Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Motorola Moto G Play (2024), the flagship phone shines with its stunning 200MP camera and impressive 6.8" display. In real-world use, the S24 Ultra's quad-camera system provides versatility that the Moto G Play's single camera can't match. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (premium flagship) and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Motorola Moto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.6★ (3,377 reviews) | 4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(3,377)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031) | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (6.8" full rectangle; 6.8" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+, 505 ppi) | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120 Hz | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 2600 nits peak (outdoor) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.7), 1/1.3" sensor, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 50MP Telephoto (111 mm, f/3.4), periscope lens, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; 10MP Telephoto (67 mm, f/2.4), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 5x optical zoom; 2x, 10x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x (Space Zoom) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60/120 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240 fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 5000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 30 hours video playback | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 65% in ~30 minutes with 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable (adapter sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (UWB); NFC | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s); DisplayPort 1.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Titanium frame (Grade 2); Gorilla Glass Armor front; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.39" x 3.11" x 0.34" (162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 8.18 oz (232 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (Bluetooth enabled); Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections
- Versatile quad-camera system with high-resolution 50MP 5x zoom
Cons
- Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms
- 45W charging speed has plateaued compared to competitors
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
Cons
- Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Moto G Play's 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if: you want the best camera for photography, need top-tier performance for gaming, or value a premium display for media consumption. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a budget-friendly option, want a phone that lasts over a day on a single charge, or prefer a lightweight design for easy handling. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 3,377 reviews vs 848
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) wins if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections, while Motorola Moto G Play (2024) stands out with stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms. Meanwhile, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) resolution is limited to 720p (hd+) while competitors offer 1080p. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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