Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, took center stage at the Unpacked event, igniting interest among Galaxy enthusiasts contemplating an upgrade. Whether you’re eyeing the S24 Ultra as a potential successor to your current device or debating between Samsung and Apple’s offerings, comparing the S24 Ultra to its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Apple’s top-tier iPhone 15 Pro Max can provide valuable insights.
Pricing dynamics reveal a nuanced landscape: the S23 Ultra, once priced at $1,200 upon its US release, now starts at $875, presenting an intriguing option for budget-conscious buyers. In contrast, the S24 Ultra debuts at $1,300, positioning it $100 higher than both its predecessor and the base model of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Under the hood, the S24 Ultra harnesses Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, showcasing advancements like the “Galaxy AI” suite for on-device AI processing. Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra relies on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, with future updates expected to introduce Galaxy AI functionality. On the Apple front, the iPhone 15 Pro Max flaunts the A17 Pro chip but lacks comparable AI-driven photo editing features.
Operating system preferences come into play with the S23 Ultra running Android 13 and promising four years of updates, while the S24 Ultra boasts Android 14 with an extended support window of seven years. Apple’s iOS 17 powers the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with update support stretching back to earlier iPhone models.
Storage options offer flexibility, with the S23 Ultra providing configurations ranging from 256GB with 8 or 12GB of RAM to 1TB with 12GB of RAM. The S24 Ultra maintains these options but standardizes 12GB of RAM across all variants. Apple remains opaque about RAM specifications, matching the storage offerings of the Ultra series.
Charging capabilities see both Ultra models supporting 45W fast charging via USB-C, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max opts for 27W fast charging. Wireless charging is universal, with the Ultras offering the added perk of reverse wireless charging functionality.
Battery capacities are comparable, with the S23 and S24 Ultras sporting 5,000-mAh cells. While Apple refrains from disclosing specific battery details, the iPhone promises “all-day battery life” with robust video playback capabilities.
Distinguishing features include the integrated S Pen stylus on the S23 and S24 Ultras, absent in the iPhone lineup. Display prowess shines through with all devices boasting OLED panels and variable refresh rates, albeit with distinct notch designs and form factors.
Camera setups showcase similarities between the S24 and S23 Ultras, with the former introducing a new 50-megapixel, 5x telephoto lens. Conversely, the iPhone 15 Pro Max employs a triple-camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens.
As we await comprehensive camera tests, evaluating how the S24 Ultra’s enhanced optics fare against the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s acclaimed photography capabilities will be pivotal in making an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.8-inch AMOLED; QHD+ resolution; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088×1,440 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.7-inch OLED; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 501ppi | 500 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 in | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in | 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 163 x 79 x 8.6 mm | 163.3 x 78 x 8.9 mm | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 233 g (8.22 oz) | 234 g (8.25 oz) | 221 g (7.81 oz) |
| Mobile software | Android 14 | Android 13 | iOS 17 |
| Camera | 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) 10-megapixel (10x telephoto) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (5x telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 8K | 8K | 4K |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Apple A17 Pro |
| Storage and RAM | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 8GB RAM + 256GB; 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (RAM undisclosed) |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | Undisclosed; Apple claims up to 29 hours of video playback (25 hours streamed) |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None |
| Special features | Titanium frame, 2,600-nit screen; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7 | 5G (Sub6, mmWave); IP68 water resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; 100x Space Zoom; 10x optical zoom; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging | 5G (Sub6, mmWave); Action Button, Always-On display, IP68 water resistance, MagSafe, Dynamic Island, 5x optical zoom (120mm equivalent), satellite connectivity, eSIM, thread networking technology |
| US price starts at | $1,300 (256GB) | $1,200 (256GB) | $1,199 (256GB) |
| UK price starts at | £1,249 (256GB) | £1,249 (256GB) | £1,199 (256GB) |
| Australia price starts at | AU$2,199 (256GB) | AU$1,949 (256GB) | AU$2,199 (256GB) |