Galaxy S24 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus, both released on January 31, 2024, are flagship smartphones running on the Android operating system. While they share a common design language and many core features, their primary distinctions lie in physical size, display resolution, and battery capacity. Both devices offer a comprehensive suite of features, including advanced camera systems and the integrated Galaxy AI capabilities, aiming to provide a refined user experience.

Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus were launched in early 2024, ensuring they are current models with a long support horizon. Samsung has committed to providing an extended period of software updates for these devices.

• OS Support Duration: Both models are promised up to seven years of Android operating system upgrades and security updates, extending their software longevity until approximately 2031. This commitment aligns them with the longest support timelines available for Android smartphones.
• Practical Lifespan: This extensive software support means users can expect these devices to remain functional and secure for a considerable period, potentially reducing the need for frequent upgrades. The practical lifespan is further supported by their durable construction.
• Repairability: Both devices feature a robust build with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to their physical resilience. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against common environmental hazards.

The Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are equipped with powerful internal components designed for smooth operation across various tasks. Their performance is largely consistent, with some differences in memory configurations.

• Processing Power: Both models utilize a current-generation processor, which is either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the Exynos 2400, depending on the region. This hardware enables both devices to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-intensive gaming with efficiency.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, while the S24 Plus features 12GB of RAM, which can offer a slight advantage in managing a large number of open applications simultaneously. Storage options for the S24 include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the S24 Plus starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4,000 mAh battery, and the S24 Plus features a larger 4,900 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the S24 Plus generally offers longer battery life, with some reports indicating it can last well over a day and a half with moderate use. The S24 supports 25W wired charging, while the S24 Plus supports faster 45W wired charging.

Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus offer high-quality displays, but they differ in size and resolution, impacting the overall viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Brightness: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth visuals and efficient power consumption. They also boast a peak brightness of 2600 nits, providing excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
• Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 comes with a 6.2-inch display with a 2340 x 1080 pixel (FHD+) resolution. The Galaxy S24 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch display with a higher 3120 x 1440 pixel (QHD+) resolution, resulting in a sharper image, particularly noticeable when viewing detailed content.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S24 Plus provides a more expansive and detailed canvas for media consumption, productivity, and gaming. The S24, with its more compact screen, offers easier one-handed use and portability.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are identical, offering versatile photography and videography capabilities enhanced by software processing.

• Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from wide-angle landscapes to zoomed-in shots.
• Photography Performance: In good lighting conditions, both devices capture detailed images with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. The 3x optical zoom provides clear images of distant subjects, outperforming digital zoom. While low-light performance is generally good, some users note that details can appear softer in mixed or dim lighting when night mode is not activated.
• Video and Front Camera: Both models support 8K video recording at up to 30 frames per second (fps) and 4K video at up to 60fps. The front-facing camera on both is a 12MP sensor, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video calls. Both also benefit from Galaxy AI features for photo and video editing.