Galaxy S 24 Ultra Vs S 23 Ultra - Speed Test - Surprising results

Naveen Thakur
4 Feb, 2024

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra, many enthusiasts and tech reviewers were eager to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Both devices boast impressive specs, but with the S24 Ultra introducing significant upgrades in processing power, software optimizations, and AI integration, it’s time to dive deep into a head-to-head speed test. Are the differences noticeable in day-to-day use, or is the hype just a marketing gimmick? Let’s explore the surprising results!

1. Design and Build: Subtle Yet Impactful

Before jumping into the performance tests, let’s briefly touch on the design, as it can indirectly influence speed and usability.

  • Galaxy S23 Ultra: Known for its premium aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the S23 Ultra is a sturdy, stylish device. It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals.

  • Galaxy S24 Ultra: Samsung took it a notch higher with a titanium frame, making it lighter yet more durable. The display remains at 6.8 inches, but the new Gorilla Glass Armor offers better scratch resistance and glare reduction, enhancing the user experience in bright environments.

While the design changes are subtle, the lighter frame of the S24 Ultra contributes to a more comfortable grip during extended use, which may influence long-term performance perceptions.

2. Processor Comparison: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Gen 2

The core of the speed test revolves around the processors:

  • Galaxy S23 Ultra: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, this custom-tuned processor was a powerhouse in 2023. It delivered exceptional performance in multitasking, gaming, and battery efficiency.

  • Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, however, promises up to 30% better CPU performance, 25% improved GPU capabilities, and enhanced AI processing. But how does this translate in real-world use?

3. Boot Time: Who Wakes Up Faster?

In our initial boot test:

  • Galaxy S23 Ultra: Booted up in 18 seconds.
  • Galaxy S24 Ultra: Booted up in 15 seconds.

While a three-second difference may not seem like a lot, it highlights the optimized boot processes in the S24 Ultra, thanks to the faster storage (UFS 4.0 vs. UFS 3.1 in the S23 Ultra) and improved software efficiency.

4. App Launch Speed: Opening the Gates

To test app launch times, we selected a mix of system apps, social media platforms, and heavy-duty games:

  1. Basic Apps (Phone, Messages, Settings):

    • Both devices launched these apps nearly instantaneously, but the S24 Ultra edged ahead by milliseconds, which is negligible in everyday use.

  2. Social Media Apps (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter):

    • S23 Ultra: Averaged about 1.8 seconds per app.
    • S24 Ultra: Averaged 1.4 seconds per app.

  3. Heavy Apps (Adobe Lightroom, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact):

    • Adobe Lightroom: S24 Ultra launched in 2.5 seconds, S23 Ultra in 3.1 seconds.
    • PUBG Mobile: S24 Ultra loaded to the lobby in 8.2 seconds, while the S23 Ultra took 9.5 seconds.
    • Genshin Impact: This graphics-heavy game showed the biggest difference, with the S24 Ultra loading in 12.4 seconds compared to the S23 Ultra’s 14.8 seconds.

While the S23 Ultra remains impressively fast, the S24 Ultra consistently shaved off time in all tests, showing its superior processing and memory management capabilities.

5. Multitasking and RAM Management: Keeping It Smooth

Both phones come with 12GB of RAM, but the S24 Ultra utilizes LPDDR5X RAM, which is faster and more efficient than the LPDDR5 RAM in the S23 Ultra.

  • Multitasking Test: We opened 10 apps in succession and then revisited them to see if they were still active in memory.
    • S23 Ultra: All apps remained in memory, but switching between them showed slight stutters in the heaviest apps like Genshin Impact.
    • S24 Ultra: Seamless transitions between all apps, with no lag or reloads, even in heavy applications.

This test highlights the S24 Ultra’s improved memory optimization, which is especially noticeable for power users who juggle multiple apps.

6. Internet and Download Speeds: 5G and Wi-Fi Performance

Both devices support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, but the S24 Ultra introduces Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, offering theoretical speed improvements.

  • 5G Speed Test (using the same network conditions):

    • S23 Ultra: Download speed peaked at 850 Mbps.
    • S24 Ultra: Download speed peaked at 1 Gbps.

  • Wi-Fi Speed Test:

    • S23 Ultra: 920 Mbps.
    • S24 Ultra: 1.1 Gbps.

While real-world differences may vary depending on network infrastructure, the S24 Ultra showed consistent improvements, particularly in Wi-Fi performance, thanks to Wi-Fi 7 support.

7. Gaming Performance: Frame Rates and Heat Management

Gaming is where many users notice performance differences most clearly. We tested both devices on Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact with graphics set to the highest possible settings.

  • Call of Duty: Mobile:

    • Both devices delivered consistent 120fps gameplay, but the S24 Ultra showed fewer frame drops during intense battles.

  • Genshin Impact:

    • S23 Ultra: Averaged 50fps, with occasional dips to 45fps in demanding scenes.
    • S24 Ultra: Maintained a steady 60fps throughout, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s improved GPU and AI-powered optimization.

Thermal Management:

  • S23 Ultra: After 30 minutes of continuous gaming, the device reached 42°C, resulting in slight throttling.
  • S24 Ultra: The new vapor cooling chamber kept temperatures at a more manageable 39°C, maintaining peak performance longer.

8. Battery Performance and Charging Speeds

Faster processing often comes at the cost of battery life, but Samsung’s efficiency improvements tell a different story.

  • Battery Drain Test (Video Playback, 50% Brightness):

    • S23 Ultra: Lasted 15 hours 20 minutes.
    • S24 Ultra: Lasted 16 hours 10 minutes, thanks to the more efficient 4nm processor and software optimizations.

  • Charging Speeds (using Samsung’s 45W fast charger):

    • Both devices charge to 50% in about 20 minutes and reach 100% in just under an hour. However, the S24 Ultra’s battery retained a slightly better charge during standby, owing to its smarter AI-driven power management.

9. AI and One UI 6.1 Optimizations

One of the most notable differences between the two devices isn’t just hardware but software:

  • Galaxy S23 Ultra: Runs One UI 6.1 but lacks some advanced AI features available in the S24 Ultra.
  • Galaxy S24 Ultra: Introduces Galaxy AI, which includes Live Translate, Transcript Assist, and Circle to Search—all of which leverage on-device AI for faster processing.

For instance, Live Translate processes translations in real-time, even during calls, without noticeable delays. Transcript Assist can summarize hour-long meetings in seconds, showing the real-world power of AI enhancements.

10. Conclusion: Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra Worth the Upgrade?

After a thorough speed test across various parameters, here are the key takeaways:

  • Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 significantly outperforms the Gen 2 in almost all real-world scenarios, from app launches to gaming and multitasking.
  • AI Integration: The S24 Ultra’s AI capabilities aren’t just gimmicks—they tangibly improve speed, efficiency, and usability.
  • Thermal Management: Improved cooling in the S24 Ultra ensures sustained performance without overheating.
  • Battery Efficiency: Despite the faster processor, the S24 Ultra offers better battery life, a testament to Samsung’s optimization efforts.

Final Verdict:
If you already own the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the speed difference may not be drastic enough to warrant an immediate upgrade unless you’re a power user, gamer, or someone who thrives on the latest tech. However, if you're coming from an older device or value AI features, multitasking, and camera performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a clear winner.



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