Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want a capable flagship — 200MP camera, S Pen, and a genuinely longer 10x optical zoom — for noticeably less money. Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the full Galaxy AI feature set, a titanium frame and the longest remaining software runway, at a higher price that varies with storage. This guide compares both refurbished models stocked by The Tech Gadgets, spec for spec and price for price.
Key Takeaways
- The refurbished Galaxy S23 Ultra is noticeably cheaper than the Galaxy S24 Ultra at entry level — check today's price for each on its product page.
- Both phones share a 200MP main camera, a 6.8" 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 5,000mAh battery and a built-in S Pen silo.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the longer native optical zoom — a 10MP 10x periscope — versus the S24 Ultra's shorter 50MP 5x periscope.
- Only the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a titanium frame; the S23 Ultra uses an Armor Aluminium frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- The S24 Ultra runs the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and ships with the full Galaxy AI feature set; Samsung extended a substantial part of Galaxy AI to the S23 Ultra via the One UI 6.1 update.
- All four condition grades — Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair — are currently listed for both models; check the product page for live stock.
See it in action: longer native zoom, S Pen included silo, the lower refurbished price of the two — the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Titanium frame, newer chipset, full Galaxy AI feature set, available refurbished — the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Quick Verdict
There's no universal winner — it depends how much you value newest-generation hardware versus keeping money in your pocket. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy for the fastest refurbished Samsung chipset available, the complete Galaxy AI feature set, a titanium frame, and the longest software support window. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy if you want to spend less — and, surprisingly, if you want the longer native optical zoom, since Samsung shortened the periscope's reach when it redesigned the S24 Ultra's camera. Both share the same 200MP main sensor, display size, battery capacity and S Pen silo, so the decision comes down to chipset, AI, build material and price.
Display
Both phones use a 6.8-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, and most people won't notice a dramatic difference in normal use. The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs at QHD+ resolution under Corning Gorilla Armor glass, which Samsung markets as more scratch-resistant and better at cutting glare than the Galaxy S23 Ultra's Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The S23 Ultra's screen is also 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz adaptive refresh, on a flat-edge design with an integrated S Pen silo — this is a mild refinement, not a category the older phone falls behind in.
Camera: Why the Older Phone Has the Longer Zoom
Both phones use a 200MP main sensor, but the telephoto story runs backwards from what most buyers assume — worth reading carefully if photography drives your decision.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra pairs its 200MP wide sensor with a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto (3x optical) and a 10MP periscope telephoto offering genuine 10x optical zoom, plus a 12MP front camera. The Galaxy S24 Ultra pairs the same 200MP wide sensor with a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto (3x optical) and a redesigned 50MP periscope telephoto — but that periscope's native optical reach is only 5x, shorter than its predecessor's. Its front camera is also 12MP.
Samsung shortened the S24 Ultra's periscope focal length for a larger 50MP sensor that gathers more light, then leans on the newer chipset's processing to produce a "10x" result by cropping and upscaling. In good light, that crop shot is generally comparable to the S23 Ultra's native 10x optical shot; in low light or at maximum reach past 10x, the S23 Ultra's longer native periscope has the edge. Don't assume the newer phone automatically wins on camera for long-distance photography — wildlife, sports from the stands, stage photography.
Where the S24 Ultra does clearly pull ahead is overall low-light performance, thanks to its newer image signal processor, and the AI-assisted editing tools tied to Galaxy AI (see below).
Performance and Chipset
The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, tuned specifically for Samsung's flagship line. The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in every unit worldwide, including UK units — no regional Exynos split to worry about, so what's in the spec sheet is what every S23 Ultra has.
One chipset generation separates the two: faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better power efficiency on the S24 Ultra. For everyday use — browsing, social media, messaging, photos — both phones are comfortably fast enough that most people won't feel short-changed by the S23 Ultra. For gaming at high settings or sustained heavy workloads, the S24 Ultra's newer silicon has a noticeable edge.
Battery and Charging
Both phones share a 5,000mAh battery and 45W wired fast charging. The Galaxy S24 Ultra additionally supports wireless and reverse wireless charging; the Galaxy S23 Ultra's listing specifies 45W wired charging only, with no wireless charging mentioned. If wireless charging is part of your routine — a bedside pad, a car mount, a desk stand — that's a genuine difference in the S24 Ultra's favour.
Neither listing states battery health per unit, and battery wear is excluded from the 12-month warranty on both phones — ask The Tech Gadgets before ordering if remaining capacity matters to you.
Build Quality
This is the clearest physical difference between the two generations. The Galaxy S24 Ultra uses a titanium frame with Corning Gorilla Armor front glass — lighter and, Samsung claims, tougher against scratches and drops than the Galaxy S23 Ultra's Armor Aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Titanium arrived with the S24 Ultra generation; the S23 Ultra does not use it. Both are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance as new units, though this is Samsung's original spec and isn't independently re-verified on refurbished stock — treat both with the same care around water exposure as any used device.
Both phones have an S Pen silo built into the chassis, but neither listing confirms a physical S Pen is included with the specific refurbished unit you'll receive. Check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if this matters to you.
AI Features: Galaxy AI on Both Generations
Galaxy AI launched globally as the headline feature of the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, and the S24 Ultra ships with the complete feature set as standard — including Circle to Search and live translation — subject to the software version and region of the unit you receive.
It's a common assumption that Galaxy AI is exclusive to S24-generation hardware, but that isn't quite right. Samsung extended a substantial set of Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy S23 series — including the S23 Ultra — via the One UI 6.1 update in March 2024, roughly a year after launch. An S23 Ultra on current software gets real Galaxy AI functionality, though the S24 Ultra continues to receive new features first and some tools may stay S24-exclusive. If Galaxy AI is a genuine part of your daily use, budget for the S24 Ultra; the S23 Ultra gives a meaningful subset rather than the complete picture.
Is the S24 Ultra Worth the Extra Money Over the S23 Ultra?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the cheaper of the two. On both phones the price varies by storage tier and condition grade — Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest — so check today's price on each product page before committing to a tier.
Matching storage tiers, the S24 Ultra costs more. For that premium you get a newer chipset generation, a titanium frame instead of Armor Aluminium, wireless charging, the complete Galaxy AI feature set, and roughly a year more of software support. You give up the S23 Ultra's longer native optical zoom.
Per pound spent on newer technology, the S24 Ultra earns its premium rather than charging for the badge alone. Per pound spent overall, the S23 Ultra remains the stronger value pick if budget is the deciding factor.
Which Should You Buy? By Use Case
Best for photography and zoom reach
Split decision. For the longest native optical zoom on distant subjects, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's 10x periscope wins on paper. For the strongest all-round camera, particularly in low light, the Galaxy S24 Ultra generally wins.
Best for performance
Galaxy S24 Ultra. One full chipset generation ahead, with better sustained performance and efficiency — not a close call for gaming or heavy multitasking.
Best for budget
Galaxy S23 Ultra. The lower-priced of the two, with the same 200MP main camera and S Pen silo.
Best for AI features and longevity
Galaxy S24 Ultra. Complete Galaxy AI feature set, plus the longer remaining software support window.
Best for everyday use
Genuinely close. Both handle browsing, messaging and photos comfortably. The S24 Ultra edges it on smoothness, but the S23 Ultra won't feel like a compromise day to day.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Full Comparison Table
| Spec | Galaxy S23 Ultra | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | February 2023 | January 2024 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Rear camera | 200MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x tele + 10MP 10x periscope tele | 200MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x tele + 50MP 5x periscope tele |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Display | 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | 6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, up to 120Hz, Gorilla Armor |
| Frame | Armor Aluminium | Titanium |
| Battery / charging | 5,000mAh, 45W wired (no wireless listed) | 5,000mAh, 45W wired + wireless/reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Galaxy AI | Substantial feature set via One UI 6.1 update | Complete feature set as standard |
| Software support | 4 years OS updates + 5 years security updates | 7 years OS + security updates |
| Storage / price | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB — See today's price | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB — See today's price |
| Condition grades | Like New / Excellent / Very Good / Fair | Like New / Excellent / Very Good / Fair |
| Ideal buyer | Wants lower price and longer native zoom | Wants newest chipset, titanium build, full AI set |
| Product link | View S23 Ultra | View S24 Ultra |
Buying Checklist
- Confirm live pricing for your chosen storage tier and condition grade on each product page.
- Check live stock for your chosen colour and storage tier on each product page.
- Decide whether you need a confirmed physical S Pen — neither listing confirms box contents, so ask first if this matters.
- Check whether wireless charging matters to you — the S24 Ultra has it, the S23 Ultra's listing doesn't mention it.
- Ask about battery health if remaining battery life is a priority — both exclude battery wear from warranty cover.
- Check the 12-month warranty exclusions — manufacturing defects and functional faults are covered; battery, physical and water damage are excluded on both.
- Both phones are sold unlocked, confirmed to work on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three.
- You have 30 days from delivery to return either phone — contact info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444 first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra better?
Neither is universally better. The S24 Ultra wins on chipset, build material, Galaxy AI completeness and software support. The S23 Ultra wins on entry price and, surprisingly, native optical zoom reach.
Is the S24 Ultra worth the upgrade over the S23 Ultra?
If you'll use Galaxy AI daily, want the fastest refurbished Samsung chipset available, or want the titanium build and longer software runway, the S24 Ultra's higher price is justified. If budget is the deciding factor, the S23 Ultra remains a strong flagship at a lower price.
Which has the better camera, the S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra?
Both share the same 200MP main sensor. The S23 Ultra has a genuinely longer native optical zoom at 10x, while the S24 Ultra has a shorter 5x native periscope but a larger 50MP sensor that produces a comparable "10x" crop result, plus stronger overall low-light performance.
Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra have Galaxy AI?
Yes, partially. Samsung extended a substantial set of Galaxy AI features to the S23 series, including the S23 Ultra, via the One UI 6.1 update in March 2024. The S24 Ultra ships with the complete feature set and typically gets new AI features first.
Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra have a titanium frame?
No. Titanium arrived with the S24 Ultra generation. The S23 Ultra uses an Armor Aluminium frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
How long will each phone receive software updates?
The S23 Ultra is covered by Samsung's four-years-OS-plus-five-years-security policy. The S24 Ultra is covered by Samsung's newer seven-years-OS-and-security commitment, giving it a longer remaining runway.
Is the S Pen included with either refurbished phone?
Both phones have an S Pen silo built in, but neither listing confirms a physical S Pen ships with your specific unit. Check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if this matters to you.
How does price vary across storage tiers and condition grades?
On both phones, the price depends on the storage tier and condition grade you choose — Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Live pricing can change, so check today's price on each product page before ordering.
Do both phones work on UK networks?
Yes. Both are sold unlocked and SIM-free, and are confirmed to work on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three.
What condition grades are available, and which is in stock?
Both phones are sold across four grades — Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair — and all four are currently listed for both models. Stock changes, so check the product page for live stock before ordering.