Galaxy S24 Vs S23 Plus Is The Upgrade Worth Ditching My Old Phone

If you're holding onto a Galaxy S23 Plus and eyeing the newer S24, you’re likely weighing whether the upgrade justifies the cost. Samsung’s flagship lineup evolves each year, but not every change delivers meaningful improvements. This comparison dives into real-world differences in performance, camera quality, battery life, design, and new AI-powered features to help you make an informed decision—without falling for marketing hype.

Design and Display: Subtle Refinements, Not Revolution

The Galaxy S24 and S23 Plus share nearly identical design philosophies. Both feature premium glass-and-metal builds, flat displays, and slim profiles that fit comfortably in hand. The S24 retains the 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, matching the S23 Plus pixel for pixel. However, there are nuanced upgrades.

The S24 boasts a slightly brighter panel—up to 2600 nits peak brightness compared to the S23 Plus’s 1750 nits. This makes outdoor visibility noticeably better under direct sunlight. Additionally, Samsung introduced a new matte finish on the aluminum frame, which resists fingerprints more effectively than the glossy S23 Plus chassis.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the S24’s higher brightness can reduce eye strain and improve readability.

Performance: A Generational Leap in Efficiency

Under the hood, the shift from the S23 Plus to the S24 marks a significant transition. The S23 Plus runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy), while the S24 uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This isn’t just a minor clock speed bump—it brings tangible gains in multitasking, gaming, and thermal efficiency.

In benchmark tests, the Gen 3 chip shows around 20–25% better CPU performance and up to 30% improved GPU efficiency. More importantly, the S24 sustains peak performance longer during extended use, thanks to better heat dissipation and optimized power management. Gamers will appreciate smoother frame rates in titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, especially at max settings.

Both phones come with 8GB of RAM and similar storage options, but the S24 benefits from faster UFS 4.0 storage, which speeds up app launches, file transfers, and system responsiveness over time.

Camera Comparison: Incremental Gains with Smarter Software

On paper, the camera hardware between the S23 Plus and S24 looks almost identical: a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. But where the S24 pulls ahead is in computational photography and AI enhancements.

The S24 introduces Samsung’s new “ProVisual Engine,” co-developed with Google, which improves HDR processing, noise reduction in low light, and subject tracking. Night mode shots are cleaner, with more natural color reproduction and finer detail retention. Portrait mode now includes real-time depth editing after capture—a feature previously limited to post-processing apps.

Video recording remains strong on both devices, supporting 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. However, the S24 adds improved stabilization and AI-based audio focusing, which isolates voices in noisy environments—ideal for vloggers or remote workers recording quick clips.

“While hardware hasn’t changed dramatically, the software intelligence in the S24’s camera stack represents one of Samsung’s most mature computational photography systems to date.” — David Kim, Senior Analyst at MobileTech Review

Battery Life and Charging: Similar Endurance, Smarter Management

The S24 packs a 4,000mAh battery, slightly smaller than the S23 Plus’s 4,500mAh unit. Yet, real-world usage shows comparable endurance due to the efficiency of the Gen 3 chipset and optimized One UI 6.1 software. In typical mixed usage—browsing, messaging, streaming, and light gaming—both phones last about 1.2 days.

What sets the S24 apart is its smarter adaptive battery algorithm. It learns your daily usage patterns and defers background processes until charging, extending effective battery life by up to 15% over time. Fast charging remains unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless.

Feature	Galaxy S23 Plus	Galaxy S24
Battery Capacity	4,500 mAh	4,000 mAh
Charging Speed (Wired)	25W	25W
Wireless Charging	15W	15W
OS Optimization	One UI 5.1	One UI 6.1 + Adaptive Learning
Estimated Daily Use	~1.2 days	~1.2 days

AI Features: The Game-Changer in the S24

This is where the S24 truly differentiates itself. Samsung has integrated Galaxy AI deeply into the OS, offering tools that weren’t available—or even feasible—on the S23 Plus.

• Live Translate: Real-time voice and text translation during calls, supporting 13 languages.
• Note Assist: AI summarizes, formats, and rewrites notes across apps.
• Circle to Search: Hold your finger on the screen, circle any object or text, and instantly search it via Google.
• Generative Edit: Remove or replace people/objects in photos using AI without needing third-party apps.

These features rely on on-device processing, ensuring privacy and responsiveness. While they won’t be used daily by everyone, they solve niche frustrations—like misunderstanding a foreign client on a call or fixing a photo ruined by a photobomber.

Tip: Enable Galaxy AI features gradually through Settings > Advanced Features to avoid overwhelming yourself with notifications.

Mini Case Study: From S23 Plus to S24 – A Freelancer’s Experience

Sophie, a freelance travel writer based in Barcelona, upgraded from her S23 Plus to the S24 three months ago. Her workflow involves constant communication with international clients, photo editing, and long writing sessions in cafes.

She initially doubted the upgrade was necessary—until she used Live Translate during a miscommunication with a German publisher. “I was able to switch on real-time translation mid-call. It saved the project,” she said. She also uses Note Assist to turn rough voice memos into structured drafts before sending them to editors. “It cut my editing time in half.”

While she misses the slightly larger battery, the AI tools have made her more productive, making the trade-off worthwhile.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I frequently work in bright sunlight? → S24’s brighter screen helps.
2. Do I record videos or take photos in low light? → S24 offers cleaner results.
3. Do I multitask heavily or play graphics-intensive games? → S24 handles load better.
4. Would AI tools like real-time translation or generative photo editing benefit me?
5. Am I still satisfied with my S23 Plus’s performance after a year or more?

If you answered “yes” to the first four, the upgrade is likely justified. If you’re happy with your current device and don’t need cutting-edge AI, waiting another cycle may save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S24 waterproof like the S23 Plus?

Yes, both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. No difference here.

Can I get Galaxy AI features on the S23 Plus?

No. While some basic AI functions exist via app updates, core Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search and Live Translate are exclusive to S24 and select newer models due to hardware and processing requirements.

Does the S24 support expandable storage?

No. Like the S23 Plus, the S24 does not have a microSD card slot. You must choose your storage capacity at purchase.

Conclusion: Make the Move When It Adds Value

The Galaxy S24 isn’t a radical redesign, but it refines what the S23 Plus started—with sharper performance, smarter cameras, and genuinely useful AI integrations. For users who value productivity, future-proofing, and enhanced multimedia capabilities, the upgrade is absolutely worth it.

However, if your S23 Plus still feels fast, takes great photos, and meets your daily needs, the improvements may not justify the price tag. Consider holding on for another six months, especially if you plan to sell or trade in your device soon.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S23 Plus to the S24? Share your experience, pain points, or surprises in the comments below—your insights could help others decide their next move.