Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra—is it really worth the upgrade?

Spending over $1,000 on a phone isn’t a small decision, and choosing between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra does feel confusing. The Galaxy S23 Ultra earns plenty of praise for its powerful camera, smooth performance, and sharp display, but the S24 Ultra brings smarter AI features, a brighter screen, and a more durable titanium build. At first glance, the upgrades might not seem huge, but the differences matter once you dig deeper. In this article, I’ll give you my honest verdict, explain what sets these two phones apart, and help you decide if the S24 Ultra is worth the extra money. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra—your ideal pick

The reality is, people have different ways of using their phones, and what works for one person might not be ideal for another. Some people rely on their device for professional-grade photography, while others just need a smooth gaming experience or a phone that can handle long hours without charging. So, let’s see which one fits your needs best. 

Here’s how I break it down—if you check at least three bullet points from either list, you’ll know which phone is the better choice for you.

*Curious how the specs and features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra stack up? Head to the next section to find out.

Pick the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you: 1. Want the absolute latest tech: The S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which means you’ll experience faster speeds and improved power efficiency. 2. Rely on AI-powered tools: Samsung introduced Galaxy AI features like live translation, easier photo editing, and smarter voice assistance. 3. Prefer a more durable build: With its titanium frame, the S24 Ultra feels sturdier and more premium in hand. 4. Need ultra-bright visuals: Its 2,600-nit peak brightness makes it easier to use outdoors in direct sunlight. 5. Plan to keep your phone for years: The S24 Ultra’s newer hardware means it’s better equipped for future software updates and performance demands.Don’t mind paying extra: Starting at $1,299.99, it’s a premium investment, but you’ll get top-of-the-line features in return.

Pick the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you: 1. Want a proven flagship: The S23 Ultra still delivers fantastic performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. 2. Love high-quality photography: Its 200MP camera produces stunning shots, even in low-light conditions. 3. Prefer a slightly curved screen: The S23 Ultra’s curved display offers a more immersive feel for some users. 4. Are looking for value for money: With prices dropping to around $1,069 for certified renewed models, it’s a more budget-friendly choice. 5. Need reliable battery life: The S23 Ultra offers solid all-day battery performance without any major compromises.Want immediate availability: It’s easier to find discounts and deals on the S23 Ultra compared to the the S24 Ultra.

The Verdict: If you’re after the newest tech, like AI features that help with real-time translation and automatically improve your photos by adjusting lighting and details, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the way to go. But if you want solid performance without paying the premium, the Galaxy S23 Ultra still gives you a lot for your money, with its 200MP camera and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor—a great option for those who don’t need the latest but still want flagship power.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Detailed Breakdown

*This is not a product review. I spent considerable time researching the key differences between these two Samsung flagship models so you won’t have to. I’ve gathered all the information you may need on the specs differences right here, and I’ll show you how these differences might affect your overall experience.

Feature	Galaxy S24 Ultra	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Release Date	January 31, 2024	February 17, 2023
Starting Price	$1,299	$1,199
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB	8GB or 12GB
Storage Options	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Display	6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 1-120Hz LTPO 3.0, 2,600 nits peak brightness	6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 1-120Hz LTPO 3.0, 1,750 nits peak brightness
Rear Cameras	200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto	200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP 10x telephoto
Front Camera	12MP	12MP
Battery	5,000 mAh	4,855 mAh
Charging	45W fast charging	45W fast charging
Dimensions	162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm (6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34 in)	163.3 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
Weight	233g	234g
Colors	Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow	Phantom Black, Cotton Flower, Botanic Green, Mystic Lilac, Lime, Sky Blue, Graphite, Red

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Display Brightness and Visual Quality

Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Right off the bat, the Galaxy S24 Ultra steps up with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, while the S23 Ultra maxes out at 1,750 nits. On paper, that might not seem like a big jump, but in real life, it makes a difference. If you’re like me and often find yourself squinting at your phone under bright sunlight—whether it’s checking a map or replying to messages—the S24 Ultra’s brighter screen feels like a big improvement.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Performance and Processing Power

Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Ultra is definitely snappier and more efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 Ultra. When I think about performance, I picture demanding tasks like editing a quick 4K video for social media or playing a resource-heavy game like Genshin Impact. The S24 Ultra just handles these tasks a bit more smoothly and without heating up as much.

If you’re someone who pushes your phone to its limits—be it with gaming, editing, or multitasking—the S24 Ultra has the edge. But for regular day-to-day use, the difference might not feel huge.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Camera and AI Photo Features

Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Both phones rock a 200MP main camera, and trust me, the photos are stunning on both. But the S24 Ultra comes with upgraded AI-powered tools, like Generative Edit, which lets you tweak photos by erasing unwanted objects or filling in backgrounds. It’s like having Photoshop built right into your phone.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Build and Durability

Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung swapped the aluminum frame on the S23 Ultra for a titanium frame on the S24 Ultra. Now, titanium isn’t just about looking premium—it’s more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Both phones still use Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so the front and back are tough on both models.

If you’re a bit clumsy with your phone (like I can be sometimes), the titanium frame on the S24 Ultra offers just a bit more peace of mind when it inevitably takes a tumble.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Software and AI Integration

Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra

The S24 Ultra ships with One UI 6.1 and introduces some slick AI tools, like Circle to Search, Live Translate during calls, and better voice assistant features. While the S23 Ultra will eventually get these updates, the hardware on the S24 Ultra means these features will run just a bit smoother.

Maximize Your Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 FE Experience with Always Present

Always PRESENT is a stylish docking station designed to help you spend less time glued to your phone without cutting you off completely. It offers wireless charging, call-forwarding, and a lockable compartment to tuck your phone away when you need a break. The real win here is how it helps build healthier habits—keeping your phone accessible but not distracting. 

Link: Always PRESENT

Price: The product hasn’t launched yet. Reserve it now with a $1 deposit to get it for $299 instead of the regular $500.

Final Thoughts

Bottom Line: If you love having the latest tech, brighter display, smarter AI tools, and a touch more battery efficiency, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better pick. But if you’re happy with flagship-level performance and prefer saving some cash, I’d recommend the Galaxy S23 Ultra for an outstanding experience without compromise.