Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 January 24, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 97.64 cm³ 110.27 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 2.93 "/g
Weight 201 g 232 g
Height 160.9 mm 162.3 mm
Width 77.8 mm 79 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Titanium Gray
  • Titanium Blue
  • Titanium Black
  • Titanium Violet
  • Titanium Yellow
  • Titanium Green
  • Titanium Orange

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1440 x 3120
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88 % 88.5 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 505 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2000 nits 2600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 97.64 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.89 mAh/cm³ 45.34 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4383 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) 8-core (1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.1GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1 1
DisplayPort Version N/A 1.2
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 14
Maximum OS Version 18 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 PlusSamsung Galaxy S24 UltraPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.9x77.8x7.8mm162.3x79x8.6mmS24 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker. iPhone 15 Plus might be more pocketable.
Weight201g232gS24 Ultra is noticeably heavier. Extended use might cause fatigue.
Build MaterialN/AN/ABuild material impacts durability and premium feel. This information is missing.
Display
Display Size6.7"6.8"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2XBoth offer excellent displays. LTPO allows for variable refresh rate, saving battery on S24 Ultra. "2X" suggests improved brightness/color accuracy over previous generations but specific details are lacking.
Resolution1290x27961440x3120S24 Ultra has a sharper display due to higher resolution. Noticeable in detailed images and text.
Refresh RateN/A120Hz120Hz on S24 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. Missing refresh rate for iPhone 15 Plus limits comparative analysis.
Peak Brightness2000 nits2600 nitsS24 Ultra offers better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 BionicSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Both are flagship chipsets. Performance differences would likely be subtle in everyday tasks, more pronounced in benchmarks and demanding games. Cross-platform comparison is difficult without benchmark data.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreMore cores on S24 Ultra don't necessarily translate to better performance. Architecture and optimization are key factors.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Adreno 750Gaming performance comparison requires benchmark data.
RAM6GB12GBS24 Ultra having double the RAM can improve multitasking and prevent app closures in the background.
Storage256/512GB512GB/1TBS24 Ultra offers a higher maximum storage option for users needing ample space.
Battery
Capacity4383 mAh5000 mAhS24 Ultra has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. Real-world usage will depend on software optimization and user habits.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:

  • Potentially smoother OS experience: iOS is known for its optimization and smooth performance.
  • Established App Ecosystem: Apple's App Store often has apps optimized for iOS before Android.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:

  • Higher Resolution and Refresh Rate Display: Noticeably sharper and smoother visuals.
  • Larger Battery: Potential for longer battery life.
  • More RAM: Better multitasking and app performance.
  • Expandable Storage (Potentially): Specification sheet doesn't confirm if storage is expandable via microSD, but some Samsung Ultra phones have offered this in the past. This can be a significant advantage for users needing massive storage.

Trade-offs:

  • Price: While both are in the "medium price" range, the S24 Ultra likely sits at the higher end.
  • Operating System: Preference for iOS vs. Android is subjective.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Plus: Users prioritizing ease of use, a smooth OS experience, and a strong app ecosystem. Suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, and casual gaming.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Power users, photographers, and videographers who demand the best display, performance, and battery life. Ideal for demanding tasks, multitasking, mobile gaming, and content creation.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The S24 Ultra likely commands a higher price.
  2. What operating system do you prefer? iOS and Android offer distinct experiences.
  3. What are your primary use cases? Casual use vs. demanding tasks will influence the best choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Casual User: iPhone 15 Plus offers a simpler, smoother experience.
  • Power User: Galaxy S24 Ultra provides top-tier performance and features.
  • Photographer/Videographer: S24 Ultra's camera specifications (not provided but implied by "Ultra" branding) likely offer advanced capabilities.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

While lacking some specific details, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra appears to be the more compelling device for my needs. The 120Hz display, larger battery, significantly increased RAM, and the potential for higher storage (1TB) are substantial advantages for a power user. I prioritize performance, multitasking, and having the latest technology. While iOS offers a smooth experience, the S24 Ultra's hardware advantages outweigh the OS preference for me. The higher resolution and brighter display are also crucial for media consumption and outdoor use. I am willing to accept the slightly larger size and potentially higher price for these benefits.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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