Galaxy S24+ vs S24 Ultra: Mid-Tier or Top Galaxy?
S24+ is the middle of the S24 line; S24 Ultra won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Now both are discounted in 2026. Is the Ultra worth $200 more?
Updated · Verdict based on MKBHD Smartphone Awards results and spec analysis.
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung · 2024 · From $999
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung · 2024 · From $1299
Round wins
Samsung Galaxy S24+: 1 · Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 4 ·Ties: 3
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Camera | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto | 200MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery | 4,900 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| OS | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) |
| Starting price | $999 | $1299 |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
Round-by-round breakdown
Display
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraS24 Ultra: 6.8-inch at ~2,200 nits. S24+: 6.7-inch at ~1,750 nits. Ultra is brighter.
Performance
TieBoth Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US variants). Functionally identical.
Camera
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraS24 Ultra: 200MP main + 5x periscope + 3x + ultra. S24+: 50MP main + 12MP ultra + 10MP 3x. Ultra wins on resolution and zoom.
S Pen
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraS24 Ultra has integrated S Pen. S24+ does not.
Battery
TieS24 Ultra: 5,000 mAh, 8+ hours screen-on. S24+: 4,900 mAh, 7+ hours. Roughly equivalent.
Build
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraS24 Ultra: titanium frame. S24+: aluminum. Ultra wins on premium materials.
Software updates
TieBoth 7 years of Android updates.
Price
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24+S24+: $699–$799 discounted. S24 Ultra: $899–$999 discounted. S24+ is $200 cheaper.
Final verdict
Buy the S24 Ultra at the discount — same 7-year update commitment as the S24+ but adds the integrated S Pen, 5x periscope camera, 200MP main, and brighter display. The $200–$300 premium gets you meaningfully more capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Galaxy S24+ or S24 Ultra at the discount?
S24 Ultra at $899–$999 — won MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year. Adds integrated S Pen, 5x periscope, and 200MP main for a meaningful $200 premium over the S24+.
Is the S24+ worth it without the S Pen and periscope?
Yes if you don't want those features. The S24+ has the same 7-year update commitment and Galaxy AI support. But for $200 more, the Ultra is the meaningfully better pick.
Galaxy S24+ vs Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Different price tiers — S24+ at $699 is the value pick; S25 Ultra at $1,299 is the latest flagship. S24 Ultra at $899 splits the difference best.