TechPhonesAndroid PhonesSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: what’s new?Samsung updates the S24 Ultra with new features to make the Galaxy flagship significantly different from the S23 UltraWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: what’s new?Samsung updates the S24 Ultra with new features to make the Galaxy flagship significantly different from the S23 UltraWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Samsung updates the S24 Ultra with new features to make the Galaxy flagship significantly different from the S23 Ultra
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Samsung)
(Image credit: Future / Samsung)
Unlike in February of last year, however, for 2024 the latest Galaxy flagship differs significantly from itsS23 Ultra predecessor. I’vealready used the Galaxy S24 Ultraat a hands-on preview session to bring my first impressions early verdict – and needless to say I’m very impressed.
That’s because the Galaxy S24 Ultra does away with the S23 Ultra’s curved screen for a flat one, upgrades an important part of the camera system, introduces handy Galaxy AI artificial intelligence features, and opts for an all-new finish. All without adjusting the year-on-year price. So could this bethe best Android phone of 2024already?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: What’s new?
Rather than get too wordy right here, I’ll list the key new features in the Galaxy S24 Ultra which differ from the S23 Ultra of last year. If you’re currently using the Samsung flagship then the changes are clear and, for most people, will be universally positive.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Price
But first up: just how much will the S24 Ultra cost? Impressively, despite economic conditions, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will cost the same as its equivalent S23 Ultra did at launch.
That’s a £1,249 / $/1,199 / AU$1,949 asking price for the 256GB storage model. Get your pre-orders in (up to and including the 30 January), and direct from Samsung you’ll net double the storage for free – which is an impressive bonus.
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Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
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$799.99
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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$919
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S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Design & Display
While both S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra pack the same 6.8-inch screen size (on the diagonal measure), they’re very different displays indeed. It’s impossible to miss that the S24 Ultra’s panel is flat, while the earlier S23 Ultra’s is curved to the edges. That’ll make the new device more adept when it comes to using the integrated S Pen stylus.
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That’s not the only difference in the screen department, though, as while both deliver the same resolution (1440 x 3088) and refresh rate (1-120Hz) the S24 Ultra’s panel is able to deliver even greater brightness – up from 1750 to 2600 nits, which is around a 50% peak brightness increase.
However, the S24 Ultra isn’t lighter than the S23 Ultra as a result (which was an iPhone benefit). Here the Titanium finish is about robustness, avoiding bumps and scrapes that the aluminium shell of the earlier model possessed. The S24 Ultra also features Corning Gorilla Glass Armor, also said to be tougher and better at negating reflections.
Colour options also differ, with the S24 Ultra bringing a range of new hues. Although, to my eyes, they’re all rather subdued – that’s the Titanium effect, as the non-Ultra S24 Plus and entry S24 look more eye-catching in the same colourways. But that’s a matter of personal taste.
S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Cameras
While the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera layout remains the same iconic visual arrangement as seen in the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra, it does make one massive change compared to its predecessor.
It’s semi-disappointing that the other 3x optical zoom doesn’t also get a resolution upgrade in the S24 Ultra, but can’t have it all, eh? At least the 200MP main sensor remains in play, which is quality.
A considerable shift in capabilities comes from the addition of Galaxy AI features. Cloud-based options can auto-suggest image corrections that you can apply, while subject/object removal/resizing/moving – much like with theGoogle Pixel 8 Pro– adds significant control.
S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Hardware & Software
Continuing down the Galaxy AI route, the suite of tools available on-device (i.e. not cloud-based) for the S24 Ultra are impressive: there’s live transcription and real-time translation (for 13 languages at launch) both for written and spoken word. It’s impressive stuff.
In terms of hardware running everything, that’s where the more AI-adeptSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 processorcomes into play with the S24 Ultra (the S24 Plus and S24 instead use Samsung’s Exynos 2400). The previous S23 Ultra also utilises a Qualcomm chip, just the Gen 2 version. Both are tuned for Galaxy, however, so overclocked compared to the vanilla Qualcomm off-the-shelf versions.
So while the hardware year-on-year isn’t dramatically different, it’s the S24 Ultra’s new AI features that stand it apart. In terms of battery there’s zero difference: both handsets use 5000mAh cells with the same charging speeds (which, at this stage, could be called out as behind the best).
Just like its predecessor the S24 Ultra also features a built-in S Pen stylus, which is a crucial difference between it and the other models in the S24 range. For this generation it’s ever so slightly redesigned, marginally thinner, but makes no difference to use.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Conclusion
Unlike last year’s marginal upgrade, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a significant change over the S23 Ultra that came before it.
It’s got a flat-panel display that’s brighter, a new Titanium finish, a better zoom camera (albeit at 5x, not 10x of old), enhanced AI features that are genuinely useful, and somehow doesn’t increase its price year on year.
In the era of AI it seems that Samsung is bringing its A-game to the likes of Google and I think the Galaxy S24 Ultra looks like a great upgrade, especially for S Pen stylus fans, that’ll make a big dent inthe best phones of 2024.
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra dealsSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra dealsSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra dealsSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,299.99$799.99ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
$1,299.99$799.99View
$1,299.99$799.99
$799.99
See all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra$919ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
$919View
$919
$919
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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