When should I choose Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Photography enthusiasts who want the widest aperture (f/1.4) and dual telephoto (3x + 5x) for low-light and zoom flexibility. Power users who need the fastest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with 16GB RAM for gaming and multitasking. Users who value AI features like Flex Magic Pixel privacy and One UI 8. People who prefer a larger 6.9-inch display with LTPO technology.

When should I choose Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Users already satisfied with a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra who don't need the latest processor or camera upgrades. Those who prefer a slightly smaller 6.8-inch screen and a proven design. Budget-focused buyers, provided the S24 Ultra is offered at a significantly lower price.

What are the advantages of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra over Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

200MP main camera with a wider f/1.4 aperture improves low-light performance.. Dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x periscope) provide greater zoom versatility.. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor built on 3nm process with clock speed up to 4.74GHz delivers top-tier performance.. 16GB RAM supports seamless multitasking and gaming.. 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2600 nits peak brightness, featuring privacy display technology.. Slim titanium frame design, likely lighter than the S24 Ultra's 232g.. Identical 5000mAh battery and 45W wired charging, with expected efficiency gains from the newer chipset.. Advanced Galaxy AI with One UI 8, including Flex Magic Pixel privacy technology.. Custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor enhances on-device AI processing.. 7 years of OS updates and security patches ensure long-term value..

What are the advantages of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra over Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

200MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture delivers solid photography.. Single 5x periscope telephoto lens allows good zoom shots.. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy provides reliable performance.. 12GB RAM is sufficient for daily use.. 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2600 nits peak brightness.. Titanium frame construction, with a known weight of 232g.. 5000mAh battery and 45W wired charging.. Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search.. 7 years of software update support..

AI comparison report

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-20 · How we compare

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the better flagship with a wider f/1.4 aperture, dual telephoto, faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and more RAM than the Samsung…

Who wins: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra first because it outperforms the S24 Ultra in every analyzed category; the S24 Ultra should be selected only if the S26 Ultra is unavailable or the price gap is a decisive factor.

Based on our analysis across 5 dimensions with 20 sources, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 9.0/10 overall while Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra scores 7.2/10 overall.

Dimension	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Camera System	9/10	7/10
Performance	10/10	7/10
Display & Design	9/10	8/10
Battery & Charging	8/10	7/10
AI & Software	9/10	7/10
Overall	9.0/10	7.2/10

Should I choose Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Verdict: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra first because it outperforms the S24 Ultra in every analyzed category; the S24 Ultra should be selected only if the S26 Ultra is unavailable or the price gap is a decisive factor.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the better flagship with a wider f/1.4 aperture, dual telephoto, faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and more RAM than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Based on the validated analysis, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra dominates the S24 Ultra. It features a 200MP main camera with a brighter f/1.4 aperture (vs f/1.7) and adds a 3x telephoto alongside the 5x periscope, while the S24 Ultra has only a single 5x telephoto. Performance jumps from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (12GB RAM) to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm, up to 4.74GHz, 16GB RAM). The display grows to 6.9 inches with LTPO and privacy tech, and the newer chipset should improve efficiency for the same 5000mAh battery. The S24 Ultra only counters with a smaller 6.8-inch screen, a known 232g weight, and potentially a lower price, but no spec advantage. Thus the S26 Ultra is the clear choice unless budget or availability override.

Best for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Photography enthusiasts who want the widest aperture (f/1.4) and dual telephoto (3x + 5x) for low-light and zoom flexibility
Power users who need the fastest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with 16GB RAM for gaming and multitasking
Users who value AI features like Flex Magic Pixel privacy and One UI 8
People who prefer a larger 6.9-inch display with LTPO technology

Best for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Users already satisfied with a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra who don't need the latest processor or camera upgrades
Those who prefer a slightly smaller 6.8-inch screen and a proven design
Budget-focused buyers, provided the S24 Ultra is offered at a significantly lower price

When not to compare directly

Do not compare directly if you already own a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and are happy with its performance—the upgrades may not justify an upgrade. Also avoid comparing if your top priority is battery life, as both phones have identical 5000mAh capacity and 45W wired charging.

What are the key differences between Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Camera System

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in camera system due to its wider f/1.4 aperture (vs f/1.7) and dual telephoto (3x and 5x) versus the S24 Ultra's single 5x periscope, providing better low-light and zoom flexibility.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP main camera with a wider f/1.4 aperture, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x periscope), and an ultra-wide camera with improved resolution, enhancing low-light performance and zoom versatility.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture, a single 5x periscope telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, offering solid but less advanced camera specs compared to the S26 Ultra.
Scores — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 9/10, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 7/10
The camera is a primary differentiator for Ultra-series phones; improvements in sensor size, aperture, and zoom capabilities directly impact photo and video quality.
Sources: 三星Galaxy S26 Ultra:无与伦比的影像与游戏体验, 三星Galaxy S24 Ultra
Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in performance due to its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with a 4.74GHz clock speed and 16GB RAM, versus the S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB RAM.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, built on a 3nm process with a clock speed up to 4.74GHz, and offers 16GB of RAM, providing top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI processing.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor and 12GB of RAM, delivering solid performance but with a lower clock speed and older architecture compared to the S26 Ultra.
Scores — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 10/10, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 7/10
Processor and RAM determine multitasking, gaming, AI processing speed, and long-term smoothness, especially for power users.
Sources: 三星Galaxy S26 Ultra:无与伦比的影像与游戏体验, 三星S26 Ultra性能全面领先
Display & Design

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with privacy technology and a slimmer titanium frame, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and weighs 232g, making the S26 Ultra more advanced in display and design.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2600 nits peak brightness, housed in a slim titanium frame with privacy display technology. It offers a larger screen and advanced privacy features, but its exact weight is not specified in available sources.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2600 nits peak brightness, also with a titanium frame. It is slightly smaller and lacks the privacy display tech, but its weight is known to be 232g, making it heavier than the S26 Ultra's unspecified but likely lighter design.
Scores — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 9/10, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 8/10
Screen size, brightness, materials, and build quality affect daily usability, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Sources: 三星Galaxy S26 Ultra:无与伦比的影像与游戏体验, 三星Galaxy S24 Ultra
Battery & Charging

While both the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra have identical 5000mAh batteries and 45W wired charging, the S26 Ultra's newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset is expected to deliver better energy efficiency, potentially extending battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 5000mAh battery and 45W wired charging, with potential efficiency gains from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which may improve battery life despite the same capacity.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, offering reliable but not exceptional battery life.
Scores — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 8/10, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 7/10
Battery life and charging speed are critical for flagship users who rely on their phones all day; efficiency improvements matter even with similar capacities.
Sources: 三星Galaxy S26 Ultra:无与伦比的影像与游戏体验, 三星Galaxy S26 Ultra曝光:超窄边框及强大电池引发期待_系列_用户_设计
AI & Software

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's Galaxy AI with One UI 8 and Flex Magic Pixel privacy offers more advanced and secure AI features, while the S24 Ultra's One UI 6.1/7 with Circle to Search is more basic, and the S26 Ultra benefits from a newer processor (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5) that enhances AI performance.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces advanced Galaxy AI with One UI 8, featuring Flex Magic Pixel privacy technology that protects sensitive information in photos, and offers a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor for enhanced on-device AI processing. It also benefits from extended software update longevity, with Samsung committing to 7 years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring long-term value.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ships with One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, which allows users to search by circling items on screen. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, providing solid AI capabilities. However, it has a shorter update window, with Samsung promising 7 years of updates, but the S24 Ultra's AI features are less advanced compared to the S26 Ultra's newer offerings.
Scores — Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 9/10, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 7/10
AI features, software updates, and ecosystem integration differentiate flagships and provide value beyond hardware specs.
Sources: 三星Galaxy S26 Ultra:无与伦比的影像与游戏体验, 三星Galaxy S24系列品鉴,AI功能强大,实时翻译便捷高效_Ultra_支持_画面

What are the pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?