S20 Ultra Vs S24 Is It Finally Time To Upgrade

When the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra launched in 2020, it was a flagship powerhouse—offering 108MP photography, 100x Space Zoom, and 5G connectivity at a time when few phones had caught up. Now, four years later, the Galaxy S24 stands as its modern successor, bringing AI-driven features, refined hardware, and long-term software promises. For loyal S20 Ultra users, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s whether the upgrade delivers enough meaningful improvements to justify the cost.

This isn't just a numbers game. It's about real-world usability, longevity, and how well each device fits into your daily life. Whether you're clinging to your S20 Ultra out of loyalty or frustration with newer designs, now is the perfect time to evaluate if staying put still makes sense—or if it's truly time to move on.

Performance: From Flagship Power to AI Optimization

The S20 Ultra was powered by either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region—both top-tier chips in 2020. At launch, it handled multitasking, gaming, and high-resolution video with ease. However, over time, thermal throttling (especially on the Exynos model) and diminishing app optimization have made even basic tasks feel sluggish for some users.

In contrast, the S24 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy—a custom-tuned chip built specifically for Samsung’s latest devices. This processor doesn’t just offer faster clock speeds; it brings dedicated AI processing that enhances everything from voice transcription to photo editing. Apps open quicker, background processes are smarter, and overall system fluidity feels like a generational leap.

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps, split-screen mode, or cloud-synced workflows, the S24’s improved RAM management and faster I/O can significantly reduce friction.

Benchmarks tell part of the story: the S24 scores nearly double the S20 Ultra in multi-core performance on Geekbench 6. But more importantly, sustained performance under load—like extended gaming or video rendering—is far more stable thanks to better thermal design and software optimization.

Camera Evolution: Beyond Megapixels

The S20 Ultra’s 108MP main sensor was groundbreaking. It offered incredible detail in ideal lighting and introduced many to the concept of 100x digital zoom. But in practice, that zoom often produced blurry, artifact-heavy images. Low-light performance, while decent, lagged behind competitors even at launch.

The S24 takes a different approach. Its 50MP main sensor uses larger pixels (2.4µm after pixel binning), captures more light, and leverages AI-powered HDR and noise reduction. The result? Sharper night shots, more natural color grading, and consistent point-and-shoot reliability—even in challenging conditions.

The ultrawide and telephoto lenses also see refinements. The S24’s 10MP periscope zoom now supports 5x optical and up to 30x AI-enhanced zoom—more restrained than 100x, but dramatically more usable. And with new features like \"AI Image Upscaler\" and \"Edit Suggestion,\" the phone actively helps improve your photos post-capture.

“Modern smartphone photography isn’t about megapixels anymore—it’s about computational intelligence. The S24 represents a shift from hardware-first to software-smart imaging.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Over Raw Capacity

The S20 Ultra came with a 5,000mAh battery and supported 45W fast charging (though Samsung only included a 25W charger). In real-world use, it lasted a full day for most, but heavy users often needed a midday top-up.

The S24 retains the same 5,000mAh capacity but benefits from a more power-efficient chipset and optimized display. Users report consistently longer screen-on times—often stretching into a second day with moderate use. Fast charging has been capped at 25W, which may seem like a downgrade, but due to improved energy management, you’ll charge less frequently overall.

Wireless charging remains at 15W, but the S24 adds support for reverse wireless charging with better stability. More importantly, both phones support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, but the S24 includes Bluetooth 5.3 with lower latency and improved audio quality for wireless earbuds.

Durability, Design, and Long-Term Support

Aesthetically, both phones share Samsung’s premium glass-and-metal build, but the S24 introduces Armor Aluminum 2.0 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2—making it more resistant to drops and scratches. The flat display is easier to protect with standard screen protectors, unlike the S20 Ultra’s curved edges, which were prone to accidental touches and cracking.

Software support is where the S24 pulls ahead decisively. Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 series—meaning it will receive Android updates through 2031. By comparison, the S20 Ultra stopped receiving major Android upgrades after Android 13.

This isn’t just about new features; it’s about security and app compatibility. As developers optimize for newer APIs and deprecate older ones, aging phones like the S20 Ultra will increasingly struggle with banking apps, messaging platforms, and even web browsers.

Feature	S20 Ultra	S24
Release Year	2020	2024
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Main Camera	108MP	50MP (AI-enhanced)
Battery	5,000mAh	5,000mAh (more efficient)
Fast Charging	45W (charger limited to 25W)	25W
Software Updates	3 years (ended)	7 years (until 2031)
Display Type	Curved QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED	Flat QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
AI Features	Limited	Galaxy AI suite (translation, summary, edit suggestions)

Is It Finally Time to Upgrade? A Real-World Decision Framework

Let’s consider Maria, a freelance photographer who’s used her S20 Ultra since 2020. She loves the 100x zoom for capturing distant subjects but has noticed her phone slowing down during Lightroom edits. Battery life has dropped below 6 hours of screen time, and she recently had to replace the screen after a fall.

After testing the S24, she found that while the zoom range is shorter, the AI-enhanced 30x produces cleaner results. The flat screen is easier to handle with gloves on shoots, and the new \"Note Assist\" feature automatically summarizes her client meeting recordings—an unexpected productivity boost.

Maria’s case illustrates a broader truth: upgrading isn’t just about chasing specs. It’s about whether your current device still serves your needs efficiently and securely.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your data using Samsung Smart Switch and check trade-in values—you might recover 30–50% of the S24’s cost.

Upgrade Checklist: Answer These Before Buying

• Does your S20 Ultra struggle with everyday tasks like loading apps or switching between them?
• Have you noticed a significant drop in battery life (under 6 hours screen-on)?
• Are you missing critical security updates or unable to install certain apps?
• Do you want access to AI-powered tools like live call translation or photo cleanup?
• Is your phone physically damaged or costly to repair?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the S24 is likely a worthwhile upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my S20 Ultra stop working if I don’t upgrade?

No, it will continue to function, but expect increasing compatibility issues with apps, reduced performance, and unpatched security vulnerabilities. Over time, essential services like mobile banking may phase out support.

Is the S24 worth the price compared to other flagships?

At $999, the S24 is competitively priced. When factoring in seven years of updates, AI features, and superior build quality, it offers better long-term value than many rivals—even those with lower upfront costs.

Can I keep using my S20 Ultra accessories with the S24?

Most wireless chargers, cases, and audio gear will work. However, due to the flatter design, existing S20 Ultra cases won’t fit. USB-C cables and headphones remain compatible.

Conclusion: The Right Time to Move Forward

The Galaxy S20 Ultra was a landmark device in its era. But technology evolves, and so do our needs. The S24 isn’t just faster or sharper—it’s smarter, more secure, and built to last in a way that respects your investment.

If you’ve been holding out, waiting for a reason to upgrade, the S24 delivers that justification not through hype, but through tangible improvements in daily usability, longevity, and peace of mind. Four years is a long time in the tech world. Your S20 Ultra served you well. Now, it’s time to give yourself permission to step into the next generation.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check Samsung’s official trade-in program today and see how much your S20 Ultra is worth toward your S24 upgrade.