Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Is It the Best Smartphone of 2024?
Design and Build Quality: Titanium Frame Sets a New Standard
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra immediately distinguishes itself with a titanium frame, mirroring the premium material choice in recent high-end smartphones. This alloy reduces weight while enhancing durability, offering a sense of rugged sophistication. The device feels substantial yet balanced in hand, with a matte finish on the back that resists fingerprints. The controversial curved edges of previous Ultras are gone, replaced by a completely flat display. This design shift improves usability with stylus input and reduces accidental touches. The S Pen silo remains integrated, a signature feature for Note-series enthusiasts. Build quality is exceptional, with IP68 water and dust resistance ensuring reliability in various conditions. The overall aesthetic is minimalist and professional, available in colors like Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow. Tactile buttons provide satisfying haptic feedback, and the under-display fingerprint sensor is swift and accurate.
Display: A Flawless Viewing Experience
Samsung’s display technology continues to lead, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a masterpiece. The move to a fully flat panel is welcomed by many, providing consistency across the entire surface. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits, visibility under direct sunlight is unparalleled. The QHD+ resolution ensures razor-sharp details, while the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate delivers butter-smooth scrolling and gaming. HDR10+ support brings vibrant, true-to-life colors to supported content. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor, which significantly reduces reflections and improves scratch resistance. Whether consuming media, editing photos, or reading documents, this screen sets a high bar for clarity and responsiveness. The always-on display feature is highly customizable, showing relevant information at a glance.
Performance: Unmatched Power with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
At the heart of the Galaxy S24 Ultra lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a chipset optimized specifically for Samsung’s flagship. This processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM, handles everything with effortless ease. Multitasking between demanding apps, intensive gaming sessions like Genshin Impact at max settings, and 4K video editing are all seamless. Thermal management is improved, preventing noticeable throttling during prolonged use. Storage options start at 256GB, with 512GB and 1TB variants available, all using fast UFS 4.0 technology. Benchmark scores top the charts, but real-world performance is what impresses: apps launch instantly, and the user interface is consistently fluid. This device is built for power users who demand peak performance without compromise. Graphics-intensive tasks are handled with aplomb, thanks to the advanced Adreno GPU.
Camera System: Versatility and AI Enhancement
The camera array on the S24 Ultra is robust, headlined by a 200MP wide sensor. This high-resolution shooter captures immense detail, allowing for extreme cropping without quality loss. The 50MP periscope telephoto lens offers a 5x optical zoom, complemented by a 10MP telephoto for 3x optical zoom. A 12MP ultra-wide sensor rounds out the rear setup. Low-light photography sees improvements with larger pixels and enhanced processing. The 12MP front camera delivers sharp selfies and clear video calls. Where the S24 Ultra truly innovates is through AI-powered features. Nightography modes produce brighter, less noisy images in darkness. AI Edit suggests enhancements and can remove or reposition objects in photos seamlessly. Video recording supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, with superior stabilization. Pro mode offers granular control for enthusiasts, and the Director’s View assists in vlogging.
Software and AI: One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI Integration
The software experience is defined by One UI 6.1 over Android 14, with a promise of seven years of OS and security updates. This long-term support is a significant advantage. The interface is clean, customizable, and packed with features. Galaxy AI is the star, offering tools like Live Translate for real-time language translation during calls and messages, Chat Assist for refining tone in texts, and Note Assist for summarizing and formatting notes from the S Pen. Circle to Search with Google allows instant searching from any screen. These AI functionalities are integrated thoughtfully, enhancing productivity without being gimmicky. The S Pen continues to offer precise input for drawing, note-taking, and remote control, cementing the device’s productivity focus. Samsung DeX transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.
Battery Life: Endurance That Lasts a Full Day
A 5000mAh battery powers the Galaxy S24 Ultra, providing all-day battery life under typical usage. With moderate use involving browsing, messaging, and some media consumption, the device easily lasts from morning to night. Heavy usage, including gaming and extensive camera use, may require a mid-day top-up. The phone supports 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While the charging speed is not the fastest in the market, it is adequate, reaching About 65% in 30 minutes. Power efficiency from the Snapdragon chip and software optimizations contribute to sustained performance, making the S24 Ultra a reliable companion for travel and long days. Battery health features help maintain longevity over years of use.
Competitive Landscape: Standing Against iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 8 Pro
In the race for the best smartphone of 2024, the S24 Ultra faces stiff competition. The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a sleek titanium design, exceptional video capabilities, and the seamless Apple ecosystem. However, it lacks the versatility of the S Pen and the level of zoom photography offered by Samsung. The Google Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography and AI features, with a more affordable price point, but its Tensor chip falls short in raw performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Other contenders like the OnePlus 12 offer similar specs at lower prices but without the comprehensive software support and brand prestige. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra challenges with its camera system but has limited global availability. The S24 Ultra’s combination of top-tier hardware, software longevity, and unique S Pen functionality gives it a distinct edge for power users.
Pricing and Value: A Premium Investment
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model, positioning it at the highest end of the smartphone market. This premium price reflects the cutting-edge materials, performance, and features. While expensive, the seven years of software updates enhance long-term value, potentially extending the device’s usable life. Trade-in programs and carrier deals can mitigate the cost. For professionals and enthusiasts who leverage the S Pen, advanced cameras, and AI tools, the investment may be justified. However, for average users, mid-range phones or previous-generation flagships might offer better value. The S24 Ultra is unapologetically a luxury product aimed at those seeking the absolute best. The 1TB variant caters to users needing massive storage for 8K video and high-resolution photos.
Daily Use Impressions: A Productivity Powerhouse
In everyday scenarios, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels as a multitasking hub. The S Pen is invaluable for quick notes, precise photo edits, and signing documents. The bright, flat display makes outdoor use pleasant. AI features like Live Translate are practical for travelers, while Chat Assist helps craft professional emails. The camera system captures stunning photos in various lighting, though the 5x zoom is more practical than the 10x digital zoom for most. Battery anxiety is minimal, and performance never stutters. The titanium frame feels premium, though the device is still large and heavy, which may not suit all hands. One UI’s customization options allow tailoring the experience, but the learning curve for all features can be steep. Call quality is excellent, and the stereo speakers offer rich, immersive audio for media consumption.
Assessing the Best Smartphone Claim
The question of whether the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best smartphone of 2024 hinges on user priorities. For creatives, business professionals, and tech enthusiasts who demand a large, brilliant display, stylus input, versatile cameras, and top performance, it is arguably unmatched. The integration of useful AI features and unparalleled software support strengthens its case. However, if ecosystem integration, video recording, or a more compact form factor are critical, the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be preferable. Similarly, those prioritizing pure Android and groundbreaking computational photography might lean towards the Pixel 8 Pro. The S24 Ultra’s strengths lie in its no-compromise approach: it offers every high-end feature possible in a smartphone today, executed with precision. Its titanium build, flat display, and long-term software commitment address previous criticisms, refining an already excellent formula. While not perfect—its size and price are significant considerations—it sets a benchmark that competitors must strive to meet. For those who can afford it and will utilize its capabilities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Android smartphone technology in 2024, making a compelling argument for the title of best smartphone. The decision ultimately rests on individual needs, but Samsung’s flagship makes a formidable case with its comprehensive feature set and relentless innovation.