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The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better fit if you want a large screen, more rear-camera hardware, or an integrated S Pen. The Galaxy S24 5G is smaller, lighter, and had a lower U.S. launch starting price. At launch in January 2024, Samsung priced the Ultra from $1,299.99 and the S24 from $799.99—a $500 gap between base configurations, not a current-price comparison.
What is the difference between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 5G?
The main trade-off is size and features: the Ultra has a larger, higher-resolution display, an additional 5× optical telephoto camera, greater listed battery capacity, and S Pen functionality. The S24 is the more compact model. Samsung’s specifications describe hardware, not a guarantee that the Ultra takes better photos in every situation or lasts longer by a particular number of hours.
| Specification | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Galaxy S24 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ | 6.2-inch FHD+ |
| Dimensions | 79 × 162.3 × 8.6 mm | 70.6 × 147 × 7.6 mm |
| Listed weight | 232 g (Sub6) or 233 g (mmWave) | 167 g (Sub6) or 168 g (mmWave) |
| Rear cameras | 200 MP wide, 50 MP 5× optical telephoto, 10 MP 3× optical telephoto, 12 MP ultrawide | 50 MP wide, 10 MP 3× optical telephoto, 12 MP ultrawide |
| Typical battery capacity | 5,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| S Pen | Includes S Pen functionality | No integrated S Pen feature identified in Samsung’s cited comparison |
Specifications above are from Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 specifications. Listed weights vary by network variant. Confirm the exact local model before buying.
Which phone is easier to handle?
The S24’s 6.2-inch display and 70.6 mm width make it the smaller option; the Ultra’s 6.8-inch display and 79 mm width provide more viewing area but take up more space in your hand and pocket. The listed weight difference is 65–66 g, depending on the network variant. If one-handed use or a compact phone matters most, the S24 is the straightforward choice. Choose the Ultra if you prefer a larger display for viewing and working on-screen.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
How do the cameras compare?
The Ultra adds a 200 MP main camera and a 50 MP 5× optical telephoto camera. Both models have a 10 MP 3× optical telephoto and a 12 MP ultrawide camera; the S24 lists a 50 MP main camera. This is a difference in specified hardware, not proof that one model produces better images in every scene. The extra 5× optical telephoto gives the Ultra a camera option the S24’s listed rear array does not have.
Does the Ultra last longer on a charge?
Samsung lists typical battery capacities of 5,000 mAh for the Ultra and 4,000 mAh for the S24. Capacity alone does not establish screen-on time or how long either phone lasts in a particular person’s use. No comparable independent battery-life test is established by the cited materials.
Rank #2
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
What does the S Pen add?
The Ultra includes S Pen functionality. Samsung identifies uses such as writing in Samsung Notes and composing messages or emails. Pick it if you specifically want a built-in stylus workflow; the cited comparison does not identify an integrated S Pen feature for the S24.
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Samsung U.S. published these starting prices on January 17, 2024:
Rank #3
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
| Model | U.S. launch starting price | Listed storage options |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | $1,299.99 | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Galaxy S24 | $799.99 | 128 GB, 256 GB |
The base-price difference was $500. Because the base configurations had different storage capacities, this is not a like-for-like storage comparison. These are historical U.S. launch prices, not current offers; prices and availability depend on market, storage, seller, condition, and carrier. See Samsung’s U.S. availability announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can the chipset or specifications vary by country?
Yes. Samsung’s Korean support page lists Exynos 2400 for the Korean S24 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy for the Korean Ultra, and says specifications can differ by release region. Do not assume every S24 has the same chipset worldwide; check the exact regional and carrier SKU. Samsung Korea’s support information identifies this regional distinction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Rank #4
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the 6.8-inch screen, the added 5× optical telephoto camera, or S Pen functionality, and are comfortable with a larger, heavier phone.
- Choose the Galaxy S24 5G if you prefer a smaller, lighter phone and do not need the Ultra’s added camera hardware or stylus features.
- Compare current offers carefully if price is decisive: check the same market, storage, unlocked or carrier status, condition, seller terms, and date rather than relying on launch prices.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
