The latest member of the Galaxy S24 family has arrived, and in our opinion, each device in the trio has its unique presence. Traditionally, the Plus model is usually overlooked by buyers, and this year is expected to be no different. Despite that, the S24+ is arguably closer to the Ultra in terms of features, with a larger QHD display and a 4,900 mAh battery, making it quite tempting. Moreover, the S24+ is significantly more affordable than the S24 Ultra, with a relatively minor jump from the vanilla S24 to the S24+.
Table of Contents:
In comparison, the Galaxy S24 still holds a significant advantage if you prefer a compact flagship device. Even if you prefer a larger device, the S24 is still the most cost-effective way to access the new S24 family, offering Galaxy AI and seven years of software updates. Let’s compare the Galaxy S24 and the S24+ for those who are considering purchasing one.
For a complete specs comparison, you can compare the complete spec sheets. Or, you can continue with our editor’s assessment below.
Size comparison
With just a slight increase in size from last year, Samsung managed to fit slightly larger displays in both the S24 and the S24+. The vanilla Galaxy S24 is still one of the few compact modern flagships available, while the S24+ offers a display size similar to that of the S24 Ultra and is both thinner and shorter.
The styling is identical between the vanilla S24 and the S24+. In addition to the differences in size, the two are externally identical and offer the same color options. Both phones enjoy a full IP68 ingress protection rating and feature a new matte finish on their middle frames, alongside a strong upgrade to Armor aluminum 2, enhancing drop and scratch resistance.
Display comparison
Both the S24 and S24+ are equipped with Samsung-made Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels that boast an impressive maximum brightness of 2,600 nits. Additionally, both phones feature LTPO tech, which allows for slightly larger panels in a similar footprint and better dynamic refresh rate control.
However, the fact that both phones still rely on 8-bit panels, while competitors have moved on to 10 or 12-bit panels, is a slight blemish on an otherwise excellent display record.
Battery life
Both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ come with larger batteries compared to their predecessors, which is meant to combat the increased power draw of the new generation of Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips. The S24+ boasts a 4,900 mAh battery, almost equivalent to the S24 Ultra, while the vanilla S24 has a 4,000 mAh battery upgrade. However, both phones saw an improvement in battery endurance in comparison to the older S23 generation.
Charging speed
The S24 offers a 25W Super Fast Charging standard, while the S24+ operates on a 45W Super Fast Charging, which reflects in the charging speed. The actual charging time, however, doesn’t drastically differ between the two models, despite the faster charging standard in the S24+.
Speaker test
Both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ boast a hybrid stereo speaker setup, achieving a “Very Good” mark in testing and providing practically identical audio systems in terms of loudness and sound quality.
Performance
Samsung is now back to its two-chip solution for the S24 and S24+, which will either come equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or an Exynos 2400. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be available in the USA, Canada, and China, while the Exynos 2400 will be more widely available. Both chipsets offer flagship performance, and thermal-throttling behavior, though noticeable, is not significant. In terms of performance scores, the S24+ and S24 manage closely identical numbers and very few differences in surface heat.
Camera comparison
Notably, both versions of the S24 and S24+ offer identical camera hardware to last year’s models, with a good triple setup on the back and an exceptional selfie unit. Daylight and low-light image captures remain consistent between the two, with great detail, sharpness, and vibrant colors.
Verdict
The choice between the Galaxy S24 and the S24+ comes down to a matter of size preference, as both devices cater to different user needs. The S24 can be a more cost-effective and compact option, whereas the S24+ offers a larger display size and a few additional features at a higher price point. Ultimately, the decision depends on the user’s specific needs and priorities.
