Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the pinnacle of flagship smartphones, designed for those who believe in the philosophy that more is always better—and are willing to pay for it. Fortunately, that investment pays off. The S24 Ultra boasts a stunning display, top-tier performance that far surpasses the Pixel 8 Pro, and an impressive multi-lens camera system. However, it’s not without its quirks. While Samsung’s software bloat remains a known issue, one puzzling omission is the lack of Qi2 wireless charging—perhaps something to expect in next year’s model
Design
As the spiritual heir to the Galaxy Note series, the S24 Ultra maintains the signature aesthetic of its predecessors. It retains the built-in S Pen, neatly tucked away in a compartment at the bottom left. With its large footprint (6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches) and weighty feel (8.18 ounces), this phone is undeniably substantial. While the size isn’t an issue for everyone, its sharp edges can be a bit uncomfortable when held for extended periods.
Much like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra incorporates titanium into its frame, delivering a premium feel and sleek aesthetic that surpasses the anodized aluminum of past models. However, Samsung has opted for a more squared-off design rather than the previous curved edges—likely to complement this year’s introduction of a flat display. The frame is glossy and smooth, lacking the iPhone’s subtle brushed finish, yet arguably looking even better while avoiding the streaky discoloration issue that plagues Apple’s flagship.
That said, titanium isn’t the star of the show—the S24 Ultra is still primarily made of glass. The back panel is Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering improved durability, but it’s also incredibly slippery. If you prefer going case-free, be prepared for a risky grip experience. A slim protective case is a smart investment, though it does come with trade-offs. Personally, I picked up Samsung’s silicone case for convenience, but the added bulk and weight quickly became a regret.
A Wobbly Experience
One notable drawback of the S24 Ultra is its wobbling issue. Like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it features a large camera module protruding from one corner, preventing it from lying flat on a surface. This means every tap on the screen can cause an annoying wobble. Google tackled this with its Pixel camera bar, which runs across the entire width of the phone, and it’s surprising that Samsung hasn’t adopted a similar solution yet.
Colorful Choices & Button PlacementSamsung offers the S24 Ultra in a more vibrant range of colors compared to Apple’s muted iPhone Pro lineup. My unit came in Titanium Green, a subdued greenish-gray hue complemented by a dark gray titanium frame. Other standout shades include Titanium Blue, Titanium Orange, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow—a welcome departure from the usual monochrome options. For those who prefer a classic look, Titanium Black and Titanium Gray are also available.
Samsung also follows Google’s approach by placing all the buttons on the right side of the phone, whereas Apple splits them between both sides. However, the volume keys sit above the power button, which might feel unnatural for those switching from another brand. It’s a small but noticeable quirk that takes some getting used to.
Samsung has made three significant display enhancements with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, firmly cementing its place among the top-tier flagship smartphones in terms of screen quality. Without a doubt, this is the most impressive smartphone display I’ve ever experienced.
One of the most notable upgrades is Samsung’s long-overdue decision to ditch the curved screen edges—a welcome change that eliminates glare and accidental touches, which were persistent issues in previous models. However, in aligning with the device’s boxier design, Samsung has also opted for fully squared-off display corners, which feels like a missed opportunity. Unlike Apple and Google, which incorporate sleek, curved display corners that add a sense of refinement, the S24 Ultra’s sharp, utilitarian design leans more towards function than elegance, giving it a slightly brick-like aesthetic. sawir
the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first and only smartphone to feature Corning Gorilla Armor on its display, setting a new standard for durability and scratch resistance. Three months in, my screen still looks flawless, just as it did on day one. Beyond toughness, Gorilla Armor also reduces glare and reflections, which became particularly valuable during my time in Mexico City, where nearly every day was a blazing, cloudless one.
A Display That Stands Above the Rest
Samsung has delivered a substantial upgrade over its predecessors with the S24 Ultra’s display—a true standout feature in the flagship space. The phone boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with a 1440 x 3120 resolution (505 PPI), a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an
astonishing 2600 nits of peak brightness.
Cameras
Samsung showcases its hardware expertise once again with the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s impressive quad-lens rear camera system and high-quality front-facing camera. Both on paper and in real-world performance, this setup proves to be exceptionally capable, effortlessly handling every photography and videography challenge I put it through.
Samsung’s “More is More” Camera Philosophy
Samsung, much like Apple, strikes a balance between high-resolution and standard-resolution lenses in its flagship camera system. However, in true Samsung fashion, the S24 Ultra takes things to another level, offering an ultra-high-resolution primary sensor and not one, but two dedicated telephoto lenses—each with its own optical zoom capability. While other flagship smartphones settle for less, Samsung ensures its device stands out in the premium photography arena.
The 200MP Powerhouse
The main sensor is nothing short of a beast. This 24mm wide lens boasts an incredible 200MP resolution, an f/1.7 aperture, multi-directional phase detection autofocus (PDAF), laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). Depending on your preference, you can shoot photos at binned 12MP, enhanced 50MP, or the full 200MP resolution.
Surprisingly, capturing images in 200MP mode doesn’t affect performance, though the file sizes can get hefty. Interestingly, changing the resolution also alters the available zoom presets in the Camera app.
- 12MP mode offers quick access to 0.6x, 1x, 3x, 5x, and 10x zoom (with temporary options for 2x, 30x, and 100x).
- 50MP mode reduces presets to 1x and 5x (with **2x and 10x available in the secondary selection).
- 200MP mode keeps just 5x as the primary option, with 1x, 2x, and 10x in the secondary range.
Samsung’s approach ensures maximum flexibility and control, making the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system one of the most versatile on the market
. Battery
Before my recent trip to Mexico City, I had planned to rely on my Pixel 8 Pro for daily use. Knowing its battery wouldn’t last a full day of sightseeing and photo-taking, I bought an Anker Nano power bank to keep it going. However, just before the trip, I decided to upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While I did pack the power bank as a backup, it ended up staying in my bag because the S24 Ultra’s battery life was more than enough to get me through the day without a charge.
Impressive Performance with Fast Charging Support
The S24 Ultra offers outstanding battery life, and should you need to recharge, it supports 45-watt fast charging with the appropriate charger. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max also provides solid all-day battery performance, the S24 Ultra takes things a step further. Like other flagship devices, you can get 50% of your charge in around 30 minutes—and a full charge will likely take 60 to 70 minutes—although I rarely saw the battery drop that low during my testing. This long-lasting battery and quick recharging make the S24 Ultra an absolute game-changer for heavy users.
