Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review

Hey there, Galaxy fans! Let’s chat about the S24 Ultra

So, Samsung’s dropped their latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I’ve been using it for a bit, and I’ve got some thoughts to share. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Key Features Summary:

• 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2600 nits peak brightness)
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
• Quad-camera system (200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto)
• 5,000mAh battery
• S Pen stylus support
• Galaxy AI features

Things to consider before buying a flagship smartphone

Before you jump on the S24 Ultra bandwagon, here are a few things to think about:

1. Budget: Let’s face it, this phone isn’t cheap. Make sure the features justify the cost for your needs.
2. Size preference: The S24 Ultra is a big phone. If you’ve got smaller hands or prefer a more compact device, you might want to try it out in person first.
3. Ecosystem: If you’re already invested in the Samsung or Android ecosystem, you’ll probably feel right at home. If not, consider if you’re ready to make the switch.
4. Usage patterns: Do you really need all those fancy AI features and the S Pen? If not, a less expensive model might suit you just fine.
5. Camera requirements: If you’re not a photography enthusiast, you might not need the advanced camera system.
6. Software updates: Samsung promises 7 years of OS and security updates, which is great for long-term value.

Impressive Display Features of the Samsung S24 Ultra

First up, the display. Samsung’s really upped their game here. The S24 Ultra sports a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that’s seriously bright – we’re talking 2,600 nits. In real-world terms, that means you can actually see what’s on your screen when you’re outside on a sunny day. Nice, right?

They’ve also used this new Corning Gorilla Armor glass that cuts down on reflections. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference when you’re trying to snap a pic or read a message outdoors.

Camera chops

Now, let’s talk cameras. The S24 Ultra’s got a pretty impressive setup:

• 200MP main sensor
• 12MP ultra-wide
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 50MP 5x telephoto

The 5x optical zoom is pretty cool. You can get some nice, detailed shots from a distance without that grainy, pixelated look. It’s handy for concerts, sports events, or just catching that perfect sunset shot without having to trek all the way up the hill.

AI stuff (because apparently everything needs AI now)

Samsung’s jumped on the AI bandwagon with what they’re calling Galaxy AI. Some of the features are pretty neat:

• Live translation for face-to-face conversations (could be a lifesaver when traveling)
• Circle to Search: A Google-powered feature for quick visual searches
• AI-assisted photo editing

Just a heads up though – some of these AI features might need a subscription after 2025. So, enjoy them while they’re free, I guess?

Power and battery life

Under the hood, you’ve got the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. In non-tech speak, it’s fast and can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.The battery is a beefy 5,000mAh, which should last you all day and then some. Some folks are reporting up to 60 hours of use. That’s pretty impressive, especially if you’re someone who forgets to charge their phone every night (guilty as charged).

S Pen: Still kicking

If you’re a fan of the S Pen, you’ll be happy to know it’s still here. It’s great for jotting down quick notes, doodling, or just feeling fancy when you’re scrolling through your phone.

Pros & Cons

Alternatives: Other options to consider

If you’re not quite sold on the S24 Ultra, here are a few alternatives worth checking out:

1. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Known for its excellent camera performance and clean Android experience. It’s a bit cheaper and might be more comfortable to hold for some users.
2. iPhone 15 Pro Max: If you’re open to switching to iOS, this is Apple’s top-of-the-line offering with comparable features.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24+: A slightly smaller and more affordable option with many of the same features as the Ultra.
4. OnePlus 12: Another powerful Android option that’s typically priced more competitively than Samsung’s flagships.
5. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Last year’s model is still a great phone and might be available at a discount now.

Each of these alternatives has its own strengths, so consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.

So, is it worth it?

Look, the S24 Ultra is a solid phone. It’s got a great display, impressive cameras, and enough power to keep up with whatever you’re doing. But it’s also not cheap.

One standout feature is the S Pen, which is more than just a stylus. It’s like having a magic wand for your phone – you can use it to control apps, take photos from a distance, and even jot down notes without unlocking your screen. If you’re into productivity or creativity, this little gadget might just be a game-changer for you.

Under the hood, the S24 Ultra is packing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which is definitely powerful. It’s worth noting that Snapdragon chips have generally been better at managing heat compared to Samsung’s own Exynos chips. So you shouldn’t have to worry about your phone turning into a hand warmer during intense gaming sessions or heavy multitasking.

If you’re coming from an older Galaxy model and you’re due for an upgrade, you’ll probably love these improvements. But if you’ve got a recent phone that’s still working well, you might not see a huge difference.

And hey, there are other options out there too. The Google Pixel 8 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max are both solid competitors worth checking out.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what you need and want in a phone. The S24 Ultra is packed with features, but only you can decide if those features are worth the price tag.

So, what do you think? Are you tempted by the S24 Ultra’s fancy S Pen tricks and cool-running chip, or are you happy with what you’ve got? Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts!

My Six-Month Experience with the S24 Ultra (Latest Update)

After using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for over half a year, I’d like to share some real-world insights that might help you in your decision-making process.

Overall Performance: I’m generally quite satisfied with the S24 Ultra. The heat dissipation is notably better than my previous Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, which had a tendency to overheat. The S24 Ultra runs smoothly, even during extended use.

Galaxy AI: While it’s a major selling point, I haven’t found myself using the Galaxy AI features much. If you’re not particularly drawn to these kinds of features, I wouldn’t make them a deciding factor. It’s likely that similar AI capabilities will become standard across most phones in the near future.

S Pen Usage: I mainly use the S Pen for taking screenshots, rather than its more advanced features. It’s handy, but not essential unless you have specific use cases in mind.

Accessories: My experience with the official accessories was mixed:

• Screen Protector: The official screen protector was disappointing. It was difficult to apply, and even the Samsung Experience Store staff couldn’t help. I ended up buying a better quality, easier-to-apply protector from the store instead.
• Standing Grip Case: While innovative, I found this less useful than expected. The handle loosened over time, and the silicone material often caught on pocket fabric, making it awkward to use. A standard case might be a better option for most users.

These experiences highlight that sometimes third-party accessories can be just as good, if not better, than official ones. Don’t feel pressured to stick with Samsung-branded accessories if you find alternatives that better suit your needs.

Final Thoughts: Despite some minor issues with accessories, my overall experience with the S24 Ultra has been positive. Its performance, especially in terms of heat management and smooth operation, has been impressive. While some features like Galaxy AI might not be game-changers for everyone, the core functionality of the phone is solid.

Remember, this review is based on my personal experience and doesn’t include complex technical tests. For in-depth performance analyses, you might want to check out various YouTube reviews that focus on benchmarks and other tests.