When we requested the Galaxy S24 Ultra to utilize AI in summarizing our review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it conveyed that the S23 Ultra merely introduced incremental upgrades but remained a reliable choice, a sentiment we wholeheartedly share.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra didn’t undergo significant changes compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Nevertheless, it amalgamated various elements to establish itself as the fastest, smoothest, and most premium-feeling Galaxy flagship to date, setting high expectations for its successor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
While Samsung’s marketing emphasizes AI as the focal point of the Galaxy S24 series, is that the sole reason to invest in a Galaxy S24 Ultra, or does it offer more? Let’s delve into it without further delay.
Design
The design and build quality of a phone can be subjective, yet we assert that the Galaxy S24 Ultra flaunts the most exceptional design among all Galaxy S Ultra flagships thus far. It incorporates several significant upgrades that render it aesthetically pleasing and one of the most durable phones available today.
A notable highlight is the shift to a titanium frame, distinguishing it from the aluminum frame of other Galaxy S24 models and previous Galaxy flagships. The titanium frame, coupled with a satin matte finish, exudes a luxurious feel that one would be reluctant to conceal with a case.
Moreover, Samsung has veered away from curved displays, opting for subtle curves at the frame-display and back glass junctions to maintain comfort in one-handed usage. While fans of Samsung’s curved displays may need time to adjust, the transition should be seamless for most users embracing the S24 Ultra.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a range of titanium-themed color options, each exuding a classy allure to the naked eye. However, some colors may not precisely match their names, like Titanium Yellow resembling Samsung’s previous cream color. Additionally, regardless of the variant chosen, a grey S Pen accompanies the device.
Display
The 6.8-inch display of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is flat, a departure from curved displays. Despite lacking the allure of curved displays, it stands out as the best and most scratch-resistant display among Samsung smartphones.
Samsung faced criticism on social media for not enhancing flagship display specs like maximum brightness, prompting a substantial upgrade. The Galaxy S24 series boasts a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, a notable improvement from its predecessors, enhancing visibility under harsh sunlight.
Furthermore, the displays in the Galaxy S24 series exhibit improved power efficiency and feature equally slim bezels on all sides. The introduction of Adaptive Color Tone, analyzing ambient lighting conditions to adjust color accuracy, enhances the natural appearance of images. The new Gorilla Glass Armor protection debuting with the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior scratch resistance and anti-glare properties, elevating the display quality.
S Pen
The S Pen experience on the Galaxy S24 Ultra mirrors its predecessors, maintaining the same hardware and software features. While the S Pen remains unmatched in the smartphone realm, it appears overdue for significant upgrades since its last notable enhancement with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Camera
The camera setup on the Galaxy S24 Ultra closely resembles that of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, with a notable shift to a 5x optical periscope telephoto lens from a 10x periscope camera. The focus lies on optimizing camera functionality rather than hardware upgrades, allowing seamless camera transitions during video recording and enhancing overall performance.
The main camera excels in capturing detailed and dynamic photos during daylight, with improved night mode performance. However, challenges persist in exposure handling for light sources, color accuracy, and saturation levels, despite the Super HDR feature’s enhancements.
The 5x telephoto camera offers benefits within the 3x-10x zoom range, delivering comparable or slightly enhanced picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. The camera’s versatility extends to capturing portraits with 5x optical zoom, offering satisfactory results with room for improvement in noise control and background separation.
Moreover, the Galaxy S24 Ultra introduces the capability to capture 8K videos at 5x-10x zoom, alongside various video recording enhancements such as real-time camera switching and 120 fps video recording.
Performance
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor globally, the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers top-tier performance across various tasks, from gaming to multimedia consumption. The device maintains optimal performance levels, complemented by efficient heat dissipation mechanisms and improved chip efficiency.
Software: One UI 6.1
The Galaxy S24 series debuts with One UI 6.1, offering a blend of AI features and traditional software enhancements. Notable improvements include enhanced navigation gestures, customizable battery protection settings, and extended software support for seven years.
Software: AI
Samsung’s Galaxy AI experience integrates various AI features, ranging from real-time translations and summarization capabilities to generative editing tools and custom wallpaper generation. These features, though not exhaustive, exhibit practical utility and enhance user experience across different applications.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains exceptional battery life, lasting up to a day and a half with moderate usage. The device’s efficiency, coupled with AI features and enhanced displays, contributes to prolonged battery performance, making it a reliable companion for extended usage.
Verdict
The Galaxy S24 Ultra emerges as a worthy successor to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, surpassing expectations across design, display quality, performance, and battery life. The device’s AI features, coupled with extended software support, position it as Samsung’s best Ultra flagship to date, making it a compelling choice for prospective smartphone buyers seeking a premium experience.
