The two smaller siblings of the Galaxy S24 Ultra bear a striking resemblance to last year’s models, but they come equipped with new AI-driven functionalities and a commitment to seven years of software and security updates.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus may lack the larger display, 5x telephoto camera, and stylus of the pricier Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, in a year dominated by discussions of “Galaxy AI,” these distinctions may hold less significance as the phones hit the market on January 31st.
The latest S24 lineup from Samsung introduces a suite of AI-powered features that are consistent across all three models: the \(799.99 Galaxy S24, the \)999.99 Galaxy S24 Plus, and the $1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Ultra. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors in the US, these devices offer comparable on-device AI performance.
Notably, Samsung commits to providing seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the entire S24 series, aligning with Google’s extensive support for its Pixel 8 range.
My colleague Allison Johnson has detailed the AI-centric capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra in her preview. The range of features is extensive, with some drawing parallels to functionalities seen in Google’s Pixel lineup. Samsung leverages Google’s Gemini foundational models to drive its AI offerings. For instance, the voice notes app can now transcribe conversations, with an option to summarize the transcription automatically. Additionally, a Magic Editor-style feature enables post-capture subject movement in photos, while supporting Google’s Circle to Search feature.
Among the notable features is real-time two-way translations for phone calls in 13 languages, along with text message translations. The S24 lineup’s keyboard introduces “tone tweak,” allowing users to adjust the tone of text and access grammar and spelling suggestions. Tone options include “professional,” “casual,” “#social,” “polite,” and “emojify.”
While some features leverage cloud processing, a significant portion occurs on the device itself. Functions like Samsung Notes and translation features operate on-device, as do photo editing suggestions. Users can opt for on-device data processing via a settings toggle, sacrificing some AI features for enhanced privacy.
Beyond the AI enhancements, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus build upon the foundation set by the S23 series, with notable hardware upgrades. The screens are larger and brighter this year, with peak brightness reaching 2,600 nits. The S24 Plus boasts a higher 1440p resolution compared to the previous 1080p.
Camera specifications remain unchanged, featuring triple-camera setups with improvements in software support for HDR photography, extending to third-party social apps.
In North America, both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, while European variants utilize Samsung’s Exynos 2400 for Galaxy chip. The “for Galaxy” designation signifies enhanced performance similar to the previous generation.
Memory configurations vary, with the S24 offering 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB in the US. The S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. Battery capacities have slightly increased, with both models supporting wireless charging.
The devices feature aluminum frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, maintaining IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. Available color options include black, gray, violet, and yellow.
Samsung’s integration of generative AI features elevates the appeal of the S24 lineup, offering innovative tools for writing, photography, and communication. While these features may eventually extend to older Samsung models through software updates, they present a compelling reason to consider the latest entry-level flagships from the company.
