The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a previous-generation flagship with a titanium frame, a built-in S Pen and a 200-megapixel main camera. With the S25 Ultra now available, it typically sits below current-flagship pricing on South African contracts.
The S Pen is what separates the Ultra from every other Android flagship — it slots into the body rather than being an accessory. If you write, sketch or annotate, that alone tends to decide the comparison.
Otherwise the decision is the usual one: how much less does last year’s flagship cost, and is the gap worth it.
Brand or model deal overview
| Consideration | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, flat rather than curved |
| S Pen | Built into the handset — not sold separately |
| Cameras | 200MP main, ultra-wide, plus telephoto lenses with 5x optical |
| Build | Titanium frame |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Storage | 256GB up to 1TB — no 128GB tier |
| Software support | Samsung’s long update commitment covers this generation well |
| Typical term | 24 months |
Previous-generation flagship pricing moves as newer models launch and promotions run. Confirm the current monthly cost, storage size and total contract commitment before applying.
Compare by network
Network options
Samsung flagships are widely carried and heavily promoted, particularly a generation after launch. For each network, compare:
- the monthly instalment and which plan tier it assumes;
- the data allocation, and how much is anytime data;
- storage size — 256GB is the entry point;
- whether a promotion is running, and its end date;
- trade-in value if you are exchanging a handset;
- contract term options;
- any upfront charge;
- coverage at your home and work addresses.
Samsung promotions often bundle accessories or trade-in bonuses. Value those honestly — an included accessory is only worth what you would otherwise have paid for it.
Compare by budget
Budget options
The value flagship position. A previous-generation Ultra usually delivers near-current capability well below current pricing.
Storage. 256GB is the base. A 200MP camera and high-resolution video fill space quickly, so 512GB is worth costing if you shoot a lot — and unlike some rivals, there is no expandable storage.
Compare against the S25 Ultra. If the monthly gap is small, the newer model extends your useful life. See Samsung S25 Ultra contract deals.
Compare against the standard S24. Much lower monthly cost, without the S Pen, the 200MP sensor or the titanium frame. See Samsung S24 contract deals.
Buy outright plus SIM-only. Can lower the two-year total if you can fund the handset.
Total commitment. Monthly × 24 plus upfront. Ultra handsets carry high values, so early-cancellation exposure is significant.
Current and older alternatives
Alternative models
Samsung S25 Ultra. The newer flagship, at current pricing. Worth comparing directly. See Samsung S25 Ultra contract deals.
Samsung S23 Ultra. One generation older, with a curved display and no titanium frame, but the same S Pen and a 200MP camera. A larger saving. See Samsung S23 Ultra contract deals.
Samsung S24. The standard model — smaller, lighter, much cheaper, no S Pen. See Samsung S24 contract deals.
Samsung A-series. Mid-range alternatives at a fraction of the monthly cost. See Samsung A56 contract deals.
iPhone Pro Max models. The direct cross-platform comparison, if you are not committed to Android. See iPhone 16 Pro Max contract deals.
The S Pen is the honest deciding factor. If you will use it, no other flagship substitutes. If you will not, a standard S-series model or a mid-range handset saves a great deal.
What to check before applying
- Total contract cost — monthly × term, plus upfront.
- Which plan tier the advertised price assumes.
- Storage capacity — 256GB minimum, and not expandable.
- Whether a promotion applies and when it ends.
- Trade-in value, in writing.
- Data allocation and out-of-bundle rates.
- Early cancellation exposure.
- Insurance at this handset value.
- Coverage at the addresses you use most.
Contract applications are subject to the provider’s own checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and generally a credit and affordability assessment. Requirements vary by provider. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Is the Samsung S24 Ultra still worth buying on contract?
Often, yes. As the previous-generation Ultra it usually costs less monthly than the S25 Ultra with very similar capability, including the S Pen and 200MP camera. Compare the gap before deciding.
Does the S24 Ultra come with the S Pen?
Yes. The S Pen is built into the handset on Ultra models — it slots into the body rather than being a separate accessory. This is the main practical difference from the standard S-series.
What is the difference between the S24 and S24 Ultra?
The Ultra has a larger 6.8-inch display, the built-in S Pen, a 200MP main camera, additional telephoto reach and a titanium frame. The standard S24 is smaller, lighter and considerably cheaper.
Can I expand the storage on an S24 Ultra?
No. Recent Galaxy S flagships do not support microSD cards, so choose your storage tier carefully at purchase — 256GB is the base.
How long will the S24 Ultra receive updates?
Samsung commits to an extended update period on its flagship line, which covers this generation well. Confirm the current commitment on Samsung’s own support pages before committing to a long contract.
Is the S24 Ultra or an iPhone Pro Max better value?
They are comparably priced flagships. The Ultra offers the S Pen and greater camera versatility; the iPhone offers the Apple ecosystem and strong resale. The better value depends on which platform you already use.
Compare your options: see all Samsung contract deals, or browse contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.