Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24+ • Unlocked

Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked
Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$574.00

Versus $1,204.00 new

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Galaxy S24+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S24+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$408.00

Versus $814.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, both released in early 2024, represent the pinnacle of Samsung's flagship smartphone offerings. While sharing the foundational Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, these devices cater to slightly different user needs through distinct hardware and feature sets. The S24 Ultra distinguishes itself with an integrated S Pen and a more advanced camera system, whereas the S24 Plus provides a premium experience in a slightly more streamlined form factor.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus were launched in January 2024, ensuring they benefit from Samsung's commitment to extended software support. This means both devices are projected to receive seven years of operating system updates and security patches, offering a prolonged practical lifespan for users.

  • Software Longevity: With seven years of guaranteed updates, both the S24 Ultra and S24 Plus are designed for long-term usability, maintaining access to the latest features and security enhancements well into the future.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a robust titanium frame and is protected by Gorilla Glass Armor on its display, offering enhanced resistance to scratches and drops. The Galaxy S24 Plus utilizes an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display, providing substantial durability.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both models carry an IP68 rating, indicating strong resistance to dust and submersion in fresh water, contributing to their overall resilience in various environments.

Release Year

2024

2024

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus is designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with efficiency, though there are distinctions in their underlying hardware configurations and available memory options.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a high-performance processor globally, ensuring consistent and responsive operation across all regions. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a similar high-performance processor in some regions, while other regions receive a different, yet still capable, processor. Both configurations deliver smooth app loading, fluid multitasking, and capable gaming experiences.
  • Memory and Storage: The S24 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, paired with storage options up to 1TB. The S24 Plus is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and storage options up to 512GB. Higher RAM configurations generally benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in intensive tasks.
  • Battery Capacity: The Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, providing extensive power for prolonged usage. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 4900 mAh battery, offering substantial power for a full day of typical use. Both devices support fast wired and wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus offer impressive visual experiences, featuring advanced display technologies that deliver vibrant colors and sharp details, though with slight differences in size and protective layers.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent contrast. They both boast a QHD+ resolution, ensuring crisp text and detailed images.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models achieve a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making them highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. They also feature an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which contributes to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions while optimizing power consumption.
  • Screen Size and Protection: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch flat display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor. The Galaxy S24 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The larger screen of the Ultra may appeal to users who prioritize immersive media consumption or productivity with the S Pen.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus offer advanced photography and videography capabilities, with the Ultra providing a more versatile and high-resolution setup for professional-grade imaging.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This configuration allows for exceptional detail and flexible zoom options. The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 Ultra's higher resolution main sensor and dual telephoto lenses contribute to superior detail capture, especially in challenging lighting conditions and at extended zoom ranges. Both phones deliver vibrant and sharp images in everyday scenarios.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies and video calls, both the S24 Ultra and S24 Plus are equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera.

Main camera

200 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core specifications, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus offer a range of practical features and connectivity options that enhance their overall user experience, with some key distinctions.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S24 Ultra additionally supports Wi-Fi 7, offering faster and more efficient wireless internet. The Galaxy S24 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E. Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Unique Features: Both models incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. A significant differentiator for the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the integrated S Pen stylus, which offers enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and navigation.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier, with dimensions of 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 232g or 233g. The Galaxy S24 Plus measures 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 195g or 196g, offering a more compact and lighter feel.

Weight

8 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.8

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment often highlights the Galaxy S24 Ultra's comprehensive feature set, particularly its advanced camera capabilities and the versatility of the S Pen, making it a favored choice for those who demand the utmost in mobile productivity and photography. Criticisms sometimes point to its larger size and weight. The Galaxy S24 Plus is frequently praised for striking a strong balance between premium features and a more manageable form factor, offering a high-quality experience without the Ultra's specialized additions. Users generally appreciate its vibrant display and robust performance for everyday tasks.

Users prioritizing an expansive display, the precision of an integrated stylus for creative or professional tasks, and the most versatile camera system with extended zoom capabilities will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its titanium build also appeals to those seeking maximum durability. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly more compact and lighter device, while still desiring a top-tier display, strong performance, and a capable camera for general use, may lean towards the Galaxy S24 Plus. Both devices offer excellent long-term value due to their extended software support.

For those considering either of these powerful smartphones, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, allowing access to premium technology while making a sustainable choice.

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