Exploring the intricacies of a smartphone review, especially one as feature-rich as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, is a time-consuming endeavour. Rather than keeping you in suspense for weeks while I thoroughly examine the hardware and delve into its offerings, I’ve opted for a step-by-step approach. Join me on this journey as I gradually uncover the features and capabilities of Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Having spent only two days with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, my initial impressions lean heavily towards its design, which stands out more positively compared to its predecessors. The adoption of a titanium frame by Samsung adds a premium touch, elevating the S24 Ultra to the epitome of smartphone excellence. The integration of Galaxy AI features seamlessly complements the overall design, creating a harmonious user experience.
The prevalent trend of a titanium aesthetic in premium smartphones, pioneered by Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, is now being embraced by Samsung for Android users. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with unique colourways such as Titanium Gray, positions itself as a class apart. Notably, the titanium frame, excluding minor components like the volume rocker and power button, contributes to the phone’s distinct appearance.
In terms of weight, the S24 Ultra shows a negligible difference from its predecessor, but it slightly outpaces competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Despite its considerable size, the angular edges of the S24 Ultra make it feel more ergonomic, signalling a departure from the curved design seen in earlier models.
Maintaining Samsung’s commitment to durability, the Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to offer IP68-rated water and dust resistance, allowing users to bring their smartphones into the shower. This practical feature adds a layer of convenience to everyday use.
The display enhancements on the S24 Ultra include a matte-like finish compared to the glossy exterior of previous Ultra models. The 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz remains impressive. With an increased peak brightness of 2600 nits, the S24 Ultra outshines competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro.
Beneath the surface, the S24 Ultra boasts improved specifications, featuring the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring top-tier performance for Android phones. The device is available with 12 GB of RAM, catering to high-performance tasks, especially those involving the advanced AI capabilities of Samsung’s Galaxy AI.
The camera system undergoes substantial upgrades, with a 200-MP primary camera featuring a maximum aperture of f/1.7. Replacing the 10-MP telephoto camera from the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra now offers a 50-MP sensor with up to 5x optical telephoto zoom, promising sharper long-distance shots.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI proves its worth, seamlessly integrating with features like Circle to Search. Notably, the Instant Slow-mo capability stands out, allowing users to add a slow-motion effect after recording, providing greater flexibility in capturing moments.
While there’s much more to explore, including the battery capacity and charging speeds, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is shaping up to be a comprehensive package, living up to the expectations set by Samsung’s ultimate smartphone. Stay tuned for the full review, coming soon as the device officially goes on sale starting Jan. 31.
