Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S24+ vs S24 Ultra: Which To Buy?

Samsung has revealed its flagship smartphone range for 2024, and there are three models to choose from once again.

But how do you decide which Galaxy S24 phone is right for you? The S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra all vary in terms of specs, features and price. Choosing which one to go for isn’t easy.

This article aims to simplify that decision. Here are all the key differences you need to know.

Differences between Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra

Samsung’s latest flagships look very similar to last year’s models. But that’s not too surprising, as Samsung has since stuck with the same core design for a while.

One of the most important features of a phone is how it looks and feels – you want a phone that you’ll actually enjoy holding and interacting with.

Compact and lightweight, the regular Galaxy S24 measures 70.6 x 147 x 7.6mm and weighs 168g. On the other hand, 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 due to it having a titanium rather than aluminium body.

Which one you prefer will all depend on what you’re looking for. Fans of a compact phone will enjoy the regular S24, while the S24+ is a better choice if you want a bigger screen. Meanwhile, the Ultra adopts a heavier and more angular design, as it packs in extra premium features.

Getting the right size is key when it comes to the display, given how often and for what you use your phone. In the case of the Galaxy S24 series, this is the situation.

The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S24+ boasts a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ display with the same dynamic 120Hz refresh rate.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra takes it up a notch with a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, but maintains the dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. All three feature LTPO tech, allowing the refresh rate to automatically adjust between 1-120Hz and save battery life when not required.

Of course, that resolution is significant too. All three phones offer vibrant colours and high contrast ratios, but the Galaxy S24+ and S24 Ultra’s larger and more versatile QHD+ displays have the edge over the standard S24 and its FHD+ panel.

It’s worth mentioning that the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the only model featuring Corning’s Gorilla Armor. Samsung says this glass is not only four times more durable than standard glass, but also provides reduces reflections by up to 75%. However, all models have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.

There’s also some variation in terms of chipset, at least in the UK.

Here, only the S24 Ultra features the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. While certain markets, including the US, will have the entire S24 lineup equipped with this processor, the UK and others will have to make do with Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 for Galaxy instead.

Although we will still have to wait for the benchmark results, the 8 Gen 3 is likely to be more powerful. So performance on the regular S24 and S24+ will likely be comparable, but expect a nice upgrade on the S24 Ultra.

The Galaxy S24 is available with 8GB RAM and 128- or 256GB storage. Meanwhile, the S24+ comes with 12GB RAM and 256- or 512GB of storage. Galaxy S24 Ultra takes it one step further with 12GB RAM and offers more extensive 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, though 128GB may be a stretch if you plan to download lots of games or store files locally. 8GB of RAM on the regular S24 may also reduce performance in some apps.

Galaxy S series smartphones usually deliver solid battery life, and that should be no different with the S24 handsets.

A 4000mAh battery powers the Galaxy S24, with Samsung claiming wired charging reaches 50% in around 30 minutes using a 25W adapter. A more substantial 4900mAh battery in the S24+ supports faster wired charging at 65% in around 30 minutes using a 45W adapter.

Galaxy S24 Ultra outshines them both with a 5000mAh cell, but has the same 45W wired charging as the S24+. All 3 phones also support the Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 standard and Wireless PowerShare, a feature that lets you charge other Qi devices.

These are fairly typical battery capacities for modern flagships, with the regular S24’s smaller battery offset by a smaller display. None of the charging speeds are particularly fast, but Plus and Ultra models are a big step up.

As you would expect from Samsung phones, all three handsets have impressive camera systems on paper. However, the Ultra has something a little extra.

The camera setup of the both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ includes a 12Mp ultra-wide camera, 50Mp wide camera with OIS, 10Mp telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and 12Mp front camera for selfies.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 200Mp main sensor and 12Mp ultrawide, plus 10Mp 3x telephoto and 50Mp 5x telephoto lenses. The 12Mp front-facing camera is the same.

As alluded to above, the S24 Ultra features what Samsung is calling a quad telephoto array. That new 5x lens adds to the existing 3x, which can also take optical zoom shots at 2x. The fourth is technically a hybrid zoom, but should be of a higher quality than regular digital zoom.

By contrast the S24 and S24+ boast 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.

All 3 S24 phones run on Android 14 with the Samsung’s One UI 6.1 skin straight from the box.

One of the many new features is that Samsung is committing to providing seven years of updates for all three new phones. That matches what Google offers for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, meaning it should get Android 21 and updates until 2031.

What is most important about the Galaxy S24 series, however, is the AI capabilities. It includes features such as 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 the network and connectivity.

Price & availability

The Galaxy S24 series is offered in various finishes.

The S24 Ultra is available in Titanium Grey, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow. Meanwhile, the S24 and S24+ come in Onyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow. Some extra colours will also be available direct from Samsung.

In the US, the Galaxy S24 starts from $799, the Galaxy S24+ at $999 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra at $1,299. In the UK, Galaxy S24 starts at £799, the Galaxy S24+ at £999, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra at £1,249. All the phones will be available via many different retailers and carriers in both countries.

You can pre-order one now from Samsung UK or Samsung US, ahead of all three phone being released on 31 January 2024.

Verdict

The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all cater to slightly different needs. The S24 is perfect for those seeking a compact device that doesn’t sacrifice on performance or high-end specs.

The S24+ adds a larger display and increased storage, making it ideal for people who enjoy lots of content consumption. The S24 Ultra, with its extra camera features, titanium build and built-in S Pen. extraordinary camera capabilities and extensive storage options, stands as the ultimate flagship.

Of course, the more capable devices are also more expensive. But regardless of which S24 phone you choose, you’ll be getting an excellent display, premium build quality and slick software, not to mention seven years of updates.

Specs

Galaxy S24:

• Android 14 with One UI 6.1
• 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
• Exynos 2400 for Galaxy (some markets), Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (some markets)
• 8GB RAM
• 128/256GB storage
• Cameras:
  • 50Mp f/1.8 main camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide camera
  • 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 front facing camera
• 5G
• Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Stereo speakers
• USB-C
• 4000mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 15W wireless charging
• 4.5W reverse wireless charging
• IP68
• Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Armor Aluminium 2.0
• 70.6 x 147 x 7.6mm
• 168g

Galaxy S24+:

• Android 14 with One UI 6.1
• 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
• Exynos 2400 for Galaxy (some markets), Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (some markets)
• 12GB RAM
• 256/512GB storage
• 4900mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 15W wireless charging
• Cameras:
  • 50Mp f/1.8 main camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide camera
  • 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 front facing camera
• 5G
• Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth 5.3
• IP68
• Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Armor Aluminium 2.0
• 75.9 x 158.5 x 7.7mm
• 198g

Galaxy S24 Ultra:

• Android 14 with One UI 6.1
• 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
• 12GB RAM
• 256/512GB/1TB storage
• 5000mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 15W wireless charging
• Cameras:
  • 200Mp f/1.7 main camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide camera
  • 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera
  • 50Mp f/3.4 5x optical telephoto camera
  • 12Mp f/2.2 front facing camera
• 5G
• Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth 5.3
• IP68
• Corning Gorilla Armor
• Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Titanium build
• 79 X 162.3 X 8.6mm
• 233g