Samsung’s Galaxy S24 lineup put the S24+ and S24 Ultra closer together in raw performance than in previous years, since both run the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset. But the Ultra still commands a significant price premium. Here’s exactly what that money buys.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ vs S24 Ultra: Specs at a Glance
| Galaxy S24+ | Galaxy S24 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, flat, 120Hz | 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, flat with curved edges, 120Hz |
| Build | Aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor (anti-reflective) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide | 200MP main, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide |
| S Pen | Not supported | Built-in S Pen with air actions |
| Battery | 4,900 mAh, 45W wired charging | 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging |
| Storage options | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Launch price | From $999.99 | From $1,299.99 |
Design and Display
Both phones use flat displays for the first time in this generation (Samsung dropped the curved-edge screen on the standard Ultra design too, though the Ultra keeps subtly curved side edges for grip). The Ultra’s titanium frame and Gorilla Armor coating are noticeably more premium and better at resisting glare in direct sunlight, while the S24+ relies on a standard aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Camera Differences
This is where the gap is largest. The S24 Ultra’s 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto setup (5x and 3x) give it a real advantage in zoom versatility and detail retention, especially in cropped or low-light shots. The S24+’s 50MP main and single 3x telephoto are still very capable for most everyday photography, but serious zoom photographers will feel the difference.
S Pen: The Ultra’s Signature Feature
The built-in S Pen remains exclusive to the Ultra model. If handwritten notes, PDF annotation, or the S Pen’s air-gesture controls matter to your workflow, that alone settles the decision in the Ultra’s favor.
Performance and Battery
Both phones share the identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset and 12GB of RAM, so real-world performance in apps, gaming, and multitasking is essentially the same. Battery capacity is close too (4,900 mAh vs 5,000 mAh), with both charging at 45W wired.
Which Should You Buy?
- Buy the S24+ if you want flagship performance and a big screen without paying for the S Pen or top-tier camera hardware you may not use.
- Buy the S24 Ultra if you specifically want the S Pen, the best zoom camera Samsung offers, or the more durable titanium build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S24 Ultra’s extra cost worth it over the S24+?
Mainly if you use the S Pen or want the best zoom camera. Performance is otherwise identical.
Does the Galaxy S24+ support the S Pen?
No, S Pen support is exclusive to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Which has a bigger battery, S24+ or S24 Ultra?
The S24 Ultra has a slightly larger 5,000 mAh battery versus 4,900 mAh on the S24+.
