Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs iPhone 13

Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:557.00

Versus €1,699.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:231.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January 2024, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, represent different generations within the smartphone landscape. While both offer robust smartphone experiences, the Galaxy S24 Ultra distinguishes itself with a more advanced camera system, an integrated stylus, and a newer processor. Both devices operate on their respective mature and feature-rich mobile operating systems.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a significantly newer device, having been released in early 2024. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, was introduced in late 2021. This difference in release date directly impacts their expected practical lifespan.
  • Software Support: Samsung has committed to providing seven years of OS updates for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, matching Google's update policy. The iPhone 13, being an older model, will receive iOS updates for a shorter duration, typically around 5-6 years from its release. This means the S24 Ultra will benefit from new features and security patches for a considerably longer period.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S24 Ultra incorporates a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor for its display, offering enhanced scratch resistance and structural integrity. The iPhone 13 utilizes a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, providing good resistance to drops and scratches. Both models also carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2024

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. These two devices offer distinct levels of processing power and efficiency.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a current-generation processor designed for high performance, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced AI features. The iPhone 13 is equipped with a capable processor that delivers smooth performance for everyday use, app loading, and gaming. However, the S24 Ultra offers more headroom for future software and more intensive tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With its more recent processor and typically higher RAM configuration, the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a highly responsive user experience, excelling in multitasking and quickly switching between applications. The iPhone 13, while still fluid for most users, may show its age when handling a large number of demanding applications simultaneously compared to the S24 Ultra.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities. The Galaxy S24 Ultra utilizes UFS 4.0 technology for faster data access. The iPhone 13 uses NVMe storage. Both provide ample space for apps, photos, and videos, with the S24 Ultra generally offering higher maximum storage options.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 13 offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a high resolution, providing sharp and clear images with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also offering excellent clarity, contrast, and color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S24 Ultra boasts a significantly higher peak brightness, making it easier to view content in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 13 offers a good peak brightness for its generation but has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a less fluid visual experience compared to higher refresh rate displays.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen size of the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity. Its anti-reflective coating further enhances the viewing experience by reducing glare. The iPhone 13 offers a compact form factor that some users may find more comfortable for one-handed use.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a key differentiator, and these two phones offer varying photographic capabilities.

  • Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera system, including a high-resolution main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and multiple telephoto lenses with optical zoom capabilities. The iPhone 13 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a main wide camera and an ultrawide camera.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 Ultra excels in capturing detailed images, especially with its high-megapixel main sensor and advanced zoom features, including enhanced low-light performance and AI-powered photo and video enhancements. The iPhone 13 delivers reliable everyday photography with good image quality, improved low-light performance compared to its predecessors, and features like Cinematic Mode for video.
  • Video Recording: Both devices offer high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports up to 8K video recording and includes advanced features like Anyplace Zoom and enhanced stabilization. The iPhone 13 supports up to 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision and features sensor-shift optical image stabilization for smoother footage.

Main camera

200 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other aspects contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports newer connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 3.2 port for faster data transfer and charging. The iPhone 13 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, and uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Integrated Features: A significant distinction is the integrated S Pen with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. The iPhone 13 relies on Face ID for secure authentication. Both devices include essential sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a larger and heavier device, reflecting its expansive screen and larger battery. The iPhone 13 offers a more compact and lighter design, which can be preferable for users seeking a device that is easier to handle and carry.

Weight

233 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 13 cater to different user needs and preferences, largely due to their generational gap and distinct ecosystem philosophies.

Users frequently praise the Galaxy S24 Ultra for its exceptional camera versatility, powerful performance, and the integrated S Pen, which enhances productivity and creative tasks. Its long software support commitment is also a significant advantage for those planning to keep their device for many years. Some common observations include its large size, which might not suit all users, and the complexity of its advanced camera features for casual photographers.

The iPhone 13 is often commended for its reliable and smooth performance, its capable camera system for everyday use, and its more compact form factor. Users appreciate its integration within the Apple ecosystem. However, some users note its 60Hz display as a limitation compared to newer devices, and the Lightning port is less universally compatible than USB-C.

For individuals prioritizing the absolute latest in smartphone technology, a highly versatile camera system with advanced zoom capabilities, an integrated stylus for productivity, and the longest possible software support, the Galaxy S24 Ultra aligns well with these priorities. Conversely, users who prefer a more compact device, are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, and require reliable performance for daily tasks without needing the most cutting-edge features may find the iPhone 13 a suitable option. Both devices, whether new or as a quality-assured refurbished option, offer distinct advantages depending on individual user requirements.