Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Review: Samsung’s Latest Powerhouse
Samsung continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology with its newest Galaxy S24 series, and the Galaxy S24 Plus is no exception. Positioned as the middle child between the standard Galaxy S24 and the Ultra model, the S24 Plus delivers a balanced combination of high-end features without tipping into Ultra-level prices. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into every aspect of the Galaxy S24 Plus, helping you decide if this phone is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is a stunner. Samsung has made subtle yet meaningful changes to the design, refining the sharp edges of the Galaxy S23 Plus and opting for a more rounded frame that makes the device more comfortable to hold. The front and back are coated with Gorilla Glass Victus 3, making it not just visually appealing but also tough enough to handle daily wear and tear.
The aluminum frame gives it a premium feel, with slim bezels accentuating the 6.7-inch display. Coming in colors like Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender, and Green, the Galaxy S24 Plus manages to blend style with functionality effortlessly. Weighing in at around 195 grams, the phone feels neither too heavy nor too light, striking a good balance for one-handed use.
Display
When it comes to the display, Samsung’s Super AMOLED 2X continues to lead the market, and the 6.7-inch panel on the Galaxy S24 Plus is no exception. With a resolution of 2340 x 1080, it offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and razor-sharp clarity. The display supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring ultra-smooth scrolling, gaming, and animation transitions. You also get an impressive 1,750 nits of peak brightness, making it easily viewable even under direct sunlight.
Samsung hasn’t skimped on HDR10+ support either, ensuring you get the best visuals when streaming your favorite content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 3, which not only improves durability but also resists fingerprints and smudges surprisingly well.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Plus is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (in markets like the U.S.) or the Exynos 2400 chipset (in regions such as Europe and Asia). Both chipsets bring serious improvements over their predecessors, especially when it comes to AI-driven tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
With 8GB of RAM and storage options starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB, the phone handles multitasking and app-switching without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re juggling numerous apps or diving into heavy-duty games, the Galaxy S24 Plus delivers consistently smooth performance. You also get support for the latest connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring that the phone stays future-proof for the foreseeable future.
Software: One UI 6.0 and Android 14
Samsung’s One UI 6.0 is layered on top of Android 14, bringing an intuitive and feature-rich experience. The software interface is clean, customizable, and packed with useful features like multitasking gestures, always-on display customization, and improved privacy controls. Samsung’s ecosystem is also well integrated, making it easy to connect the phone with other Galaxy devices like tablets, earbuds, and smartwatches.
Samsung has also committed to long-term software support, promising at least four major Android updates and five years of security patches. This makes the Galaxy S24 Plus an excellent choice for those who want a phone that can keep up with the times for several years.
Camera System
The camera setup on the Galaxy S24 Plus consists of a triple-lens system that includes a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The 50 MP sensor has seen some key upgrades, especially in low-light performance and AI-enhanced processing. The result is sharp, vibrant photos in daylight and crisp, noise-free shots in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to Samsung’s Nightography mode.
For video enthusiasts, the phone can shoot 8K videos at 30fps and offers plenty of software-driven enhancements like Super Steady mode and AI Video mode, which adjust settings automatically for the best possible footage.
Battery Life and Charging
Samsung has packed a 4,900 mAh battery into the Galaxy S24 Plus, which delivers excellent endurance. On a single charge, you can expect the phone to last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, and for lighter users, it can easily stretch into a second day. When it comes to charging, the device supports 45W fast charging, meaning you can go from 0 to 50% in just about 30 minutes.
Additionally, the phone features 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, so you can top up your Galaxy Buds or another Qi-compatible device without needing a separate charger.
Gaming Performance
Gamers will be pleased with the Galaxy S24 Plus’s performance. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400), gaming is seamless. Popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact run smoothly on high settings without significant frame drops or stuttering. Samsung’s Game Booster optimizes performance during gaming sessions, adjusting settings like resolution and refresh rate to strike a balance between quality and battery life.
Heat management has also been significantly improved, with the device staying comfortably cool even during extended gaming sessions, thanks to its enhanced vapor chamber cooling system.
Security Features
The Galaxy S24 Plus offers robust security features, starting with an in-display fingerprint scanner that is quick and reliable. Face recognition also works well, though it’s best used in well-lit environments. Samsung’s Knox security system adds an additional layer of protection, safeguarding your sensitive data and offering features like Secure Folder and Privacy Dashboard.
Audio and Multimedia
The audio experience on the Galaxy S24 Plus is superb, with stereo speakers that offer rich, balanced sound. Thanks to Dolby Atmos support, the phone delivers immersive soundscapes, whether you’re watching movies or listening to music. While the lack of a headphone jack might be a downside for some, the wireless audio experience using Bluetooth 5.3 is top-notch, with minimal latency and excellent sound quality.
Durability and Water Resistance
With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S24 Plus is fully dustproof and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This means it can easily survive accidental splashes or even a short dip in the pool. The use of Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both the front and back enhances its durability, making it more resistant to scratches and drops.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Samsung is pushing forward with its sustainability efforts, and the Galaxy S24 Plus is no exception. The phone is built using recycled materials, including aluminum and glass, without compromising on build quality. The packaging has also been minimized, and it’s fully recyclable, in line with Samsung’s eco-conscious goals. Additionally, Samsung offers trade-in and recycling programs to help users dispose of old devices responsibly.
Price and Value Proposition
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus comes in at around $999, positioning it as a premium device without reaching the sky-high prices of the Ultra models. While this might still seem steep for some, it offers excellent value for the array of features it packs. Compared to the Galaxy S24, the Plus model provides a bigger screen, better battery life, and enhanced features that justify the price difference.
Competitor Comparison
Galaxy S24 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Pro
When compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Plus holds its ground with a larger display, higher refresh rate, and more flexible Android ecosystem. However, the iPhone 15 Pro edges out in raw processing power with its A17 Bionic chip and more consistent iOS updates.
Galaxy S24 Plus vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro might win on the camera front with its exceptional computational photography, but the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a more refined hardware design, superior gaming performance, and a broader range of features in One UI 6.0.
Galaxy S24 Plus vs. OnePlus 12
While the OnePlus 12 offers strong competition with its fast charging and near-stock Android experience, the Galaxy S24 Plus edges it out in terms of display quality, build materials, and long-term software support.
Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is a versatile and powerful smartphone that will appeal to both casual users and power users alike. Its stunning display, capable camera system, and premium build make it a standout device in the 2024 smartphone market. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, the Galaxy S24 Plus is hard to beat.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus?
The main differences lie in screen size, battery capacity, and slightly faster charging capabilities in the S24 Plus.
2. How does the Galaxy S24 Plus camera compare to the iPhone 15 Pro?
Both cameras are excellent, but the iPhone 15 Pro has a slight edge in color accuracy and low-light performance, while the Galaxy S24 Plus excels in versatility and AI-enhanced features.
3. Is the battery life of the S24 Plus good for heavy users?
Yes, the 4,900 mAh battery will comfortably last a full day, even with heavy usage like gaming or video streaming.
4. Can you expand the storage on the Galaxy S24 Plus?
No, the Galaxy S24 Plus does not support microSD expansion, so users should choose their storage option wisely.
5. How long will the Galaxy S24 Plus receive software updates?
Samsung has committed to four major Android updates and five years of security updates, making it one of the most future-proof Android devices.