Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse of a phone that checks all the boxes. It boasts a sleek design with titanium rails, boxy corners, and a max 5X telephoto lens, making it a direct competitor to Apple's iPhone. The device is fast, reliable, and does everything you'd expect from a top-of-the-line smartphone. One of its standout features is the always-on display that shows your entire wallpaper, similar to the iPhone. The S24 Ultra also has a new feature called "Long Press" that allows you to select objects in photos and turn them into stickers for use in other apps. The phone's AI capabilities are tucked away but available when needed, making it feel like peak slab phone experience. The haptics are nice, and there's even an option for AI-generated wallpapers. However, the only two features missing from the Pixel specifically are Call Screening and Now Playing. While it may seem excessive to spend $1,300 on a phone, the S24 Ultra is worth it if you're looking for a device that has everything. The regular S24 and S24 Plus offer most of the same features at lower price points, but they lack some of the premium experience found in the Ultra. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an impressive device that's sure to satisfy even the most demanding users. While it may not be perfect, its impressive specs, sleek design, and robust feature set make it a top contender in the smartphone market.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a behemoth of a phone that exudes premium quality from every angle. The moment you pick it up, the solid build and weighty design make it feel like an absolute luxury item. The titanium color option is particularly striking, with the material's subtle sheen giving the phone a high-end look and feel. The device's dimensions are considerable, but the flat screen and boxier corners do wonders to mitigate its size. It's a design decision that pays off, as the S24 Ultra feels more balanced in the hand than you might expect. The 6.8-inch display is, of course, stunning, with vibrant colors and razor-sharp details making it a joy to gaze at. The always-on display is another notable feature, showing your entire wallpaper (or an ambient mode if you prefer) even when the phone is in standby mode. It's a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall premium feel of the device. And, as with most high-end phones, there are plenty of customization options available for the lock screen and widgets. In terms of build quality, the S24 Ultra feels rock-solid, with nary a creak or wobble in sight. The haptics are also top-notch, providing a satisfying click when you press on the screen. It's clear that Samsung has spared no expense in crafting this phone, and it shows in every detail. If there's one criticism to be made, it's that the S24 Ultra can feel a bit too big for some users' hands. However, if you're willing to live with its size, the rewards are many – a stunning display, impressive performance, and top-notch build quality make this phone an absolute must-have for fans of high-end Android devices.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an exceptional smartphone that checks all the boxes for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed device. While I was thoroughly impressed with its overall performance, one aspect of the phone that truly stood out to me was its battery life. With a massive 5,000mAh battery, the S24 Ultra provides a power-hungry user like myself with an entire day's worth of juice, even with heavy usage. In my testing, I consistently managed to squeeze out a full day's use on a single charge, and that's saying something considering the phone's impressive specs. One of the standout features of the S24 Ultra's battery life is its ability to efficiently manage power consumption. The phone's AI-powered battery management system does an excellent job of optimizing performance and conserving energy when needed. While there are cheaper options available in Samsung's lineup, such as the S24 Plus, which still offers a respectable 4,900mAh battery, the S24 Ultra's larger battery is a significant selling point for those who value all-day battery life. If you're willing to splurge on the top-of-the-line model, the S24 Ultra delivers on its promise of long-lasting power and reliable performance. In short, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts an impressive battery that can keep up with even the most demanding users. Its efficient power management system ensures that your phone stays charged throughout the day, making it a great choice for those who need a reliable device that can handle heavy usage.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts an impressive display that's sure to captivate even the most discerning viewer. The phone's Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a marvel of modern technology, with vibrant colors and razor-sharp details that make every image and video look stunning. One of the standout features of the display is its ability to show off beautiful wallpapers in high definition. With AI-generated options available, users can choose from an array of mesmerizing visuals that seem to come alive on the screen. The display's brightness and color accuracy are also noteworthy, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through photos. In terms of sheer size, the S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch display is among the largest in its class. While some may find this a bit overwhelming, others will appreciate the immersive experience it provides. The phone's flat screen and boxy corners also give it a sleek, modern look that's sure to turn heads. When it comes to multitasking, the S24 Ultra's display shines. With long-press support for selecting objects in photos, users can quickly create stickers and share them with friends and family. Additionally, the phone's always-on display now shows the full wallpaper, providing a constant visual treat even when the screen is locked. While some may bemoan the lack of innovation in Samsung's recent designs, it's hard to deny that the S24 Ultra's display is one of its strongest features. With stunning visuals and intuitive controls, this phone is sure to delight anyone who values a top-notch viewing experience. If you're in the market for a new device and prioritize display quality above all else, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is certainly worth considering. In terms of overall value, the S24 Ultra is priced at $1,300, which may seem steep for some users. However, with features like this exceptional display, it's hard to deny that you get what you pay for. If budget isn't a concern, this phone is an excellent choice – but if you're looking for something more affordable, the S24 Plus or regular S24 models might be worth exploring.
Camera
The camera on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse that delivers exceptional results in various lighting conditions. The quad-camera setup features a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP front camera, and two telephoto lenses with up to 5x optical zoom. In bright light, the camera captures stunning images with accurate colors and crisp details. The subject separation and bokeh effect are impressive, making it ideal for portrait photography. Low-light performance is also commendable, with minimal noise and excellent detail retention. The camera's ability to capture high-quality images in low-light conditions is a significant improvement over its predecessors. The telephoto lens offers an impressive 5x optical zoom, which is comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This feature allows for stunning close-up shots of distant subjects without compromising image quality. The lens also features a hybrid autofocus system that quickly locks onto the subject, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving objects or wildlife photography. The camera app is user-friendly and offers various shooting modes, including Pro mode, which provides manual controls for advanced users. The Super Steady feature allows for smooth video recording, even when walking or moving around. Additionally, the camera's AI-powered features, such as scene detection and auto-white balance, work seamlessly in the background to ensure optimal image quality. Overall, the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of its strongest features. It delivers exceptional results in various lighting conditions and offers a range of advanced features that cater to both casual and professional photographers. While it may not be perfect, the camera's capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who value high-quality image capture.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an impressive device that checks all the boxes for a flagship smartphone. With its reliable performance, sleek design, and feature-packed interface, it's easy to get excited about this phone. However, the elephant in the room is its price: $1,300. While the Ultra offers a plethora of features, including a stunning display, advanced camera capabilities, and seamless performance, one can't help but wonder if the price tag is justified. The truth is, you can get 98% of this phone for much less money. Samsung's own S24 Plus, for example, has a similar display and battery life, minus the S Pen and one telephoto camera, all for $300 off. The regular S24 model also offers nearly as many features as the Ultra, albeit with some compromises, at a significantly lower price point. This raises questions about the value proposition of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Is it really worth shelling out $1,300 for this phone when you can get similar experiences at lower prices? Ultimately, if you're looking to splurge on the best of the best and don't mind breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra might be the right choice. However, for those on a tighter budget or who value affordability more than premium features, there are certainly more cost-effective options available. The Ultra's price is undoubtedly its biggest hurdle to adoption, making it essential to weigh your priorities and decide whether this phone's feature set is worth the hefty price tag.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse of a smartphone that delivers unparalleled performance. With its top-of-the-line specs and optimized software, this device is capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. The phone's fast charging capabilities ensure that you're always connected, while the long-lasting 5,000mAh battery provides all-day power. The Exynos 2400 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM, makes sure that multitasking and gaming are seamless experiences. The S24 Ultra also boasts a lightning-fast storage system, allowing for quick app launches and data access. Whether you're streaming your favorite shows, playing graphics-intensive games, or simply browsing the web, this phone's performance will leave you impressed. In my testing, I found the phone to be incredibly responsive, with no noticeable lag or delays. The UI is snappy, and even resource-intensive apps like photo editing software load in a matter of seconds. The S24 Ultra's performance is also bolstered by its AI-powered optimization, which learns your usage habits and adjusts the system to provide optimal performance. This means that you'll get the most out of your phone without having to worry about battery drain or slowdowns. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers a top-notch Android experience that sets it apart from the competition. Its exceptional performance, combined with its long-lasting battery and feature-rich software, make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium smartphone experience.
Pros
1. The phone is reliable, fast, and does everything you need it to do.
2. The AI-powered features are convenient and useful.
3. The S24 Ultra has a premium feel with its titanium color and boxier corners.
4. The camera is top-notch.
Cons
1. The S24 Ultra is quite expensive.
2. Some users might find the phone's price to be a significant drawback.
3. The phone lacks some features from the Pixel series.
4. There may not be enough reason to switch if you're already happy with your current device.