Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at
£500.60£1,448.62 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone Air?
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at £500.60, £186.70 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.5 inch.
- The Galaxy S24 Ultra has an OLED screen.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air specs
The Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone Air offer different strengths that suit different users. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a larger and higher resolution screen with a very high megapixel main camera, making it ideal for those who want a spacious display and detailed photos. It supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is useful for managing work and personal numbers. The iPhone Air has a slightly smaller but very sharp screen and a higher resolution front camera, which suits users who prioritise selfies and video calls. The iPhone Air is also notably lighter and slimmer for those who prefer a more compact phone. Both devices support 5G, use USB-C, and have the same RAM and storage options, so performance and connectivity are similar for everyday use.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air price
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long the phone will receive software updates and the basic build features. Both phones are not foldable but differ in how they handle software support and release year.
Software Updates
The Galaxy S24 Ultra receives software updates until January 2031, which offers a clear timeline for ongoing improvements and security patches. The iPhone Air supports updates up to iOS 27, providing continued software support compatible with Apple's update cycle. Both offer long-term software usability but follow different update systems.
Release Year
The Galaxy S24 Ultra was released in 2024 while the iPhone Air came out in 2025. This simply states when each device became available and does not indicate advantages or disadvantages.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. Both phones feature a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, but differ in size, resolution, and screen technology, which affects how you see content.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a larger 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3120, offering more room and finer detail for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 2736 by 1260, which is slightly smaller but still sharp and clear for everyday use.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S24 Ultra uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, which adjusts refresh rates to save power while delivering vibrant colours. The iPhone Air features a Super Retina XDR screen known for bright and accurate colours. Each screen type suits users looking for high-quality viewing experiences but with different display characteristics.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air camera
Camera quality is a key factor for many, especially if you take photos or video regularly. Both phones offer strong front and main cameras but with clear differences in megapixels.
Front Camera
The iPhone Air has an 18 megapixel front camera, which is higher resolution and better for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S24 Ultra's front camera is 12 megapixels, which still delivers good quality for everyday use.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with a 200 megapixel main camera, making it well suited for capturing highly detailed and large photos. The iPhone Air has a 48 megapixel main camera, which is excellent for general photography but offers fewer pixels than the Galaxy.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air size and design
This section covers other practical differences that affect daily use, including size, weight, SIM options, and connectors.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is larger and heavier at 162.3 mm tall, 79 mm wide, 8.6 mm deep, and weighing 232 grams. This suits users who prefer a bigger device for media and productivity. The iPhone Air is more compact and lighter at 156.2 mm tall, 74.7 mm wide, 5.6 mm deep, and 165 grams, making it easier to carry and use one-handed.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is handy if you need separate numbers for work and personal use. The iPhone Air supports eSIM only, which suits users who prefer digital SIM management.
Connectivity and Storage
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks, ensuring fast data speeds and charging convenience. Each model comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, suitable for a range of storage needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £500.60, £186.70 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (165 g vs 232 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S24 Ultra often mention the phone looks and feels like new. They appreciate the larger screen and the stylus feature. Many note the excellent camera performance and smooth battery life that lasts all day. Several say the phone runs well with no scratches or issues, even when buying fair condition models. Buyers also mention the value of long software support and the high quality of refurbished devices. The size and premium feel make it suitable for users who want a spacious and capable smartphone.
Customers choosing the iPhone Air praise its quality and appearance, often saying it looks almost brand new. The phone's battery health and performance receive positive comments, with users finding it reliable for daily tasks and photography. Its lighter weight and slimmer build appeal to those wanting a more compact device. The higher front camera resolution is appreciated for selfies and video calls. The iPhone Air suits users who prefer a straightforward, well-built phone with smooth performance and good battery life.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy S24 Ultra fits those seeking a larger display and advanced camera features, while the iPhone Air is a good choice for those wanting a lighter, more compact phone with a strong front camera.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air FAQs
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.5 inch.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £500.60 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra gets updates until Jan 2031. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
