In a world where smartphones are evolving at breakneck speed, Samsung continues to stand at the forefront of the industry. The competitive flagship segment has been significantly enriched by the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which includes the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra. Each model boasts of a plethora of features and specifications aimed at satisfying different user needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a power user, a casual photographer, or someone who designs graphics for fun, it can be hard to choose between these two phones. In this article, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra, assessing their design, specifications, camera systems, performance, battery life, and more, to help you decide which flagship best suits your needs.
Design and build quality
Samsung Galaxy S24:
The Galaxy S24 continues the design language of the series with a sleek, modern look. It features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which displays vibrant colors and deep blacks that make watching content a joy. With a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, it offers Full HD+, which should be sharp enough for everyday use.
In terms of durability, the phone is crafted with an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back. It is IP68 rated, allowing it to withstand submersion in dust and water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, is designed to impress with its larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. The resolution here is 3088 x 1440 pixels, making it not only sharp but also suitable for users looking for an immersive gaming and viewing experience. Like its counterpart, it is constructed with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame, ensuring both beauty and durability.
One of the standout features of the S24 Ultra is the integrated S Pen, which fits snugly into the body of the phone. This enhances the functionality of the phone, especially for those who like to sketch, take notes or perform precise tasks.
Display
Both devices are equipped with cutting-edge AMOLED technology, but the difference in size, resolution and refresh rates has a notable impact on the user experience.
S24 Display:
- size: 6.1 inches
- Resolution: 2340 x 1080 pixels
- Refresh Rate: smooth 120Hz
- Peak Brightness: up to 1750 nits
S24 Ultra Display:
- size: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: 3088 x 1440 pixels
- Refresh Rate: adaptive 120Hz
- Peak Brightness: up to 2000 nits
The S24 Ultra’s larger size and higher resolution make it more suitable for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks, while the S24 offers excellent usability in a more compact form.
Display
In terms of internal specifications, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra feature the same formidable hardware, including:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos, depending on region)
- To hit: 8 GB (S24), up to 12 GB (S24 Ultra)
- Storage Options: 128/256/512 GB (S24), 256/512 GB, and 1 TB (S24 Ultra)
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures powerful performance on both devices, capable of handling demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming without any noticeable lag. The S24 Ultra, with its extra RAM and storage options, is better suited for power users and professionals who need more from their device.
camera system
Camera capabilities are one of the most important factors influencing smartphone choice today, and both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra are excellent:
S24 Camera Setup:
- Main Camera: 50 MP, F/1.8
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12 MP, F/2.2
- Telephoto Camera: 10 MP, F/2.4
The camera system on the S24 delivers stunning clarity and dynamic range in images, making it an excellent choice for casual photographers.
S24 Ultra Camera Setup:
- Main Camera: 200 MP, F/1.7
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12 MP, F/2.2
- Telephoto cameras: 10 MP, f/2.4 (3x zoom) and 10 MP, f/4.9 (10x zoom)
The S24 Ultra’s camera system is aimed more at enthusiasts and professionals, offering a higher megapixel count and additional telephoto capabilities for incredible zoom performance. The 200 MP sensor allows incredible photo detail and provides flexibility when cropping images.
battery life
Battery performance is crucial to the appeal of a flagship device.
S24 Battery:
- Capacity: 3900 mAh
- Charging: Fast Charging (up to 25W), Wireless Charging (15W)
The battery life of the Galaxy S24 is adequate for daily use, often lasting a whole day with moderate to high usage.
S24 Ultra Battery:
- Capacity: 5000 mAh
- Charging: Fast Charging (up to 45W), Wireless Charging (15W)
The S24 Ultra offers significantly more battery capacity, allowing for longer usage periods, especially during intensive activities like gaming or video streaming.
software experience
Both devices run Samsung’s One UI 6, which is based on Android 14, at launch. The user experience on both devices is quite smooth and intuitive, offering features like split-screen multitasking, customizable themes, and a variety of widgets. Regular updates ensure that usability features and security are kept fresh and up to date.
Price determination
Price greatly influences the decision between the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra, and the difference reflects their target audiences.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Starts around $799.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Starts at around $1,199.
Considering the price disparity, users need to evaluate which features are most important to their needs and whether the extra investment in an Ultra is justified.
Conclusion: Which should you choose?
Deciding between the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra depends on understanding your personal needs and budget.
Choose the Galaxy S24 if:
- You prefer a more compact smartphone that is easier to handle.
- You want to take stunning photos without needing the highest possible specifications.
- You’re looking for a flagship experience at a slightly lower price, while still benefiting from high performance.
Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
- You need a larger display for productivity, entertainment or creative work.
- You are a photography enthusiast and want advanced camera features and flexibility.
- You are a power user who needs more RAM and storage options to support tough workloads.
Ultimately, both devices are excellent in their own right, and the decision depends on finding a balance between desired features and budget.
questions to ask
1. Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra worth the extra money?
It depends on your specific requirements. If you’re a heavy user who needs advanced features like a better camera system, S Pen functionality, and a larger display, the Ultra is a worthwhile investment. For casual use, the Galaxy S24 may suffice.
2. What are the main differences in camera capabilities?
The S24 Ultra offers a 200 MP main sensor and additional telephoto lens that provides advanced zoom capabilities. The S24, though still excellent, has a simpler camera system, making it less versatile for advanced photography.
3. Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer top-notch performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. However, the S24 Ultra, with its larger display and potentially better battery life, may provide a more immersive gaming experience.
4. How does battery life compare?
The S24 Ultra has a large 5000 mAh battery, which provides long battery life especially during intensive activities. The S24’s 3900 mAh battery is still strong but may need charging more often under heavy use.
5. Is there a big difference in software experience?
Both models run on One UI 6, providing a similar user experience with Samsung’s ecosystem. However, the S24 Ultra comes with additional features specific to the S Pen that are not available on the S24.
In short, the choice between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra ultimately depends on your personal needs. Whether you’re looking for portability and value or cutting-edge features and performance, any device in the realm of flagship smartphones will serve you well.
