Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 15's 48MP, and there's more battery in the S24 Ultra, 5000mAh to 3349mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S24 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 501 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S24 Ultra, up to 1TB against 512GB. Unusually, the cheaper S24 Ultra takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
Over a full contract, the S24 Ultra works out around £457 all-in, about £64 less than the iPhone 15 5G.
12 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 1440 x 3088 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 501 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,349 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 232 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£139.00 upfront |
£16.75/mo
£10.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £322.00 | £399.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £457.00 over the life of the deal from £16.75 per month with £10.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 15's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 15 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £322.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is the more portable of the two: it's 61g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 15 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.