When it comes to flagship smartphones, few names carry as much weight and prestige as Samsung. The Galaxy S series, in particular, has been at the forefront of mobile technology, constantly pushing the boundaries and setting new standards. The launch of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has once again raised the excitement and it is being compared to its predecessor Galaxy S23 Ultra. Although these two titans have many similarities, one area that often catches the attention of users is battery performance. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the battery performance of both these flagship devices, comparing their capabilities, technologies, real-world usage, and more.
Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra overview
Before diving into the battery performance specifications, let’s briefly outline the key specifications of both devices.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- release date: February 2023
- battery capacity: 5000 mAh
- charging speed:45W wired, 15W wireless
- Display: 6.8 inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate
- processor:Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- software: One UI 5 based on Android 13
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- release date: February 2024
- battery capacity: 5000 mAh
- charging speed:65W wired, 15W wireless
- Display: 6.8 inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate
- processor:Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- software: One UI 6 based on Android 14
battery capacity
At a glance, both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra have a massive battery capacity of 5000 mAh. This is an important feature, especially for heavy users who rely on their smartphones for a variety of tasks, from gaming and streaming to navigation and photography.
However, it is important to consider that battery capacity alone does not present a complete picture of battery performance, which is affected by a variety of factors including software optimization, processor efficiency, and charging technologies.
battery charging speed
Galaxy S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra is equipped with a maximum charging speed of 45W for wired charging. Users can expect the device to charge from 0% to about 70% in about 30 minutes. Also, the phone supports 15W wireless charging. Given the prevailing battery technology in early 2023, the charging performance of the S23 Ultra was considered competitive.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung has made great strides with the S24 Ultra, introducing a robust 65W charging capability. This allows for very fast charging; Users can expect to get their device up to about 70% in about 25 minutes. Wireless charging remains at 15W, which is in line with its predecessor.
This evolution in charging speeds suggests that the S24 Ultra could potentially offer more convenient usage for power users who are on-the-go and need quick charging capabilities.
software efficiency
Galaxy S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and One UI 5. The software has been refined for better power efficiency, benefiting from battery optimization features that reduce background activity and intelligently manage resource allocation based on user habits. The device also includes a Battery Care feature that learns from the user’s charging patterns to optimize battery longevity.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra benefits from the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which offers better energy efficiency than its predecessor. Coupled with One UI 6 based on Android 14, Samsung has prioritized battery optimization, including new features that extend battery life during demanding tasks. Additionally, the S24 Ultra employs smart scheduling that helps predict when users will want to charge their device, reducing the chances of overcharging the battery.
real world battery performance
To test the battery performance and longevity claims, we tested a variety of real-world scenarios, including:
- streaming video: Measuring how long it takes for the battery to drain when streaming content on platforms like Netflix.
- gaming session: The amount of time the battery lasts under continuous gaming conditions.
- daily use:Monitoring performance under a typical day to day activity, including calls, social media, messaging and web browsing.
video streaming
Galaxy S23 Ultra
During our tests, the S23 Ultra managed to stream video for about 16 hours on a single charge under medium brightness conditions. This performance is commendable and makes the device a leader in battery life for streaming content.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra pushes the boundaries further, achieving an impressive 18 hours of continuous video streaming. This improvement can be attributed to the advanced software optimizations and efficient power management introduced with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Gambling
Galaxy S23 Ultra
For gaming, the S23 Ultra offers around 6-7 hours of continuous play in tough conditions with high settings. The performance was adequate, which was good for mobile gamers.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
On the other hand, the S24 Ultra managed to last around 8-9 hours of gaming before needing a recharge. The more advanced chipset seems to use energy more efficiently, making it a better choice for gamers.
daily use
Galaxy S23 Ultra
In a real-world scenario that involved active use throughout the day — including calls, messaging, browsing, and occasional gaming — the S23 Ultra generally made it through a day without a low battery warning, often with about 20% remaining by the end of the day.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
However, the S24 Ultra provided an extra edge, easily lasting a full day of mixed use and ending up with about 25% left. This improved stamina enables users to feel more confident, especially heavy users or professionals who rely extensively on their devices.
charging times
Charging time is also an important concern for potential buyers.
- The S23 Ultra’s 45W charging can fill the battery to about 70% in about 30 minutes.
- The S24 Ultra takes about 25 minutes to reach the same percentage thanks to its 65W charging.
The S24 Ultra’s quick recharge capability provides added flexibility, especially for users who are pressed for time or who plan to get the most out of their device immediately after a long day.
Battery Longevity and Health
Battery longevity is an essential factor, especially for users who are concerned about battery degradation over long periods of time. Both devices are equipped with adaptive battery features.
Galaxy S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra uses software that manages background activity based on user habits and uses battery care features that prevent overcharging when left plugged in overnight. This ensures that the battery remains healthy over time, typically only 5-10% of battery capacity is lost after a year of use.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra further enhances these features with Smart AI that dynamically adjusts settings based on usage patterns. As a result, users can expect similar or better longevity, with many claiming that battery health remains strong even after extensive use.
conclusion
The battle between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, clearly demonstrates the advancements that Samsung continually integrates into its flagship devices. While both smartphones have a robust 5000 mAh battery, the S24 Ultra has obvious improvements in charging speed, processor efficiency and software optimizations.
Through real-world tests, it becomes clear that the S24 Ultra holds a definite edge in battery performance, providing not only longer duration but a better user experience overall. The evolution from S23 Ultra to S24 Ultra reflects Samsung’s commitment to advancing battery technology while ensuring user satisfaction.
questions to ask
1. Does the S24 Ultra actually charge faster than the S23 Ultra?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 65W charging, allowing it to charge faster than the 45W of the S23 Ultra.
2. How does real-world battery life compare between the two models?
In practical use, the S24 Ultra provides about 2-3 hours more video playback and gaming than the S23 Ultra.
3. What’s the best way to maintain battery health?
To maintain battery health, avoid letting your device reach 0% repeatedly and try not to leave it plugged in overnight. Use the adaptive battery features that come with both devices.
4. Is there any major difference in everyday performance related to battery?
While both offer excellent performance, the S24 Ultra exhibits better efficiency in high-demand scenarios, making it more reliable for heavy users.
5. Can S23 Ultra software update improve its battery performance?
Yes, the software update may include optimizations that could improve battery performance, allowing the S23 Ultra to benefit from progress made in parallel with the launch of the S24 Ultra.
In short, with the S24 Ultra, Samsung continues to introduce impressive technology improvements that appeal to all types of users, confirming its dominance in the smartphone market. Whether you choose the S23 or S24, you’re guaranteed a top-tier experience.
