Uniquely equipped with its own stylus, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out among a sea of iPhone look-alikes, making it a productivity powerhouse. The slim and lightweight S-Pen tucks neatly into the bottom of the device, ready for you to jot down notes, sketch, or highlight items for quick searches.
While the hardware has seen only minor upgrades, the real focus of this year’s flagship is on new software features. Like many tech companies, Samsung has embraced artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing its already robust photography and text-editing tools with machine-learning capabilities.
Similar to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera now lets you erase or move objects within photos, resize them, or even replace them entirely. AI also allows for post-capture re-cropping, creating new parts of an image from scratch.
AI extends to text messaging too, enabling you to alter the tone of your messages—be it more formal or casual. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also features real-time translation during phone calls in 13 languages, adding to Samsung’s expansive definition of AI.
If you’re considering whether Samsung’s latest phone is worth the upgrade, keep reading for our full review.
How We Tested the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
We’ve put the Galaxy S24 Ultra through its paces in various environments—at home, outdoors, and in the workplace. We tested its display and camera in different lighting conditions and challenged its battery life with high-resolution video streaming and demanding gaming apps. We also evaluated the S-Pen with Samsung’s creative and note-taking apps.
Design
The S24 Ultra retains much of the S23 series’ design but introduces a new flat display, thinner bezels, a satin matte finish, and a titanium frame. The flat display is especially beneficial when using the S-Pen, as it prevents the pen from slipping off the edges, making it easier to write and draw.
The titanium frame adds a premium feel and slightly increases the phone’s weight, a trade-off for improved durability. Samsung offers a range of subtle color options this year, with some vibrant exclusive colorways available on their online store.
Display and Performance
All models in the S24 series now feature a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, with the S24 and S24 Plus also adopting a 1Hz refresh rate for improved battery life. The S24 Ultra’s 1440p display is brighter than ever, peaking at 2600 nits, which is more than enough for any lighting conditions.
The Ultra is powered by the new Snapdragon 9 Gen 3 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring fast and efficient performance across all tasks, whether multitasking, gaming, or using the phone’s desktop-style Dex mode.
Camera
This year’s Ultra camera features a larger sensor, compensating for the reduced optical zoom range of the telephoto lens. The AI-driven software enhancements deliver richer, more detailed photos across a variety of conditions. Improved night mode and features like ‘erase reflections’ and ‘erase shadows’ make professional-quality photography accessible at the touch of a button.
Samsung’s photo-editing tools are comparable to those on the Pixel 8 series but with fewer restrictions, allowing more flexibility in manipulating images, even those containing people.
Artificial Intelligence
The S24 Ultra introduces a suite of AI-powered features, from advanced photo editing to real-time translation during phone calls. The AI tools are user-friendly and deliver impressive results, enhancing both photography and productivity.
Samsung’s new AI capabilities also extend to transcription and notetaking, where audio recordings can be automatically organized and summarized.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced at $1,349 for the 512GB model and $1,449 for the 1TB model, with pre-orders available now. The device officially launches on January 31, with various color options including titanium grey, titanium black, and titanium yellow. Additional exclusive colors are available through Samsung’s online store.
Whether upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is worth it depends on several factors, such as the current device you’re using, your needs, and how much you value the new features.
Why It Might Be Worth Upgrading:
- Advanced AI Features: The S24 Ultra introduces new AI-powered tools for photography, text messaging, and real-time translation. If you frequently use your phone for photography, these features can significantly enhance your experience.
- Improved Display: The brighter 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a peak brightness of 2600 nits offers one of the best viewing experiences on the market, especially in direct sunlight.
- S-Pen Integration: If you enjoy using a stylus for productivity or creative tasks, the S24 Ultra’s integrated S-Pen makes it a standout option.
- Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 9 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth performance across demanding apps and multitasking. It’s a solid upgrade if you’re looking for a phone that can handle heavy usage.
- Durability and Design: The new titanium frame adds to the phone’s premium feel and durability, making it a better choice if you need a robust device.
Why You Might Skip the Upgrade:
- Minor Hardware Upgrades: If you already own the S23 Ultra or another recent flagship, the hardware improvements might not be significant enough to justify the cost.
- Price: At $1,349 for the 512GB model and $1,449 for the 1TB model, the S24 Ultra is a significant investment. If your current phone is still performing well, you might prefer to wait for a more substantial upgrade.
- Size and Weight: The S24 Ultra is a large and somewhat heavy device. If you prefer more compact phones, this might not be the best fit for you.
If you’re using an older phone (like a Galaxy S21, iPhone 12, or earlier), or if the new AI features, S-Pen, and display improvements are important to you, upgrading to the Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely worth it. However, if you’re coming from the S23 Ultra or another recent high-end device, the improvements might not be significant enough to warrant the upgrade, unless you’re particularly drawn to the new AI capabilities or require the best performance available.
Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
While the S24 series may seem similar to its predecessor at first glance, the true advancements lie in the software. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most advanced Android device on the market, leveraging Google’s latest tools and AI features to offer a superior smartphone experience. It’s like having a high-powered laptop in your pocket.
If you’re in the market for a new phone and want the best Android experience available, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a top contender.
