Are you stuck choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra? You’re not alone. With so many upgrades and features, deciding whether the S24 Ultra is worth the upgrade can be challenging. Whether you’re looking for better performance, a sharper camera, or longer battery life, knowing how these two devices stack up can save you time, money, and frustration.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. We’ll compare design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and more to help you make the best choice. By the end, you’ll know exactly which device suits your needs, whether you’re an avid photographer, gamer, or simply want the latest technology in your hands. Let’s get started!
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Design Comparison
Here is design comparison between these two smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches
- Weight: 8.22 ounces
- Build: Gorilla Glass Armor front and back, aluminum frame
- Colors: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 3 x 0.35 inches
- Weight: 8.25 ounces
- Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, aluminum frame
- Colors: Phantom Black, Cotton Flower, Botanic Green, Mystic Lilac, Lime, Sky Blue, Graphite, Red
Both models feature an IP68 rating, which means they are dust-resistant and can survive submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The difference in size is minimal, but the S24 Ultra is slightly slimmer and lighter, offering a more refined feel in hand. The S24 Ultra’s titanium finish adds an extra layer of sophistication, making it stand out from the S23 Ultra’s extensive color options.
Design Aesthetics
The design language of the S24 Ultra is a subtle evolution from the S23 Ultra. While both phones share a similar design, the S24 Ultra has a more streamlined camera module and a luxurious titanium finish. This gives it a modern and premium look that’s perfect for those who want their phone to make a statement. On the other hand, the S23 Ultra’s color variety allows users to choose a more personalized look, though it lacks the same level of refinement found in the S24 Ultra.
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra feature a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels. This high-resolution display ensures crystal-clear visuals whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web. Both devices also support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making for smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience.
However, the S24 Ultra has an edge in peak brightness, reaching up to 1,363 nits compared to the S23 Ultra’s 1,225 nits. This makes the S24 Ultra easier to view in bright sunlight, enhancing the overall user experience, especially for outdoor use.
Color Accuracy and Quality
Color accuracy is crucial for activities like photo editing and media consumption. Both devices offer vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to Samsung’s advanced AMOLED technology. However, the S24 Ultra improves on the S23 Ultra’s color accuracy, with a Delta-E color accuracy score of 0.25, compared to the S23 Ultra’s 0.3. The lower the Delta-E score, the more accurate the colors, making the S24 Ultra a better option for those who prioritize true-to-life visuals.
Viewing Angles
When it comes to viewing angles, both phones perform excellently, ensuring that the screen remains clear and vivid even when viewed from the side. The S24 Ultra introduces a new anti-reflective coating, which slightly reduces glare but can also make the display appear dimmer at maximum brightness. Despite this, the overall impact on usability is minimal, and the S24 Ultra’s display remains one of the best in the market.
Performance Comparison
Performance is where the Galaxy S24 Ultra truly shines. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a significant upgrade from the S23 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. This next-generation chipset delivers a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency, making multitasking, gaming, and everyday tasks smoother and faster.
Benchmark Scores:
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 1,823,822 (overall score)
- Galaxy S23 Ultra: 1,472,142 (overall score)
The S24 Ultra shows a performance increase of 20% to 40% in various benchmark tests. This means faster app launches, better gaming performance, and more efficient power management. For power users who demand the best, the S24 Ultra offers a clear advantage.
RAM and Storage Options
Both models offer similar storage options, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants available. However, the S24 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM as the base configuration, while the S23 Ultra offers 8GB and 12GB options. The additional RAM in the S24 Ultra significantly enhances its multitasking capabilities, allowing you to run more apps simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
Software Support and Future-Proofing
Samsung promises 7 years of software support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, compared to 4 years of major OS updates for the S23 Ultra. This extended support makes the S24 Ultra a more future-proof investment, ensuring you receive the latest features and security updates for years to come.
Camera Comparison
Let’s compare the cameras of these phones.
Rear Camera
The camera is one of the most critical aspects for many smartphone users, and both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra deliver impressive results with their quad-camera systems. However, there are notable differences in their configurations.
Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- 200MP main camera
- 12MP ultra-wide camera
- 10MP 3x telephoto camera
- 50MP 5x telephoto camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- 200MP main camera
- 12MP ultra-wide camera
- 10MP 3x telephoto camera
- 10MP 10x telephoto camera
The S24 Ultra replaces the 10x telephoto lens found in the S23 Ultra with a new 5x telephoto lens featuring a larger sensor. This change allows for better low-light performance and improved image quality at various zoom levels. The 50MP 5x telephoto lens in the S24 Ultra offers more flexibility in capturing distant subjects with greater clarity and detail.
Front Camera
Both models are equipped with a 12MP front camera capable of capturing high-quality selfies and supporting 4K video recording. While the hardware remains similar, the S24 Ultra benefits from enhanced AI-driven features that improve image processing, especially in low-light conditions.
Camera Features and AI Enhancements
The S24 Ultra introduces several new AI features designed to enhance your photography experience. These include improved image processing algorithms, better low-light capabilities, and more accurate color reproduction. The AI also helps with faster autofocus and better portrait mode effects, making it easier to capture stunning photos with minimal effort.
The S23 Ultra will receive some of these AI enhancements through software updates, but the S24 Ultra will have the latest features out of the box. This makes the S24 Ultra the better choice for those who prioritize cutting-edge camera technology.
Video Recording Capabilities
Both devices support 8K video recording at 30fps, providing incredible detail and clarity in your videos. The S24 Ultra, however, offers better stabilization and improved low-light video performance, making it the superior option for videographers and content creators.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any smartphone user. Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage even with heavy use. This capacity is more than sufficient for most users, providing peace of mind that your phone will last through the day.
Charging Speed
When it comes to charging, both devices support 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While the charging speeds are identical, the S24 Ultra has slight improvements in battery optimization, resulting in better overall battery life during regular use. This means you’ll spend less time plugged into a charger and more time enjoying your device.
Real-World Battery Performance
In real-world tests, both phones deliver comparable battery life, with slight differences in efficiency favoring the S24 Ultra. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, both devices will get you through a full day of use without needing to recharge. The S24 Ultra’s improved efficiency, however, may give it a slight edge in scenarios that demand more power, such as gaming or using power-intensive apps.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is another area where both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra excel. They both feature hybrid stereo speaker setups, with one speaker at the bottom and another at the top. This configuration provides rich, immersive sound that’s perfect for listening to music, watching videos, or playing games.
Speaker Performance
Despite their similar setups, users have reported that the S23 Ultra’s speakers produce clearer sound and a fuller audio profile compared to the S24 Ultra. The S24 Ultra’s speakers can sometimes sound slightly distorted at higher volumes, which might be a concern for audiophiles. However, for most users, this difference is minor and won’t significantly impact the overall audio experience.
Audio Features
Both devices support Dolby Atmos, which enhances the audio experience, especially when watching movies or playing games. Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive and three-dimensional soundscape, making it feel like the sound is coming from all around you. This feature is particularly beneficial when using headphones, as it adds depth and clarity to your audio.
Connectivity
Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading. This makes them future-proof as 5G networks continue to expand globally. Whether you’re in a city with strong 5G coverage or traveling to areas where 5G is still developing, both phones will provide a reliable and fast internet connection.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, offering faster and more stable connections in environments with a lot of network congestion. In comparison, the S23 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6E but not the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard. While Wi-Fi 6E is more than sufficient for most users, Wi-Fi 7 on the S24 Ultra provides an extra layer of future-proofing, ensuring your device stays relevant as wireless technology evolves.
Both devices also support Bluetooth 5.3, which offers improved connection stability and energy efficiency when using wireless accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. This ensures that your wireless connections remain strong and reliable, whether you’re listening to music or using a Bluetooth-enabled device.
Software and User Experience
Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra run on Samsung’s One UI, which is based on Android. The S24 Ultra ships with the latest version of One UI, which includes new features and enhancements not available on the S23 Ultra at launch. However, the S23 Ultra will receive software updates to bring it closer in line with the S24 Ultra’s experience.
One UI is known for its user-friendly design, offering a smooth and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. It includes a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to suit their preferences. Whether you’re adjusting the layout, theme, or app icons, One UI makes it easy to create a personalized smartphone experience.
Software Updates and Longevity
As mentioned earlier, Samsung has promised 7 years of software support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, while the S23 Ultra is guaranteed 4 years of major OS updates. This extended support period for the S24 Ultra means that you’ll continue receiving the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements for a longer time, making it a more future-proof investment.
For users who plan to keep their phone for several years, the S24 Ultra’s longer software support is a significant advantage. It ensures that your device will stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and security measures, providing peace of mind and enhancing the phone’s long-term value.
Price Comparison
At launch, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra had a starting price of $1,299, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra started at $1,199. The $100 price difference reflects the upgrades in the S24 Ultra, including the newer chipset, improved camera system, and extended software support. For users who want the latest technology and features, the S24 Ultra’s higher price is justified by the enhancements it offers.
Current Pricing Trends
As newer models are released, older models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra typically see price reductions, making them more affordable. The S23 Ultra has become a more budget-friendly option as it remains a high-quality device with many of the same features as the S24 Ultra. For those looking to save money while still getting a premium smartphone, the S23 Ultra is an attractive option.
The S24 Ultra, being the latest model, is likely to retain its value longer, making it a better investment for those who plan to resell or trade in their device in the future. However, the S23 Ultra’s lower price point makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want top-tier performance and features.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes down to your specific needs and budget. The S24 Ultra offers improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and software support, making it a more future-proof and cutting-edge device. It’s the right choice for users who demand the latest technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.
However, the S23 Ultra remains an outstanding smartphone, offering many of the same features and a similar experience at a lower cost. For those who want a premium device without breaking the bank, the S23 Ultra is a smart and cost-effective choice. Your choice will ultimately depend on what you value most—whether it’s the latest features, a lower price, or long-term software support. Either way, you’re getting one of the best smartphones on the market.