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    Should You Upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra? How to Decide

    With its titanium design, S Pen, quicker processor and new Galaxy AI options, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will really feel like an enormous step ahead for these with an older Samsung cellphone. But if in case you have a latest gadget just like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S22 Ultra, you may relaxation simple holding onto your handset for awhile longer.
    This story is a part of Samsung Event, CNET’s assortment of stories, suggestions and recommendation round Samsung’s hottest merchandise.
    The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a modest improve over final yr’s gadget that brings the entire upgrades you’d count on to see year-over-year, corresponding to a brand new chip, some digicam enhancements and minor design adjustments. The Galaxy S24’s greatest new addition, Samsung’s suite of AI-powered instruments referred to as Galaxy AI, may even be coming to the Galaxy S23 household in a future replace. That means you will not have to purchase a brand new cellphone to make use of options like Circle to Search or Chat Assist should you personal a tool within the Galaxy S23 lineup.I do not suppose it is value upgrading for Galaxy AI alone as these options aren’t essential proper now, however a few of them are good to have. If you are occupied with upgrading, listed below are some good causes to take action: Because you need a greater digicam, as a result of your present gadget’s efficiency is beginning to really feel sluggish or as a result of the battery life is not what it was. Software help is one other vital issue. If your cellphone is simply too previous to obtain new variations of Android, it is time to improve. Here’s a better have a look at how the Galaxy S24 Ultra compares to Samsung’s earlier Ultra telephones. The similar normal recommendation applies to different Galaxy S telephones and Galaxy Note telephones launched throughout that very same yr because the processor and software program improve cycle are prone to be the identical. Read extra: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: See How Their Cameras Compare Watch this: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
    12:23 Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. James Martin/CNETIf you personal a Galaxy S23 Ultra, do not improve to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The two telephones share many similarities, from their display dimension to their cameras and storage choices. They additionally each include an S Pen at no further value. Aside from Galaxy AI, which can ultimately come to the Galaxy S23 household, the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is among the many greatest variations between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra. The S24 Ultra beat the S23 Ultra in benchmark assessments meant to guage normal computing and graphics, however that alone is not value upgrading for most individuals. There are additionally some digicam enhancements, corresponding to the brand new higher-resolution 5x optical zoom that replaces the 10x optical zoom from the final model, and different backend upgrades. Samsung additionally modified the design barely by giving the S24 Ultra a titanium construct and a display with flat edges. These are appreciated thrives that make Samsung’s new cellphone extra satisfying to carry and use, though it is too quickly to inform whether or not the titanium is healthier at resisting put on and tear. They’re additionally not compelling sufficient to justify upgrading to a $1,300 cellphone. But on the entire, the Galaxy S24 Ultra looks like a greater model of the identical cellphone from final yr. And because the Galaxy S23 Ultra ought to proceed getting new variations of Android and safety updates for the subsequent couple of years, there isn’t any purpose to improve simply but.The backside line: If you might have a Galaxy S23 Ultra, there is not sufficient that is new to justify upgrading to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.  Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETThere’s a stronger case for upgrading from the S22 Ultra to the S24 Ultra, however you continue to do not must. The greatest variations between the 2 telephones are the S24 Ultra’s 200-megapixel principal digicam in comparison with the S23 Ultra’s 108-megapixel principal digicam, and the addition of Galaxy AI. But should you’re solely taking a look at images on small screens and are not printing them out, you probably will not discover the decision distinction anyhow. Many of the Ultra’s core elements like battery capability, display dimension and charging pace have not modified within the final two years. The processor within the Galaxy S22 Ultra is now two years previous however ought to nonetheless be quick sufficient for many on a regular basis duties. And because the S22 Ultra is eligible for 4 years of Android updates, you need to proceed to get new Android options for the subsequent couple of years. The backside line: You can maintain onto the Galaxy S22 Ultra for one more yr or two. The variations between the S22 Ultra and S24 Ultra are extra than simply incremental, however they’re additionally not important sufficient to warrant an improve, particularly at $1,300. Read extra: Top Phones to Expect in 2024Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra. Patrick Holland/CNETThe Galaxy S21 Ultra falls someplace within the center. You might actually maintain onto it for one more yr, however there’s additionally a lot to realize from upgrading. In addition to Galaxy AI and a 200-megapixel digicam, you may additionally get higher low-light images, speedier charging and efficiency that ought to really feel quicker contemplating the S21 Ultra’s processor is now about three years previous. The S Pen additionally comes with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, not like the Galaxy S21 Ultra which requires that you simply purchase it individually — and in contrast to newer Ultra telephones, the S21 Ultra does not embody a slot to tuck away your stylus while you’re not utilizing it. But in case your Galaxy S21 Ultra remains to be in good situation, you may be ok with holding onto it for one more yr. Samsung helps the S21 Ultra with new Android updates for 4 years, which means it ought to get the newest model of Android in 2024 and 2025 because the cellphone launched in 2021. And with its 4 rear cameras and large display, the S21 Ultra’s {hardware} remains to be as much as snuff for many who need a large display and loads of digicam versatility. The backside line: It will depend on the situation of your gadget and whether or not you are pleased with it. There’s sufficient that is new with the Galaxy S24 Ultra for it to really feel like a noticeable improve, however the S21 Ultra additionally nonetheless has a lot going for it. If you do resolve to improve, see should you can knock down that $1,300 value with a trade-in deal. Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S20 Ultra The Galaxy S20 Ultra. Andrew Hoyle/CNETYou can be ok with upgrading to the Galaxy S24 Ultra should you’re coming from the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Many of the upgrades talked about above underneath the Galaxy S21 Ultra part apply right here too. By upgrading, you may get the S Pen, a 200-megapixel principal digicam, Galaxy AI, a further telephoto digicam for extra optical zoom choices, a titanium design with flat edges and a contemporary processor that ought to supply noticeably higher efficiency. Since the Galaxy S20 Ultra was eligible for 3 generations of Android OS updates, you may be lacking out on new options transferring ahead by holding onto the cellphone. However, the S20 household of units nonetheless receives month-to-month safety updates.But there’s one tradeoff to think about. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, like many fashionable telephones, does not help expandable storage. That means you may must say goodbye to that storage slot in your Galaxy S20 Ultra and depend on cloud storage as an alternative. The backside line: If you might have a Galaxy S20 Ultra, it is value upgrading to the S24 Ultra. While the S Pen and Galaxy AI are good to have, it is actually the brand new processor and digicam enhancements that can make this really feel like a worthwhile improve, in addition to doubtlessly longer battery life thanks to raised {hardware} and software program effectivity. That’s a whole lot of upsides as long as you do not thoughts parting along with your expandable storage slot.  Read extra: Samsung Galaxy Ring: Everything We Know So FarGalaxy S24 Ultra vs. Galaxy S10 5G The Galaxy S10 5G. Angela Lang/CNETThe Galaxy S10 5G is Samsung’s top-of-the-line cellphone from 2019, making it 5 years previous. That means it is time for an improve. As is often the case when upgrading from a cellphone that is a number of years previous, efficiency, battery life and digicam high quality are probably the largest areas that can really feel totally different and new. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ought to carry main upgrades — each by way of pace and battery life — over the getting old Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip within the S10 5G. The principal digicam additionally will get an enormous bump up from a 12-megapixel decision to 200 megapixels within the S24 Ultra. But it isn’t simply concerning the decision; backend enhancements powered by the S24 Ultra’s newer chip and Samsung’s up to date algorithms must also end in a lot better picture high quality when snapping images and recording movies.Not to say, you may get every part else that Samsung added over time, such because the S Pen, Galaxy AI and a titanium construct. In one other signal that it is time to improve, the Galaxy S10 5G can be too previous to obtain new variations of Android. You’ll additionally see appreciable enhancements should you determined to improve to the bottom Galaxy S24 or the Galaxy S24 Plus.The backside line: If you might have a Galaxy S10 5G, or some other Samsung gadget in that lineup or from that yr, it is time to improve. Just about every part will really feel new, from digicam high quality to efficiency and battery life. Just do not forget to see should you qualify for any trade-in offers.Overall, it is value upgrading to the Galaxy S24 Ultra if in case you have a Samsung cellphone that is not less than three years previous. Check out the desk beneath to see how the brand new Ultra compares to its predecessors. Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Older Ultra Phones Galaxy S24 UltraGalaxy S23 UltraGalaxy S22 UltraGalaxy S21 UltraGalaxy S20 UltraGalaxy S10 5G Display dimension and sort, decision, max. refresh price 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120 x 1,440 pixels; 120Hz6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088 x 1,440 pixels; 120Hz6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088 x 1,440 pixels; 120Hz6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,200 x 1,440 pixels; 120Hz6.9-inch AMOLED; 3,200 x 1,440 pixels; 120Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,040 x 1,440 pixelsPixel density 501 ppi500 ppi500 ppi515 ppi511 ppi505 ppiDimensions (millimeters) 163 x 79 x 8.6 mm78 x 163 x 8.9 mm77.9 x 163.3 x 8.9 mm76 x 165 x 8.9 mm76 x 167 x 8.8 mm163 x 77 x 7.9 mmWeight (ounces, grams) 8.22 oz; 233 g8.25 oz; 234 g8.07 oz; 229 g8.07 oz; 229 g7.76 oz; 220 g6.98 oz; 198 gMobile software program (shipped at launch) Android 14Android 13Android 12Android 11Android 10Android 9Camera 200-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto)200-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 10-megapixel (telephoto) 10-megapixel (telephoto)108-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) 10-megapixel (10x telephoto)108-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 10-megapixel (10x telephoto)108-megapixel (wide-angle), 48-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), time-of-flight digicam12-megapixel (huge), 16-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto), 3D depthFront-facing digicam 12-megapixel12-megapixel 40-megapixel40-megapixel40-megapixel10-megapixel, 3D depthVideo seize 8K8K8K8K8K4KProcessor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Gen 1Qualcomm Snapdragon 888Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5GQualcomm Snapdragon 855 RAM, storage 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB8GB + 256GB; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 12GB + 1TB 8GB + 128GB ; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB+512GB; 12GB+ 1TB 16GB + 512GB; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 128GB12GB + 128GB; 12GB + 256GB; 16GB + 512GB8GB + 256GB; 8GB + 512GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneUp to 1TBNoneBattery 5,000 mAh5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh5,000 mAh4,500 mAhFingerprint sensor Under showIn-displayIn-displayIn-displayIn-displayIn-displayConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoNoNoYesSpecial options Galaxy AI, titanium design, included S Pen, 7 years of latest Android variations, Gorilla Armor, IP68 mud and water resistance, Wi-Fi 7, 45W quick charging, Wireless PowerShare, UWB, 5x optical zoom, 100x with digital zoom Galaxy AI (coming in an replace), included S Pen, 4 years of latest Android variations, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68 mud and water resistance, Wi-Fi 6E, 45W quick charging, Wireless PowerShare, UWB, 10x optical zoom, 100x with digital zoomIncluded S Pen, 4 years of Android variations, Gorilla Glass Victus+, IP68 water and mud resistance, Wi-Fi 6E, 45W quick charging, Wireless PowerShare, UWB, 10x optical zoom, 100x with digital zoomS Pen appropriate (not included), Gorilla Glass Victus, IP68 mud and water resistance, Wi-FI 6E, 25W quick charging, Wireless PowerShare, UWB, 10x optical zoom, 100x with digital zoomGorilla Glass 6, IP68 mud and water resistance, Wi-Fi 6, 45W quick charging, Wireless PowerShare, 100x zoom with digital zoomGorilla Glass 6 (entrance) and Gorilla Glass 5 (again), IP68 mud and water resistance, Wi-Fi 6, 25W quick charging, Wireless PowerShare, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom

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