Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: The Fold and the Beautiful

Comparing the sleek Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the innovative Galaxy Z Fold 5.
  Reading time 7 minutes

When it comes to cutting-edge smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 represent the pinnacle of innovation and design. Whether you seek a powerful traditional handset or a revolutionary foldable device, both phones have something unique to offer. This article will delve into their differences and similarities, helping you decide which device best suits your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The design philosophy between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is distinct. The S24 Ultra boasts a robust and sleek design with a durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, making it ideal for users seeking a rugged yet stylish phone. On the other hand, the Z Fold 5 features a transformative design with a foldable display, providing the versatility of having a smartphone and tablet in one device. Its hinge mechanism has seen significant improvements, making it more durable and smoother to operate.

Key Design Features:

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a solid, unibody design that feels premium and secure in the hand.

  • Slim profile with a metal frame
  • Available in multiple colors including Phantom Black and Silver
  • Water and dust resistance rated at IP68

The Galaxy Z Fold 5, meanwhile, offers:

  • A flexible AMOLED display that folds seamlessly
  • A hidden hinge system that enhances durability
  • Two screens: a cover display and an inner large screen

Display Quality

When it comes to the display, both devices offer stunning visuals but cater to different needs. The S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which delivers sharp and vibrant images, making it perfect for gaming and media consumption. Alternatively, the Z Fold 5 sports a 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display and a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED cover display, providing users with the flexibility to switch between a regular phone screen and a tablet experience.

For movie lovers and multitaskers, the Z Fold 5’s larger, versatile screen can be a game-changer, while the S24 Ultra’s slightly smaller but highly refined screen is ideal for users who prioritize traditional smartphone dimensions with top-tier image quality.

Performance and Hardware

Performance-wise, both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Z Fold 5 are powerhouses equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Both phones come with up to 12GB of RAM and a minimum of 256GB of internal storage, making them capable of handling heavy multitasking and storage needs.

In terms of battery life, the S24 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, while the Z Fold 5 includes a slightly smaller 4,400mAh battery due to its foldable design. Both devices support fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.

For additional processing power and better heat management, the S24 Ultra includes an advanced cooling system, which is crucial for gamers and heavy users. The Z Fold 5, although efficient, may not dissipate heat as effectively due to its compact folding mechanism.

Camera Capabilities

When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a quad-camera setup featuring a 200MP primary sensor, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. It also includes a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 10MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom, and a specialized macro camera for close-ups.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers a triple-camera system with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. While the Z Fold 5’s camera setup is impressive, it doesn’t quite reach the Ultra’s professional-level capabilities. For those who need the best camera system, the S24 Ultra is the clear winner.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra versus Galaxy Z Fold 5: A battle of design and functionality.

Software Experience and Unique Features

Both devices run on Samsung’s One UI 5 based on Android 13, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. However, the software experiences are tailored to fit each device’s form factor. The S24 Ultra offers a more traditional smartphone experience with a few enhancements for S Pen enthusiasts, as it fully supports Samsung’s stylus for note-taking and drawing.

The Z Fold 5, however, capitalizes on its foldable nature by offering features such as Multi-Active Window, which allows you to use multiple apps simultaneously on the larger screen. Flex Mode also lets you use the device in a semi-folded state, perfect for video calls or watching movies hands-free.

  1. One UI 5 based on Android 13
  2. Enhanced for S Pen usage on the S24 Ultra
  3. Multi-Active Window and Flex Mode on the Z Fold 5

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 both represent the pinnacle of modern smartphone technology, catering to different user needs. If you are looking for a traditional, rugged, and high-performance phone with top-tier camera capabilities, the S24 Ultra is your best bet. On the other hand, if you value versatility, futuristic design, and a unique user experience, the Z Fold 5 is an unmatched choice. Ultimately, your decision will depend on what aspects you prioritize the most in a smartphone.

FAQs

1. Which phone has better battery life?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a larger 5,000mAh battery compared to the Z Fold 5’s 4,400mAh battery. Therefore, the S24 Ultra offers better battery life.

2. Can the Galaxy Z Fold 5 use an S Pen?

Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is compatible with the S Pen, but it must be purchased separately.

3. Which phone is more durable?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers greater durability with its Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 water and dust resistance. The Z Fold 5 has a sophisticated hinge mechanism but may be less durable overall.

4. Which device is better for multitasking?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 excels in multitasking due to its Multi-Active Window feature, which allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously on its larger foldable display.

5. Is the camera better on the Galaxy S24 Ultra or Z Fold 5?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a superior camera setup with a 200MP primary sensor, making it more suitable for photography enthusiasts compared to the Z Fold 5’s 108MP primary sensor.