWARE

Here’s a rewritten version of the comparison details:

When considering performance, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer similar capabilities in the US, Canada, or China, thanks to their shared Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The Ultra’s 12GB of RAM (compared to the S24’s 8GB) provides a slight edge in multitasking and demanding applications. Both models excel in speed, outperforming even the formidable iPhone 15 Pro Max in various aspects. They handle high-end gaming with maximum graphical settings at a steady 60 frames per second, support multitasking in Samsung DeX, and enable real-time photo editing in Adobe Lightroom.

However, outside these regions, the Galaxy S24 Ultra pulls ahead in performance due to its use of Samsung’s Exynos 2400 processor in the international model, while retaining the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for other markets. Benchmark tests indicate that the Snapdragon variant offers superior GPU performance, though day-to-day users may not notice significant differences as both phones exceed typical speed requirements.

While the Ultra theoretically boasts greater performance potential, its handling of higher pixel density on the QHD+ display could partially offset the GPU advantage in international models.

Storage options also differ significantly: the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, whereas the S24 is available in 128GB and 256GB options in most regions, with Australia offering a 512GB model.

Software-wise, both phones run One UI 6.1 on Android 14, offering nearly identical user experiences. Samsung’s software is noted for its complexity, with extensive functionality sometimes buried in deep settings menus. Both models share Samsung’s latest AI features, providing a mix of impressive capabilities like AI call translation and less compelling features such as Voice Recorder transcripts. It’s advantageous that both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24 offer parity in AI functionalities despite their hardware differences.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 VS SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA: BATTERY LIFE

The Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a hefty 5,000mAh battery, significantly larger than the Galaxy S24’s 4,000mAh cell. This larger capacity partly accommodates its bigger and sharper display.

In terms of battery life, the Galaxy S24 Ultra outshines its smaller counterpart. It sets a high bar among smartphones, surpassing both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and last year’s Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra by a few hours in our 5G web browsing test.

However, the Galaxy S24 still offers commendable battery performance, easily lasting a full day under fairly intensive usage, which is impressive for its compact size. On lighter usage days, the Galaxy S24 Ultra might even stretch into a second day.

For charging speeds, the larger Galaxy S24 Ultra also edges out the S24. It supports 45W wired charging, reaching 65% in about 30 minutes. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 with its 25W charging achieves around 50% in the same timeframe. While neither sets records in their category, both phones include support for 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, adding versatility to their charging capabilities.

It’s worth noting that you’ll need to provide your own charging brick for both models, but these features make wireless charging a convenient option for users.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 VS SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA: VERDICT

The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as Samsung’s flagship powerhouse, catering to those who want the absolute best in every aspect. If budget is not a concern and you demand top-tier performance, it’s not just a contender for the best phone overall, but also Samsung’s finest offering.

Its camera setup is unparalleled, particularly excelling in zoom capabilities that outshine competitors. Moreover, its display sets a new standard for excellence in the smartphone market. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or simply browsing, its performance remains impeccable worldwide. Additionally, its battery life ranks among the top in its class.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S24, while objectively inferior in comparison, presents a compelling option for most users. Compact yet robust, it boasts a capable camera system, an impressive display, and reliable battery longevity. Despite concerns with Samsung’s increasingly cluttered software, both phones share identical user interfaces and access to innovative AI features.

What sets the Galaxy S24 apart is its significantly lower price tag—$500 / £450 / AU$800 less than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This makes it a meaningful choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Opt for the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you seek an all-encompassing, high-performance device with top-notch specifications. It’s tailored for power users who heavily utilize their phones for media consumption and productivity tasks.

Choose the Galaxy S24 if you prefer a smaller, more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s ideal for casual users looking for a sleek, compact smartphone without breaking the bank.

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