Motorola Edge 50 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S24+: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra arrives as a compelling challenger to established players like Samsung, offering a potent combination of cutting-edge hardware and aggressive pricing. We pit it against the Samsung Galaxy S24+, a refined and widely-available flagship, to determine which device delivers the best overall experience for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing charging speed and raw performance-per-dollar, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra emerges as the winner. Its 125W charging and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offer a noticeable edge. However, the Galaxy S24+ counters with Samsung’s software ecosystem and potentially superior chipset depending on region.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 162024, January 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, May 15Available. Released 2024, January 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), wooden back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.1 x 72.4 x 8.6 mm (6.34 x 2.85 x 0.34 in)158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm (6.24 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - INT· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - USA· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - CN
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)196 g or 197 g (6.91 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~513 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~92.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 2500 nits (peak)Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)8-core (1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.1GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A520)10-core (1x3.2GHz Cortex-X4 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.6GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.95GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/ChinaExynos 2400 (4 nm) - International
GPUAdreno 735Adreno 750 (1 GHz) - USA/Canada/ChinaXclipse 940 - International
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.4, 72mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 12mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, HDR10+
Single50 MP, f/1.9, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging125W wired 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
Type4500 mAhLi-Ion 4900 mAh
Misc
ColorsForest Grey, Nordic Wood, Peach FuzzOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue
Models-SM-S926B, SM-S926B/DS, SM-S926U, SM-S926U1, SM-S926W, SM-S926N, SM-S9260, SM-S926E, SM-S926E/DS
Price$ 939.00 / C$ 1,299.00 / £ 490.00 / € 609.90 / ₹ 59,999$ 429.50 / € 549.00 / £ 445.98
SAR-1.16 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.74 W/kg (head)     1.25 W/kg (body)

Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

  • Blazing-fast 125W wired charging
  • Potent Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
  • Competitive battery life (12:56h)

  • Software support may be shorter than Samsung
  • Camera details are currently unknown

Samsung Galaxy S24+

  • Refined Samsung One UI software
  • Potentially superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance (regional variant)
  • Strong video recording capabilities

  • Slower 45W wired charging
  • Exynos variant may experience thermal throttling

Display Comparison

Both the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S24+ feature excellent displays, achieving measured peak brightness levels of 1473 nits and 1452 nits respectively. While the difference is minimal, the Edge 50 Ultra holds a slight advantage in raw brightness. Both likely utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, though Motorola doesn’t explicitly state this. Samsung’s displays are renowned for color accuracy, and while the Edge 50 Ultra’s color science is likely excellent, Samsung’s calibration is a known strength. Bezels appear comparable, contributing to immersive viewing experiences on both devices.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera analysis requires dedicated testing, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s camera system is a key differentiator. The context data doesn’t provide specifics, but Motorola’s recent focus on high-resolution sensors suggests a strong emphasis on image detail. The Galaxy S24+ benefits from Samsung’s established image processing pipeline, known for vibrant colors and strong dynamic range. The S24+’s video capabilities are likely superior due to Samsung’s expertise in this area. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Edge 50 Ultra makes a definitive comparison difficult, but its potential for high-resolution photography is noteworthy.

Performance

The performance landscape is complex. The Galaxy S24+ utilizes either the Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in USA/Canada/China) or the Exynos 2400 (International). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with its 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4 prime core and higher clock speeds on the A720 cores, theoretically offers a performance advantage over the Motorola’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4). However, the 8s Gen 3 is a highly efficient chip, and its 4nm process node ensures competitive performance. The S24+’s CPU configuration (8-core vs 7-core) doesn’t necessarily translate to a real-world advantage, as architectural improvements in the 8 Gen 3 are more significant. The potential for thermal throttling on the Exynos 2400 variant of the S24+ is a concern, potentially diminishing sustained performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8s Gen 3.

Battery Life

Both phones deliver impressive battery life, with the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra achieving 12:56h of active use and the Samsung Galaxy S24+ managing 12:30h. The Edge 50 Ultra’s 125W wired charging is a game-changer, significantly faster than the S24+’s 45W charging (65% in 30 minutes). This translates to a much quicker top-up, minimizing downtime. The Edge 50 Ultra also offers 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, exceeding the S24+’s 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless capabilities. While the S24+’s battery life is slightly longer, the Edge 50 Ultra’s charging speed provides a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra if you need the absolute fastest charging available, prioritize peak performance in demanding tasks, and are comfortable with Motorola’s software approach. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24+ if you prefer a polished software experience, value long-term software support, and require a device with broad carrier compatibility and a well-established ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2400 chip in the international Galaxy S24+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
Early reports suggest the Exynos 2400 can experience thermal throttling under sustained load, potentially leading to reduced performance during extended gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant is less prone to this issue. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is known for its efficiency and should maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ How does the 125W charging of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra compare to typical fast charging solutions?
125W charging is significantly faster than most fast charging solutions. The Edge 50 Ultra can likely charge from 0-100% in under 30 minutes, while the Galaxy S24+’s 45W charging takes considerably longer. This rapid charging is ideal for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Is the lack of a microSD card slot a significant drawback on either device?
Neither the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra nor the Samsung Galaxy S24+ offer microSD card expansion. This means users are limited to the internal storage options available at the time of purchase. Consider your storage needs carefully before selecting a model.
❓ What software update commitment can users expect from Motorola compared to Samsung?
Samsung typically provides longer software support (up to 7 years of OS updates) than Motorola. Motorola’s update commitment is generally shorter, typically around 3 years of OS updates. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software support and security updates.