Samsung’s $1,300 (£1,249, AU$2,199) Galaxy S24 Ultra is the highest-end and priciest phone now available in the company’s lineup. Its highlights include new AI features and tweaks to its cameras.
This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.
It’s also by far the most expensive non-folding flagship phone currently available, coming in at $100 more expensive than last year’s base $1,200 Galaxy S23 Ultra and the also-$1,200 iPhone 15 Pro Max from Apple.
Watch this: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max (Flagship Phones Compared)
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You get a lot for your money, though, including the beefiest phone specs and a camera that’s likely to specialize in detailed zoom photos. The S24 Ultra has the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display. Its 200-megapixel main camera is now accompanied by a 50-megapixel telephoto camera.
My colleague Lisa Eadicicco has reviewed the Galaxy S24 Ultra, finding that, while it does prove to be a specs beast, it’s a very pricey way to try out Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features.
In the below chart, we’ve outlined what’s inside the S24 Ultra and pit it against Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google’s Pixel 8 Pro and the OnePlus 12.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. OnePlus 12
Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraiPhone 15 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 8 ProOnePlus 12 Display size, resolution 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch OLED; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz adaptive6.7-inch OLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.82-inch OLED; 3,168×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh ratePixel density 501 ppi460 ppi489 ppi510 ppiDimensions (inches) 6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 in.3.02 x 6.29 x 0.32 in.6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 in.6.5 x 3 x 0.36 in.Dimensions (millimeters) 163 x 79 x 8.6 mm76.7 x 159.9 x 8.25 mm162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm164.3 x 76 x 9.2 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 233 g (8.22 oz.) 221 g (7.81 oz.)213 g (7.5 oz.)220 g (7.8 oz.)Mobile software Android 14iOS 17Android 14Android 14Camera 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto)48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel telephoto (5x optical)50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 64-megapixel (telephoto)Front-facing camera 12-megapixel12-megapixel10.5-megapixel32-megapixelVideo capture 8K4K4K8KProcessor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3A17 ProGoogle Tensor G3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3RAM/Storage 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TB12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB12GB RAM + 256GB; 16GB RAM + 512GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneBattery/Charger 5,000 mAhUndisclosed; Apple claims up to 29 hours of video playback (25 hours streamed)5,050 mAh5,400 mAh (dual-2,700 mAh)Fingerprint sensor Under displayNone (Face ID)Under displayUnder displayConnector USB-CUSB-C (USB 3.0)USB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial features Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass5G (mmw/Sub6), Action Button, Always-On display, IP68 rating, MagSafe, Dynamic Island, 5x optical zoom (120mm equivalent), satellite connectivity, eSIM, Thread networking technology5G (Sub 6 and mmWave); VPN by Google One; 7 years of OS, security and Feature Drop updates; front-facing camera has autofocus; 13W Qi wireless charging; 30W wired charging; USB-3.2 speeds via USB-C; IP68 dust and water resistance; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back4,500-nit peak brightness; 80W wired charging (100W wired charging outside US); 50W wireless charging with fan dock; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glassPrice off-contract (USD) $1,300 (256GB)$1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB)$999 (128GB)$800 (256GB)Price (GBP) £1,249 (256GB)£1,199 (256GB), £1,399 (512GB), £1,599 (1TB)£999 (128GB)TBDPrice (AUD) AU$2,199 (256GB)AU$2,199 (256GB), AU$2,549 (512GB), AU$2,899 (1TB)AU$1,699 (128GB)TBD