The Samsung Galaxy S24 series has arrived, and each model in the lineup, including the standard S24, the S24+, and the S24 Ultra, offers unique features. While the Galaxy S24+ often gets less attention than the Ultra or the base model, it’s a compelling option, bridging the gap between the two. The S24+ boasts a large, high-resolution QHD display and a substantial 4,900 mAh battery, bringing it closer to the Ultra in terms of specifications, yet it remains more affordable. Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ can be tricky, as both are excellent smartphones.
For those prioritizing a compact flagship, the Galaxy S24 remains a top choice. However, even if size isn’t a primary concern, the S24 is still the most budget-friendly entry into the Galaxy S24 family, offering access to Galaxy AI features and an impressive seven years of software updates. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide whether the Samsung Galaxy S24 or the S24+ better suits your needs.
For a quick overview, you can check out a video comparison or continue reading below for an in-depth text-based analysis.
Size and Design Comparison
Compact Samsung Galaxy S24 size for comfortable handling
Larger Samsung Galaxy S24+ dimensions for expansive viewing
Samsung has maintained a similar physical footprint for both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ compared to their predecessors. Despite this, they’ve managed to incorporate slightly larger displays – 6.2 inches for the S24 and 6.7 inches for the S24+ – largely due to the space-saving benefits of LTPO display technology.
The size difference between the two models is noticeable. The Galaxy S24 stands out as one of the few genuinely compact flagship smartphones available today. In contrast, the S24+ features a display size that rivals the S24 Ultra. The standard S24 is both thinner and shorter than the S24+. Thickness is nearly identical between the two, with a weight difference of approximately 30 grams. Interestingly, the S24 Ultra is significantly heavier at 232 grams, making the S24+ a lighter alternative for those seeking a large-screen Samsung flagship without the bulk.
Design-wise, the Galaxy S24 and S24+ are virtually identical, aside from their dimensions. They share the same color options: Onyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, and Sapphire Blue, with some colors being exclusive to Samsung’s online store.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+
A key design upgrade for both the S24 and S24+ is the new matte finish, particularly prominent on the phone’s frame. The middle frame material has been upgraded to Armor Aluminum 2, enhancing both drop and scratch resistance compared to the S23 series. Both phones retain Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the front and back. However, the latest Gorilla Glass Armor remains exclusive to the S24 Ultra. Both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ are also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.
Display Quality Compared
Samsung Galaxy S24 display specifications: 6.2-inch LTPO OLED 120Hz FHD+
Samsung Galaxy S24+ display specifications: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED 120Hz QHD+
Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ feature exceptional Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays manufactured by Samsung. These panels are from the same generation and boast an advertised peak brightness of 2,600 nits.
In controlled testing, the Galaxy S24 reached 785 nits in manual brightness and 1,401 nits in auto mode, while the S24+ achieved 781 nits and 1,452 nits respectively. When displaying smaller white areas, brightness levels exceeded 2,000 nits, confirming the advertised brightness is indeed achievable.
This year, both models incorporate LTPO technology, enabling not only larger screens within similar device dimensions but also improved dynamic refresh rate management. Samsung’s LTPO implementation is highly efficient, and their refresh rate switching logic is sophisticated, even adapting to match video playback frame rates.
One minor point is that the S24 and S24+ still utilize 8-bit displays, while many competitors have moved to 10-bit or even 12-bit panels. However, this difference is practically imperceptible in everyday use. The key distinction lies in resolution: the S24 offers a FHD+ resolution, while the S24+ steps up to a sharper QHD+ resolution, resulting in a higher pixel density and potentially crisper visuals, especially noticeable on the larger screen of the S24+.
Battery Life and Endurance
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ both feature larger batteries compared to the S23 series. The standard S24 sees a slight increase of 100 mAh, now sporting a 4,000 mAh battery. The S24+ gets a more substantial 200 mAh boost, bringing its capacity to 4,900 mAh, nearing the 5,000 mAh battery of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
These battery capacity increases seem designed to offset the potentially higher power consumption of the new generation Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, rather than solely aiming for extended battery life.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy S24 did show a slight improvement in its Active Use Score compared to the S23, achieving a respectable 12 hours and 6 minutes. This is impressive for such a compact smartphone.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S24+ achieved a only marginally better Active Use Score of 12 hours and 30 minutes. This might seem counterintuitive given the larger battery, but it’s likely due to the greater power demand of driving a QHD resolution display on a larger panel.
Charging Speed Comparison
Charging speeds differ between the models. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is limited to Samsung’s 25W Super Fast Charging, while the S24+ supports faster 45W Super Fast Charging, similar to the S24 Ultra. However, the real-world difference isn’t as dramatic as the numbers suggest.
In tests, the Galaxy S24 charged from 0% to 29% in 15 minutes and 59% in 30 minutes, reaching a full charge in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Galaxy S24+, using a 45W charger, reached 41% in 15 minutes and 74% in 30 minutes, achieving a full charge in 58 minutes. Using a 25W charger with the S24+ will increase the full charge time and slightly reduce the charge percentage at the 30-minute mark.
It’s important to note that while the S24+ supports 45W charging, the included USB-C cable is only rated for 3A and may not fully support these speeds. Samsung typically includes a 5A cable with their 45W chargers, which are sold separately. Neither phone includes a charger in the box. Samsung’s Super Fast Charging is based on the Power Delivery (PD) standard, so compatible PD chargers should work, but a Samsung charger is recommended for optimal compatibility with PPS (Programmable Power Supply) profiles.
Samsung Galaxy S24 charging speeds: 25W, 0-59% in 30 min
Samsung Galaxy S24+ charging speeds: 45W, 0-74% in 30 min
Both the S24 and S24+ support 15W Qi/PMA wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Speaker Performance
Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ utilize a hybrid stereo speaker system, featuring a dedicated bottom-firing speaker and the amplified earpiece acting as a secondary speaker. Both phones achieved a “Very Good” rating in audio testing, an improvement over the previous S23 generation.
Despite their size difference, the audio systems in the S24 and S24+ are practically identical in terms of loudness and sound quality.
For a detailed audio comparison, you can listen to sound samples recorded under controlled conditions, using headphones at maximum volume for the best experience.
Performance and Chipset
Samsung has reverted to a dual-chipset strategy for the S24 and S24+, after exclusively using Qualcomm Snapdragon chips for the S23 series. While the S24 Ultra exclusively uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the S24 and S24+ come with either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Samsung’s own Exynos 2400, depending on the region. The Exynos 2400 variant is more widely available, with the Snapdragon version limited to the USA, Canada, and China.
Regardless of the chipset, both phones offer flagship-level performance. The compact size of the S24 makes the inclusion of a flagship chipset particularly appealing, as truly powerful compact smartphones are rare. Initial tests on European S24 and S24+ units with the Exynos 2400 chipset indicate that Samsung’s chip is now very competitive with Qualcomm’s flagship in terms of overall performance.
Samsung Galaxy S24 performance with Exynos 2400 Chipset
Samsung Galaxy S24+ performance with Exynos 2400 Chipset
Testing of Snapdragon versions of the S24 and S24+ is still ongoing. Samsung has improved the vapor chamber cooling systems across the S24 lineup, likely to manage the heat output of the new chipsets.
While thermal throttling is present to some degree on the Exynos-equipped S24 and S24+, it’s not excessively severe. The surface temperature of both phones remains manageable under load, with the larger S24+ exhibiting slightly better heat dissipation, as expected.
Performance benchmarks are very similar between the S24 and S24+, with the S24+ consistently scoring marginally higher. This could be attributed to the fact that all S24+ models come with 12GB of RAM, whereas the base S24 has 8GB of RAM (except for a specific version in China). It’s also worth noting that the base 128GB version of the S24 uses slower UFS 3.1 storage, which could impact performance compared to the 256GB and higher storage options and the S24+.
Samsung Galaxy S24 benchmark scores: AnTuTu and Geekbench
Samsung Galaxy S24+ benchmark scores: AnTuTu and Geekbench
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ appear to retain the same camera hardware as their predecessors. This includes a versatile triple-camera system on the rear and a high-quality front-facing camera.
- Main Camera (Wide): 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN3, 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, f/1.8, 24mm, PDAF, OIS, up to 8K 30fps video recording.
- Telephoto Camera: 10MP Samsung ISOCELL 3K1, 1/3.94″, 1.0µm, f/2.4, 67mm, PDAF, OIS, up to 4K 60fps video recording.
- Ultrawide Camera: 12MP, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, f/2.2, 13mm, fixed focus, up to 4K 60fps video recording.
- Front Camera (Selfie): 12MP, 1/3.2″, 1.12µm, f/2.2, 26mm, PDAF, up to 4K 60fps video recording.
Notably, Samsung continues to omit autofocus on the ultrawide camera, preventing it from doubling as a macro camera – a feature reserved for the S24 Ultra.
[](#[Samsung galaxy S24 daylight samples]) [](#[Samsung galaxy S24 daylight samples])
Samsung Galaxy S24 daylight camera samples showcasing 0.6x, 1x, 2x, and 3x zoom levels
[](#[Samsung galaxy S24+ daylight samples]) [](#[Samsung galaxy S24+ daylight samples])
Samsung Galaxy S24+ daylight camera samples highlighting 0.6x, 1x, 2x, and 3x zoom capabilities
As expected, the S24 and S24+ produce virtually identical photo quality across all cameras. Daylight photos are excellent, with impressive detail, contrast, and dynamic range. Colors are vibrant but not excessively saturated, reflecting Samsung’s more recent, more natural color processing approach.
Compared to the S23 generation, the S24 series photos exhibit slightly more contrast, although the difference is subtle. Sharpening has been reduced, resulting in a more natural detail rendition. This more restrained processing introduces a slightly grainier texture, which is a worthwhile trade-off for finer textures and a more organic look.
[](#[Samsung galaxy S24 low-light samples]) [](#[Samsung galaxy S24 low-light samples])
Samsung Galaxy S24 low-light camera samples including 0.6x, 1x, Night mode, and 3x zoom
[](#[Samsung galaxy S24+ low-light samples]) [](#[Samsung galaxy S24+ low-light samples])
Samsung Galaxy S24+ low-light camera samples showcasing 0.6x, 1x, Night mode, and 3x zoom performance
Low-light performance is also very strong on both the S24 and S24+. Exposures are well-balanced, and dynamic range is wide, avoiding overly bright shadows or excessively blown-out highlights, resulting in a balanced and natural look. The grain observed in daylight shots is also present in low-light images, but the detail retention justifies this processing choice.
Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S24 or S24+?
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ hinges on your size preference. Most users have a clear inclination towards a specific phone size, and these two models cater to different needs in that regard. If size isn’t a deciding factor, the choice becomes more nuanced.
It’s also worth considering older S23 generation devices, which may offer better value, with even the S23 Ultra potentially available for the price of a standard Galaxy S24. If the S23 series hasn’t been considered, exploring those options first is recommended for potentially better deals.
However, if you’re set on a Galaxy S24 model, perhaps for the extended software support, brighter displays, or Galaxy AI features, then the decision between the S24 and S24+ remains.
The base Samsung Galaxy S24 (8GB/128GB) starts at approximately $800/€900/£800. However, the 8GB/256GB version, priced around $860/€960/£860, is recommended to avoid the slower UFS 3.1 storage in the base model.
The base Galaxy S24+ (12GB/256GB) starts at around $1,000/€1,150/£1,000, representing a significant price difference of about $200.
If budget allows, the Galaxy S24+ is arguably the more future-proof option with 12GB of RAM and a QHD display. If saving money is a priority, the S24 is the more affordable choice. But again, exploring the S23 series for better value is advisable.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 for:
- Compact Size: Ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Lower Price: More budget-friendly entry into the S24 series.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+ for:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Immersive viewing with QHD+ resolution.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM standard across all configurations for smoother multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Ultra Wideband (UWB) support: Enhanced connectivity and features.
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Best Samsung Galaxy S24 Deals:
| Configuration | Amazon | Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | $ 399.65 | $ 799.99 |
| 256GB 8GB RAM | $ 548.95 | $ 859.99 |
| Show all prices |
Best Samsung Galaxy S24+ Deals:
| Configuration | Amazon | Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB 12GB RAM | $ 499.90 | $ 999.99 |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | $ 639.94 | $ 1,119.99 |
| Show all prices |
