Samsung has revealed its flagship smartphone lineup for 2024, and you once again have three models to choose from.
But how do you decide which Galaxy S24 phone is best for you? The S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all vary in specs, features, and price. Choosing which one to choose is not easy.
This article aims to simplify this decision. Here are all the main differences you need to know.
Differences between the Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra
Samsung’s latest flagships look a lot like last year’s models. But that’s not too surprising, since Samsung has been sticking to the same basic design for a while.
One of the most important features of a phone is its look and feel: you want a phone that you’ll actually enjoy holding and interacting with.
Compact and lightweight, the standard Galaxy S24 measures 70.6 x 147 x 7.6mm and weighs 168g. On the other hand, the slightly larger Galaxy S24+ measures 75.9 x 158.5 x 7.7mm and weighs 197g. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the largest and heaviest at 79 x 162.3 x 8.6mm and 233g, partly because it has a titanium body rather than aluminum.
Which one you prefer will depend on what you are looking for. Fans of compact phones will appreciate the classic S24, while the S24+ is a better choice if you want a larger screen. Meanwhile, the Ultra takes on a heavier, more angular design as it packs in additional premium features.
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Getting the right size is essential when it comes to the screen, considering how often and how much you use your phone. In the case of the Galaxy S24 series, this is the situation.
The Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate. The Galaxy S24+ has a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ display with the same 120Hz dynamic refresh rate. Hz.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra takes it up a notch with a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, but retains the dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. All three feature LTPO technology, allowing the refresh rate to adjust automatically between 1 and 120 Hz and save battery power when not needed.
Of course, this resolution is also important. All three phones offer vibrant colors and high contrast ratios, but the Galaxy S24+ and S24 Ultra’s larger, more versatile QHD+ displays have the edge over the standard S24 and its FHD+ panel.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It’s worth mentioning that the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the only model with Corning’s Gorilla Armor. Samsung claims that this glass is not only four times more durable than standard glass, but it also reduces glare by up to 75%. However, all models feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance.
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There is also variation in terms of chipset, at least in the UK.
Here, only the S24 Ultra integrates the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 overclocked for Galaxy. While some markets, including the US, will have the entire S24 range equipped with this processor, the UK and others will instead have to make do with Samsung’s Exynos 2400 for Galaxy.
Although we will still have to wait for the benchmark results, the 8 Gen 3 will probably be more powerful. So the performance of the regular S24 and S24+ will probably be comparable, but expect a nice upgrade on the S24 Ultra.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The Galaxy S24 is available with 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage. Meanwhile, the S24+ comes with 12GB of RAM and 256 or 512GB of storage. The Galaxy S24 Ultra goes even further with 12GB of RAM and offers larger storage options, with a choice between 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
With no expandable storage on any of the models, make sure you choose a model with enough storage. Few people need 1TB on a smartphone, although 128GB may be excessive if you plan to download lots of games or store files locally. 8GB of RAM on the standard S24 can also reduce performance in some apps.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Galaxy S series smartphones generally offer solid battery life, and that should be no different with the S24 handsets.
A 4,000 mAh battery powers the Galaxy S24, with Samsung saying wired charging reaches 50% in around 30 minutes using a 25W adapter. A larger 4,900 mAh battery in the S24+ supports Faster wired charging to 65% in about 30 minutes using a 45W adapter.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforms them both with a 5,000mAh cell, but has the same 45W wired charging as the S24+. All three phones also support Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare, a feature that lets you charge other Qi devices.
These are fairly typical battery capacities for modern flagships, with the standard S24’s smaller battery offset by a smaller screen. None of the charging speeds are particularly fast, but the Plus and Ultra models are a big step forward.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
As you’d expect from Samsung phones, all three handsets feature impressive camera systems on paper. However, the Ultra has something a little extra.
The camera setup of the Galaxy S24 and S24+ includes a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP wide camera with OIS, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP front camera for selfies.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, as well as a 10MP 3x telephoto lens and a 50MP telephoto lens. The 12Mp front camera is the same.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
As mentioned above, the S24 Ultra features what Samsung calls a quad-telephoto array. This new 5x lens joins the existing 3x, which can also shoot with 2x optical zoom. The fourth is technically a hybrid zoom, but should be of better quality than regular digital zoom.
In contrast, the S24 and S24+ feature a dual telephoto setup with 2x and 3x options. As a result, the S24 Ultra is clearly more versatile and powerful if you’re serious about photography.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
All 3 S24 phones run Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 skin right out of the box.
One of the many new features is that Samsung is committing to seven years of updates for all three new phones. This matches what Google is offering for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, meaning they should get Android 21 and updates through 2031.
However, what is most important about the Galaxy S24 series is the AI capabilities. It includes features like Circle to Search, Transcript Assist, Live Translate for calls, Chat Assist, and generative photo editing.
All models also support 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3 for networking and connectivity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Pricing and availability
The Galaxy S24 series comes in different finishes.
The S24 Ultra is available in Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Purple, and Titanium Yellow. Meanwhile, the S24 and S24+ are available in Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Purple, and Amber Yellow. Some additional colors will also be available directly from Samsung.
In the US, the Galaxy S24 starts at $799, the Galaxy S24+ starts at $999, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299. In the UK, the Galaxy S24 starts at £799, the Galaxy S24+ at £999 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra at £1,249. All phones will be available from many different retailers and carriers in both countries.
You can pre-order one now from Samsung UK or Samsung US, before all three phones release on January 31, 2024.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Verdict
The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all serve slightly different needs. The S24 is perfect for those looking for a compact device that doesn’t sacrifice performance or high-end specs.
The S24+ adds a larger screen and increased storage, making it ideal for people who like to consume a lot of content. The S24 Ultra, with its added camera features, titanium construction and built-in S Pen. extraordinary camera capabilities and extensive storage options, make up the ultimate flagship.
Of course, the best performing devices are also more expensive. But no matter which S24 phone you choose, you’ll get a great screen, premium build quality, and capable software, not to mention seven years of updates.
Specifications
Galaxy S24:
- Android 14 with One UI 6.1
- 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- Exynos 2400 for Galaxy (select markets), Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (select markets)
- 8 GB of RAM
- Storage 128/256 GB
- Cameras:
- Main camera 50Mp f/1.8
- 12Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide camera
- 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera
- 12Mp f/2.2 front camera
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth5.3
- Stereo speakers
- USB-C
- 4000mAh battery
- 45W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- 4.5W reverse wireless charging
- IP68
- Gorilla Glass 2
- Aluminum Armor 2.0
- 70.6 x 147 x 7.6mm
- 168g
Galaxy S24+:
- Android 14 with One UI 6.1
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display
- Exynos 2400 for Galaxy (select markets), Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (select markets)
- 12 GB of RAM
- Storage 256/512 GB
- 4900mAh battery
- 45W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Cameras:
- Main camera 50Mp f/1.8
- 12Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide camera
- 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera
- 12Mp f/2.2 front camera
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth5.3
- IP68
- Gorilla Glass 2
- Aluminum Armor 2.0
- 75.9 x 158.5 x 7.7mm
- 198g
Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Android 14 with One UI 6.1
- 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
- 12 GB of RAM
- Storage 256/512 GB/1 TB
- 5000mAh battery
- 45W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Cameras:
- Main camera 200Mp f/1.7
- 12Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide camera
- 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera
- 50Mp f/3.4 5x optical telephoto camera
- 12Mp f/2.2 front camera
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth5.3
- IP68
- Corning Gorilla Armor
- Gorilla Glass 2
- Titanium construction
- 79 x 162.3 x 8.6 mm
- 233g
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