Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Long-Term Review
As we approach the conclusion of the 2024 smartphone release cycle, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as one of the earliest entrants. With numerous contenders emerging throughout the year, how does Samsung’s flagship fare in the competitive landscape? This comprehensive review evaluates the Galaxy S24 Ultra nearly ten months after its launch.
Table Of Contents
– Hardware and Design
– Software and Performance
– Camera
– Battery and Charging
– Final Thoughts
Hardware and Design
Subtle Refinements
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, while showcasing some enhancements, doesn’t feel like a significant leap from its predecessor, the S23 series. In fact, certain aspects have seen a step back, which we’ll delve into later.
One of the notable changes is the transition to a Titanium frame. Despite Samsung’s emphasis on this material, my experience suggests it doesn’t considerably alter the user experience. It seems more a strategic move to reinforce its premium market position. Although I’ve not used a protective case this year, the frame and chassis remain unscathed, attesting to its durability. However, the back glass did incur a scuff, highlighting the importance of using a case. I recommend the $17 Ringke Onyx, which offers excellent protection.
A key design update is the return to a flat screen, which enhances usability. The anti-glare glass is exceptional, reducing reflections and distractions in various lighting conditions. Despite battling smudges and grime without a screen protector, the display remains a standout feature—arguably the best 6+ inch screen on the market. While other competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL boast strong displays, Samsung currently holds the crown.
The S Pen continues to be a compelling feature, setting the S24 Ultra apart from other flagships. Despite my limited use—mostly for note-taking and screenshot annotations—it remains a valuable tool for many users. Additionally, the in-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader impresses with its speed and accuracy, functioning seamlessly in all conditions.
Though the speakers lack deep bass, they deliver clear audio, making them suitable for calls and media consumption. Coupled with the superior display, the audio-visual experience is excellent for gaming and content enjoyment.
Software and Performance
A Powerhouse Performer
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse, driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 240Hz touch response rate, and 120Hz screen refresh rate. While it may not be the absolute leader, it delivers consistently impressive performance.
The device handles gaming and multitasking with ease, thanks to its 12GB of RAM. The large screen enhances productivity, allowing dual windows to operate comfortably, and the S Pen adds further utility. Samsung’s DeX mode expands productivity possibilities, letting you accomplish more directly from the phone.
Running Android 14 paired with One UI, the user experience is robust and feature-rich. Regular updates from Samsung keep the software fresh, with the 6.1.1 update introducing new AI features. Although some are exclusive to Samsung apps, the core experience remains smooth and intuitive.
Camera
Mixed Reactions
The camera system on the Galaxy S24 Ultra has been a point of contention, especially for those familiar with the S23 Ultra. The shift from a 10x to a 5x zoom sensor, albeit with higher resolution, relies on digital cropping, resulting in softer images at times. This change can be disappointing, particularly for users accustomed to the previous model’s capabilities.
Despite this setback, the S24 Ultra’s dual telephoto lenses—3x and 5x zoom—deliver sharp, detailed photos. The July 2024 software update has improved camera performance, offering excellent dynamic range, color accuracy, and white balance. The main camera uses pixel binning to enhance dynamic range and low-light performance while maintaining detail. Consistency across the ultrawide and 3x telephoto lenses further solidifies the camera’s capabilities.
The 5x optical zoom lens, while effective at closer ranges, shows limitations at extended zoom levels compared to its predecessor. Despite my preference for the older configuration, the current setup remains satisfactory for most users.
The video capabilities are robust, with impressive stabilization. For optimal results, I recommend Ultra HD 4K at 30 or 60 fps, as 8K, while future-proof, lacks flexibility in lens selection. It would be beneficial for Samsung to introduce advanced video options, such as a more adaptable H.265 codec or a log profile, enhancing its appeal to professional videographers.
Battery and Charging
Enduring Power
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s battery life is commendable, with the 5,000mAh battery providing up to seven hours of screen-on time under heavy use. This ensures a full day of usage without needing a recharge. Fast charging capabilities further enhance convenience, enabling quick power-ups when necessary.
The absence of Qi2 wireless charging support is a missed opportunity, as its inclusion would have future-proofed the device further, solidifying its position in the Android hierarchy.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a feature-rich flagship smartphone. Its AI tools, such as on-the-fly translation and AI eraser, rival those of the Pixel lineup. The display remains unparalleled, and the S Pen continues to be unmatched. While the design is iterative, the overall package is robust and compelling.
Representing the pinnacle of Android’s efficiency, speed, and performance, the S24 Ultra is a powerful tool, albeit lacking some personality. Initial pricing was steep, but subsequent discounts have made it more accessible and easier to recommend.
In comparison to rivals like the OnePlus 12 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Galaxy S24 Ultra faces strong competition. The improvements in these devices make them formidable contenders for the title of the best Android device in 2024. Nevertheless, the S24 Ultra, as the first major Android release of the year, set a high bar for subsequent launches, establishing itself as a benchmark.
Overall, is the S24 Ultra worth it? If you can secure a good deal, it remains a worthy consideration.
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