The Ultimate Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra

Q: Q1: What are the main differences between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra features several upgrades over the S23 Ultra. Key differences include a switch to a flat display (no curved edges) with higher peak brightness (2600 nits vs 1750 nits), a new titanium frame for improved durabilitytomsguide.com, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) for faster performancephonearena.com. The camera system has a revised telephoto setup – S24 Ultra uses a 50MP 5x zoom lens instead of the S23 Ultra’s 10MP 10x lens, while keeping the 200MP main cameramdsmobile.ae. This gives the S24 Ultra similar zoom capabilities up to 10x, though via sensor cropping and AI. The S24’s display is also brighter and easier to view outdoorsandroidauthority.com. Additionally, the S24 Ultra comes with new AI-powered features (like generative photo editing, live call translation, etc.) and extends software update support to 7 years (versus 4-5 years on S23). In summary: design refinements (flat screen, titanium), a faster chip, slight camera changes, longer support, and a $100 higher starting price are the main differences.

Q: Q2: Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra worth upgrading from the S23 Ultra?

If you already own the S23 Ultra, upgrading to the S24 Ultra is likely not necessary for most people, as the improvements are relatively incremental. The S23 Ultra is still an excellent phone with a great display, top-notch performance, and a fantastic camera. The S24 Ultra will give you a brighter flat screen, a bit more speed, slightly improved cameras (especially in low-light and with new software tricks), and much longer software supportandroidauthority.com. These are nice-to-haves but not game changers for everyday use. Unless you specifically want the flat display or plan to keep your phone for many years (to benefit from the 7-year updates), the S23 Ultra remains powerful and capable enough that you can comfortably skip a generationandroidauthority.com. On the other hand, if you’re a tech enthusiast who must have the latest or you’re coming from an older phone (S22 Ultra or earlier), the S24 Ultra will be a worthy upgrade. It’s more a question of personal priorities and budget rather than a must-do upgrade.

Q: Q3: Does the S24 Ultra take better photos than the S23 Ultra?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s photos are slightly better in certain scenarios, but the difference isn’t massive. Both phones have a 200MP main camera and can capture excellent images. The S24 Ultra has a new 50MP 5x telephoto lens, which performs on par with the S23 Ultra’s 10x lens for zoom up to 10x in good lightingphonearena.com. In fact, at 10x or below, you’ll see very similar quality between the two; at extreme zoom levels (30x-100x), the S23 Ultra’s dedicated 10x lens can produce a bit more detail while the S24 might have slightly softer detail but brighter exposuretomsguide.com. The S24 Ultra also benefits from improved image processing – its photos often have more natural colors and less aggressive sharpening compared to the S23 Ultra. In low-light, the S24 Ultra tends to yield brighter, cleaner images thanks to updated Night Mode algorithmsandroidauthority.com. But overall, both cameras are excellent. If we’re pixel-peeping: S24 Ultra has a slight edge in night shots and AI features (like object erasing, etc.), while the S23 Ultra still holds its own and even does a tad better for ultra-long zoom. For most users, you’d be happy with either – the S24 Ultra is better, but only by a small margin in most real-world situations.

Q: Q8: Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have a curved screen like the S23 Ultra?

No, the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses a flat screen, unlike the S23 Ultra’s curved-edge display. This is a design change Samsung implemented in the S24 series – the S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch AMOLED is completely flat across, with just a slight 2.5D curvature at the very edges of the glass for comfort, but nothing like the pronounced curves on the S23 Ultra’s sides. Many users and reviewers appreciate this change because it reduces accidental edge touches and makes the S Pen easier to use near the edgesandroidauthority.com. The flat screen also allowed Samsung to slim down the bezels (especially the bottom chin) on the S24 Ultra, giving it a more edge-to-edge looktomsguide.com. If you put them side by side, the S23 Ultra’s display will have visible curved sides and slightly thicker bezels top and bottom, whereas the S24 Ultra’s front is more uniformly flat and nearly all screen. So if you prefer flat displays, the S24 Ultra will be pleasing. Those who liked the “waterfall” curved glass aesthetic might miss it, but overall the flat design has been well-received as more practical.

Q: Q9: Do both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra support the S Pen, and has anything changed with it?

Yes, both phones have an integrated S Pen stylus and full support for all S Pen features. The S Pen itself hasn’t fundamentally changed from S23 Ultra to S24 Ultra – it’s the same size and design, with Bluetooth Air Actions support (you can use it as a remote shutter, etc.), and the same pressure sensitivity for drawing/writing. What has changed is the screen and design that affect how the S Pen feels in use. On the S24 Ultra’s flat display, using the S Pen is a bit nicer because you can write all the way to the screen edges without the tip slipping off a curvetomsguide.com. Also, Samsung made the S Pen storage silo a bit more flush on the S24 Ultra, so when you insert the pen it sits completely inside (the top end was sticking out just a hair on S23 Ultra)phonearena.com. Functionally, features like Screen-Off Memo, Air Command, etc., are identical on both. So, both devices offer the full Galaxy Note experience. If you’re an artist or note-taker, you won’t miss out on anything with S23 Ultra’s S Pen vs S24 Ultra’s – except you might find the S24’s flat screen a touch easier to draw on and perhaps the overall latency slightly improved thanks to the faster processor (though Samsung already had very low latency).

Q: Q10: Should I buy the S23 Ultra at a discount or spend more for the S24 Ultra?

It depends on your priorities and budget. The Galaxy S23 Ultra at a discount offers tremendous bang for your buck – you’re getting a phone that was top-of-the-line very recently and still competes with the best, likely for a few hundred dollars less than the S24 Ultra’s price. It has almost all the same core features (great screen, cameras, performance) and will continue to get updates for a few more years. For many users, the S23 Ultra will do everything they need and the savings are substantial. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra gives you the latest refinements and better future-proofing. If having the longest software support (through 2030), the slightly improved camera system, the new AI features, and bragging rights of the newest model are worth the extra money to you, then the S24 Ultra is the one to get. Think about how you use your phone: If you’re an enthusiast who values even minor improvements (or plan to keep the device a long time), the S24 Ultra could be worth it. But if you just want a premium phone and don’t mind it being “last year’s model,” the S23 Ultra will likely satisfy you while leaving some cash in your pocket. In summary, if budget is flexible and you want the absolute best – go S24 Ultra; if you want to save money and still get 90% of the experience – the S23 Ultra is a smart choice.

Introduction

Samsung’s Galaxy S series continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation each year. The Galaxy S23 Ultra was widely hailed as one of 2023’s best flagship phones, packed with a 200MP camera, superb battery life, and the versatility of the S Pen stylus. Fast forward to the new Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Samsung has refined its formula even further. But what’s new and improved in the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. the S23 Ultra, and is it enough to justify an upgrade?

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra across all key aspects – design changes, display quality, performance upgrades, camera improvements, battery life, software features, and price. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s changed from the S23 Ultra to S24 Ultra and whether those changes make the S24 Ultra a worthy successor. We’ll also provide real-world examples, statistics, and expert insights (with reputable sources) to back up our analysis.

For another perspective, you can also check out our in-depth comparison of the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro to see how Samsung’s flagship stacks against Apple’s besthfreditech.com. And if you need a refresher on last year’s device, read our Galaxy S23 Ultra review for a deep dive into its features and performancefreditech.com.

Now, let’s dive into the ultimate Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra comparison to see what’s new and improved!

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Design & Build Quality

At first glance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t radically reinvent the design – it retains the same sharp-edged silhouette, massive 6.8-inch display, and quad-camera layout as the S23 Ultraandroidauthority.com. However, Samsung has introduced subtle yet meaningful design upgrades that improve usability and durability in day-to-day use.

One of the most notable changes is the switch from a curved display on the S23 Ultra to a completely flat display on the S24 Ultratomsguide.com. The S23 Ultra’s screen had curved edges, which looked sleek but could cause accidental touches and glare at the extremes of the screen. The S24 Ultra’s flat screen eliminates those curved sides, resulting in fewer mistouches and reduced edge glare. This change also improves the experience with the S Pen stylus – on the S24 Ultra, the S Pen is less likely to slip off the edges while writing or drawing, making for a more comfortable note-taking experience. (Some users did appreciate the curved glass aesthetics of the S23 Ultra, but most will find the flat panel more practical.) In fact, Samsung managed to reduce the bezels around the S24 Ultra’s screen by 42%, especially trimming the bottom chin, so the display stretches closer to the edges than before. The result is a more immersive front face and a slightly smaller overall height, even though both phones still have the same screen size.

Another major build upgrade is the material of the frame. The Galaxy S23 Ultra used Samsung’s Armor Aluminum for its metal frame, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra steps up to a stronger, lighter titanium alloy frametomsguide.com. Titanium not only adds durability (better resistance to bends and drops) but also shaves a bit of weight. The difference is small – the S24 Ultra weighs about 233g vs 234g for the S23 Ultradigitaltrends.com – roughly 8.22 oz vs 8.25 oz – but it’s a minor improvement you might notice when holding both together. The titanium frame also has a smooth satin texture, giving the S24 Ultra a premium feel in the handphonearena.com.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in gray (left) and Galaxy S24 Ultra in beige/cream (right) standing side by side on a desk, showing the quad-camera rings and clean, flat-edged design in a soft studio office setting.

Both devices are extremely well-built and share the same IP68 water and dust resistance rating (submersible in 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes)androidauthority.com, so durability against the elements is unchanged. However, screen protection has improved – the S23 Ultra’s display used Gorilla Glass Victus 2, whereas the S24 Ultra uses the new Corning Gorilla Glass Armor on both front and back. According to Samsung, this Gorilla Glass Armor offers significantly better scratch and drop resistance, complementing the tougher frame for an overall more rugged device.

In terms of physical dimensions, the two phones are almost identical. The S24 Ultra measures about 162.5 x 79 x 8.6 mm, versus the S23 Ultra’s 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mmdigitaltrends.com. This means the new model is a hair shorter and thicker in one dimension, and just slightly wider – differences on the order of a millimeter. Both have the same hefty, boxy footprint reminiscent of Samsung’s earlier Note series. Notably, despite the S24 Ultra’s small reduction in thickness, it retains the same large 5,000 mAh battery (more on battery life later)phonearena.com.

A few other minor design tweaks: the side buttons (power and volume) on the S24 Ultra are reportedly a bit larger and more pronounced, making them easier to find by touch. The bottom speaker grille has a new subtle design, but functionally both phones have stereo speakers that sound comparably rich. Both models include the beloved S Pen silo at the bottom. On the S24 Ultra, Samsung refined the fit so that the S Pen sits fully flush when inserted (no slight protrusion as on the S23 Ultra). This is a small detail, but it speaks to Samsung’s polish – no more S Pen “sticking out” of the phone’s base. Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s design is an iterative refinement over the S23 Ultra: it keeps the same general look but improves durability and ergonomics in ways that real-world users will appreciateandroidauthority.com.

Display and Screen Quality

When it comes to the display, both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra boast massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels that are among the best in the industry. They share a Quad HD+ resolution (1440p), resulting in pin-sharp detail (~500+ pixels per inch) and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrollingtomsguide.com. In terms of size and baseline specs, there’s parity: you get the same expansive canvas and vibrant OLED tech on both devices, with support for HDR10+ and excellent color reproduction.

However, Samsung did make one significant upgrade: brightness. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s display can reach a much higher peak brightness than the S23 Ultra’s. Samsung advertises up to 2,600 nits peak brightness on the S24 Ultra, versus about 1,750 nits on the S23 Ultra. In practical terms, that means the S24 Ultra’s screen is easier to view under direct sunlight. Samsung claims about a 40% improvement in outdoor visibility with the S24 Ultra’s panel compared to its predecessorandroidauthority.com. Independent tests confirm the S24 Ultra gets significantly brighter in high brightness mode: for example, in one benchmark, the S24 Ultra hit around 1,353 nits, compared to ~1,225 nits on the S23 Ultra (both measured with full-screen brightness patterns). While these figures are below Samsung’s theoretical max (lab tests often use smaller screen areas to get that 2,600 nits figure), the S24 Ultra still outshines the S23 Ultra by roughly 10% in real-world peak brightnesstomsguide.com. This can make HDR videos pop a bit more, and as noted, helps a lot in sunlight – colors and text remain visible where the S23 Ultra might appear slightly dimmer.

Another improvement in display quality comes from better anti-reflective properties. The S24 Ultra’s new Gorilla Glass Armor has lower reflectivity, which, combined with the flat shape, helps cut down on glare. In side-by-side use, the S24 Ultra’s screen is easier to read outdoors not just because of raw brightness, but also because there’s less reflection bouncing off those flat edges. The flat screen also means no color distortions at the curved edges – some users noticed the S23 Ultra’s curved sides could slightly shift colors or brightness when viewed at certain angles. That is no longer an issue on the fully flat S24 Ultra display.

Color accuracy and calibration out of the box have also seen a tweak. PhoneArena’s testing found that the Galaxy S24 Ultra had better default color accuracy than the S23 Ultra, which was already quite goodphonearena.com. Both phones offer display modes (Vivid vs Natural) to either punch up colors or keep them more realistic. In either case, you’re getting Samsung’s trademark rich contrast (deep inky blacks) and vibrant hues. The differences are subtle; most users will be impressed by either screen, but the S24 Ultra might look a touch more true-to-life in certain color test patterns.

It’s worth noting that the flat vs curved display difference also affects touch interactions. With the S24 Ultra’s flat panel, accidental touches along the edges are greatly reduced (a common annoyance with curved screens)androidauthority.com. This means you can comfortably use the phone one-handed or with the S Pen near the edges without the phone misregistering inputs. Gamers and stylus users, in particular, will appreciate this change, as the very edges of the screen are now fully usable. The S23 Ultra’s curved sides were mostly aesthetic; losing them makes the S24 Ultra’s display more functional for everyday use.

As for other display features: both screens support an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz to save battery on static imagestomsguide.com. Both have excellent viewing angles and punchy contrast. The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is the same on both – a fast and reliable biometric method embedded beneath the lower portion of the screen. Both phones also offer face unlock using the front camera (2D image-based), which works quickly in good light, but the fingerprint reader remains the more secure unlock method – and it’s equally present on S23U and S24U.

In summary, Samsung didn’t fix what wasn’t broken with the display – the S23 Ultra already had one of the best screens on any smartphone, and the S24 Ultra carries that torch with a few refinements. You get a brighter, easier-to-see display on the S24 Ultra, with fewer reflections and a truly flat viewing area. For media consumption, gaming, and productivity, both devices deliver top-tier screen quality, but power users and outdoor users will notice the S24 Ultra’s incremental improvements in brightness and usability.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a new generation of firepower. Samsung has equipped it with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (customized “for Galaxy” edition), a jump up from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) in the S23 Ultraphonearena.com. This year, there’s no split between Snapdragon and Exynos – in all regions, the S24 Ultra gets the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring consistent performance globally.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 brings a modern octa-core CPU design with higher clock speeds and a more advanced architecture. For instance, it features a prime Cortex-X4 core up to 3.3GHz, along with three Cortex-A720 performance cores and four efficiency cores. The previous Gen 2 had a Cortex-X3 and older core mix at slightly lower frequencies. In plain English, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a faster brain, which translates to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and more headroom for intensive tasks like 4K video editing or high-end mobile games.

Benchmark numbers underscore this performance leap. In CPU tests like Geekbench and GPU tests like 3DMark, the S24 Ultra handily beats its predecessor. For example, in 3DMark’s Extreme test, the S24 Ultra scored around 4960 (high tier) vs 3828 for the S23 Ultra – a jump of roughly 30% in graphics performance. These gains are thanks to the new Adreno 750 GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which Qualcomm claims offers much better graphics throughput and even hardware-accelerated ray tracing capabilitiesphonearena.com. This is great news for gamers: the S24 Ultra can push higher frame rates and improved visual effects in games that support advanced graphics, outpacing the S23 Ultra’s already strong Adreno 740 GPU.

In day-to-day use, however, you might not feel a dramatic difference between the two phones for common tasks. Both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra are extremely fast and snappy in typical usage – swiping through One UI, launching social media apps, taking photos, etc., all happen without stutter on either device. As one review noted, in real life “both phones feel quite snappy, so you might not notice such a large difference” unless you’re really pushing the hardware. The Gen 2 chip in the S23 Ultra was already a beast, and Gen 3 takes it up another notch that mainly benefits power users and heavy multitaskers. If you’re the type to play graphically intense games or run emulators, the S24 Ultra’s extra GPU muscle and improved cooling (we’ll touch on that next) will be a welcome upgrade.

Speaking of cooling, Samsung has improved the thermal design in the S24 Ultra. It features a redesigned vapor chamber that’s nearly double the size of the one in the S23 Ultramdsmobile.ae. A larger vapor chamber means better heat dissipation during prolonged high-performance tasks. This helps the S24 Ultra sustain its peak speeds longer without throttling down due to heat. It also has side benefits: a cooler phone when fast charging and potentially maintaining performance in long video recording sessions. Samsung indicated that the improved cooling could even allow the phone to charge slightly faster under load by keeping temperatures in checkandroidauthority.com. In practice, the S23 Ultra already managed heat well, but the S24 Ultra should be even more stable during, say, a 30-minute gaming session or when using the camera for 8K video recording.

Memory and storage configurations also see a minor change. The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at 12GB of RAM with 256GB storage in the base model. In contrast, the S23 Ultra’s base variant had 8GB RAM with 256GB (although higher tiers of S23 came with 12GB)phonearena.com. This means every S24 Ultra model gives you a hefty 12GB RAM out of the box, which is great for future-proofing and heavy multitasking. Both phones use fast UFS 4.0 storage on their 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, so storage speed is equally excellent. Neither phone has a microSD card slot (Samsung hasn’t offered expandable storage on Ultras since the S21), so what you buy is what you have – plan storage accordingly.

On the connectivity front, both devices support 5G (Sub6 and mmWave on compatible models), the latest Wi-Fi (the S23 Ultra has Wi-Fi 6E, while the S24 Ultra likely bumps to Wi-Fi 7 thanks to the new chipset), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and Ultra Wideband (for precise device tracking and smart tags). These specs ensure top-of-the-line wireless performance and accessory support on both, though the S24 Ultra holds a slight edge with the newer Wi-Fi standard and Bluetooth version.

Audio and haptics remain similar between the two. Both phones have stereo speaker setups (earpiece + bottom speaker) that deliver loud and rich sound. The S23 Ultra was among the better-sounding flagships of its time, and the S24 Ultra is on par, if not marginally improved, possibly due to the retooled speaker grille design. Neither phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack (a feature long gone in premium phones), so audio is wireless or via USB-C. The haptic feedback (vibration motor) on both is excellent – crisp and precise for typing and system alertsphonearena.com. Samsung didn’t make specific changes here, meaning you get the same premium haptic experience on both devices.

One more area to note is security. Both phones have Samsung’s Knox security suite and similar biometric options (fingerprint, face unlock). The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen is identical, offering fast unlocking. From a hardware encryption and security standpoint, both are top-notch, with the S24 Ultra benefiting from the latest Snapdragon’s security module, but in practical use they’re equivalent.

In summary, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s hardware upgrades – a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, more base RAM, and improved cooling – make it one of the most powerful Android phones in 2024, outpacing the S23 Ultra’s still-impressive performance. If you demand the absolute best performance for gaming or productivity, the S24 Ultra provides a tangible boostphonearena.com. For everyday tasks, both phones are overkill (in a good way), and you won’t see huge differences in speed for most apps. Samsung’s focus was on refining performance and ensuring long-term smoothness – the S24 Ultra should stay fast for years, aided by that extra RAM and robust cooling. Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra remains a powerhouse in its own right, only a step behind its younger sibling in raw power.

For further reading on mobile performance optimization, visit our article on Maximizing Smartphone Performance and check out Samsung’s Software Update Portal.

Camera and Photography Features

Close-up rear view of Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in gray (left) and Galaxy S24 Ultra in beige/cream (right), highlighting the quad-lens camera rings, flash modules, and the S24 Ultra’s flatter titanium-edged design versus the S23 Ultra’s slightly rounder sides.

One of the biggest questions for any phone upgrade is the camera: Has Samsung improved the camera system on the S24 Ultra, and how does it compare to the S23 Ultra? The answer is a bit nuanced. Samsung made some significant changes to the telephoto setup and introduced new AI-powered features on the S24 Ultra, while keeping the main camera hardware similar. Let’s break it down by camera lens and capability:

Rear Cameras: Both Galaxy Ultras sport a quad-camera array on the back. They each have:

A 200MP main wide camera (the showpiece high-resolution sensor),

A 12MP ultrawide camera (for 120° wide-angle shots),

A 10MP 3x telephoto camera (for portrait zoom and mid-range),

And a fourth telephoto: this is where they differ – S23 Ultra has a 10MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom, whereas S24 Ultra has a 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoommdsmobile.ae.

That last point is the key hardware change: Samsung removed the dedicated 10x optical zoom lens in the S24 Ultra, opting instead for a new 50MP sensor at 5x zoom. At first glance, this seems like a downgrade in zoom capability – after all, 10x optical on the S23 Ultra was a standout feature for long-distance shots (and enabled the marketing-famed 100x “Space Zoom”). Many people assumed the S24 Ultra would be less capable at distance photography. However, Samsung insists that the larger, high-resolution 50MP sensor can deliver equivalent optical quality up to 10x by cropping into the sensor, effectively replacing the need for a 10x lenstomsguide.commdsmobile.ae. In other words, the S24 Ultra still achieves 10x zoom (and beyond) but uses software and sensor cropping on that 50MP module to simulate a long lens. It also still supports up to 100x digital Space Zoom, just like the S23 Ultra, thanks to that high sensor resolution combined with AI enhancements.

So how do these two compare in practice? In the short-to-medium zoom range (up to 10x), the Galaxy S24 Ultra actually holds up very well against the S23 Ultra. Reviewers found that in good lighting, 10x zoom photos on the S24 Ultra look nearly identical to those from the S23 Ultra’s dedicated 10x lensphonearena.com. The S24 Ultra’s 5x telephoto, with its higher 50MP detail, produces sharp results even when you pinch in to 10x; Samsung’s AI algorithms further enhance these shots to ensure you don’t lose clarity at the full 10x zoom. One camera test noted “10X looks equally good on both the new and the old phone, so one should totally not mourn the lack of a 10X dedicated periscope. Using the 50MP 5X telephoto delivers mostly similar results”. In fact, at intermediate zoom levels like 5x or 6x, the S24 Ultra might even have an edge due to its higher native sensor resolution (the S23 Ultra would be digitally zooming a bit from its 10x lens or upscaling from 3x lens in those cases).

However, when you push beyond 10x into the extreme zoom territory (say 30x or 100x Space Zoom), the S23 Ultra can retain a bit more detail thanks to its true optical zoom hardware. The S24 Ultra’s approach results in images that are brighter (since the 50MP has a larger aperture and more light intake) but slightly softer on fine details at extreme magnification. In a real-world test shooting a distant skyscraper, the S24 Ultra’s 10x shot was brighter – likely due to the new sensor’s capabilities – but the S23 Ultra’s photo showed slightly more subtle detail in the brickwork when you really pixel-peeptomsguide.com. At 100x zoom, these differences became more pronounced: the S23 Ultra delivered a touch more definition, while the S24 Ultra still produced a good (and arguably better-exposed) image but couldn’t quite match the optical advantage of the older 10x lens. That said, handheld 100x shots are more of a party trick than everyday usage. For most practical purposes (up to 30x zoom), both phones yield impressively usable photos, and Samsung’s stabilization and AI enhancements make handheld zooming feasible on both. Unless you frequently shoot at 30-100x, you’re unlikely to feel a big disadvantage with the S24 Ultra’s new setup.

Where the Galaxy S24 Ultra does improve the camera experience is through software and subtle hardware tweaks:

The 200MP main camera remains 200MP on both, but the S24 Ultra uses an updated sensor (with likely similar specs, 1/1.3” size and f/1.7 aperture). More importantly, Samsung refined the image processing. The S24 Ultra tends to produce more natural colors and less over-sharpening compared to the S23 Ultra on the main cameraphonearena.com. In daytime shots, details from that 200MP (usually binned to 12MP output) are essentially identical, but you might notice the S24 Ultra’s photos are a bit brighter in some scenarios and handle exposures slightly differently. One comparison found the S24 Ultra exposed shadow areas a tad more (for example, lifting detail in a wooden crate in a fruit stand photo) whereas the S23 Ultra’s shot had higher contrast, with darker shadows. Both approaches look great, but the S24 Ultra leans into a more balanced exposure with warm, punchy colors (especially in portrait mode, where it delivered warmer skin tones and better contrast)tomsguide.com. Samsung has also dialed back the aggressive sharpening on the S24 Ultra, so textures look a bit more natural up close – some may actually prefer the S23 Ultra’s slightly crisper (if overprocessed) look, but overall the consensus is the S24 Ultra produces a more refined image output that mimics DSLR-like naturalness.

Low-Light/Night Photography: Samsung claims the S24 Ultra’s big sensors plus new AI-driven Night Mode algorithms yield better low-light shots. In practice, the difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s there. The S24 Ultra can capture slightly brighter night photos with less noise and better shadow detail than the S23 Ultra. For example, in a dimly lit scene, the S24 Ultra might reveal more detail in dark areas like a shadowy corner or night sky, whereas the S23 Ultra’s image could have more noise or lose some shadow detailphonearena.com. That said, the S23 Ultra was already excellent at night (thanks to the large 200MP sensor and multi-frame processing), so the improvement in night photography on S24 Ultra is incremental – noticeable if you compare side by side, but not a night-and-day difference (pun intended). Both phones can take sharp, bright low-light photos using Night Mode, but expect the S24’s to be a bit cleaner and more evenly exposed, due to those newer noise-reduction algorithmsandroidauthority.com.

Ultrawide Camera: Both have a 12MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2, 120° field of view) which supports autofocus and even macro shots. There’s virtually no change here in hardware or output. Shots from the ultrawide on S23U vs S24U look about the same – vivid Samsung colors, a bit of edge distortion (as expected at 120°), and good detail in daylight. Both struggle a little in very low light (as small sensors do), but Night Mode helps. Since Samsung didn’t promote any ultrawide improvements, we can consider this a tie – both are great for capturing expansive landscapes or tight indoor spaces, with similar results.

Selfie Camera: Interestingly, Samsung kept the 12MP selfie camera (centered punch-hole) the same on both devices, after upgrading it in the S23 Ultra (the S22 Ultra had 40MP, but S23/S24 settled on 12MP with better pixels). The selfies from both are excellent – crisp and well-exposed with Samsung’s natural skin tone processing (or beautification filters if you enable them). There isn’t a notable generational difference here. Both support 4K selfie video up to 60fps as well. If anything, software updates might have given the S24 Ultra’s front camera a slight edge in processing, but in our experience, selfies on the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra are virtually indistinguishable in qualityphonearena.com.

Video Recording: Both Galaxy Ultras are video powerhouses. They can shoot up to 8K video at 30fps, as well as 4K at 60fps (with HDR10+ support), super slow-motion, etc. Video quality is excellent on both, with improved stabilization (both OIS and EIS) making handheld video smooth. The S24 Ultra benefits from the Snapdragon Gen 3’s updated image signal processor, so in tricky conditions like nighttime video, it has a slight edge. Reports show the S24 Ultra handles exposure in video a bit better, especially at night – the S24’s footage might show better dynamic range in low light, where the S23 Ultra could be a tad darkerphonearena.com. Overall though, both record sharp, detailed video with vibrant colors. If you record a lot of videos, you’ll be happy with either; just know the S24 Ultra might maintain clarity a bit better when zooming during video (up to 10x zoom in 4K) or when filming in very dark scenes.

Where Samsung put a lot of focus for the S24 Ultra’s camera experience is software features powered by AI. The S24 Ultra comes with a new “Galaxy AI” suite of camera tricks that extends what you can do with your photos and videos:

Magic Eraser & Object Erasing: While Google’s Pixel had this, Samsung now built in their own AI eraser. On the S24 Ultra, you can easily remove unwanted objects or people from photos using AI – great for cleaning up your shots without needing Photoshopphonearena.com. Some of this rolled out to older models, but Samsung highlighted improved ease-of-use on the S24.

Generative Fill (Generative AI Photo Editing): The S24 Ultra can go a step further – you can expand the background of a photo beyond its original edges or even replace parts of the scene using AI. For example, if you took a portrait but framed it too tightly, the phone can generate more background to widen the shotandroidauthority.com. This “Generative Edit” feature demonstrates how AI can fill in plausible content in a photo, a bit like Adobe’s Generative Fill. It’s quite powerful (though one should use it ethically and note it’s AI-generated).

Reflection Remover: Another neat trick – the S24 Ultra’s camera software can automatically remove reflections or glare from photos (like if you took a picture through a window and caught reflection, or glass display cases) using AI algorithmsmdsmobile.ae. This is part of Samsung’s push to let the average user do pro-level edits with a tap.

Instant Video (Instant Slow-Mo): Samsung added an “Instant Slow-mo” feature where you can add a slow-motion effect to any part of a recorded video after the factmdsmobile.ae. It’s an AI-based effect – you mark a segment and the phone interpolates frames to slow it down smoothly, even if you didn’t record in slow motion originally. This is fun for adding drama to clips without needing specialized camera modes.

Many of these features are part of Samsung’s new One UI camera app and its “Galaxy AI” features, and they debut on the S24 Ultra. While some may eventually trickle down to the S23 Ultra via software updates (for instance, Samsung could bring Magic Eraser or certain editing tools in future One UI versions), at launch the S24 Ultra is positioned as the device with the most advanced camera software capabilities. In reviews, these features have been noted as handy and easy to use, aligning with Samsung’s goal to make editing and content creation simpler for usersandroidauthority.com.

In summary, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera improvements are real, but not revolutionary. The biggest hardware change – the telephoto lens swap – has pros and cons. For most users, the S24 Ultra still delivers fantastic zoom quality (and even better mid-range zoom shots at 5x), but extreme zoom aficionados might miss the S23 Ultra’s dedicated periscope lens advantage at 30-100x rangestomsguide.com. The main camera performance is very close between the two, with the S24 Ultra’s image processing producing slightly more balanced and natural shotsphonearena.com. Low-light is a bit better on the S24, and new AI features give it an edge in post-processing and creative flexibility. The S23 Ultra remains an excellent camera phone – it was arguably the best of 2023 – and the S24 Ultra builds on that legacy with refinements and new tricks rather than an earth-shattering leap. If photography is your priority, you’ll appreciate the S24 Ultra’s subtle upgrades and features, but don’t expect night-and-day better photos in every scenario. Both phones will capture stunning images and videos that can rival even some standalone cameras, cementing Samsung’s position in the camera phone race.

Battery Life & Charging

Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra are powered by a robust 5,000 mAh battery, which has become the standard capacity for Samsung’s Ultra flagships. Notably, Samsung did not increase battery size with the new model – it’s the same capacity, likely to keep the design in check (and as Samsung mentioned, battery tech doesn’t advance drastically every year)mdsmobile.ae. So, any difference in battery life comes down to the efficiency of the internals and software optimizations.

Thanks to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset’s improved efficiency (manufactured on a refined process and with better power management), the Galaxy S24 Ultra manages to squeeze out more usage time per charge compared to the S23 Ultra, though the improvement is modest in everyday use. In light to moderate usage, you might get an extra hour or two of screen-on time on the S24 Ultra. For heavy users, the difference might be less noticeable day-to-day, but benchmark tests demonstrate the Gen 3’s advantage.

For example, in Tom’s Guide’s battery benchmark test (continuous web surfing over cellular), the Galaxy S24 Ultra lasted an impressive 16 hours 45 minutes, whereas the S23 Ultra managed 13 hours 9 minutes under the same conditionsmdsmobile.ae. That’s a substantial jump – over 3.5 hours more, highlighting the efficiency gains from both the chipset and perhaps better software calibration. (It’s worth noting that Tom’s test is one particular scenario; actual mileage will vary based on usage patterns, screen brightness, 5G usage, etc.) In PhoneArena’s testing, which involved mixed usage simulations, the results were closer: the S24 Ultra didn’t last much longer than the S23 Ultra, with one test even showing the S23 Ultra slightly ahead in web browsing by a small marginphonearena.com. However, in video playback, the S24 Ultra edged out the S23 Ultra. The takeaway is that both phones have excellent battery life – easily all-day devices – but the S24 Ultra benefits from efficiency improvements that in some conditions can extend battery life significantly, especially for tasks that leverage the new chip’s power savings.

One area that helps the S24 Ultra’s endurance is its adaptive refresh rate and brightness handling. With that extra peak brightness capability, the S24 can boost brightness outdoors and then efficiently scale it down and refresh rate down when not needed, saving power. Also, One UI software on the S24 Ultra might manage background tasks slightly better (Samsung often refines memory and battery management each generation). But to be clear, if you’re upgrading from S23 Ultra expecting a dramatically longer battery life in day-to-day use, you might only see a modest gain – say, ending the day with 10-15% more battery remaining than you would have with the S23. If your S23 Ultra was comfortably a one-day phone, the S24 Ultra will be too, perhaps stretching into a day and a half for lighter usage.

Charging is an area where Samsung has chosen consistency over pushing boundaries. Both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra support up to 45W wired fast charging, as well as 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA standard) and reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare to top up your earbuds or watch)mdsmobile.ae. The charging speeds on paper are identical, and Samsung didn’t introduce any new charging tech with the S24 Ultra. In real-world tests, a 45W charger (sold separately, since neither phone includes a charger in the box) can refill these phones in roughly about 1 hour to 100%. The S23 Ultra, for instance, goes 0–100% in around 64-70 minutes in various tests; the S24 Ultra is in the same ballpark. Interestingly, one test found the S24 Ultra reaches about 71% in 30 minutes vs ~57% for the S23 Ultra in the same half-hour with a 45W chargermdsmobile.ae. This suggests the S24 Ultra might charge slightly faster initially – possibly due to better thermal management allowing it to stay in the high-speed charging curve longer. By the 100% mark, the difference levels out (both still need that extra 30+ minutes after 50% due to tapering). So while Samsung didn’t change the advertised charging wattage, the S24 Ultra can top-up a bit quicker in the first 30 minutes of charging than the S23 Ultra. This is great for quick pit stops – you can get roughly ~70% charge in half an hour on S24U, which is about a full day’s use for many people.

Wireless charging remains capped at 15W (with compatible fast wireless chargers), and both devices support the convenient reverse wireless charging to share power. There’s no difference here: if you place Galaxy Buds or another Qi-compatible device on the back, both phones will charge them at around 4.5W. Samsung hasn’t chased the ultra-fast charging trends of some competitors (which do 65W, 80W, even 100W charging), preferring a balanced approach that is easier on battery health. The 45W charge, while not class-leading on spec, is still reasonably quick for a 5000mAh battery and has proven safe and reliable.

One advantage of the S24 Ultra for longevity is that battery health improvements (like the use of more durable battery materials or better charging algorithms) might help it sustain capacity over years of use. Samsung mentioned using recycled materials in the S24 Ultra’s battery (e.g. 50% of the battery’s cobalt is recycled)digitaltrends.com – an environmentally conscious move that presumably doesn’t impact performance, but is good to know. It doesn’t necessarily affect user experience, but it’s part of Samsung’s sustainability angle for the new model.

In practical terms, expect similar if not slightly better battery endurance on the S24 Ultra. If your day consists of heavy screen time, 5G data, navigation, and photography, both phones will need nightly charging. Under lighter loads (just messaging, some music, and web browsing over Wi-Fi), you might see the S24 Ultra push further into a second day where the S23 Ultra might be closer to empty. The more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the main hero here – it simply sips less power for the same tasks, giving S24 Ultra an edge in screen-on time.

To summarize, battery life on the S24 Ultra is as strong as ever, with incremental gains in longevity thanks to efficiency improvements. Charging speeds remain the same on paper (45W wired, 15W wireless), but the S24 Ultra can juice up a tad faster initially – a nice little improvement if you’re often in a hurrymdsmobile.ae. Neither phone includes a charger in the box (you’ll have to use an existing USB-C PD charger or purchase one), and Samsung’s stance on charging tech is unchanged: they favor tried-and-true 45W fast charging which is relatively gentle on the battery. So, if you’re upgrading for better battery life, know that you’ll get slightly more endurance with the S24 Ultra, but the S23 Ultra was no slouch either. Both are all-day phones; the S24 Ultra just gives you a bit more cushion and longevity.

Software and Updates

Out of the box, both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra run Samsung’s custom Android skin, One UI. The S23 Ultra launched with One UI 5.1 on Android 13 (later updated to One UI 6 on Android 14), while the S24 Ultra launches with One UI 6.1 on Android 14mdsmobile.ae. In terms of user experience, if your S23 Ultra has been updated to the latest software, the interface and features are largely similar – Samsung’s One UI is known for its rich feature set, customization options, and a somewhat heavier feel compared to stock Android, but also its refinement and stability on these devices.

The biggest difference in software is not what version they run today, but how long they will run new versions in the future. Samsung has made an industry-leading promise for the S24 series: 7 years of software updates (both major Android OS upgrades and security patches). This is a huge extension from Samsung’s previous policy, which was 4 years of OS updates plus 1 year of security for devices like the S23 Ultraandroidauthority.com. Practically, this means:

The Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in 2023, will get Android updates up to Android 17 (through 2026) and then an extra year of security patches into 2027.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in late 2024, is promised updates through 2030 – likely up to Android 21 (if Android version numbering continues annually) – a full 7 years of support!

This new update commitment on the S24 Ultra matches Google’s promise for the Pixel 8 series and sets a new bar for longevity on Android. In short, the S24 Ultra is far more future-proof. If you plan to keep your phone for 4-5-6 years, the S24 Ultra will continue receiving the latest features and security, whereas the S23 Ultra will stop around year 4-5. For tech enthusiasts who upgrade often, this might not matter, but for others (or for resale value), the extended support is a major plus for the S24 Ultra.

Now, looking at features and user experience: With One UI 6.1 on S24 Ultra, Samsung introduced a host of AI-centric features and improvements. Many of these we discussed in the camera section (like generative AI photo editing tools). But there are also system-level AI features:

Galaxy AI Voice and Text Functions: The S24 Ultra includes new capabilities like real-time phone call translation (Live Translate for calls) – it can translate a phone conversation on the fly, acting as an interpretermdsmobile.ae. This is part of Samsung’s Chat Assist/Live Translate feature, which essentially can handle multi-language calls seamlessly. While not everyone will use this regularly, it’s a remarkable demonstration of on-device + cloud AI working together.

Voice Recorder with AI Transcription and Summarization: The Samsung Voice Recorder app on the S24 Ultra can transcribe recordings into text and even summarize meetings or interviews automaticallymdsmobile.ae. This is similar to what Google did on Pixel, but Samsung’s twist is formatting it in Samsung Notes as a neat summary. It can also differentiate between different speakers in a recording, labeling them, and then give you a summary of the whole conversation at the end. This is incredibly useful for students, journalists, or anyone who records meetings – you get both a transcription and an AI-generated recap of key points.

On-Device AI Generative Models: Samsung touted that the S24 Ultra has the horsepower to run certain generative AI models locally (thanks to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s Hexagon NPU improvements), meaning features like the Magic Editor in gallery or text rewriting in keyboard can happen quickly on-device. The S23 Ultra, while powerful, may not get all these or might rely more on cloud processing if they are backported.

One UI 6 improvements: One UI 6 (which both phones can run) brings a refreshed Quick Panel design, new font and emoji, more lock screen customization, and other tweaks. These will be largely identical on both phones once S23 Ultra is updated. The differences will then be specific to hardware-enabled features (like the AI ones above).

Importantly, Samsung indicated that some Galaxy S24 Ultra AI features will also come to older models like the S23 Ultra, but not necessarily all. For instance, something like Voice Recorder AI might come via app update, but perhaps not the full generative image suite. We can’t say for sure how many of these features will land on the S23 Ultra with future One UI updatesandroidauthority.com. The S23 Ultra will definitely continue to get general feature updates for a few more years, but the S24 Ultra is the primary showcase for Samsung’s AI-heavy One UI vision.

One noteworthy addition: with One UI 6.1, Samsung introduced “Bixby-enabled” on-device AI routines and text commands, but truth be told, Bixby is not a selling point for either phone. Both support Google Assistant and all Google services out of the box, and have similar software offerings like Samsung DeX (desktop mode when connected to a display), Samsung Knox security suite, Secure Folder, etc. These features are common to both.

In daily use, both phones run Android 14 (as of late 2024) fluidly, with the differences being minor in UI polish. The S24 Ultra will just have a longer runway for future Android versions like Android 15, 16, 17, etc., eventually getting features the S23 Ultra might not (once its support window closes). If you always want the latest OS and features years down the line, the S24 Ultra clearly is the better choice due to that 7-year update pledgeandroidauthority.com.

One more software-related improvement: Samsung Knox and security updates. By virtue of longer support, the S24 Ultra will get security patches for two additional years beyond the S23 Ultra. So security-conscious users or enterprise users might lean toward the newer model to stay protected longer. Both devices integrate seamlessly into Samsung’s ecosystem (Galaxy Watch, Buds, SmartThings, etc.), and both benefit from the maturity of One UI – which is quite stable and feature-rich now. The S24 Ultra’s extra features mostly revolve around AI and longevity.

In summary, software on the S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra is similar today, but the S24 Ultra is designed to stay current and relevant for much longer. Samsung’s matching of Google’s 7-year update policy means the S24 Ultra can potentially serve you into the early 2030s with up-to-date softwareandroidauthority.com. Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra, while still very new and running the latest OS now, will reach end-of-life updates by 2027. If you upgrade phones every 1-2 years, this might not matter; but if you’re looking for a phone that will age gracefully in software, the S24 Ultra is a big leap forward in Android longevity. Beyond that, the addition of fancy new AI features on the S24 Ultra enhances the experience in areas like photography, communication, and productivity – keeping Samsung at the cutting edge of smartphone software innovation. The S23 Ultra will continue to be refined with updates for a few more years, but the fullest One UI experience with all the new bells and whistles is currently on the S24 Ultra.

Price and Value

When comparing two flagship phones a year apart, price is an important factor – not only their launch prices, but also current market prices if you’re deciding which to buy. Samsung made a choice to increase the starting price with the Galaxy S24 Ultra relative to the S23 Ultra’s launch, and that plays into the value proposition.

Launch Price: The Galaxy S23 Ultra launched at $1,199 (USD) for the base model (8GB RAM, 256GB storage). The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299 for its base (12GB RAM, 256GB)androidauthority.com. Essentially, Samsung bumped the entry price by $100 for the S24 Ultra. In return, you do get that higher RAM and some new features, but it’s a notable increase. In some markets, similar price hikes occurred (e.g., in Europe, the S24 Ultra’s base model was roughly €100 more than the S23 Ultra’s base at launch).

Samsung partly justifies this increase by the added value of things like the new AI features and more expensive materials (titanium isn’t cheap). Running on-device AI and providing 7-year support might also incur higher costs (server-side or R&D). However, as reviewers have pointed out, it’s tough to find a purely hardware-based reason for $100 more when “so little has changed hardware-wise from one generation to the next”. The S24 Ultra’s improvements are appreciated – brighter screen, new chip, etc. – but many would argue they are incremental, and $1,299 is a high bar if you already own a very similar S23 Ultra.

Current Market Prices: Here’s where it gets interesting. The S23 Ultra, having been out for a while, often sees discounts and deals. In the months after release and especially nearing the next launch, the S23 Ultra’s price dropped significantly. It’s not uncommon to find the S23 Ultra on sale for under $1,000 nowandroidauthority.com. During big sale events or with carrier deals, you might even snag one in the $800-900 range, especially refurbished or with trade-ins. Samsung’s own website and other retailers often cut a few hundred off to clear inventory once the new model arrives.

So, if you’re a value-conscious buyer comparing now, you might be looking at, say, $950 for an S23 Ultra vs $1,299 for S24 Ultra – roughly a $300+ gap. That price difference can easily outweigh the subtle improvements for many people. After all, the S23 Ultra is still a top-tier device in 2024/2025, and at a discounted price it becomes quite an enticing deal.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who must have the latest and greatest, the S24 Ultra is the current king of Samsung’s lineup and commands the premium. Early adopters are paying for those incremental upgrades and the future-proofing.

Longevity vs Upfront Cost: One could argue that the S24 Ultra’s longer software support (7 years updates) adds hidden value. If you keep the phone for, say, 5 years, that extra $100 spread over many years might be worth it, since the phone will remain secure and get new features longer. If you only keep phones 1-2 years, you might prefer to save money with the S23 Ultra now and maybe upgrade to an S25 or S26 Ultra later with the saved cash.

Resale Value: Typically, the newer model will hold value a bit longer. The S23 Ultra will depreciate faster now that it’s last year’s model. If resale or trade-in is something you consider, the S24 Ultra will give you more back or be eligible for better trade deals in the coming cycle. Samsung often runs generous trade-in promotions for Ultras especially – for instance, trading an S23 Ultra towards an S24 Ultra could net a high credit. At launch, Samsung did have promos that softened that $1,299 price with bundle offers or trade-ins.

Features for the Price: Let’s consider what extra you actually get for the money with S24 Ultra:

Longer support (as discussed).

Slightly better build (titanium, flat screen).

A brighter display.

Faster chip and more RAM (12GB vs 8GB base).

Improved camera software and slight camera performance gains.

New AI features and quality-of-life improvements.

And possibly a bit of exclusivity – the “new factor”.

Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra still offers:

The curved screen (if someone prefers that aesthetically).

The true 10x optical zoom lens (if that’s important to you).

Proven performance and all the core features nearly matching the S24 (S Pen, same main camera, etc.).

A significantly lower price (if buying now).

For someone who has an S23 Ultra in hand already, most experts are saying it’s not worth spending $1,200+ to jump to the S24 Ultraandroidauthority.com. The year-over-year improvements, while nice, don’t dramatically change the experience. If your S23 Ultra is serving you well, you might hold off for a more major upgrade down the line (or at least until the S25 Ultra). The only strong exception would be if you intend to keep your phone for many years – then upgrading to get on the 7-year support train could be justified. Or if, for example, you absolutely need the flat screen and can’t stand the curved edges, that could be a personal reason.

For new buyers choosing between the two: If budget is tight or you find a great deal, the S23 Ultra offers tremendous value by providing 90-95% of the S24 Ultra experience for potentially hundreds less. However, if money is not a concern and you want the best Samsung has to offer (and the peace of mind of longer updates), the S24 Ultra is the safer bet for the future.

Additionally, consider that smartphone prices might differ in value-adds: Samsung often bundles things like a free case, earbuds, or upgrade offers with new releases. If you catch one of those deals, it can tip the scale.

Finally, let's not forget competition in the value equation: Both S23U and S24U are premium. If you’re considering them, you might also be cross-shopping devices like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or other Android flagships. Each has its strengths, but Samsung’s Ultras justify their high prices with an unmatched combination of features (S Pen, super zoom, etc.). Between S23U and S24U, Samsung basically refined an already feature-packed phone. So your decision may come down to price vs. polish: the S23 Ultra being more affordable and still excellent, versus the S24 Ultra being the polished, ultimate version of Samsung’s vision (at a higher cost).

In summary, the Galaxy S24 Ultra carries a higher price tag – about $100 more at launch – and you’ll have to decide if the upgrades are worth that premium. If you value longer support, slightly better performance, and the cumulative refinements, the S24 Ultra is an amazing (if expensive) flagship. If you prefer to save money, the S23 Ultra remains a powerhouse that’s now frequently on sale at a compelling price. For many, the older model might make “more financial sense” when deeply discountedandroidauthority.com, given the relatively minor generational improvements. Samsung has essentially given consumers two fantastic options at different price points – either way, you’re getting one of the best phones in the world, but the ultimate experience comes with the S24 Ultra (and a premium to match).

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra brings all the noteworthy improvements you’d expect from a yearly flagship update – a brighter and more durable display, a faster processor, improved camera capabilities, longer software support, and some genuinely useful new software tricks. It refines the foundation laid by the S23 Ultra in meaningful ways: the flat screen and titanium frame enhance the design durability, the new Snapdragon chip and extra RAM boost performance, and the camera tweaks/AI features add to an already versatile photography experience. On paper and in practice, the S24 Ultra is undeniably the better phone overall.

However, the differences are evolutionary, not revolutionary. The Galaxy S23 Ultra was already so powerful and feature-packed that the S24 Ultra feels like a polished iteration rather than a dramatic overhaul. For owners of the S23 Ultra, this means you’re not missing out on any earth-shattering new feature. In fact, none of the S24 Ultra’s upgrades individually scream “must-have” if you’re perfectly happy with your current S23 Ultra. The camera improvements, while nice, won’t fundamentally change your photos unless you specifically need the new editing tools or slightly better low-light. The performance bump is great for bragging rights and future-proofing, but the S23 Ultra is still extremely fast for all modern apps. The display’s extra brightness is helpful but not a game changer in most scenarios.

The one exception that’s harder to quantify is the software longevity: If you plan to keep your phone for, say, 5+ years, then the S24 Ultra’s promise of 7-year updates is a compelling reason to favor it. It means your device will stay current far longer. That, combined with the more durable materials, positions the S24 Ultra as a phone built for the long haul. So an S23 Ultra owner who wants to maximize long-term value might consider upgrading for that peace of mind (or alternatively, wait for S25 Ultra which will presumably continue that support timeline).

For those coming from older phones (S22 Ultra or before, or another brand), the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a fantastic upgrade. You’ll get everything that made the S23 Ultra excellent, plus the extra refinements and lifespan. If you’re deciding between buying an S23 Ultra (new or used) at a discount or the S24 Ultra new, weigh how much you value the incremental improvements versus the cost savings. Budget-conscious tech enthusiasts may find the S23 Ultra to be the smart buy that delivers flagship experience for less. But if you simply want the best of the best that Samsung offers in 2024/2025, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate choice.

In conclusion, Samsung is making all the right moves by polishing an already winning formula. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a worthy successor that improves upon the S23 Ultra in all key areas – just not so dramatically that the previous generation feels obsolete. If you have an S23 Ultra, you can safely hold onto it unless you crave the latest upgrades (your phone is still a beast!). If you have anything older, or you’re a first-time Ultra buyer, the S24 Ultra will provide a top-tier experience that should satisfy for years to come. Ultimately, whether you should upgrade comes down to your priorities: need those marginal gains and future-proofing? Go for the S24 Ultra. Prefer to save some cash? The S23 Ultra remains an outstanding device. Either way, Samsung’s Ultra series continues to set the bar for what an “everything phone” can be – and the S24 Ultra just raises that bar a little higher.

For additional insights on mobile technology trends, don’t miss our related articles such as The Future of 5G Technology and Top Smartphone Accessories You Can’t Live Without.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main differences between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra features several upgrades over the S23 Ultra. Key differences include a switch to a flat display (no curved edges) with higher peak brightness (2600 nits vs 1750 nits), a new titanium frame for improved durabilitytomsguide.com, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) for faster performancephonearena.com. The camera system has a revised telephoto setup – S24 Ultra uses a 50MP 5x zoom lens instead of the S23 Ultra’s 10MP 10x lens, while keeping the 200MP main cameramdsmobile.ae. This gives the S24 Ultra similar zoom capabilities up to 10x, though via sensor cropping and AI. The S24’s display is also brighter and easier to view outdoorsandroidauthority.com. Additionally, the S24 Ultra comes with new AI-powered features (like generative photo editing, live call translation, etc.) and extends software update support to 7 years (versus 4-5 years on S23). In summary: design refinements (flat screen, titanium), a faster chip, slight camera changes, longer support, and a $100 higher starting price are the main differences.

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra worth upgrading from the S23 Ultra?

If you already own the S23 Ultra, upgrading to the S24 Ultra is likely not necessary for most people, as the improvements are relatively incremental. The S23 Ultra is still an excellent phone with a great display, top-notch performance, and a fantastic camera. The S24 Ultra will give you a brighter flat screen, a bit more speed, slightly improved cameras (especially in low-light and with new software tricks), and much longer software supportandroidauthority.com. These are nice-to-haves but not game changers for everyday use. Unless you specifically want the flat display or plan to keep your phone for many years (to benefit from the 7-year updates), the S23 Ultra remains powerful and capable enough that you can comfortably skip a generationandroidauthority.com. On the other hand, if you’re a tech enthusiast who must have the latest or you’re coming from an older phone (S22 Ultra or earlier), the S24 Ultra will be a worthy upgrade. It’s more a question of personal priorities and budget rather than a must-do upgrade.

Does the S24 Ultra take better photos than the S23 Ultra?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s photos are slightly better in certain scenarios, but the difference isn’t massive. Both phones have a 200MP main camera and can capture excellent images. The S24 Ultra has a new 50MP 5x telephoto lens, which performs on par with the S23 Ultra’s 10x lens for zoom up to 10x in good lightingphonearena.com. In fact, at 10x or below, you’ll see very similar quality between the two; at extreme zoom levels (30x-100x), the S23 Ultra’s dedicated 10x lens can produce a bit more detail while the S24 might have slightly softer detail but brighter exposuretomsguide.com. The S24 Ultra also benefits from improved image processing – its photos often have more natural colors and less aggressive sharpening compared to the S23 Ultra. In low-light, the S24 Ultra tends to yield brighter, cleaner images thanks to updated Night Mode algorithmsandroidauthority.com. But overall, both cameras are excellent. If we’re pixel-peeping: S24 Ultra has a slight edge in night shots and AI features (like object erasing, etc.), while the S23 Ultra still holds its own and even does a tad better for ultra-long zoom. For most users, you’d be happy with either – the S24 Ultra is better, but only by a small margin in most real-world situations.

Which phone has better battery life, the S24 Ultra or S23 Ultra?

Both phones have a 5,000 mAh battery and offer strong all-day battery life, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra can last a bit longer in some conditions due to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. In typical use, the difference isn’t huge – you might get perhaps an extra 1-2 hours of screen time on the S24 Ultra, depending on usage. Some standardized tests show a significant gap: for example, one test found the S24 Ultra lasted about 16 hours 45 min in a web browsing test vs 13 hours 9 min on the S23 Ultramdsmobile.ae. That scenario highlights the Gen 3 chip’s efficiency. In mixed everyday usage, you might not see such a big delta, but S24 will generally end the day with a bit more juice left. Both phones comfortably handle a full day of moderate use (and then some). As for charging, both support 45W fast charging and 15W wireless. The S24 Ultra’s improved cooling allowed it to charge slightly faster in the first 30 minutes (around 71% in 30min vs ~57% for S23)mdsmobile.ae, but overall full charge times are similar (~1 hour+ for 0-100%). So, battery life is very good on both, with the S24 Ultra holding a small advantage in longevity.

Why did Samsung remove the 10x optical zoom on the S24 Ultra, and is it a downgrade?

Samsung replaced the 10x periscope zoom lens on the S24 Ultra with a new 50MP 5x telephoto lens to likely balance image quality and sensor size. The larger 50MP sensor lets in more light and can use AI cropping to achieve 10x zoom without a dedicated 10x lenstomsguide.com. This also simplifies the camera module and potentially reduces costs/space (the periscope lens is a complex component). Is it a downgrade? In practice, not really for most users. Up to 10x zoom, the S24 Ultra’s photos are just as good as the S23 Ultra’s – side-by-side tests showed almost no loss in quality at 10xphonearena.com. The S24’s 5x lens plus 50MP crop can deliver “optical-grade” zoom at 10x as Samsung claims. Only at extreme zoom (like 30x or the maximum 100x) might you notice the S23 Ultra capturing a bit more fine detail, whereas the S24 Ultra’s shots could be slightly softer (though often brighter)tomsguide.com. Samsung likely judged that the trade-off was worth it, given the new lens offers versatility (better mid-range zoom and low-light due to the bigger sensor). They also kept 100x Space Zoom via software. So for 99% of typical scenarios, the S24 Ultra’s zoom experience is on par or even better at 5x, and only hardcore zoom users might view it as a minor downgrade at the far end.

How long will each phone receive software updates and Android upgrades?

Samsung has dramatically extended its update policy for the S24 series. The Galaxy S24 Ultra will receive 7 years of updates – that includes 7 generations of Android OS upgrades and security patches. This means if it launches with Android 14, it could get updates up through Android 21 (around the year 2030). In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Ultra was promised 4 years of major OS updates plus 1 additional year of security patches. Since it launched with Android 13, it should get up to Android 17 (around 2026) and then security updates into 2027. In other words, the S24 Ultra is slated to be supported roughly two extra years beyond the S23 Ultra. This is one of the biggest differences between the two models. If long-term software support is important to you – for security, new features, and longevity – the S24 Ultra is the clear winner with a class-leading update commitment matching Google’s Pixel updatesandroidauthority.com.

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra more expensive than the S23 Ultra?

Yes. Samsung increased the starting price for the S24 Ultra compared to the S23 Ultra’s debut. The Galaxy S23 Ultra launched at $1,199 USD for the base model (8GB RAM + 256GB storage). The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299 USD for its base (which now comes with 12GB RAM + 256GB storage)androidauthority.com. That’s roughly a $100 price hike at MSRP. In other currencies/regions there were similar bumps. However, with time, the S23 Ultra’s price has dropped on the market – you can often find it on sale or with carrier deals for much less (sometimes under $1,000)androidauthority.com. So, depending on when and where you buy, the price difference could be significant. The S24 Ultra, being newer, will hold closer to its sticker price for longer (aside from trade-in incentives). So up-front, you’ll generally pay more for the S24 Ultra. That extra cost gets you the aforementioned improvements (better display, chip, longevity, etc.) and a higher base RAM. But if budget is a concern, the S23 Ultra at its discounted prices can be a great value with most of the same capabilities.

Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have a curved screen like the S23 Ultra?

No, the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses a flat screen, unlike the S23 Ultra’s curved-edge display. This is a design change Samsung implemented in the S24 series – the S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch AMOLED is completely flat across, with just a slight 2.5D curvature at the very edges of the glass for comfort, but nothing like the pronounced curves on the S23 Ultra’s sides. Many users and reviewers appreciate this change because it reduces accidental edge touches and makes the S Pen easier to use near the edgesandroidauthority.com. The flat screen also allowed Samsung to slim down the bezels (especially the bottom chin) on the S24 Ultra, giving it a more edge-to-edge looktomsguide.com. If you put them side by side, the S23 Ultra’s display will have visible curved sides and slightly thicker bezels top and bottom, whereas the S24 Ultra’s front is more uniformly flat and nearly all screen. So if you prefer flat displays, the S24 Ultra will be pleasing. Those who liked the “waterfall” curved glass aesthetic might miss it, but overall the flat design has been well-received as more practical.

Do both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra support the S Pen, and has anything changed with it?

Yes, both phones have an integrated S Pen stylus and full support for all S Pen features. The S Pen itself hasn’t fundamentally changed from S23 Ultra to S24 Ultra – it’s the same size and design, with Bluetooth Air Actions support (you can use it as a remote shutter, etc.), and the same pressure sensitivity for drawing/writing. What has changed is the screen and design that affect how the S Pen feels in use. On the S24 Ultra’s flat display, using the S Pen is a bit nicer because you can write all the way to the screen edges without the tip slipping off a curvetomsguide.com. Also, Samsung made the S Pen storage silo a bit more flush on the S24 Ultra, so when you insert the pen it sits completely inside (the top end was sticking out just a hair on S23 Ultra)phonearena.com. Functionally, features like Screen-Off Memo, Air Command, etc., are identical on both. So, both devices offer the full Galaxy Note experience. If you’re an artist or note-taker, you won’t miss out on anything with S23 Ultra’s S Pen vs S24 Ultra’s – except you might find the S24’s flat screen a touch easier to draw on and perhaps the overall latency slightly improved thanks to the faster processor (though Samsung already had very low latency).

Q10: Should I buy the S23 Ultra at a discount or spend more for the S24 Ultra?

It depends on your priorities and budget. The Galaxy S23 Ultra at a discount offers tremendous bang for your buck – you’re getting a phone that was top-of-the-line very recently and still competes with the best, likely for a few hundred dollars less than the S24 Ultra’s price. It has almost all the same core features (great screen, cameras, performance) and will continue to get updates for a few more years. For many users, the S23 Ultra will do everything they need and the savings are substantial. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra gives you the latest refinements and better future-proofing. If having the longest software support (through 2030), the slightly improved camera system, the new AI features, and bragging rights of the newest model are worth the extra money to you, then the S24 Ultra is the one to get. Think about how you use your phone: If you’re an enthusiast who values even minor improvements (or plan to keep the device a long time), the S24 Ultra could be worth it. But if you just want a premium phone and don’t mind it being “last year’s model,” the S23 Ultra will likely satisfy you while leaving some cash in your pocket. In summary, if budget is flexible and you want the absolute best – go S24 Ultra; if you want to save money and still get 90% of the experience – the S23 Ultra is a smart choice.

The Ultimate Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra – What's New and Improved?