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The Galaxy S24 Ultra has the larger screen, an integrated S Pen and a 5,000mAh typical-capacity battery; the iPhone 18 Pro is smaller, lists storage options up to 2TB and belongs to a much newer launch generation. Their US launch prices were $1,299.99 and $1,199, respectively—but those are historical MSRPs, not today’s prices.
These phones launched more than two years apart
The Galaxy S24 Ultra went on sale starting January 31, 2024, after Samsung announced it on January 17. Apple announced iPhone 18 Pro on September 9, 2026. This is therefore a comparison between products from different launch periods, not two same-generation rivals. The age difference matters when weighing launch prices against current offers, availability and the remaining useful life you expect from a purchase.
For a current buying decision, compare live listings for the same storage capacity, condition, unlocked or carrier status, and warranty. The manufacturer announcements establish launch prices, not a same-day retailer price comparison.
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At a glance: published specifications
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Apple iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED; 2622 × 1206 at 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 1–120Hz | Adaptive ProMotion up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | A20 Pro |
| Memory | 12GB | Apple’s listed specifications do not give a memory figure |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto and 12MP ultra-wide | Apple’s listed specifications include a variable-aperture feature, but the specifications cited here do not establish the full camera configuration for a like-for-like comparison |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB and 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB |
| Battery capacity | 5,000mAh typical; 4,855mAh rated | Apple’s cited specifications do not list a matching capacity figure |
| Weight | Not stated in the cited specifications | 211g |
| Water resistance | Not stated in the cited specifications | IP68 |
Sources: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications, Samsung’s US Galaxy S24 series announcement, Apple iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications.
#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.
Screen size and everyday handling
Galaxy S24 Ultra: more screen area and S Pen input
Samsung lists a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1–120Hz refresh range. The phone also supports the S Pen, giving it a built-in option for handwriting, markup and pen-based interaction. Its larger display is a reasonable fit if you prioritize a roomy viewing or work surface; that is an inference from screen size, not a handling or productivity test.
iPhone 18 Pro: a more compact listed display
Apple lists a 6.3-inch OLED display with adaptive refresh up to 120Hz. Apple says the diagonal is 6.3 inches, with an actual viewable area of 6.27 inches. The smaller listed screen makes the iPhone the more compact choice on these specifications, though they do not establish how either phone feels in hand.
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.
Camera hardware: specifications do not establish a winner
Samsung publishes resolutions and zoom roles for four rear cameras: a 200MP main camera, a 50MP 5x telephoto, a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 12MP ultra-wide. Apple’s September 2026 announcement discusses variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro, but the specifications cited for this comparison do not provide enough full-system detail for a complete camera-by-camera match.
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Megapixel counts alone cannot tell you which phone takes better photos or video. A sound camera decision needs comparable focal lengths, video capabilities and sample images, ideally under similar conditions; no controlled comparative camera test is established here.
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.
Storage choices and battery evidence
Storage: Apple lists a 2TB tier
Samsung’s US launch announcement lists 256GB, 512GB and 1TB configurations for the S24 Ultra. Apple lists those three capacities plus 2TB for iPhone 18 Pro. If you keep large video libraries or many offline files, compare the price of the capacity you would actually buy rather than treating the base models as equivalent value.
Battery: capacity is not a runtime comparison
Samsung gives the S24 Ultra a 5,000mAh typical battery capacity; its regional specification page also lists 4,855mAh rated capacity. These are capacity figures, not battery-life test results. Apple’s cited iPhone 18 Pro specifications do not provide a matching capacity figure, and the available facts do not establish a comparative runtime winner.
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.
US launch prices and the difference
Samsung announced a US starting price of $1,299.99 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, while Apple announced a US starting price of $1,199 for iPhone 18 Pro. The S24 Ultra’s launch starting price was therefore $100.99 higher. Samsung’s figure applied to its 2024 launch; Apple’s applied to its September 2026 announcement. Neither number should be read as a current retail quote, and the published top storage tiers differ: Samsung’s cited lineup reaches 1TB, while Apple’s reaches 2TB.
Sources: Samsung’s US launch announcement and Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro announcement. Actual current prices depend on seller, storage, condition and promotions.
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.
Which phone makes more sense for you?
Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if its specific strengths fit
- You want the larger 6.8-inch display and integrated S Pen support.
- You value Samsung’s published four-camera resolution and zoom-role specifications, while recognizing that they do not prove photo quality.
- You are considering a particular S24 Ultra offer and have checked its storage, condition, carrier status and warranty against a comparable iPhone listing.
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if its listed advantages fit
- You prefer the smaller 6.3-inch display and Apple’s iOS ecosystem.
- You need a listed storage option above 1TB; Apple offers a 2TB tier in the specifications cited here.
- You use Apple apps, accounts or wearables and have confirmed they suit your needs. Ecosystem preference is personal and is not quantified by these hardware specifications.
There is no evidence here for an overall performance, camera or battery-life winner. The practical decision rests on your operating-system preference, screen and pen needs, storage tier, and the current prices you can actually obtain.
Quick Recap
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.
