Should I go for the S23 Ultra or S24 Plus… which is better for 2024?

General
1

Hi, I’m stuck deciding between the S23 Ultra and S24 Plus for my next phone and hoping you all can give me some advice.

Background:
I had the Samsung S20 FE before, and while I liked the system, the phone overheated quickly. I live in a very hot area, but no other phone gave me this issue.

I switched to a Poco F4 because of this. I planned to keep it until Xiaomi stopped supporting it, then switch to a custom ROM. But I just couldn’t get used to the MIUI/HyperOS interface, and my plans fell apart with Google’s new Play Integrity and expansion plans.

So I’m considering returning to Samsung. I like One UI, and their update policy sounds good since I plan to keep my phone till end-of-support.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Plus are nearly the same price here, so I have a few questions:

  • Does the S24 Plus have any overheating issues?
  • Is its power efficiency lower than the S23 Ultra?

I don’t want a repeat of my S20 FE experience, especially with overheating. The S24 Plus has 7 years of updates, but I worry it might overheat and be frustrating to use.

Also, other than the S Pen, does the S23 Ultra have any features missing on the S24 Plus?

I’ve heard Samsung added the AI features from the S24 line to the S23 through an update, but I’m not entirely sure.

Thanks in advance!

2

I lean towards the S23 Ultra, but both are great phones.

S24 Plus advantages:

  • Lighter
  • Better processor
  • Longer warranty.

S23 Ultra advantages:

  • 10x zoom camera
  • Lower price
  • Dual SIM support.
3

@Hadley
The S23 Ultra probably has better battery life too, right? And the larger screen might be a plus for some people.

4

I’m surprised 41°C bothers you. Most high-performance phones run hot.

Keep in mind, the better it dissipates heat, the more you feel it. Some of your previous phones might have been hot inside without you noticing.

Do you use a case? A good case might help reduce the heat you feel.

5

@Shannon
Thanks for the input.

I don’t mind the battery hitting 41°C, but my S20 FE would reach this temperature even during basic tasks like messaging.

With my current phone, it only gets this hot during long use or on hot days, usually when I’m gaming. But with the S20 FE, even the adhesive gave out, and the back panel popped off!

6

@Shannon
My S23 Ultra only got up to about 39°C, but that was during gaming, so…

7

Taron said:
@Shannon
My S23 Ultra only got up to about 39°C, but that was during gaming, so…

Good to know, thanks!

8

Tatum said:

Taron said:
@Shannon
My S23 Ultra only got up to about 39°C, but that was during gaming, so…

Good to know, thanks!

BUT I don’t live somewhere that’s hot all the time like you. If you get it, it might run even hotter.

9

If you’re in Southeast Asia, you could consider buying an S24 Plus imported from Hong Kong. Downsides are no warranty, no eSIM support, and Samsung Pay is region-locked. But it’s usually cheaper, has dual SIM, and no Exynos chip, which should mean better heat management.

10

Just wait for the S32. It’ll be better for sure.

11

Weight matters in your pocket. I used to have a Note 20 Plus, and it felt like carrying a brick. I’ll go for the S24 Plus. I’ve also tried the S22 and S21 Plus. Anything over 200 grams is too much.

12

Honestly, OnePlus is the way to go.

13

Zayn said:
Honestly, OnePlus is the way to go.

Thanks for the suggestion. I thought about getting a OnePlus, but they’re not available here, and importing one would be really pricey.

14

Zayn said:
Honestly, OnePlus is the way to go.

OnePlus isn’t the same as it used to be. They’ve got some issues now; not worth it anymore!

15

Dru said:

Zayn said:
Honestly, OnePlus is the way to go.

OnePlus isn’t the same as it used to be. They’ve got some issues now; not worth it anymore!

I own two—an 8 Pro and an 11—and I actually think the older 8 is better.

16

S23 Ultra, hands down. Exynos 2400 may have better peak performance, but the older 8 Gen 2 performs better overall and is more efficient.

Plus, with Exynos, you’re more likely to have battery drain or overheating issues, especially outside.

17

@Chen
Thanks! I’m leaning towards the S23 Ultra. I’d love the S24 Ultra for the 7 years of updates, but my budget might not stretch that far.

18

Tatum said:
@Chen
Thanks! I’m leaning towards the S23 Ultra. I’d love the S24 Ultra for the 7 years of updates, but my budget might not stretch that far.

If you wait a couple of months, the S25 series should be announced, and older models (S24) might get price drops!

19

@Chen
Sadly, price drops take longer here. Even the S23 Ultra isn’t very affordable right now, and with the way things are, waiting might just make it more expensive. But thanks for the tip!

20

Tatum said:
@Chen
Sadly, price drops take longer here. Even the S23 Ultra isn’t very affordable right now, and with the way things are, waiting might just make it more expensive. But thanks for the tip!

Are you in Southeast Asia? Everything you say sounds super familiar, lol.

In my country, the S23 Ultra is also still pricey, almost the same as a new S24 Ultra. I’m holding on to my overheating N20 Ultra (also Exynos), and it hits 43°C on hot days, barely runs games at 10 fps. :dizzy_face: