The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has arrived, marking one of 2024’s finest phones. Before its launch, we anticipated its success, given Samsung’s track record with Ultra models. However, Samsung offers more than just top-tier handsets; its foldables, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, reign supreme in the premium market. Wondering about the price difference between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Z Fold 5, along with other comparisons? Delve into our reviews for insights. For additional Samsung choices, explore our hands-on reviews of the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus.
Comparison of the specs: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
| Specs | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm (unfolded), 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm (folded) |
| Weight | 232g | 253g |
| Display | 6.8-inch AMOLED | 7.6-inch AMOLED (main), 6.2-inch AMOLED (cover) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1812 x 2176 (main), 904 x 2316 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 1Hz-120Hz (dynamic) | 1Hz-120Hz (dynamic) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), 50MP periscope (5x zoom) | 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom) |
| Front camera | 12MP | 10MP, 4MP |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 4,400mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 25W wired, 5W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Colors | Titanium Violet, Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, Titanium Orange | Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, Blue |
Pricing and availability: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
| Model | Storage | RAM | Price (Starting) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 256GB | 12GB | $1,299.99 / £1,249 / AU$2,199 | Globally available |
| 512GB | 12GB | $1,419.99 / £1,349 / AU$2,399 | ||
| 1TB | 12GB | $1,659.99 / £1,549 / AU$2,799 | ||
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 | 256GB | 12GB | $1,799.99 / £1,749 / AU$2,599 | Currently available |
| 512GB | 12GB | $1,919.99 / £1,869 / AU$2,799 | ||
| 1TB | 12GB | $2,159.99 / £2,049 / AU$3,149 |
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra hit the market on January 31, with prices starting at $1,299.99. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, released in July 2023, starts at $1,799.99.
Though the Z Fold 5 can sometimes be found at lower prices due to its age, it typically remains pricier than the S24 Ultra, marking a significant price gap of $500. However, this might change with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Comparing the designs: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Conventional candy bar-style | Foldable |
| Appearance | Angular design with quad-lens camera | Glass back with aluminum frame |
| Dimensions (folded) | – | 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded) | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm |
| Weight | 232g | 253g |
| Frame Material | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dust Resistance | Yes | No |
| Available Colors | Titanium Violet, Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, Titanium Orange | Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, Blue |
The Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a familiar candy bar style with an angular design and a quad-lens camera, while the Z Fold 5 offers a foldable experience. The former boasts a titanium frame and IP68 rating, whereas the latter, with an aluminum frame, lacks dust resistance and an IPX8 rating. Both devices come in various appealing colors.
Displays: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 6.8-inch, 1440 x 3120, 2,600-nit peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate | 7.6-inch, 1812 x 2176, 1,750-nit peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Second Display (Cover) | – | 6.2-inch, 904 x 2316, 1,750-nit peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Notable Features | Sharp, spacious display | Larger but slightly dimmer main display, secondary cover display |
The S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch, high-brightness display, while the Z Fold 5 offers two screens, including a larger main one with slightly lower brightness. Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth viewing experiences.
Camera capabilities: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP with 5x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom, 12MP ultra-wide | 50MP with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Additional Cameras | 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), 50MP periscope (5x zoom), 12MP selfie | 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), 10MP cover selfie, 4MP under-display selfie |
| Camera Performance | Praised as the best overall camera phone | Respectable, with pleasing imagery |
| Software Features | Extensive AI-powered modes, object removal, background extension | Some features to be updated through software |
The S24 Ultra boasts a remarkable array of cameras, including a 200MP main camera and advanced AI features. The Z Fold 5 offers respectable performance with its multiple cameras.
Performance, and battery life, and reach a verdict: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Performance | Snappier with impressive speed, matching iPhone 15 Pro Max | Smooth and efficient user experience |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Software | Similar Android with One UI lacks some AI features of S24 Ultra | Similar Android with One UI, lacks some AI features of S24 Ultra |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 45W charging | 4,400mAh, 25W charging |
| Battery Life | Up to 28 hours of internet usage, 30 hours of video playback | Up to 18 hours of internet usage, 21 hours of video playback |
| Verdict | More powerful, better camera, premium frame, brighter screen, AI features | Superior for foldable experience, tablet-to-smartphone versatility |
In summary, while the S24 Ultra outperforms the Z Fold 5 in several aspects like performance, camera, battery life, and AI features, the Z Fold 5’s foldable design offers unique versatility. Hence, choosing between them depends on your preference for features versus form factors.
