Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Phones
$1,299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone Air
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
iPhone Air
Phones
$999List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Leads 5 of 9 rankable overall specs; iPhone Air takes 4.
- Size: 6.8 inches vs 6.55 inches
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
Max optical zoom: 5x optical vs 2x
iPhone Air is $300 cheaper. Pay the difference only if size matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Larger and heavier than iPhone 16 Pro
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone Air |
|---|---|---|
| WeightBody | 232 g | 158 g (5.57 oz) |
| SizeDisplay | 6.8 inches | 6.55 inches |
| ChipsetPlatform | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) |
| Max optical zoomRear camera | 5x optical (10x lossless / 100x digital) | 2x (sensor crop) |
| CapacityBattery & charging | 5,000 mAh | 3,200 mAh |
Showing 5 of 48 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Reasons to choose it
- S Pen built in
- 200MP main + 5x periscope telephoto
- 7 years of OS and security updates
Worth considering
- Larger and heavier than iPhone 16 Pro
- No charger in the box
- Flat 6.8-inch body is harder one-handed
iPhone Air
Reasons to choose it
- Ultra-thin 5.6mm lightweight design (under 160g)
- A19 Pro performance and 120Hz ProMotion display
- Sleek futuristic minimalist aesthetic
Worth considering
- Single 48MP rear camera without dedicated ultrawide or telephoto lenses
- Smaller battery capacity due to ultra-thin chassis
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
3-Year Estimated Total$1,334
iPhone Air
3-Year Estimated Total$999
Pocket, Palm & Desk Usability Check
One-handed reachability, pocket weight, and table wobble when typing without a case.
One-Handed Palm Reach
Samsung
6.8" display with 79.0mm wide squared edges (stretches palms)
Apple
Standard smartphone width
Desk Typing Table Wobble
Samsung
Individual camera lens rings cause corner wobble on flat tables
Apple
Corner camera bump causes minor wobble
Pocket Weight & Heft
Samsung
232g (substantial titanium brick)
Apple
Standard phone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Samsung: What to watch for
- Ergonomics
Sharp 90-degree squared corners dig aggressively into palms.
- Hardware Quirk
Anti-reflective Gorilla Armor glass smudges easily with skin oils.
Apple: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone Air?
iPhone Air costs $300 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone Air?
iPhone Air has this deal-breaker: no stylus. No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.
Which is better for photos, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone Air?
For photos, buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Leads 2 of 3 rankable photos specs; iPhone Air takes 1. Max optical zoom: 5x optical vs 2x
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 48 specs tracked here, 39 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.