Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S23: which model to buy?

Samsung revealed its three new flagship smartphones at this year’s Galaxy Unpacked event. And as expected, every device in the new range is a great product. The new lineup offers a host of features, including one of the best cameras on the market, innovations in artificial intelligence, and one of the brightest displays we’ve ever seen.

But how big are the improvements compared to the S23? Of course, on paper, the Galaxy S24 has the best specs and is objectively the better smartphone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right phone for everyone. If you’re trying to decide between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24, read on to learn the differences.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy S23

• 
  Screen : 6.1 inches, 6.6 inches and 6.8 inches AMOLED depending on the version, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM/storage : from 8 GB to 12 GB, 128 GB to 1 TB
• Battery : 3900mAh, 4700mAh, 5000mAh
• Camera : 200 MP, f/1.7, 24 mm (wide angle), 10 MP (periscopic telephoto), 10x optical zoom, 10 MP, 3x optical zoom, 12 MP ultra wide
• Galaxy S24 launch price : €700, €928, €1200, €1380, €1620

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if…

June Wan/ZDNET

1. You want the best photos possible

Like the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra will have one of the best cameras ever seen on a smartphone. And in terms of hardware equipment, the S24 is not a huge improvement. The superb 200 MP main lens remains, as does the 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. On the other hand, the S23’s two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses (3X and 10X) are replaced by a 10-megapixel telephoto lens (3X) and a 50-megapixel periscopic telephoto lens (5X).

With 3x and 10x optical zooms and the popular “Space Zoom” which allows 100x magnification, the S23 had an absolutely incredible range. The S24 ditches the 10x optical lens in favor of a 5x, and this is where the differences appear. Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence, it will have significantly greater zoom capacity, improved editing functions and the Nightography Zoom function, which allows taking photos of distant subjects in low light conditions.

Samsung has put a lot of emphasis on the phone’s AI capabilities (see next point), and it looks like the camera is one of the areas that will benefit. If you want unparalleled photo quality, opt for the S24.

2. You want to adopt AI

Samsung is going all-in on artificial intelligence in the S24, with AI perhaps being the biggest selling point.

Among these AI features are Generative Editing which allows users to resize, move or even delete subjects in a photo, Live Translation which provides real-time two-way translation for voice calls in different languages, assistance with the transcription, translation and summary of voice memos and notes, assistance with written exchanges (emails, captions, SMS) using different tones, the creation of wallpapers (thus generated by the AI, like on the Google Pixel 8 Pro), AI-assisted photography, video upscaling and more.

And if you want to take full advantage of these features, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the solution to choose.

3. You want a bright screen that can handle all conditions.

In terms of screen brightness, the Galaxy S23 had a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, which was quite decent compared to its peers and usable in most conditions.

The S24, however, clocks in at an impressive 2,600 nits, which is better than the Google Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro. And when you’re in a situation where you’re looking at your smartphone screen in direct sunlight or in a bright room, this difference will matter. This Samsung S24 will have one of the brightest displays ever, meaning you should never have trouble seeing what’s on its screen.

To benefit from it, opt for the S24.

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want to save money

June Wan/ZDNET

The S24 has a base price of €900 with the introductory offer discount of €60. At the same time, Samsung is selling the base S23 for €700 (including a €100 discount).

Perhaps the price of the S23 will drop further, at Samsung or elsewhere, which will widen the gap between the old and new models. And if you’re willing to accept a slightly worn smartphone, you can find a used model with an even bigger discount.

The S23 was arguably the best phone of the year last year, so you’ll still get a really good phone if you go this route. If the thought of spending over $1,000 on a smartphone makes you cringe, go with the S23.

Source: “ZDNet.com”