Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$858.00

Versus A$1,882.00 new

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Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$639.00

Versus A$873.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, both released in early 2024, represent the top tier of Samsung's smartphone offerings. While they share many advanced features, including a commitment to extended software support and a focus on AI capabilities, key distinctions lie in their camera systems, display technology, and the inclusion of an integrated stylus.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Plus are designed for long-term usability, benefiting from Samsung's commitment to extended software support.

  • Software Longevity: Both devices are part of Samsung's policy to provide seven years of major Android operating system updates and security patches, ensuring they remain current and secure for an extended period.
  • Release Timeline: As both models were released in January 2024, they offer the same starting point for their software support cycle, providing users with a consistent duration of updates.
  • Practical Lifespan: This extensive software support means both devices are expected to maintain optimal functionality and compatibility with new applications for many years, making them suitable for users seeking a device with a long practical lifespan.

Release year

2024

2024

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, though there are subtle differences in their configurations.

  • Processing Power: Both models are equipped with current-generation processors, enabling smooth operation for everyday tasks, intensive gaming, and complex applications. Users can expect rapid app loading and seamless transitions between multiple open applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices typically come with 12GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking. The S24 Ultra offers storage options up to 1TB, while the S24 Plus is available with up to 512GB, providing ample space for files and media.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 5000mAh battery, while the S24 Plus has a 4900mAh battery. In some real-world tests, the S24 Plus has shown slightly better battery efficiency, potentially offering longer usage times for certain activities despite its slightly smaller capacity. Both support fast wired charging up to 45W and 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus is premium, featuring vibrant colors and high clarity, with a few distinctions in size and protective technology.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels for the Ultra, 3120 x 1440 pixels for the Plus), offering sharp images and vivid colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both screens achieve a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also share an adaptive refresh rate that scales from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness while conserving power.
  • Size and Durability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display, slightly larger than the S24 Plus's 6.7-inch screen. The Ultra also benefits from Gorilla Glass Armor, which offers enhanced scratch resistance and reduced reflections, while the Plus uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus offer distinct capabilities, with the Ultra providing a more versatile and advanced photography experience.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24 Plus has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Zoom and Detail: The Ultra's 200MP main sensor allows for highly detailed photos, and its dual telephoto lenses provide superior optical zoom capabilities, especially at 5x and beyond, making it well-suited for capturing distant subjects. The Ultra's ultrawide lens also includes autofocus, enabling macro photography.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording, including 8K resolution on the Plus. They share the same 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus, impacting daily interaction and overall user experience.

  • Integrated S Pen: A significant differentiator is the S Pen, which is integrated into the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This stylus offers enhanced functionality for note-taking, drawing, precise navigation, and remote control features, including camera shutter activation and gesture controls. The S24 Plus does not include an S Pen.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The S24 Ultra features a titanium frame, contributing to its durability and a slightly more robust feel. The S24 Plus uses an Armor Aluminum frame. The Ultra is slightly larger and heavier (232 grams) compared to the Plus (196 grams), which can affect one-handed use and pocketability.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices offer modern connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E (S24 Plus) or Wi-Fi 7 (S24 Ultra), and Bluetooth 5.3. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and feature in-display fingerprint sensors for biometric security.

Weight

232 oz

200 oz

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus are both powerful and capable smartphones, each catering to slightly different user priorities. User feedback often praises the S24 Ultra for its advanced camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities and the versatility offered by the integrated S Pen. Many users find the anti-reflective display of the Ultra to be a notable improvement for outdoor visibility. However, some users note its larger size and weight can make it less comfortable for extended one-handed use.

The S24 Plus is frequently lauded for striking a balance between performance, display quality, and a more manageable form factor. Users appreciate its bright, high-resolution screen and strong battery performance, sometimes even surpassing the Ultra in certain tests. Criticisms are less common but sometimes point to the absence of the S Pen and the less advanced camera zoom compared to the Ultra.

Users prioritizing an expansive and highly capable camera system, especially for zoom photography, along with the productivity and creative tools offered by an integrated stylus, will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its larger display and enhanced durability features also appeal to those who consume a lot of media or require a robust device. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly more compact and lighter device without sacrificing core performance, a high-quality display, or excellent battery life, may lean toward the Galaxy S24 Plus. Both devices represent quality-assured options, and considering a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring these advanced smartphones.

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