Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S23: Should you upgrade?

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Another year, another killer set of Samsung Galaxy flagship phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup is mostly an iterative update over its predecessor, with some new AI smarts and an impressive commitment to updates. Are these enough to make it a better buy over the now-cheaper 2023 flagships? Find out in this Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24 comparison.

Note that this article focuses on each lineups base and Plus models. If you want to learn more about the Ultra models, check out our separate comparison of the Galaxy S23 Ultra vs the Galaxy S24 Ultra.







Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24: Specs

Samsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23 PlusSamsung Galaxy S24Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Display6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED
19.5:9 aspect ratio
FHD+ resolution (2,340 x 1,080)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED
19.5:9 aspect ratio
FHD+ resolution (2,340 x 1,080)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED
FHD+ (2,340 x 1,080)
19.5:9 aspect ratio
120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED
FHD+ (2,340 x 1,080)
19.5:9 aspect ratio
120Hz adaptive refresh rate ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyUS: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Global: Samsung Exynos 2400US: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Global: Samsung Exynos 2400 RAM8GB8GB8GB12GB Storage128GB / 256GB
No microSD card support256GB or 512GB
No microSD card support128GB / 256GB
No microSD card support256GB / 512GB
No microSD card support Battery and charging3,900mAh battery
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
No charger in box4,700mAh battery
45W wired charging
15W wireless charging
No charger in box4,000mAh battery
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
4.5W reverse wireless charging
No charger in the box4,900mAh battery
45W wired charging
15W wireless charging
4.5W reverse wireless charging
No charger in the box CamerasRear:
- 50MP wide
- 12MP ultrawide
- 10MP telephoto

Front:
- 12MP wideRear:
- 50MP wide
- 12MP ultrawide
- 10MP telephoto

Front:
- 12MP wideRear:
- 50MP main
Æ’/1.8 aperture, OIS
- 12MP ultrawide
Æ’/2.2 aperture
- 10MP telephoto
Æ’/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom

Front:
- 12MP
Æ’/2.2 apertureRear:
- 50MP main
Æ’/1.8 aperture, OIS
- 12MP ultrawide
Æ’/2.2 aperture
- 10MP telephoto
Æ’/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom

Front:
- 12MP
Æ’/2.2 aperture AudioStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm portStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm portStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm portStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm jack SecurityIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
4 years of Android updates
5 years of security updatesIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
4 years of Android updates
5 years of security updatesIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
7 years of Android and security updatesIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
7 years of Android and security updates Water resistanceIP68IP68IP68IP68 ConnectivityWi-Fi 6e
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC supportWi-Fi 6e
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC supportWi-Fi 6e
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC supportWi-Fi 6e
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC support SoftwareOne UI 6
Android 14One UI 6
Android 14One UI 6.1
Android 14One UI 6.1
Android 14 MaterialsGorilla Victus 2
Aluminum frameGorilla Victus 2
Aluminum frameGorilla Victus 2
Aluminum frameGorilla Victus 2
Aluminum frame Dimensions and weight146.3 x 70.8 x 7.6mm, 168g157.7 x 76.2 x 7.6mm, 196g70.6 x 147.0 x 7.6 mm
167g75.9 x 158.5 x 7.7 mm
196g



Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24: Design, size comparison, and colors



At first glance, youd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S24. They look nearly identical, with the same visual design elements like a metal frame and vertical camera housing on the back.

The footprint and weight of each respective device are nearly the same, although the Galaxy S24 lineup squeezes in slightly larger screens thanks to reduced bezel sizes. They are still Dynamic AMOLED, but each measures .1-inches larger than its predecessor.

In terms of colors, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are available in Green, Phantom Black, Lavender, and Cream. The Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are available in Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Marble Gray, and Onyx Black.



Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24: Features



Based on the specs sheet, the Galaxy S24 is a relatively minor upgrade over the Galaxy S23. Most of the hardware is either identical or an iterative upgrade, making these devices look and feel very similar.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (or Exynos 2400 on global models) found on the Galaxy S24 is a slight improvement over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy found on the Galaxy S23, but youre unlikely to notice a difference in everyday use. You might, however, get more use out of the Galaxy AI features added to the Galaxy S24 lineup, which include real-time translations, unique photo editing tools, and AI-powered text editing. By now some of those features have trickled down to the S23, but not all of them.

The Galaxy S24 Plus also comes with 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB on the Galaxy S23 Plus. Battery sizes have also received a modest bump, increasing by 100mAh and 200mAh respectively, although charging speeds remain the same.

The Galaxy S24 will receive seven years of Android updates, up from four on the Galaxy S23.

The biggest upgrade here is nearly a footnote, but it can be the difference maker when deciding which device to buy. The Galaxy S24 series will receive seven years of Android version updates and security updates, matching the Google Pixel 8 series for the best support in the industry. For now, Samsung is only promising this support for the Galaxy S24 series, so the S23 series is stuck with the previous commitment of four years of Android version updates and five years of security updates. Since it launched with Android 13, it will receive support through Android 18 in 2027. The Galaxy S24 will receive updates until 2031, which is several lifetimes for a smartphone.

That said, both phones currently run Android 14, and although the Galaxy S24 ships with the latest One UI 6.1, its only a matter of time before the Galaxy S23 receives this update as well. Some of the Galaxy AI features mentioned above may also find their way onto the Galaxy S23, similar to Pixel drops on Google phones. Ultimately though, if you like to play with cutting-edge technology, the Galaxy S24 will tick that box.



Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24: Price and availability



Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• Samsung Galaxy S23: Starts at $699
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: Starts at $999

• Samsung Galaxy S24: Starts at $799
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: Starts at $999

The Galaxy S23 lineup went on sale on February 17, 2023, and its still available to purchase directly from Samsung. The base model starts at $699 and the Plus model starts at $999, although each has a more expensive variant with more built-in storage. As of 2024, you can now find the phones on sale for well below retail.

The Galaxy S24 lineup was announced on January 17, 2024, and is available at retailers worldwide. The pricing is identical to the 2023 flagship launch, at $799 and $999, respectively.

Many other smartphone manufacturers have increased pricing in recent years, so Samsung maintaining the same retail price is a welcome surprise. That said, the Galaxy S24 Ultra did see a $100 increase in price this year, which makes the two cheaper models an even more attractive buy.



Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24: Which should you buy?



Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority


The Galaxy S23 and S24 are remarkably similar on the surface, offering many of the same hardware and software features. In fact, aside from an iterative SoC upgrade and a slight RAM boost in the Galaxy S24 Plus, the hardware is nearly identical. The Galaxy S24 lineup adds a few new AI features, but at this point, most of the notable ones are available on the S23, too.

The seven-year commitment to updates makes the Galaxy S24 a clear winner.

But the new seven-year commitment to updates on the Galaxy S24 series makes it a clear winner. This will extend support for the phones into 2031, a full four years longer than the Galaxy S23. Who knows what the smartphone world will look like at that point, but the peace of mind is priceless.

That said, there are likely to be huge discounts on the Galaxy S23 lineup, and if you replace your phone every three years or so, the extra support is largely meaningless. Sure, you might lose out on some resale value in a few years, but the savings now might more than make up the difference.






FAQs

Are the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 waterproof?

Yes, both the Galaxy S23 and S24 features IP68 water resistance.





Do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 have an SD card slot?

No. Neither the Galaxy S23 now S24 phones support microSD cards.





Do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 have a headphone jack?

No. Neither the Galaxy S23 nor S24 phones have a headphone jack.





Are the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 dual SIM and eSIM?

Yes. Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 phone support dual SIM and eSIM.





Do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 have wireless charging?

Yes. All phones in the two lineups feature the same maximum 15W wireless charging speeds.










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