Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs Galaxy A74: Which Has Better Overall Value?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy A74 5G are two distinct smartphones that cater to different segments of the market. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a flagship model with top-tier specifications, the Galaxy A74 5G is a mid-range device aimed at providing a balance between performance and affordability.

Display and Design

Display Specifications:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, offering a pixel density of ~505 PPI and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor and supports peak brightness of up to 2600 nits.
Galaxy A74 5G: Boasts a 6.7-inch Color Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of ~393 PPI and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Design and Build:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: The device has dimensions of 79 x 162.3 x 8.6 mm and weighs 232 grams. It features a glass front and back with a titanium frame, providing a premium feel and durability.
Galaxy A74 5G: Measures 76.1 x 163.7 x 7.6 mm and weighs 181 grams. It also has a glass front and back but lacks the titanium frame, making it lighter and slightly slimmer.

Performance and Hardware

Processor and RAM:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Powered by an Octa-core processor with a clock speed of up to 3.3 GHz, paired with 12 GB of RAM. This configuration ensures smooth performance and multitasking capabilities.
Galaxy A74 5G: Runs on an Octa-core processor with a clock speed of up to 2.4 GHz, coupled with 8 GB of RAM. While it provides decent performance, it lags behind the S24 Ultra in terms of raw power.

Storage:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Comes with 256 GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a hybrid SIM slot.
Galaxy A74 5G: Offers 128 GB of internal storage, also expandable via a hybrid SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

Rear Camera:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Features a quad-camera setup with a 200 MP primary sensor, 50 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This setup includes advanced features like multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, and OIS.
Galaxy A74 5G: Equipped with a quad-camera setup consisting of a 108 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 5 MP macro lens, and a 5 MP depth sensor. While it offers good camera performance, it does not match the S24 Ultra's advanced features and resolution.

Front Camera:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Sports a 12 MP front camera, which is decent but not as high-resolution as some other flagships.
Galaxy A74 5G: Features a 32 MP front camera, providing better front camera resolution compared to the S24 Ultra.

Battery and Charging

Battery Capacity:

Both Devices: Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy A74 5G have similar battery capacities, but specific details are not provided in the sources. However, the S24 Ultra supports faster charging with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, while the A74 5G likely has slower charging speeds.

Software and Additional Features

Operating System:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Runs on Android 14 out of the box, ensuring the latest software features and security updates.
Galaxy A74 5G: Ships with Android 12, which is an older version but still receives updates.

Unique Features:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Includes features like IP68 dust and water resistance, Samsung DeX support, Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, and a stylus with Bluetooth integration.
Galaxy A74 5G: Offers FM Radio and memory card support, which might be appealing to users who need these specific features.

Price and Value

Price Comparison:

Galaxy S24 Ultra: Priced at ₹1,29,999, making it a premium offering.
Galaxy A74 5G: Available at ₹42,999, significantly more affordable than the S24 Ultra.

Conclusion

When deciding between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy A74 5G, it's crucial to consider your priorities and budget.

For Flagship Enthusiasts: The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior performance, a higher-resolution display, advanced camera capabilities, and premium build quality. However, it comes at a substantial price.
For Budget-Conscious Users: The Galaxy A74 5G provides a well-rounded package with a good display, decent performance, and a lower price point. It is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has better overall specifications and features, but the Galaxy A74 5G offers better value for money, making it a compelling option for those on a budget.