Is the S24 Ultra battery better than the S23 Ultra?

Not really. They both have a 5,000mAh battery. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 is more efficient, the higher peak brightness (2,600 nits!) can chew through power if you’re constantly outside. You’ll get a full day out of both, but don't expect a two-day miracle.

Does the S23 Ultra have the same AI features?

Mostly, yes! Samsung back-ported a lot of the Galaxy AI features (like Live Translate and Note Assist) to the S23 series via One UI 6.1 and 7.0. You aren't missing out on as much as Samsung's marketing team wants you to think.

Which one is better for gaming?

The S24 Ultra takes the win here. It has a vapor chamber that’s nearly twice as large as the S23’s, meaning it stays cooler during long Genshin Impact sessions. Plus, that flat screen means fewer accidental touches at the edges.

Can I use the S23 Ultra’s S Pen in the S24 Ultra?

Technically, they fit and the basic stylus work, but the S24’s S Pen is specifically calibrated for that flat display and has slightly better latency. Also, the S24's pen has a flatter "cap" that sits flush with the frame.

How much cheaper is the S23 Ultra in 2026?

You can usually find a "Renewed" S23 Ultra for about $550 - $600 right now. Given the S24 Ultra still hovers around $900 - $1,000, that $400 saving is enough to buy a nice watch or, you know, half a month's rent.

Samsung

Mukarram Majid

January 14, 2026

S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra

S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Still worth the upgrade?

If you’re looking at these two monoliths side-by-side in 2026, you might feel like you’re playing a very expensive game of "Spot the Difference." They both have that sharp, "don't sit on me" rectangular silhouette, they both house a siloed S Pen, and they both look like they could survive a small explosion.

But as someone who has dropped both (more times than I’d like to admit to my insurance provider), the vibe is actually quite different once you start using them as daily drivers.

The "Flat vs. Curved" Drama

The most immediate change? The screen. The S23 Ultra has those classic, slightly curved "waterfall" edges. It feels premium and looks sleek, but let’s be honest it’s a nightmare for screen protectors.

The S24 Ultra finally went completely flat. Not only does this mean you can actually buy a glass screen protector that stays on for more than a week, but the Corning Gorilla Armor on the S24 Ultra is a literal game-changer for outdoor use. It reduces reflections by about 75%. (Rhetorical question: why did it take us until 2024 to figure out that seeing the sun on our screen was a bad thing?)

Titanium vs. Armor Aluminum

Samsung followed the "Apple Trend" by giving the S24 Ultra a titanium frame. It’s slightly lighter and theoretically tougher, but in the real world? It just feels a bit more "matte" and high-end.

Personal observation: Unless you’re planning on using your phone as a hammer, the S23 Ultra’s Armor Aluminum is still plenty tough. I actually find the S23 Ultra slightly more comfortable to hold because those curved edges don't dig into your palm as much as the S24’s sharper corners.

The Camera: A Weird "Side-grade"

This is where the debate gets spicy.

S23 Ultra: Has a 10x Optical Zoom (10MP).
S24 Ultra: Swapped it for a 5x Optical Zoom (but with a 50MP sensor).

Samsung claimed the 50MP sensor on the S24 would "crop in" to give you better 10x shots than the old lens. In 2026 reality? It’s a draw. The S24 Ultra takes better 5x portraits, but if you’re a creep I mean, a nature photographer trying to snap a bird from 100 yards away, the S23 Ultra’s dedicated 10x periscope still has a certain "sharpness" that the AI-enhanced crop of the S24 can't quite mimic. Compare side-by-side

The "Long Game"

If there is one reason to buy the S24 Ultra today, it’s the 7 years of OS updates.

The S23 Ultra is on a "4+1" plan, meaning its clock is ticking faster.
The S24 Ultra is guaranteed to be relevant until 2031.

If you're the type of person who holds onto a phone until the battery literally expands and pops the back off, the S24 Ultra is the smarter investment. If you upgrade every 2 years anyway? Save your money and grab a refurbished S23 Ultra. You should also consider the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra in 2026 if you aren't on a low budget.

Final Tangential Thought

Is it just me, or did Galaxy AI go from "neat party trick" to "I can't live without this" surprisingly fast? Using Circle to Search to find a pair of shoes I saw in a YouTube video has saved me hours of searching, even if it has cost me hundreds of dollars in impulse buys.

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