Find out why the Galaxy S24 Ultra is worth the extra cost compared to the S24 and S24+ and what additional features justify the higher price tag.
Experience a Bigger Canvas with S Pen Compatibility
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its expansive 6.8-inch QHD+ display, setting it apart from the regular S24 with its 6.2-inch FHD+ panel. Both screens boast a 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, ensuring top-notch visual quality.
What truly sets the S24 Ultra apart is its S Pen compatibility. With this nifty Bluetooth stylus, you can unleash your creativity by doodling on the screen or jotting down quick notes. Unfortunately, the Galaxy S24's 6.2-inch AMOLED screen and the S24+'s 6.7-inch QHD+ panel do not support the S Pen. If you're a content creator, this could be a make-or-break feature for you.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a display that is protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass Armor, designed to reduce reflection by up to 75% for an improved viewing experience, as stated in Samsung's press release. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 and S24+ are equipped with the older-generation Gorilla Glass Victus.
Beefed-Up Internals
When it comes to the Galaxy S24 series, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 "for Galaxy" chip is the heart and soul of all the devices in the lineup. However, there are some key internal differences that set the S24 Ultra apart from its siblings, making it a more enticing option.
One standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is its significantly larger vapor chamber compared to last year's model (as we mentioned in our Galaxy S23 Ultra review). This enhanced design allows for superior heat dissipation, ensuring that your phone stays cool even during intense usage. Unfortunately, the S24 and S24+ don't benefit from this improvement.
In addition to the improved cooling system, the S24 Ultra also boasts a generous 12GB of RAM, while the S24 settles for 8GB. This extra memory comes in handy, especially when utilizing the Galaxy AI features and juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. It provides a smoother and more efficient multitasking experience.
Storage capacity is another area where the S24 Ultra shines. While the S24 is available in 128GB and 256GB variants, the S24 Ultra takes it up a notch by offering an impressive 1TB of storage. Even the base variant of the S24 Ultra comes with 256GB of storage space, giving you ample room to store all your important files, photos, and videos. If you're someone who values having plenty of storage without any worries of running out of space, the S24 Ultra is the clear winner.
With its beefed-up internals, including the larger vapor chamber, increased RAM, and expanded storage options, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the superior choice within the S24 series. It's a powerhouse device that guarantees top-notch performance and an exceptional user experience.
S24 Ultra's titanium edges provide a premium and comfortable grip
To enhance the luxurious feel of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung has incorporated a titanium frame, ensuring a premium in-hand experience. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 and S24+ features "Armor Aluminum." Titanium's superior strength compared to aluminum makes it more resistant to scratches and dents during everyday use. If you prefer to go case-free, you'll truly appreciate the smooth and refined titanium edges of the S24 Ultra.
Samsung's commitment to sustainability is also evident in the S24 Ultra, as it incorporates a higher percentage of recycled components compared to its smaller counterparts. The speakers of the S24 Ultra are made with 40 percent recycled steel, while the battery utilizes a minimum of 50 percent cobalt. On the Galaxy S24, Samsung has opted for recycled steel and TPU materials, further contributing to their eco-friendly efforts.
Exceptional Camera System
For the best camera system on a phone, choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra over the S24. The Ultra model from Samsung's 2024 flagship line is equipped with a 200MP primary camera, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 5x 50MP periscope shooter.
Utilizing these lenses, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a 3x and 5x optical zoom as well as up to 100x digital zoom, providing a level of flexibility that few other phones can match. It is hoped that Samsung has addressed the shutter lag issue, which has been a significant drawback of Galaxy phones.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 and S24+ feature a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. While these smaller Galaxy models can still capture excellent photos, the S24 Ultra stands out in a category of its own.
Enhanced Battery Performance
Despite its larger 6.8-inch QHD display, the Galaxy S24 Ultra surpasses the S24 in terms of battery life. This is due to its robust 5,000mAh battery, whereas the S24 is equipped with a 4,000mAh unit.
While the S24's battery life is satisfactory for most users, the S24 Ultra truly shines with its exceptional endurance. What's even more impressive is that the phone can charge rapidly at speeds of up to 45W, allowing for a 0 to 65 percent charge in just 30 minutes, as claimed by Samsung.
On the other hand, the S24 is limited to 25W charging speeds and can reach 50 percent charge in the same 30-minute timeframe. Although there are some tips and tricks available to expedite the charging process for Android phones, they won't significantly reduce the overall charging time.
If you have the means, opting for the Galaxy S24 Ultra instead of the S24 is a wise choice. Not only do you get a larger display, but also enjoy improved battery life, an advanced camera system, increased storage capacity, and superior build quality. Essentially, the phone outperforms its more affordable counterparts in all key aspects.
