S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are flagship devices that represent the pinnacle of Samsung’s smartphone innovation. Both models cater to users looking for high-end performance, cutting-edge camera technology, and superior displays. In this article, we’ll compare the two models in terms of design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and other features to help you decide which one is the better choice. So, here is all you need to know about the S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra from Samsung from Encyclotek.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra feature premium designs with sleek metal frames and Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and back. The dimensions and weight of the two models are very similar, but the S24 Ultra comes with minor refinements in its build, making it slightly slimmer and lighter compared to its predecessor.

In terms of aesthetics, the S24 Ultra offers a more refined matte finish, and the camera housing design has been slightly altered to be more streamlined. While these changes are subtle, they give the S24 Ultra a more polished appearance overall. Both devices retain the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability.

Display – S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra

The display is a highlight for both devices, with Samsung continuing its trend of providing top-tier screens. The S23 Ultra comes with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering 1440p resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, steps it up with a brighter display, rumored to reach up to 2500 nits, compared to the already impressive 1750 nits on the S23 Ultra. The S24 Ultra also brings improved HDR performance, making it an even better option for media consumption and outdoor use. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate is retained, providing buttery-smooth transitions and excellent responsiveness.

Performance

Both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets, but the S24 Ultra comes with the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (in most markets). This upgrade gives the S24 Ultra a notable performance boost in terms of speed, multitasking, and gaming.

The S23 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is no slouch, offering excellent performance for daily tasks and intensive workloads. However, the S24 Ultra’s chipset brings better power efficiency and AI-enhanced features that improve user experience, especially in photography and gaming.

In terms of RAM, both devices start with 8GB or 12GB, depending on the storage variant, but the S24 Ultra offers faster UFS 4.0 storage, which translates to quicker data access and app loading times compared to the S23 Ultra’s UFS 3.1.

Camera System

Samsung has always prioritized camera technology, and the S23 Ultra made headlines with its impressive 200MP main sensor, 10MP periscope zoom, and 12MP ultra-wide lens. The S23 Ultra’s camera system is highly versatile, providing exceptional zoom capabilities, sharp details, and low-light performance.

The S24 Ultra retains the 200MP sensor but enhances it with better image processing and AI-based improvements, resulting in sharper photos, better color accuracy, and more natural HDR performance. Additionally, the S24 Ultra introduces a 10x optical zoom capability that surpasses the S23 Ultra’s 10MP zoom lens, offering better clarity at long distances.

For video recording, both devices support 8K video, but the S24 Ultra offers enhanced stabilization and improved dynamic range, making it ideal for videography enthusiasts.

Battery and Charging

Both the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which delivers all-day usage for most users. However, the S24 Ultra benefits from a more power-efficient chipset and better software optimization, potentially offering longer battery life in real-world scenarios.

In terms of charging, both devices support 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. However, the S24 Ultra slightly improves charging efficiency, allowing the battery to reach full capacity a little faster than its predecessor.

Software and Features

Both devices run on Samsung’s One UI, with the S24 Ultra launching with One UI 6 based on Android 14, while the S23 Ultra started with One UI 5 (based on Android 13). The S24 Ultra’s software brings improved customization options, better widgets, and enhanced multitasking features. Both models will receive several years of software updates, ensuring long-term support.

Both phones offer features like the S Pen, which is integrated into the body, making them highly functional for note-taking and productivity tasks.

Conclusion on S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an incremental upgrade over the S23 Ultra, but the improvements in performance, display brightness, and camera technology make it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking the latest and greatest. The S23 Ultra remains a powerful device, and for users who already own it, the jump to the S24 Ultra may not be necessary unless they want the best possible display and processing power.

Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on your needs. If you’re after cutting-edge performance and enhanced camera features, the S24 Ultra is the way to go. However, if you want a flagship device with high-end specs at a potentially lower price, the S23 Ultra is still an excellent option.