Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra - What are the differences?

Our Samsung experts at MDS highlight a side-by-side comparison of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is necessary to determine if Samsung has sufficiently improved its most recent flagship phone to warrant purchase. It will be difficult to top last year's Galaxy S23 Ultra Long, which, with its superb quadruple camera configuration and large feature set, took home the titles of best phone and best photography phone. But to set itself apart with its most recent flagship, Samsung seems to have put forth more features for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The key differences between the Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra:

Below are the biggest differences between the S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra:

Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra: Differences in Design

Although Samsung hasn't made a significant modification to the design language of the S24 Ultra, the smartphone does have a slightly different look.

The S23 Ultra's protective aluminum frame has been replaced with a titanium frame that is tougher and more resilient. As a result, the box weighs 8.22 ounces instead of 8.25 ounces like the S23 Ultra. Even if the difference isn't that great, I can still feel it when I bring the two together.

The S24 Ultra's entirely flat screen replaces the Galaxy S series' curved screen, which is the other significant design change. According to Samsung, this modification improves the S Pen by preventing the stylus from slipping off the edges while in use. Since the S23 Ultra's screen has a curved edge, it seems sleeker, so I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

Lastly, Samsung trims the bezels surrounding the screen of the S24 Ultra by 42%. The S24 Ultra's bottom edge, which allows the screen to abut the edge closer than before, and the tiny incision for its front-facing 12MP camera are where I most notice it.

Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra: Difference in Display

When comparing the specifications of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra, you will see that both phones have 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x Displays. They both provide amazing detail since their pixel densities are almost equal. Additionally, they also have the same adjustable refresh rate of 1-120 Hz.

Although it is far less than Samsung's max rating of 2,600 nits, the S24 Ultra still outperforms the S23 Ultra with a peak brightness of 1,353 nits. Even though the difference is little, the most recent Galaxy only gains a little bit in the end.

Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra: Difference in Camera

A 200 MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom, and a bigger 50MP telephoto sensor with a 5X optical zoom make up the S24 Ultra's quad-camera configuration.

A 200 MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom are included with the final telephoto camera, which is the focus of the issue.

The majority of consumers will naturally assume that the S24 Ultra is less capable than the 10x and 5x optical zooms, but Samsung asserts that the bigger sensor on the new phone allows it to perform better than its predecessor in terms of optical quality.

The camera package of the Galaxy S24 Ultra isn't much different from that of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. When it comes to its 5x zoom camera, it's a kind of downgrade. However, the few new Galaxy AI functions that enhance photo and video editing make the new S24 Ultra even better. The effectiveness of generative AI for filling in the blanks in photographs is powerfully demonstrated by Generative Edit. Instant Slow-mo, a helpful Galaxy AI function with the S24 Ultra, allows you to add a slow-motion effect to any video captured.  Lastly, Edit Suggestions eliminates undesirable reflections from photographs using Galaxy AI.

Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra: Difference in Performance

When comparing the performance of the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the S23 Ultra, there appears to be no shortage of quick reactions and seamless movements. Both Galaxy phones are responsive, regardless of whether an individual is flipping between applications or using typical set of work-related productivity apps.

However, artificial intelligence benchmark tests indicate that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 of the Galaxy S24 Ultra has led to an improvement. With more increases in the multi-core test, it outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered S23 Ultra in GeekBench 6.

The S24 Ultra's graphics processing performance, however, is where it shines, setting new benchmarks in 3DMark's WildLife Unlimited test. The Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforms the S23 Ultra with an astounding 20,627 score. However, the S23 Ultra's 14,611 score is still among the greatest for a premium phone.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S24 Ultra performs better at maintaining its cooling and performing graphically demanding games because it has a bigger vapor chamber—nearly twice as large as the one in the S23 Ultra—that facilitates ray tracing.

Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra: Difference in Battery Life & Charging

With the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung made the unusual choice to maintain the same battery capacity. This is mostly because power packs typically rise by a very small amount every year. But even if the 5,000 mAh batteries on both phones are the same, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's increased power efficiency is what sets it apart. As a consequence, the S24 Ultra achieves a longer duration with Tom's Guide's battery benchmark test, marking another advancement in battery durability. In comparison to the S23 Ultra's 13 hours and 9 minutes, it achieves a time of 16 hours and 45 minutes. The S24 Ultra maintains the same 45W wired charging rate as the S23 Ultra. Despite this, it charges more quickly than the S23 Ultra, reaching 71% after 30 minutes compared to 57% for the latter. The 15W wireless charging rates for both devices are thus the same.

Samsung S24 Ultra vs Samsung S23 Ultra: Differences in Software

Both phones appear to be running Android 14 with the identical OneUI 6.1 interface. Nonetheless, Samsung warrants that the Galaxy S24 Ultra—among the finest phones ever—will receive seven years' worth of software and security upgrades.

Although their fundamental experiences are still the same, the S24 Ultra stands out because of its array of Galaxy AI capabilities. The Galaxy AI features are useful, easy to use, and time-saving.

Live Translate is yet another helpful Galaxy AI function. Everything in the app will be translated by Live Translate.

Last but not least, the Samsung Voice Recorder app now includes Galaxy AI functions. The voice recorder app on the Pixel 8 Pro performs a fantastic job of distinguishing between various voices in addition to accurately transcribing the audio recording. The Galaxy S24 Ultra now can do the same, but it goes a step further by allowing you to summarize the full recording and format them in Samsung Notes to seem more professional.

Other AI capabilities of the Galaxy include Chat Assist and Live Translate, which functions primarily as a real-time interpreter for phone conversations.

S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra - Specs Comparison

In conclusion, the Samsung S24 Ultra offers several notable improvements in design, camera, performance, and software, making it an appealing option for those looking for the newest advancements in smartphone technology, even though the Samsung S23 Ultra is still a strong flagship handset. Which option is better will ultimately come down to personal tastes and priorities in terms of features and updates.