Galaxy S24 Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:323.00

Versus €956.40 new

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Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:540.00

Versus €1,589.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, both released in January 2024, represent the latest generation of Samsung's flagship Android smartphones. While sharing the same core operating system and many advanced features, they cater to different user preferences primarily through their distinct form factors, camera capabilities, and the inclusion of the integrated S Pen on the Ultra model. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay, offering a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra offer substantial software support and robust build quality.

  • Software Longevity: Both models were launched with a commitment to receive seven years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring they remain current and secure for an extended period. This means users can expect updates well into the 2030s, providing a long practical lifespan for software features and security.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection. The S24 Ultra elevates this with a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor, which offers enhanced scratch resistance. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements.
  • Repairability: As modern flagship smartphones, both devices present a moderate level of repair complexity. While specific repairability scores can vary, their construction generally requires specialized tools and expertise for internal component access.

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 are equipped with powerful internal components designed for demanding tasks, though there are some distinctions in their configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation processor globally, ensuring smooth performance across all applications and intensive gaming. The standard Galaxy S24 also features a current-generation processor, which provides excellent responsiveness for everyday use and multitasking.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The S24 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, allowing for seamless switching between numerous applications and handling large files efficiently. The standard S24 usually offers 8GB of RAM, which is ample for most users' multitasking needs. Both models offer various storage configurations, with the Ultra providing options up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage requirements.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, often translates to extended usage times, even with its larger, higher-resolution display. The Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery, providing reliable all-day power for typical usage patterns.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both devices is premium, offering vibrant visuals, but they differ in size and resolution.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. They also share a high peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing a sharp and clear viewing experience in a more compact form factor. The S24 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering greater detail and an expansive viewing area, particularly beneficial for media consumption and productivity.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz. This dynamic adjustment contributes to smoother scrolling and animations while optimizing power consumption when high refresh rates are not needed.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra offer advanced camera systems, but the Ultra model provides a more versatile and high-resolution setup.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24 Ultra elevates this with a quad-camera system, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, which also enables 10x optical quality zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 delivers excellent image quality in various conditions, with strong performance in everyday photography. The S24 Ultra, with its higher megapixel count and additional telephoto lens, offers greater detail, more flexibility in zooming, and enhanced low-light capabilities, particularly with its 200MP main sensor.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 30fps. They also provide clear audio recording and a robust media consumption experience through their stereo speakers.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung flagships.

  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S24 is a more compact device, measuring 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The S24 Ultra is significantly larger and heavier at 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and 232g, offering a more substantial feel and a larger canvas for interaction.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support 5G connectivity, the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 depending on region and model), and Bluetooth 5.3. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Unique Features: A key differentiator is the integrated S Pen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which allows for precise input, note-taking, drawing, and remote controls, enhancing productivity and creative tasks. The S24 does not support the S Pen. Both devices feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure authentication.

Weight

167 g

232 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.8

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. Users frequently praise the S24 for its comfortable, compact size and excellent overall balance of features for a daily driver. Its vibrant display and capable camera system are often noted as strong points. Some users, however, might find its battery life sufficient but not exceptional compared to larger devices.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra receives acclaim for its expansive, high-resolution display, exceptional battery endurance, and its highly versatile camera system, particularly the enhanced zoom capabilities. The integrated S Pen is a significant draw for users who value precision input and productivity features. Criticisms, though less frequent, sometimes point to its larger size and weight, which may not appeal to all users.

For users prioritizing a more compact and lightweight device that still delivers flagship performance and a strong camera experience, the Galaxy S24 is a well-suited choice. It offers a premium Android experience in a form factor that is easier to handle and carry. Conversely, those who require the largest possible screen for media consumption or productivity, demand the most advanced camera system with extensive zoom capabilities, and can benefit from the integrated S Pen, will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra to be a compelling option. Its larger battery also makes it ideal for heavy users or those who need extended time away from a charger. Both devices represent quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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