Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs iPhone 14 Plus

Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:540.00

Versus €1,589.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January 2024, and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, represent distinct approaches to the large-screen smartphone experience. While both offer expansive displays and robust performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra distinguishes itself with an integrated stylus and advanced camera system, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus focuses on a streamlined user experience within the iOS ecosystem. These devices cater to different user preferences, with one emphasizing versatility and the other prioritizing simplicity and integration.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer different timelines for software updates and varying material compositions.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Ultra was released in January 2024, making it a newer device compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release dates directly impacts their expected software support windows.
  • OS Support Duration: Samsung has committed to providing seven years of OS updates for the Galaxy S24 series, including the Ultra model, starting from its release. The iPhone 14 Plus, running iOS, typically receives 5-6 years of major iOS updates from its launch. This means the Galaxy S24 Ultra is projected to receive software support for a significantly longer period.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor on its display, offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops. The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design, providing a durable build with IP68 water and dust resistance. Both devices are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2024

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use, from app handling to demanding tasks, is a key differentiator between these two large-screen smartphones, driven by their respective internal components and software optimizations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation high-end processor, designed to handle intensive applications, advanced AI features, and graphic-heavy gaming with smooth responsiveness. The iPhone 14 Plus features a previous-generation processor, which still delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and most mobile games within the iOS environment.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless multitasking and quick app switching. The iPhone 14 Plus includes 6GB of RAM, which is optimized by iOS for efficient background app management and a fluid user experience.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, allowing users to choose based on their needs for apps, photos, and videos. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers up to 1TB of storage, while the iPhone 14 Plus is available with up to 512GB.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, and both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 14 Plus offer large, vibrant screens with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a high pixel density for sharp images and text. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, providing clear visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, offering smooth scrolling and excellent visibility in bright conditions. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S24 Ultra's display includes an anti-reflective coating and Gorilla Glass Armor for enhanced outdoor viewing and durability. The iPhone 14 Plus provides a consistent and color-accurate viewing experience, characteristic of Apple's OLED panels.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer advanced systems for capturing photos and videos, though with different hardware configurations and software processing.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, allowing for extensive zoom capabilities and detailed shots. The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, known for consistent image quality and natural color reproduction.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 Ultra leverages advanced AI for photo processing, enhancing details, low-light performance, and offering features like Generative Edit. The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from Apple's Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion for improved low-light performance and detail retention.
  • Video Recording: Both phones offer high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 8K video recording at 30fps, while the iPhone 14 Plus offers 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 60fps, along with Cinematic Mode and Action Mode for stabilized footage.

Main camera

200 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 3.2 port for fast data transfer and charging. The iPhone 14 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and uses a Lightning port for charging and data.
  • Unique Features: A significant differentiator for the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the integrated S Pen, offering precise input for notes, drawings, and navigation. The iPhone 14 Plus includes features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite for enhanced safety.
  • Dimensions and Build: The Galaxy S24 Ultra measures 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and weighs 233 grams. The iPhone 14 Plus measures 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and weighs 203 grams. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a titanium frame, while the iPhone 14 Plus features an aluminum frame.

Weight

232 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus cater to different user priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S24 Ultra for its versatile camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities, the utility of the integrated S Pen, and its expansive, bright display. Its long-term software support commitment is also a significant advantage for those seeking extended device longevity. Some users might find its size and weight substantial, and the array of advanced features may present a steeper learning curve for those accustomed to simpler interfaces.

Conversely, the iPhone 14 Plus is frequently lauded for its excellent battery life, the reliability and ease of use of iOS, and its consistent camera performance in various conditions. Its large display provides an immersive viewing experience within the Apple ecosystem. Potential criticisms sometimes point to its standard 60Hz display refresh rate and the continued use of the Lightning port, which may feel less modern compared to USB-C. The iPhone 14 Plus also offers a more straightforward user experience, which can be a benefit for those who prefer simplicity over a multitude of customizable features.

Users prioritizing a highly versatile device with advanced camera features, an integrated stylus for productivity, and a longer software support window may find the Galaxy S24 Ultra more aligned with their needs. Those who value a streamlined, intuitive operating system, strong battery endurance, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem might lean towards the iPhone 14 Plus. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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