Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Samsung’s Flagship Powerhouse

Samsung’s flagship devices always set a high bar, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra continues that tradition. As the latest in the Ultra series, this phone combines cutting-edge technology with premium design and performance to appeal to power users and tech enthusiasts. In this review, we will dive into all aspects of the S24 Ultra, from its display and performance to camera capabilities and battery life, to see if it truly lives up to its “Ultra” name.

Design and Build Quality

One glance at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra tells you that it’s a premium device. Samsung has crafted this flagship with high-end materials that both look and feel luxurious. The chassis is made from Armor Aluminum, and the back is finished with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3, offering a blend of aesthetics and durability.

Despite being a large device, the phone’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold. It’s slightly boxier than the previous model, but the curved edges and slim profile give it a polished, modern look. The color options are elegant, ranging from Phantom Black and Cream to new shades like Burgundy and Sky Blue, catering to a variety of tastes.

With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is water and dust resistant, making it suitable for rugged conditions. Whether you accidentally drop it in water or expose it to dust, the phone is built to withstand such mishaps, adding to its durability credentials.

Display Quality

Samsung has always excelled in the display department, and the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is no exception. With a QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440) and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth scrolling, whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or browsing social media.

The brightness levels on this display are remarkable, peaking at around 2500 nits. This makes outdoor visibility effortless, even in direct sunlight. Additionally, HDR10+ support ensures that high-definition content looks stunning, with enhanced contrast and details. The Always-On Display is customizable, adding convenience without draining too much battery life.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in the U.S.) or the Exynos 2400 (in other regions). These chipsets offer blazing-fast performance, enabling seamless multitasking, fast app loading, and powerful gaming experiences.

With 12GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the variant, and up to 1TB of internal storage, this phone is more than equipped to handle anything from heavy-duty applications to storing massive files. And while it lacks expandable storage via microSD, cloud storage solutions help offset this for most users.

The Adreno 750 GPU (for Snapdragon variants) delivers exceptional gaming performance, with titles like “Genshin Impact” and “Call of Duty Mobile” running smoothly at high frame rates. For those concerned about thermal management, the device performs admirably, staying relatively cool even during extended gaming sessions.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. One UI is packed with customization options, allowing users to tailor their device’s look and feel. From home screen layouts to icon shapes, you can personalize every inch of the interface.

Samsung continues to push its multi-window features, making it easy to multitask with split-screen apps or floating windows. One UI also introduces some new quality-of-life improvements like enhanced widgets and improved privacy settings, which are always a welcome addition.

However, like previous Samsung devices, the S24 Ultra comes with a bit of bloatware. Fortunately, many pre-installed apps can be uninstalled or disabled, leaving room for more customization.

Cameras

If there’s one area where the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra shines, it’s the camera. The phone is equipped with a quad-camera system, headlined by a 200MP primary sensor. The sheer amount of detail captured by this camera is impressive, whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits.

The ultra-wide 12MP lens captures more of the scene without distortion, making it perfect for group shots or stunning wide-angle landscapes. Then there’s the telephoto camera, which offers 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital “Space Zoom”. Zoom performance has improved, producing sharper images even at extreme distances.

Low-light photography has also seen enhancements thanks to Nightography and improved AI algorithms that reduce noise and enhance details in dim conditions. For video enthusiasts, the S24 Ultra supports up to 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, offering excellent stabilization for smooth footage.

Battery Life

With a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides reliable all-day battery life, even with heavy use. During my testing, I consistently got around 7-8 hours of screen-on time, even with demanding tasks like gaming and 4K video streaming.

Charging is also fast, thanks to the phone’s 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging capabilities. In less than an hour, you can juice up the phone to 100%. Samsung’s battery optimization features, like adaptive power saving and enhanced sleep mode, help extend battery life even further when you need it.

S Pen Integration

One of the standout features of the Ultra line is the inclusion of the S Pen, which continues to get better with each iteration. For fans of the Galaxy Note series, the S Pen integration on the S24 Ultra will feel right at home.

The stylus now boasts improved precision and lower latency, making it perfect for sketching, note-taking, and even navigating the interface. Whether you’re signing documents, creating art, or jotting down quick ideas, the S Pen feels responsive and easy to use.

Audio and Haptics

Samsung doesn’t skimp when it comes to audio. The stereo speakers on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, tuned by AKG, provide immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support. Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the audio is crisp, clear, and loud, with deep bass that doesn’t distort.

For those who prefer wireless audio, the S24 Ultra supports a range of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including aptX and LDAC, ensuring that your wireless listening experience is top-notch.

Security Features

In terms of security, the S24 Ultra offers several layers of protection. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, while face unlock is another convenient option for quickly accessing your phone.

Samsung’s Knox security suite is built-in, providing defense-grade security that keeps your data safe from malware and other threats. Whether you’re using your phone for work or personal use, Samsung ensures that security is a priority.

Connectivity and Network Performance

As a flagship device, the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring that you’re future-proofed in terms of connectivity. In my experience, download and upload speeds were lightning-fast, and call quality was excellent.

The phone also supports dual SIM (with eSIM options), giving you flexibility when traveling or managing work and personal numbers.

Storage Options and Expandability

Samsung has packed the S24 Ultra with up to 1TB of internal storage, but there’s no microSD card support. While this may disappoint some users who rely on expandable storage, the base model starts with a generous 256GB, which should be enough for most users. Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Samsung Cloud are also viable alternatives for extra storage needs.

Price and Value for Money

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a hefty price tag, starting at around $1,299. While this is undeniably expensive, the S24 Ultra offers long-term value thanks to Samsung’s commitment to software updates and its versatile feature set. When compared to competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the S24 Ultra holds its own, especially when considering its camera performance, display, and the added functionality of the S Pen.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz
Best-in-class 200MP camera system
Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with fast charging
Integrated S Pen for added productivity
Great software support with One UI 6.0

Cons

No expandable storage (no microSD)
Large size may be uncomfortable for some users
Expensive

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse that offers just about everything you could want in a smartphone. From its stunning display to its versatile camera system, excellent performance, and the S Pen integration, it’s a device designed for power users. While the high price tag may be a deterrent for some, those who invest in this flagship will be getting a phone that’s built to last and deliver top-tier performance for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra? The S24 Ultra offers a better display, an improved camera system, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, along with better battery efficiency and faster charging speeds.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra support expandable storage? No, the S24 Ultra does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
How good is the camera zoom on the S24 Ultra? The camera system features a 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom, producing excellent images even at higher magnifications.
Can the S24 Ultra handle high-end gaming? Absolutely. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Adreno 750 GPU, the S24 Ultra handles high-end gaming with ease.
How durable is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? The phone has a durable Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.