Galaxy S24 Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:£271.00

Versus £817.67 new

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Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£426.00

Versus £1,357.64 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, both released in January 2024, represent different approaches within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While they share the same core operating system and a commitment to extended software support, they diverge significantly in design, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. The S24 offers a more compact form factor, whereas the S24 Ultra provides a larger display, an integrated stylus, and a more advanced camera system.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Longevity: Both devices are part of Samsung's new policy, guaranteeing seven years of operating system upgrades and security updates. This means users can expect support through Android 21, extending their practical software lifespan well into the future.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, incorporates a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor on its front display, which is designed to be more resistant to micro-scratches.
  • Durability in Practice: While the S24 Ultra's Gorilla Armor offers enhanced scratch resistance, independent drop tests have shown mixed results for both models, with some indicating that the S24 series might be prone to damage from drops, similar to or even more than previous generations. Users are generally advised to use protective cases for both devices.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, though with some distinctions in their configurations.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both models are equipped with powerful processors, ensuring smooth navigation, rapid app loading, and efficient handling of multiple applications simultaneously. Users report a fluid experience, even with intensive tasks like gaming.
  • Multitasking Capability: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra features 12GB of RAM. This difference means the Ultra may handle a greater number of open applications or more memory-intensive tasks with slightly more ease, providing additional headroom for power users.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, with the S24 Ultra providing options up to 1TB, while the S24 typically maxes out at 512GB. Neither model includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4000mAh battery, while the S24 Ultra is equipped with a larger 5000mAh battery. The S24 Ultra generally offers superior battery longevity, often lasting more than a full day even with heavy use. The S24's battery life is considered good for its size, typically providing a full day of use for many users, though some report needing to manage usage to ensure it lasts.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the S24 Ultra offers a more expansive and higher-resolution viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S24 has a 6.2-inch Full HD+ (2340 x 1080) resolution screen, while the S24 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch Quad HD+ (3120 x 1440) resolution display, offering greater sharpness and detail.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models achieve a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also feature adaptive refresh rates that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and animations while optimizing power consumption.
  • Viewing Experience: The S24 Ultra's display is flat and incorporates an anti-glare coating, which users appreciate for reducing reflections and improving outdoor visibility. The S24 has a more traditional design with rounded corners.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

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

  • Main Camera Performance: The Galaxy S24 features a 50MP main sensor, while the S24 Ultra is equipped with a 200MP main sensor. Both deliver high-quality images with good detail and dynamic range in well-lit conditions. The S24 Ultra's larger sensor generally provides superior detail and exposure, especially in 1x shots.
  • Zoom Capabilities: The S24 includes a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24 Ultra significantly enhances zoom with a 10MP 3x telephoto lens and an additional 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, which can achieve high-quality results at 5x and 10x zoom levels. This makes the Ultra more suitable for capturing distant subjects.
  • Ultra-Wide and Video: Both phones feature a 12MP ultra-wide camera. For video recording, both support 8K at up to 30fps and 4K at 60fps. The S24 Ultra also offers 4K at 120fps in Pro Video mode, and users note improved video quality with better contrast and more realistic colors.
  • Audio and Front Camera: Both devices have a 12MP front-facing camera. They also feature stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra, impacting daily usability and specific workflows.

  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 is a more compact device, weighing 167g-168g and featuring rounded corners, making it easier for one-handed use. The S24 Ultra is significantly larger and heavier at 233g, with a more angular, flat-screen design.
  • Integrated S Pen: A key differentiator for the S24 Ultra is its integrated S Pen stylus, which tucks directly into the phone's body. This feature provides enhanced precision for note-taking, drawing, and navigation, appealing to users who value stylus input. The standard S24 does not support the S Pen.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models offer modern connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E (S24) or Wi-Fi 7 (S24 Ultra), and Bluetooth 5.3. They both feature a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer but lack a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot. Both also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.

Weight

167 g

232 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra generally highlights their strong performance and advanced features. For the Galaxy S24 Ultra, common praise points include its exceptional battery life, versatile and high-quality camera system, and the utility of the integrated S Pen. Users appreciate its bright, anti-reflective display and overall smooth performance. Some criticisms revolve around its large size and weight, which can make one-handed use challenging, and some users have expressed concerns about its drop durability despite advanced materials.

The standard Galaxy S24 is often praised for its compact size, making it a comfortable device for many. Users generally find its performance excellent for daily tasks and gaming, and its battery life is considered good for its form factor. However, some users have noted that its camera, while capable, doesn't match the versatility of the Ultra, particularly in zoom capabilities. There have also been mixed reports regarding battery life consistency, especially with the Exynos variant in some regions.

Users prioritizing a large, high-resolution display, advanced camera zoom capabilities, and the productivity features of an integrated stylus will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its robust battery life also makes it ideal for heavy users or those who need extended usage away from a charger. Conversely, users who prefer a more compact and lightweight device that is easier to handle with one hand, while still offering strong performance and a capable camera for everyday photography, may prefer the Galaxy S24. Both devices offer a long software support lifespan, making them viable choices for an extended period. For those considering these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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