PhoneLifespan

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5

vs

Winner

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Lifespan decides this one: the Galaxy S24 Ultra is supported until Jan 2031 at $17.13 per month of safe use, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 runs out in Aug 2028 ($29.13/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Galaxy S24 Ultra 70 · Galaxy Z Fold5 54 methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $949
Safe to buy$17.13/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Jan 20292031
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 $750
Buy with care$29.13/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Aug 20262028

Category by category

Display
Galaxy S24 Ultra 100Galaxy Z Fold5 70

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.8-inch dynamic amoled 2x, qhd+ (3120×1440), 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits.

Performance
Galaxy S24 Ultra 92Galaxy Z Fold5 85

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Galaxy S24 Ultra 96Galaxy Z Fold5 79

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 3).

Battery
Galaxy S24 Ultra 80Galaxy Z Fold5 68

5,000mAh vs 4,400mAh — the Galaxy S24 Ultra lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
Galaxy S24 Ultra 66Galaxy Z Fold5 31

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is supported until Jan 2031 — 30 months longer than the Galaxy Z Fold5.

Value
Galaxy S24 Ultra 70Galaxy Z Fold5 54

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S24 Ultra at $17.13 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy S24 UltraGalaxy Z Fold5
Price (street)$949$750
Display6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ (3120×1440), 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1812x2176, 120Hz + 6.2-inch cover Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 904x2316, 120Hz
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM12GB12GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery5,000 mAh4,400 mAh
Charging45W wired, 15W wireless25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP telephoto 5x periscope50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm154.9 × 67.1 × 13.4 mm folded / 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1 mm unfolded
Weight232 g253 g
Water resistanceIP68IPX8
Supported untilJan 2031Aug 2028

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.