Since its release, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has held its position as one of the most capable and premium smartphones in the market. Samsung’s flagship model for 2024 boasts an array of features designed to cater to power users, photographers, and professionals. But how does it hold up months after its initial launch? This in-depth review examines its performance, build quality, camera capabilities, software experience, and more to see if it’s still worth the hefty price tag.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s design is a perfect balance between form and function. It retains the squared-off aesthetic of its predecessor, giving it a distinctive and professional look. The matte finish on the rear panel adds a touch of elegance and practicality by minimizing fingerprints and smudges.
- Materials: Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both the front and back paired with an aluminum frame ensures durability.
- Ergonomics: Despite its size (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) and weight (234g), the phone feels comfortable to hold, thanks to its subtle curved edges.
- IP68 Rating: You can confidently take it out in the rain or even submerge it briefly in water.
Samsung’s choice to refine rather than overhaul its design philosophy pays off, delivering a smartphone that feels premium without losing functionality.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is arguably the best on the market. With a QHD+ resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, it delivers stunning sharpness and color accuracy.
- Brightness: Its peak brightness of 2,500 nits makes outdoor viewing a breeze, even in direct sunlight.
- Smoothness: The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate ensures seamless transitions and smooth scrolling, while also conserving battery life when static content is displayed.
- HDR10+ Support: Streaming movies or playing games becomes an immersive experience with vibrant colors and deep contrasts.
Over time, the display has proven its reliability, with no noticeable degradation or issues such as burn-in, a testament to Samsung’s engineering prowess.
Performance: Power Unleashed
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in select markets), the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers unmatched performance for any task you throw at it.
- Benchmark Results: It scores consistently high on Geekbench and AnTuTu, rivaling and sometimes surpassing competing flagships.
- Gaming: Titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at max settings, with minimal heat generation thanks to an advanced cooling system.
- Multitasking: With up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, switching between apps is instantaneous, and productivity features such as DeX mode elevate its utility.
Samsung’s One UI 6.0, layered over Android 14, enhances the user experience with intuitive controls and frequent updates, ensuring top-tier security and feature additions.
Camera: Redefining Mobile Photography
The camera system is where the S24 Ultra truly shines, featuring a versatile quad-camera setup:
- Main Camera (200MP): Captures exceptional detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. Samsung’s improved pixel-binning technology allows for breathtaking low-light photography.
- Ultra-Wide (12MP): Perfect for landscapes, offering minimal distortion at the edges.
- 3x Telephoto (10MP): Produces sharp and vibrant portraits.
- Periscope Telephoto (10MP, 10x optical zoom): Delivers astonishing clarity at a distance, with digital zoom extending up to 100x for creative shots.
Software Enhancements:
- Pro Mode: Gives photographers granular control over settings.
- Nightography: Enhances low-light photography, minimizing noise while retaining detail.
- Video Recording: 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with advanced stabilization ensure professional-grade videos.
After months of use, the cameras continue to perform flawlessly, cementing the S24 Ultra’s status as a leader in smartphone photography.
Battery Life: Built to Last
The 5,000mAh battery provides excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use.
- Charging Speeds: Supports 45W wired charging, taking the phone from 0% to 70% in under 30 minutes.
- Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging is convenient, though slower compared to wired.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Handy for topping up accessories like Galaxy Buds or another smartphone.
Samsung’s intelligent battery management adapts to your usage patterns, ensuring optimal performance over time.
Additional Features
- S Pen Integration: The S Pen adds a layer of productivity unmatched by other smartphones, whether it’s jotting down notes or editing photos.
- Connectivity: The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and UWB ensures the phone is future-proofed for years to come.
- Security: Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and face unlock are fast and reliable.
Pricing and Availability
Months after its release, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s price has slightly dropped but remains a significant investment. With starting prices around $1,199, it’s clear this phone is aimed at those who want the best of the best. Samsung’s trade-in offers and financing options make it slightly more accessible.
Verdict: Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra Still King?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to dominate the premium smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of design, performance, and innovative features. While it isn’t perfect—its size and price may deter some—the overall package is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Stunning display and build quality.
- Outstanding camera system.
- Exceptional performance and longevity.
Cons:
- Premium pricing.
- Large size and weight may not suit all users.
Final Rating: 4.8/5
For those seeking the pinnacle of smartphone technology, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains an excellent choice.