Samsung’s freshest smartphone integrates a myriad of cutting-edge AI features aimed at enhancing text, images, video, and search – a mix of successes and shortcomings.
The recently unveiled Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a fusion of Samsung and Google’s most advanced AI technologies atop one of the market’s most formidable phones, loaded with specs that outshine the competition.
However, this impressive array of capabilities comes with a hefty price tag of £1,249 (€1,469/$1,299.99/A$2,199), maintaining the UK pricing of its predecessor but presenting a higher cost in the US and other global regions.
The overall design maintains a familiar aesthetic, evolving iteratively from its predecessors. Noteworthy changes include a fully flat screen, departing from the curved display, and the incorporation of new titanium sides, reminiscent of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This alteration provides a grippier finish, theoretically enhancing durability and strength. The display features Corning’s latest Gorilla Armor glass, boasting improved scratch resistance and significantly reduced reflectivity. This, coupled with the super-bright screen, ensures seamless usability outdoors, even on the sunniest days.
Under the hood, the S24 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering a notable 20% increase in speed, 26% faster graphics, and enhanced power efficiency compared to previous generations. The phone excels in handling games, demanding applications, and multitasking, showcasing impressive speed. Notably, the extended battery life is more perceptible in day-to-day use.
The phone lasts up to 60 hours of general use when taking photos, browsing, messaging and using 5G for a couple of hours with the rest on wifi, making it one of the longest-lasting phones I’ve tested. High-end gaming or more intensive tasks hit battery life – an hour of Diablo Immortal consumed 18% of the battery. But otherwise I only needed to charge it every third day.
Specifications
- Main screen: 6.8in QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (500ppi) 120Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB
- Operating system: One UI 6.1 based on Android 14
- Camera: 200MP + 12MP 0.6x + 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x; 12MP front-facing
- Connectivity: 5G, USB-C, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, UWB and GNSS
- Water resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins)
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm
- Weight: 232g
Sustainability
While Samsung doesn’t specify the expected lifespan of the battery, it is anticipated to endure over 500 full charge cycles, retaining at least 80% of its original capacity.
In terms of repairability, the phone is generally serviceable. Screen repairs come in at approximately £270, and the battery is replaceable by authorized service centers. Samsung has also introduced a self-repair program, offering users more flexibility.
The device incorporates recycled materials such as aluminium, steel, cobalt, glass, plastic, and rare earth elements, aligning with Samsung’s commitment to sustainability. The company further supports environmentally conscious practices through trade-in and recycling schemes for older devices. While Samsung regularly publishes comprehensive annual sustainability reports, it currently does not provide specific impact assessments for individual products.
Camera
The S24 Ultra boasts a best-in-class quad-camera system on the rear, complemented by a high-resolution 12-megapixel selfie camera. Three of the rear cameras are familiar faces, inherited from the S23 Ultra: the industry-leading 200-megapixel main sensor, the versatile 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, and the dependable 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens, all delivering exceptional results.
The biggest upgrade lies in the brand new 50-megapixel 5x telephoto camera. This replaces the 10-megapixel 10x telephoto camera of the S23 Ultra. The innovative 5x sensor can also leverage in-sensor zoom technology to achieve impressive 10x magnification. The 5x zoom offers greater flexibility, while the 10x zoom maintains remarkable detail thanks to clever processing. In real world use, you’d be hard-pressed to differentiate 10x zoom shots between the S24 Ultra and its predecessor.
With this powerhouse combination, the S24 Ultra establishes itself as the undisputed leader in smartphone camera adaptability and capability.
The Verdict:
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a phenomenal phone, offering top tier performance, a versatile camera, and a long lasting battery and a stylus However, its massive size, hefty price tag, and potential limitations with its AI features require careful consideration. If you prioritize a feature packed powerhouse and can stomach the premium price, the S24 Ultra reigns supreme. But for those seeking a more budget friendly option or a more compact design, other phones might be a better fit.
