Full Review of Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra:
Samsung is gearing up to launch its new generation smartphone the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, in early 2024. As the successor to the highly acclaimed S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra has a lot to live up to. Based on the rumors and leaks so far, it looks like Samsung is pulling out all the stops to make the S24 Ultra its best smartphone yet.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what we know so far about the design, display, cameras, performance, software, battery life, and other key features of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. We’ll also consider how it stacks up against competitors and whether it’s worth upgrading from older Galaxy models.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Large 6.8″ QHD+ AMOLED display with slim bezels
- 200MP main camera and upgraded ISOCELL image sensors
- Powerful new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
- Up to 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging
- S Pen stylus with improved features
- One UI 6 software based on latest Android 14
- Ultra-premium design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Up to 2TB storage and 16GB RAM configurations
- 5G connectivity and WiFi 6E support
Cons:
- Still no headphone jack
- The design and size may be too large for some users
- Likely only incremental gains over S23 Ultra overall
- Top storage/RAM models could cost excessively more
- Flat display loses distinguishment from other flagships
Design and Display build:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to retain a similar design to its predecessor, with a large 6.8-inch curved display and sleek glass and metal construction. The bezels are rumored to be even thinner this time around for a more immersive viewing experience.
The display will continue to use AMOLED panel technology with a QHD+ resolution for stunning colors and deep blacks. But Samsung is likely to incorporate a newer generation panel for better brightness, contrast, and power efficiency.
A key upgrade will be switching to a completely flat display, unlike the slightly curved edges on previous Ultras. This should improve usability by reducing accidental touches on the curved sides. The edges are still expected to be rounded for comfort.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is also rumored to come equipped with the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability against drops and scratches. And it will probably retain IP68 dust and water resistance.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra refines the premium, all screen design of prior Ultra models for a more usable yet equally sleek look and feel.
Camera Capabilities of Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra
The Galaxy S series is renowned for it’s camera performance, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be no exception. It is expected to retain the beefy 200MP main sensor from the S23 Ultra but with some upgrades for improved quality.
Samsung is likely to use a newer ISOCELL HP2 sensor customized for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This should provide boosted light capture for better low light shots. The new sensor could also increase the pixel size for sharper, more detailed photos.
For the other three rear lenses, Samsung may switch to its own ISOCELL image sensors instead of Sony. Using ISOCELL across all four cameras will ensure greater color consistency and balanced performance across the ultrawide, telephoto, and periscope zoom lenses.
On the software side, the S24 Ultra is expected to capture pro-grade shots and video with differences in color and depth-of-field using the various lenses. New AI photo enhancements could further improve camera performance.
Performance and Processing Power
One advantage Samsung flagships have enjoyed over rivals in recent years is the use of the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for some models instead of its own Exynos processors. This will continue with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
It will likely be among the first phones powered by the recently announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. This new 4nm chip delivers faster CPU and GPU performance along with enhanced AI capabilities. It should handily outpace even the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 used in the S23 series.
Expect extremely swift and responsive performance whether gaming, multitasking, editing media files, or any other demanding use case. The S24 Ultra looks set to be one of the most powerful phones money can buy when it launches.
Software and User Interface
The Galaxy S24 Ultra will ship with the latest Android 14 OS out of the box. On top of that will be Samsung’s own One UI 6 software skin. This will introduce fresh visual tweaks like new fonts, icons, and themes for a more modern look.
One UI 6 also brings improved animations, gestures, and multitasking capabilities for a more seamless user experience. And Samsung will extend additional features like private sharing and video calls from other Galaxy devices onto the S24 Ultra.
Longtime Galaxy users should find the interface familiar and intuitive. But One UI 6 adds a touch of polish for an OS that already provides a ton of customization options.
Battery Life and Charging
One potential downside to the S24 Ultra is battery life. The rumored 5000 mAh capacity is only a minor bump up from the S23 Ultra’s 4800 mAh unit. Given the more powerful Snapdragon chip, runtime on a charge may not see huge gains.
On the plus side, fast charging support will improve significantly. The S24 Ultra will allegedly support up to 45W wired charging—a big step up from 25W on the S23—for quicker top ups. Fast wireless charging speed will double to 20W, charging just as rapidly without cables.
Faster charging is always welcome, even if actual battery life remains similar. Power users may need to carry chargers or battery packs for longer outings. But charging delays will be less of an issue with the S24 Ultra.
Other Key Features
Here are some other noteworthy features expected on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
S Pen stylus: The signature S Pen returns with improved handwriting and drawing capabilities. It slots neatly into the bottom of the phone when not in use.
High storage configurations: Options for up to 2TB of internal storage provides ample room for apps, media, games, and other files (although likely at a premium price).
Dual stereo speakers: A tuned AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos support delivers rich, immersive audio.
5G connectivity: Like its predecessor, the S24 Ultra offers super-fast 5G data speeds for media streaming, large downloads, and low-latency online gaming.
Wi-Fi 6E: Upgraded Wi-Fi protocol enables max wireless transfer rates on compatible networks.
Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor: The under-display fingerprint reader is convenient security that maintains the phone’s slick look.
Availability and Pricing
The Galaxy S24 Ultra release date will likely be in February 2024 following an unveiling in January. It should hit most major markets a couple weeks after the announcement.
As a premium flagship, the S24 Ultra will carry a suitably high price tag. Exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, but expect models to start around $1,200 and go up with more storage.
Trade-in deals from Samsung and carriers could potentially knock a few hundred dollars off for those upgrading from a recent device. For other buyers, the S24 Ultra will represent a considerable investment.
Top rivals at launch will include the next iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 11 Open, and other Android flagships. But none are likely to significantly undercut the S24 Ultra on pricing.
Should You Upgrade to the S24 Ultra?
For owners of the Galaxy S23 Ultra or even S22 Ultra, the S24 Ultra may not represent a must-have upgrade. While performance and camera upgrades are enticing, the overall experience promises to be similar.
But users of older premium Samsung phones like the S21 or S20 series stand to see more significant gains in display quality, speed, camera versatility, and other areas. The S24 Ultra shapes up to be a worthy successor for those with phones 2-3 years or older.
Beyond Samsung loyalists, the S24 Ultra deserves consideration from all smartphone shoppers wanting the best Android currently offers. Its expansive screen, pro-grade camera, and cutting-edge power should keep it atop benchmark lists and satisfy discerning users.
Just be prepared to pay a premium price to own Samsung’s next ultimate flagship phone. For buyers who can afford it, the S24 Ultra brings together elite hardware and extensive features for an unmatched mobile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
What colors will the S24 Ultra come in?
Specific color options are not confirmed yet, but Samsung usually offers its flagships in 3-4 colors. Expect subdued premium hues like black, white, gray, and a signature color (previous models came in green or burgundy).
How much RAM and storage will it have?
The S24 Ultra will likely offer 12GB of RAM in base models, with higher 16GB options also available. Storage should start at 128GB and range up to 1TB, with a 2TB configuration rumored in top-end models.
Does it have a headphone jack?
Unfortunately, Samsung ditched the headphone jack starting with the S21 series. Like recent models, the S24 Ultra will require use of wireless Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most impressive flagship phones ever released. It combines an elegant yet durable design with a brilliant AMOLED display, versatile quad camera system, leading-edge performance, and ample storage space.
While battery life could be better, extremely fast charging looks set to compensate. And the S Pen stylus provides unique advantages for productivity and creativity.
The S24 Ultra brings upgrades in all areas over its predecessors, even if they seem more iterative than revolutionary. For owners of older premium Samsung phones, the S24 Ultra will feel like a major step up on all fronts.
Of course, nothing is certain until Samsung’s official unveiling, expected in early 2024. But if early rumors play out, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands ready to claim the title of best Android phone from the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It will once again set the standard for flagship smartphones when it arrives.
