iPhone 15 Pro vs Galaxy S24 Ultra
The short version
Pick iPhone 15 Pro if you want a compact premium phone with industry‑leading video, tight Apple ecosystem integration, and top‑tier performance in a one‑handable size. Pick Galaxy S24 Ultra if you prefer a large display, S Pen, class‑leading zoom versatility, longer stated software support, and bigger battery. Street prices vary, but S24 Ultra typically costs more at MSRP.
Different strengths. Same questions.
The facts, side by side
| What matters | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch MSRP (US) | $999 (128 GB base; higher for more storage) | $1299 (256 GB base; higher tiers available) |
| Size & weight | 6.1 in, ~187 g, compact | 6.8 in, ~232 g, large |
| Display | 2556×1179 OLED, 1–120 Hz ProMotion, up to ~2000 nits peak outdoor | 3120×1440 LTPO OLED, 1–120 Hz, up to ~2600 nits peak |
| Chipset / RAM | Apple A17 Pro, 8 GB RAM | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, 12 GB RAM |
| Storage options | 128/256/512 GB, 1 TB | 256/512 GB, 1 TB |
| Rear cameras | 48 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3× tele | 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3× + 50 MP 5× periscope |
| Video capture | Up to 4K60, ProRes, Log, external SSD recording | Up to 8K30, 4K60, HDR10+, AI video features |
| Battery | All‑day typical; Apple doesn’t publish mAh | 5000 mAh; strong endurance |
| Charging | USB‑C 3 (up to 10 Gbps), MagSafe 15 W, Qi2 15 W (with recent iOS), wired fast charge modest | USB‑C 3.2 Gen 2, 45 W wired, 15 W wireless, reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB Gen 2, eSIM (US: eSIM‑only), Emergency SOS via satellite (where available) | Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB, dual SIM/eSIM, no satellite SOS |
| Build & materials | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68 | Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor glass, IP68, flat display |
| Unique features | Action button, spatial video capture, seamless Apple ecosystem | S Pen built‑in, Galaxy AI suite, advanced zoom system |
| Software & support window | iOS; historically ~5–6+ years of updates | Android with One UI; up to 7 years OS and security updates (stated) |
Beyond the comparison chart
The differences that deserve a closer look
Size and display
iPhone 15 Pro is compact (6.1-inch, 120 Hz OLED) and light; great for one-handed use. S24 Ultra is a big-screen device (6.8-inch QHD+, 1–120 Hz LTPO) with higher peak brightness and more canvas for media, games, and note‑taking.
Performance
A17 Pro delivers excellent single‑threaded performance and strong GPU features for high‑end mobile gaming and Pro workflows. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is extremely fast with strong sustained performance; more RAM helps heavy multitasking.
Cameras
iPhone emphasizes natural color and best‑in‑class video tools (ProRes, Log, 4K60) with reliable 1x/3x shots. S24 Ultra offers greater zoom flexibility (3x and 5x periscope), very detailed daylight photos, and astrophotography; video is strong but Apple still leads for creators.
Battery and charging
iPhone 15 Pro offers all‑day battery for most users with MagSafe/Qi2 convenience; wired speeds are modest. S24 Ultra’s 5000 mAh cell and 45 W charging favor heavier users and road warriors; also supports reverse wireless charging.
Software, AI, and updates
iPhone runs iOS with long real‑world support and seamless Apple ecosystem features. S24 Ultra runs Android with Galaxy AI features (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit) and promises seven years of OS/security updates.
Tools and ecosystem
iPhone adds the Action button, spatial video capture, and deep integration with Apple Watch/Mac/AirPods/Find My. S24 Ultra uniquely includes the S Pen for notes and precision input; integrates broadly with Google/Microsoft services.