Samsung has once again launched an impressive trilogy of flagship Galaxy models, and in this article, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus vs S24 Ultra is the comparison in the spotlight. As the two more premium Android handsets, it can be a tough call to make over choosing one phone over the other. Looking past the obvious design differences, there are a variety of subtle comparisons to be made between the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra. So, in this article, we’re exploring the main differences between two higher-end Galaxy S24 models of the lineup, so you can make an informed choice of which one to go for.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus vs S24 Ultra specs comparison
To explore the differences between the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Ultra, let’s take a look at their key specifications:
| Specs | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches | 6.24 x 3.00 x 0.30 inches |
| Screen | 6.8″ OLED WQHD+ LTPO 3.0 1-120Hz | 6.7-inch AMOLED, QHD+, flat screen, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (US) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (US) Exynos 2400 (RoW) |
| RAM, Storage | 12GB RAM / 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM / 256GB, 512GB |
| Cameras | 200MP main, 12MP ultra, 10MP 3X telephoto, 50MP 5X telephoto | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) |
| Battery size | 5000 mAh battery | 4,900 mAh battery |
| Charging | 45W wires, 15W Qi wireless charging | 45W, 15W Qi wireless charging |
| Colors | Titanium Yellow, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Gray (Samsung.com exclusive: Titanium Orange, Titanium Green, Titanium Blue) | Cobalt Violet, Marble Gray, Onyx Black, Amber Yellow (Samsung.com exclusive: Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue, Jade Green) |
Key differences between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and S24 Ultra
Design and display
When it comes to design, there are a few obvious disparities between these smartphone siblings. The S24 Plus has the familiar Armor Aluminum candybar shape, with a triple camera setup on its back panel. This time around, the S24 Ultra also has a flat-screen, ditching its previously curved edges in favor of a flat Titanium frame. On the inside, the S24 Ultra is getting a new vapor cooling chamber that’s quoted as 1.9x times larger than its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, getting an internal makeover as well as a redesign.
In terms of display, there are some key differences between the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a slightly larger 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, arguably providing a more stunning visual experience than found on any other of Samsung’s phones. The Ultra also has the durability advantage here, with its Gorilla Armor set to be 4x more scratch-resistant than Gorilla Glass Victus 2. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Plus features a slightly smaller 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and keeps the same 2,600 nits brightness.
S Pen
One notable difference between the two devices is the inclusion of the S Pen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This unique feature sets it apart from the Galaxy S24 Plus, and most other smartphones on the market. The S Pen offers enhanced productivity and creative capabilities, making it a valuable tool for those who prefer a stylus.
Camera
Another major difference between both devices is in the camera department – as expected, the Ultra is far superior to the rest of the lineup. Still featuring a decent set-up, the Galaxy S24 Plus features a three-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3X optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra introduces a new camera setup, with four cameras on the back. This setup includes a 50MP 5X telephoto camera, allowing for optical zoom up to 10X without compromising image quality. While the S24 Ultra might have better camera specs on paper, both phones benefit from the new AI features called Galaxy AI, in particular from a generative AI based photo editing suite named ProVisual Engine.
Battery life
Another aspect worth exploring is the battery life of the two devices. The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a significant improvement in battery capacity, with a 4,900mAh battery compared to the previous model’s 4,700mAh, bringing it a step closer to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery capacity. With the same charging speeds and only 100 mAh separating them, there should be a similar battery life between the two, but this is yet to be extensively tested.
Price
The Galaxy S24 Plus starts at $999, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a starting price of $1,299, marking it as $400 more expensive than its Plus sibling. Of course, prices vary depending on the region and storage configuration, but what’s clear to see is that the Ultra is the far more expensive model, and that’s reflected in its advanced specs and features.
Is the Galaxy S24 Plus better than the S24 Ultra?
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Ultra may share some similarities, they differ in such fundamental ways that it’s hard to come to a decisive conclusion of which one is better. The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its titanium design, larger display, S Pen support, and improved camera capabilities, while the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a more compact design, similar display quality, and a more affordable price point. However, the gap between the top-tier and middle-tier devices continues to get smaller, and the core Galaxy experience should be more than enjoyable on both of these phones.
