Ever desire to own the most advanced smartphone? Samsung’s S-series Ultra has consistently stood out as that premier device, and the trend continues with the Ultra model for 2024. Introducing the Galaxy S24 Ultra, featuring a new titanium finish, an array of AI tools, and an increased base price of \(1,299, up from the previous \)1,199.
A notable enhancement in this year’s Ultra model is its construction. Samsung has opted for a titanium frame, akin to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro, emphasizing improved durability. Unlike Apple’s approach to reduce weight, Samsung prioritizes durability over weight reduction by utilizing titanium, a heavier but sturdier material. Consequently, the S24 Ultra maintains a similar weight to its predecessor, the S23 Ultra (8.22oz or 232 grams), slightly heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Another significant alteration is evident in the display. The S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch 1440p display, retaining the size of the S23 Ultra but departing from the curved edges inherited from the Note series in favor of a flat screen design. Although a subtle curve remains at the edge, unlike the straight-edged S24 and S24 Plus, the new design minimizes the risk of accidental interactions with the S Pen along the display’s sides.
The rear of the phone undergoes a hardware transformation as well: Samsung replaces the S23 Ultra’s 10-megapixel 10x zoom with a 50-megapixel 5x zoom. Employing a lossless crop zoom to achieve 10x magnification, Samsung assures that the image quality at 10x may surpass that of the S23 Ultra. Despite the shift from a native focal length, the new configuration aims to enhance the user experience. Additionally, the remaining four cameras retain the same specifications as the previous model, including a 200-megapixel f/1.7 main camera, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide shooter at the back, and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.
The introduction of AI features marks a significant aspect of the new phone series. Samsung integrates a wide range of AI functionalities, blending local and cloud-based features while leveraging Google’s Gemini foundational models on-device. This strategic move eliminates the need to opt for a larger Pixel 8 Pro to access Google’s full suite of AI capabilities.
Furthermore, the S24 series introduces innovative image and video editing tools powered by generative AI, denoted by a distinctive star icon reminiscent of Google’s design language. Users can now isolate, resize, reposition, or remove photo subjects with ease. Noteworthy video capabilities include the ability to convert any video into a 120fps slow-motion clip post-capture, facilitated by AI interpolation for seamless frame insertion.
The system-wide enhancements extend to features like Circle to Search from Google, enabling effortless on-screen content search by circling the desired item. Additionally, AI-driven translation functionalities enrich communication experiences, offering real-time speech translation during phone calls in 13 languages and text translation within Samsung’s keyboard app for diverse chat services. The voice recorder now supports live transcriptions with speaker labels and translation capabilities, while the Notes app introduces automated formatting and summarization features for enhanced productivity.
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset globally, ensuring consistent performance across regions. Connectivity sees an upgrade to Wi-Fi 7, enhancing network capabilities for seamless user experience.
While the absence of Qi2 wireless charging may disappoint some users, Samsung’s commitment to offering seven years of OS upgrades and security updates for the S24 series brings substantial value. Despite the slightly higher price tag for the Ultra variant this year, the extended support ensures a longer lifespan for the device, making it a worthwhile investment.
Preorders for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, starting at $1,299 for 256GB storage, are now open, with shipping commencing on January 31st, catering to tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge features and long-term usability.
