Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra series has long been the benchmark for premium Android smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in 2023, gained massive popularity thanks to its 200MP camera and reliable flagship performance. In 2024, Samsung raised the bar with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, introducing a new design, brighter display, more powerful processor and AI-driven features.
As we move into 2026, many buyers are confused between these two top-tier phones. Here’s a detailed, feature-by-feature comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs better.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra
Design and build quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra brings a noticeable design upgrade. Samsung has shifted to a flat display, making the phone easier to grip and more practical for everyday use. It also features a titanium frame paired with Gorilla Armor glass, giving it a tougher and more premium feel.
In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a curved display and an aluminium frame. While it still looks premium, it doesn’t feel as robust as the newer model. In terms of durability and in-hand confidence, the Galaxy S24 Ultra clearly takes the lead.
Display quality
Both smartphones offer a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and smooth scrolling. The difference lies in brightness.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, making it far easier to use under direct sunlight. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra tops out at around 1750 nits, which is still good but noticeably lower. For outdoor visibility, the S24 Ultra delivers a superior experience.
Performance and processor
Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which offers better AI performance, gaming capabilities and power efficiency. All variants of the S24 Ultra come with 12GB RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and better future-proofing.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which remains a capable and powerful processor even in 2026. However, its base variant comes with 8GB RAM, which slightly limits long-term performance compared to the newer model. In raw power and longevity, the S24 Ultra holds the advantage.
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Camera comparison
Both phones feature a 200MP primary camera and deliver excellent results in daylight photography. The key difference lies in their telephoto setups.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra: 10MP periscope camera with 10× optical zoom, ideal for long-range zoom photography.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 50MP telephoto camera with 5× optical zoom, offering better detail at mid-range zoom levels and improved AI-based image processing.
If you prioritize extreme zoom, the S23 Ultra still has the edge. However, for overall camera quality, AI photography and consistent results, the Galaxy S24 Ultra performs better.
Battery and charging
Both smartphones pack a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging and wireless charging support. On paper, battery specs are identical.
In real-world usage, the Galaxy S24 Ultra benefits from a more efficient processor, which helps deliver slightly better battery life and screen-on time during daily use. The difference isn’t massive, but it’s noticeable.
Software and update support
This is where the Galaxy S24 Ultra truly shines. It ships with Android 14-based One UI 6.1 and comes with Samsung’s promise of seven years of Android and security updates.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra launched with Android 13, and while it will continue to receive updates, its support cycle is shorter. For users planning to keep their phone for many years, the S24 Ultra is clearly the smarter long-term choice.
Price and value for money
In 2026, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is available at significantly lower prices, making it an excellent value-for-money flagship. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a newer model with a higher price tag, justified by its design upgrades, AI features and longer update support.
which one should you buy?
- Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
You want the latest design, brighter display, top-tier performance, advanced AI features and long-term software support. - Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra if:
You want a premium flagship at a lower price, excellent camera performance and class-leading 10× optical zoom.
Both smartphones are powerful even in 2026, but your final choice depends on whether you value cutting-edge features and longevity or better value at a reduced price.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
