Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. S24: Is the Upgrade Worth It? 

It's been some time since the Samsung Galaxy S24 series launched. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series represents mainly an evolutionary advancement from its previous friend, incorporating new and exciting AI features and a notable dedication to software updates.

Is this improvement enough compared to purchasing the less expensive 2023 flagship models? In this blog, we will compare the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 to make it easier for you to decide.

Key Takeaways

• Both Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 share a similar design, including a metallic frame and vertical camera layout.
• The Galaxy S24 features flat edges reminiscent of an iPhone, setting it apart from its predecessor.
• The Galaxy S24 boasts a slightly larger screen with increased brightness levels and introduces a dynamic adaptive refresh rate.
• While the battery capacity sees a minor boost in the S24, it maintains the same fast charging capabilities as the S23.
• The S24 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering potential performance improvements, especially for gaming and multitasking.
• Samsung has enhanced image processing in the S24, resulting in softer, more natural-looking details, particularly in low-light conditions.
• The Galaxy S24 introduces Galaxy AI features, providing real-time translations, exclusive photo editing tools, and AI-driven text editing.
• The S24 series promises seven years of Android version updates and security patches, ensuring longevity compared to the S23 series.
• Samsung maintains consistent pricing with the S24 lineup, offering incentives such as pre-order credits and storage upgrades.
• Factors to consider when upgrading include photography needs, gaming performance, access to the latest technology, and budget constraints.
• The decision to upgrade depends on individual needs, preferences, and usage habits. Research user reviews and in-depth comparisons before making a decision.

Face-to-Face

The first impression of both phones is that it will be difficult for you to distinguish between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S24. Their appearance has similarities, having the same design and some of the physical attributes like a metallic frame and a vertical camera at the back.

Design:

Sporting a triple camera arrangement at the back, the Galaxy S24 is very much like its predecessor, the Galaxy S23. However, if you look more closely, notable differences will come into your sight.

A significant difference lies in the flat edges of the Galaxy S24, the signature of an iPhone, setting it apart. Despite a slight increase in screen dimensions, the overall physical dimensions of the device have undergone such little changes that they might easily skip your notice, making both phones remarkably compact for the year 2024.

The available color options for the Galaxy S24 are Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow.

Build:

Both devices have aluminum frames, although the Galaxy S24 distinguishes itself with a sturdier Armor Aluminum frame than its predecessor. Additionally, the finish has transitioned from glossy to matte. If you look closely, then the newer model exhibits a virtually seamless integration between the rear panel and the frame.

Meanwhile, other features remain the same between the S24 and S23: both maintain an IP68 rating and are equipped with a USB-C port.

Display:

The Galaxy S24 is 6.17 inches (rounded to 6.2"), slightly larger than the 6.1-inch screen on the S23. However, the resolution remains unchanged at 1080p. While it falls short of the 1440p screens featured in the S24 Plus and Ultra models, the variance is very less and likely will not be noticed by most users. However, the peak brightness has significantly increased to 2,600 nits, a notable improvement over the S23's 1,750 nits, enhancing visibility outdoors.

The Galaxy S24 achieves an impressive 1,345 nits in maximum brightness compared to the 1,076 nits recorded for the previous generation. Additionally, the minimum brightness registers at a comfortably dim 0.9 nits, the lowest among mainstream phones, catering to users who prefer nighttime.

Introducing a noteworthy advancement, the Galaxy S24 becomes the first vanilla Galaxy S series flagship to support a dynamic 1Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. In contrast, the S23's refresh rate ranged from 48Hz to 120Hz, making the newer model more energy-efficient, particularly with static content.

Battery life and Charging

The Galaxy S24 sees a minor boost in battery capacity to 4,000 mAh, which is a slight increase from the 3,900 mAh of the Galaxy S23. This is only a 2.5% change, which may not majorly impact the phone's performance.

Power Up or Pass Up? Snapdragon Gen 2 vs. Gen 3 Performance Showdown

Regarding processors, the Galaxy S24 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in the United States, while in most other regions, it utilizes the Samsung-manufactured Exynos 2400 chipset. The device also maintains the same 8GB of RAM, utilizing the LPDDR5X type, which is consistent with the configuration found in the S23. This aspect may be disappointing, particularly given the One UI interface's demanding RAM requirements.

The Galaxy S24 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset (or Exynos 2400 on global variants), a marginal upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy seen in the Galaxy S23. However, the difference in everyday usage may not be much. Nonetheless, the Galaxy S24 offers enhanced utility with its Galaxy AI features, encompassing real-time translations, exclusive photo editing tools, and AI-driven text editing. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 Plus boasts an increase in RAM to 12GB, compared to the 8GB on the Galaxy S23 Plus.

Capture Memories Masterfully: The Camera Evolution

The camera setup on the Galaxy S24 is mainly similar to that of the S23, featuring three distinct raised lenses with the following specifications: a 50MP primary camera with f/1.8 aperture, a 10MP 3X zoom lens with f/2.4 aperture, a 12MP ultra-wide lens with f/2.2 aperture, and a 12MP front-facing camera.

Samsung has significantly improved image processing while the primary camera sensor remains the same. The S24 produces softer, more natural-looking details, eliminating the excessive sharpening found in the S23. There are also adjustments to exposure, resulting in fewer overexposed shots and slightly less saturated colors, leading to a more balanced overall image.

In low-light conditions, the S24 captures significantly more detail than the S23.

Both phones share a 3X zoom camera with similar image processing improvements, including reduced oversharpening and enhanced color dynamics.

Ultra-wide photos also benefit from improved processing, displaying less oversharpening and richer colors than previous models.

One UI 5 vs. 6: Software Changes and Feature Upgrades

The Galaxy S24 introduces a faster chipset, but this year's spotlight is on Galaxy AI integrated throughout Samsung One UI 6.1. AI enhances vital apps like the phone app that offers real-time call translation while prioritizing privacy. Additionally, the Samsung keyboard features Chat Assist, enabling message translation and tone adjustment suggestions with ease.   

Extended Software Support: A Game-Changer

The standout enhancement might seem insignificant initially, but it holds considerable weight in the purchase decision. The Galaxy S24 series boasts an impressive software support promise, receiving seven years of Android version updates and security patches. This matches the industry-leading support provided by the Google Pixel 8 series.

However, it's important to note that Samsung has committed to this extended support only for the Galaxy S24 series. Consequently, the S23 series remains bound to the previous commitment, offering four years of Android version updates and five years of security patches.

As the S23 debuted with Android 13, it's slated to receive support until Android 18 in 2027. whereas, the Galaxy S24 is set to enjoy updates until 2031, a good lifespan for any smartphone.

Price Point Ponderings

On January 17, 2024, Samsung launched its Galaxy S24 lineup, which was available for pre-order immediately. The official release date was set for January 31, 2024. Customers could upgrade to higher storage capacities during the pre-order phase at no extra cost. 

Additionally, those who pre-order through Samsung's official website will receive a $100 credit. The pricing remains consistent with the launch prices of the 2023 flagships, which are priced at $799 and $999, respectively.

Samsung's decision to maintain the same retail prices amidst the industry's trend of price hikes is a pleasant surprise. However, it's worth noting that the Galaxy S24 Ultra sees a $100 price increase this year, making the other two models even more attractive.

Specifications of S24 and S23

Who Should Upgrade from the S23 to the S24?

Deciding to upgrade is a personal choice, but here's a breakdown of who might benefit most from the jump from the S23 to the S24:

Camera Enthusiasts:

If you regularly push your phone's photography capabilities, the S24's potential improvements in sensor size, megapixel count, and zoom lenses could be significant. Whether it's capturing stunning landscapes, low-light shots, or zoomed-in details, the S24 could offer noticeable enhancements.

Gamers and Power Users:

Gamers and those who demand peak performance will likely appreciate the Snapdragon Gen 3's potential power boost in the S24. Benchmark scores and real-world testing will reveal the true extent of this gain, but if you crave smoother gameplay and faster multitasking, the S24 could be a worthwhile upgrade.

Early Adopters and Tech Enthusiasts:

If you crave the latest and greatest technology, the S24 naturally holds the allure of being the newer model. You'll benefit from the latest processor, software features, and, potentially, a design refresh.

Remember, early adoption often comes with a premium price tag. Evaluate if the "new phone" feeling and access to the latest tech justify the cost difference compared to the still-capable S23.

Those with Older Phones:

If you're currently using a phone older than the S23, upgrading to the S23 or S24 will likely be a significant improvement, regardless. Consider the age and limitations of your current telephone and weigh the price difference between the S23 and S24 based on your budget and desired advancements.

Wrapping it Up

We have done our best to provide you with all the research required to make your decision easier. This is not an exhaustive list; ultimately, the decision rests on your needs and priorities. Carefully consider your phone usage habits, budget, and what specific features matter most to you before deciding.

Research user reviews and in-depth comparisons to gain insights into real-world performance and user experience before upgrading. At iFixScreens, we always update you on all the new updates and news, so keep checking in on our official website for all the tech-related news and updates.

FAQ's

Q. Is the Snapdragon Gen 3 in the S24 a major upgrade over the Gen 2 in the S23 Ultra?

The Snapdragon Gen 3 promises performance and efficiency improvements, but the impact depends on specific tasks and benchmarks. If you're a heavy gamer or power user, the S24 might offer noticeable benefits. The S23 Ultra's Gen 2 might still be powerful for casual users.

Q. What are the main differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 have several differences. The S24 has upgraded hardware, including the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and improved camera features. The S24 Ultra also offers enhanced AI capabilities and a larger battery than the S23 Ultra.

Q. Should I consider upgrading from the Samsung Galaxy S23 to the S24?

Whether you should upgrade from the Galaxy S23 to the S24 Ultra depends on your specific needs and preferences. The S24 Ultra significantly improves processing power, camera capabilities, and battery performance. The upgrade could be worth considering if these features are important to you.

Q. How does the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S24  compare to the S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a larger battery than the S23 Ultra, resulting in improved battery life. With the S24 Ultra, you can expect longer usage times and more power efficiency, allowing you to enjoy your device for extended periods without worrying about running out of battery.

Q. Are any notable AI features in the Samsung Galaxy S24 warrant an upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra introduces several notable AI features that can enhance your overall smartphone experience. The device uses advanced AI algorithms to optimize various phone aspects, such as camera performance, battery usage, and app recommendations. These AI features can provide a more personalized and efficient user experience.

Related Post:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. IPhone 15 Pro Max
• ALERT!! Of The Fake IPhone Screen Repairs. 5 Essential Points To Keep In Mind.
• Should I Replace Or Repair My Broken Phone Screen: A Guide From The Experts