Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The short version
S24 Ultra is the more durable, longer‑supported, and faster phone with stronger AI features, a flatter, brighter display, and a revised telephoto system that excels from 3x–10x. S23 Ultra remains excellent value if you find it discounted; it keeps the 10x optical lens and delivers similar battery life and S Pen experience. Choose S24 Ultra for longevity (7 years of updates), brighter anti‑reflective glass, Wi‑Fi 7, and Gen 3 performance and AI. Choose S23 Ultra if you prefer native 10x optics or want to save money without major day‑to‑day compromises.
Different strengths. Same questions.
The facts, side by side
| What matters | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12 GB standard | 8 or 12 GB (varies by configuration/region) |
| Storage options | 256/512 GB, 1 TB (UFS 4.0) | 256/512 GB, 1 TB (UFS 4.0) |
| Display | 6.8" QHD+ LTPO OLED, 1–120 Hz, flat | 6.8" QHD+ LTPO OLED, 1–120 Hz, slight curves |
| Peak brightness | Up to ~2,600 nits (peak) | Up to ~1,750 nits (peak) |
| Rear cameras | 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x + 50 MP 5x periscope | 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x + 10 MP 10x periscope |
| Optical zoom | 3x and 5x (high‑res 5x enables strong 10x crops) | 3x and 10x (true long‑range optical reach) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | Up to 45 W wired, 15 W wireless (Qi/PMA), reverse wireless | Up to 45 W wired, 15 W wireless (Qi/PMA), reverse wireless |
| Build materials | Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor glass | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Weight | ≈232 g | ≈234 g |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB | 5G, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB |
| S Pen | Built‑in | Built‑in |
| Software updates | Up to 7 years OS and security (from 2024 launch) | Up to 4 OS versions and ~5 years security (from 2023 launch) |
| AI features | Full Galaxy AI suite at launch (e.g., Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit; mix of on‑device/cloud) | Receives a subset via updates; not all features or on‑device capabilities match S24 Ultra |
| Launch price (US) | ≈$1,299 (256 GB) | ≈$1,199 (256 GB) |
Beyond the comparison chart
The differences that deserve a closer look
Performance and AI
S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy brings higher CPU/GPU and NPU performance, enabling smoother gaming and on‑device Galaxy AI features; S23 Ultra’s 8 Gen 2 is still fast but lacks some AI breadth or runs features cloud‑assisted.
Cameras and zoom philosophy
S24 Ultra swaps the 10x periscope for a 50 MP 5x, producing sharper 5x–10x shots via in‑sensor crop and improved processing; S23 Ultra’s 10x optical is better for true long‑range shots at 10x+ but is weaker around 5x.
Display and durability
Both are 6.8-inch LTPO QHD 1–120 Hz; S24 Ultra is flatter with Gorilla Armor and lower reflections and up to ~2,600‑nit peak brightness; S23 Ultra is slightly curved with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and ~1,750‑nit peak.
Software longevity
S24 Ultra gets up to 7 years of OS and security updates; S23 Ultra launched with a 4‑OS/5‑year policy, so it will sunset earlier.
Connectivity and storage
S24 Ultra adds Wi‑Fi 7 and standardizes 12 GB RAM; S23 Ultra tops out at Wi‑Fi 6E and commonly shipped with 8 GB on lower tiers.
Battery and charging
Both use 5,000 mAh with similar real‑world endurance and the same 45 W wired/15 W wireless charging; Gen 3 efficiency can favor S24 Ultra under heavy loads.