Galaxy S23+ Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£422.00

Versus £1,357.64 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, represent different tiers within Samsung's flagship smartphone offerings. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Ultra, as a newer and more premium model, introduces advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and long-term software support. These differences cater to varying user needs, from those seeking a balanced flagship experience to users desiring the most advanced features available.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical durability and the duration of software support it receives. Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 Ultra offer robust builds and extensive software commitments, though with some distinctions.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, was initially promised 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates. This means it is expected to receive updates up to Android 17 and security patches until February 2028. The newer Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, significantly extends this commitment, offering 7 years of both Android OS and security updates, pushing its support timeline to around January 2031.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The S23 Plus utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame. The S24 Ultra elevates this with Gorilla Armor on the front display, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, and a titanium frame, which contributes to its overall resilience.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both models are designed with modern smartphone construction, which often involves specialized tools and expertise for repairs. The S24 Ultra's titanium frame and new display glass may present different repair considerations compared to the S23 Plus's aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 construction.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in a smartphone is crucial for smooth daily operation, from navigating apps to engaging in demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 Ultra deliver high levels of performance, with the Ultra model offering a generational leap.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a newer generation processor, which offers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in even smoother performance for intensive tasks and potentially better thermal management during extended use.
  • Storage and RAM: The S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing UFS 4.0 for faster data access. The S24 Ultra generally offers 12GB of RAM, with storage options starting from 256GB and going up to 1TB, also benefiting from UFS 4.0 technology. The increased RAM in the Ultra model can be beneficial for heavy multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background without slowdowns.
  • Battery Behavior: The S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which users often report as capable of lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use. The S24 Ultra features a slightly larger 5000 mAh battery. Coupled with its more efficient processor and adaptive display technology, the S24 Ultra is designed to offer extended usage times, particularly for users who frequently engage with power-intensive applications.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with notable differences in specifications and features.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in clear visuals for everyday use. The S24 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, offering a sharper and more detailed image, particularly noticeable when viewing high-resolution content.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S23 Plus offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Its adaptive refresh rate ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S24 Ultra elevates this with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor use and HDR content. It also features a more dynamic adaptive refresh rate, capable of scaling from 1Hz to 120Hz, which contributes to both smoother visuals and improved power efficiency.
  • Additional Display Features: The S24 Ultra introduces an anti-reflective coating and Gorilla Glass Armor, which further enhances outdoor visibility and screen durability. The S23 Plus uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 Ultra are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, but the Ultra model offers a more versatile and higher-resolution setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The S23 Plus features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration is capable of producing detailed images and offers good versatility for various shooting scenarios. The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, comes with a quad-camera system, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This additional high-resolution telephoto lens provides greater zoom capabilities and detail retention at longer distances.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in well-lit conditions, producing vibrant and sharp images. The S24 Ultra's 200MP main sensor allows for greater detail capture and improved low-light performance compared to the S23 Plus's 50MP sensor, especially when pixel-binning technology is utilized. The S24 Ultra's advanced telephoto system also offers superior results for zoomed-in shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support high-resolution video recording, with the S24 Ultra potentially offering more advanced stabilization and features due to its newer processor. Both models feature a 12MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting clear video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The S23 Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, providing fast wireless connectivity. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The S24 Ultra upgrades to Wi-Fi 7, offering even faster speeds and lower latency, alongside 5G and Bluetooth 5.3. It also uses a USB-C port, specifically USB 3.2, for efficient data transfer.
  • Design and Handling: The S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, offering a comfortable grip for many users. The S24 Ultra is a larger device at 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm and weighs 232g. The S24 Ultra also features a flat display, which some users find improves handling and S Pen usability.
  • Unique Features: The S24 Ultra integrates the S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. It also introduces advanced AI features, including live translation and enhanced photo editing capabilities. The S23 Plus focuses on a streamlined flagship experience without the integrated stylus.

Weight

196 g

232 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 Ultra both offer premium Android smartphone experiences, but they cater to slightly different user priorities. The S23 Plus is frequently praised for its balanced performance, excellent battery life for its class, and a comfortable form factor that is large without being overly cumbersome. Users appreciate its capable camera system for everyday photography and its vibrant display. Some common criticisms for the S23 Plus include its display resolution being lower than the Ultra models and the absence of the S Pen.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, as the more recent and advanced model, garners praise for its cutting-edge camera system, particularly its enhanced zoom capabilities and high-resolution main sensor. Its brighter, anti-reflective display, extended software support, and integrated S Pen are also highly valued by users seeking maximum productivity and a top-tier viewing experience. Some users might find its larger size and weight to be a consideration, and while its AI features are a highlight, the core hardware improvements are often noted as the most impactful.

Users prioritizing a compact yet powerful device with strong battery life and a reliable camera for general use may find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. It offers a robust flagship experience without the additional features of the Ultra line. Conversely, users who demand the absolute best in mobile photography, require stylus input for creative or professional tasks, or desire the longest possible software support and the latest display technology will likely lean toward the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons