Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the follow-up to the Galaxy S23 a year later, so the two are close. The S24 Ultra has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the S23 5G's 50MP, and there's more battery in the S24 Ultra, 5000mAh to 3900mAh, which usually means longer between charges. 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 256GB. Get the S24 Ultra if you want the newer hardware; if not, the S23 5G is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
Over a full contract, the S23 5G works out around £544 all-in, about £175 less than the S24 Ultra.
11 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3088 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 501 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 232 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£27.25/mo
£20.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £239.95 | £429.99 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £544.00 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 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 Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.95.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (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 Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 65g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 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.