Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra emerges, emblazoned with the slogan "Unleash Your Potential." But does it truly break new ground, or simply refine an existing formula in the fiercely competitive flagship market? We delve into its design, display, hardware, camera, software, and battery life to dissect its potential and discover if it lives up to its "Ultra" moniker.

This year, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra undergoes a subtle yet impactful design shift. The captivating curved display, a hallmark of previous iterations, makes way for a flatter panel. While some might miss the aesthetic appeal of the curves, this change prioritizes comfort and functionality, especially for S Pen enthusiasts. The iconic camera bump remains, seamlessly integrated into the sleek titanium frame for a premium feel. Additionally, the phone ditches the protruding camera housing seen in its predecessor, embracing a cleaner, more minimalist look with lenses that blend seamlessly into the frame. This reinforces the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's focus on elegance and practicality while maintaining a recognizable Samsung identity.

Samsung continues its display dominance with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's expansive 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers buttery smooth visuals and unmatched responsiveness, perfect for gaming, multimedia content, and navigating menus. Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional viewing angles immerse you in every scene. Notably, the peak brightness reaches a staggering 2,572 nits, shattering records and ensuring outdoor visibility even under harsh sunlight. Moreover, the display boasts reduced reflectivity compared to its predecessor, minimizing distractions and keeping you focused on the content at hand. This combination of technical prowess and user-centric features makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's display a powerhouse for both productivity and entertainment.

Powering the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the custom-made Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. This overclocked powerhouse delivers top-tier performance, effortlessly handling demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. Whether you're a multitasker juggling numerous apps or a gamer seeking immersive experiences, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra won't leave you wanting. Coupled with 8GB to 12GB of RAM and up to a whopping 1TB of storage, you'll have ample space and speed for all your digital endeavors. Additionally, the phone supports 45W fast charging, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes, and 15W wireless charging for added convenience.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's quad-lens camera system remains a cornerstone of its identity. The 108MP main sensor captures stunningly detailed images, while the 12MP ultrawide sensor expands your perspective for breathtaking landscape shots. The 5x optical zoom telephoto lens brings distant subjects closer, and the 10x periscope zoom lens pushes the boundaries of smartphone photography. However, it's worth noting that the 10x zoom is a slight downgrade from the S23 Ultra's 10x zoom in terms of sensor resolution, though Samsung has made improvements to the 5x-10x zoom range for sharper results. AI takes center stage with features like "Circle to Search" and Live Translation, adding layers of intelligence and convenience to your photography experience. While low-light performance hasn't seen a significant leap compared to the S23 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera system remains versatile and packed with intelligent features, catering to various photography needs.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on Samsung's One UI 6.0, a refined version of Android 13. The interface is intuitive, visually appealing, and packed with customization options, allowing you to tailor the phone to your preferences. Additionally, Samsung's commitment to software updates shines through, with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra guaranteed to receive updates for a whopping 7 years. This ensures your phone stays secure, receives the latest features, and remains relevant for years to come.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a plethora of AI features designed to enhance various aspects of your mobile experience. While it doesn't stray too far from the foundations laid by its predecessor, it refines existing features and incorporates some noteworthy additions. Let's delve into the key AI functionalities of the S24 Ultra:

Camera:

• Circle to Search: This feature leverages the camera to identify objects within your photo frame and instantly displays relevant search results online. Want to know more about that unique plant you captured? Simply snap a picture and Circle to Search will provide information and resources.
• Live Translation: This real-time translation tool comes in handy when navigating foreign languages. Point the camera at text or listen to spoken words, and the S24 Ultra translates them into your chosen language, bridging communication gaps seamlessly.
• Scene Optimizer: The AI analyzes the scene you're capturing and automatically adjusts camera settings for optimal results. Whether you're shooting a portrait, landscape, or low-light scene, Scene Optimizer ensures your photos come out looking their best.
• Object Eraser: Say goodbye to unwanted photobombers or distracting elements! This AI-powered tool lets you remove objects from your pictures with surprising accuracy, offering a quick and easy way to enhance your captures.

Productivity:

• Note Assist: This feature transcribes handwritten notes taken with the S Pen, converting them into digital text for easy organization and search. It also recognizes keywords and suggests relevant actions, boosting your note-taking efficiency.
• Bixby Routines: Create automated tasks based on your daily routines and preferences. For example, Bixby can automatically switch to silent mode at night, adjust brightness based on ambient light, or launch specific apps when you connect to headphones.
• Smart Text Selection: When copying text, the S24 Ultra intelligently recognizes phone numbers, email addresses, and other relevant information, allowing you to easily extract and share specific elements with a tap.

Other Features:

• Call Assistant: This AI-powered tool filters out spam calls and automatically answers them with a pre-recorded message, allowing you to avoid unwanted interruptions.
• Quick Share: Share files across compatible Samsung devices seamlessly with a single tap. AI predicts who you might want to share with based on usage patterns, making the process even faster.

Overall, the S24 Ultra's AI features offer a blend of convenience, productivity, and personalization. While some functionalities remain similar to the S23 Ultra, refinements and additions like Object Eraser and improved translation accuracy showcase Samsung's continued efforts to integrate AI meaningfully into the smartphone experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an evolution, not a revolution. It refines the beloved S-series formula, offering a comfortable design, a best-in-class display, top-tier performance, a versatile camera system, and exceptional battery life. AI features add a layer of intelligence and convenience, while the extended software support ensures longevity. However, the lack of a major camera upgrade and the premium price tag might deter some users, especially those already owning the S23 Ultra. Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerful contender in the flagship smartphone arena. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're seeking a refined flagship experience with the latest features and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a compelling option. However, if you value groundbreaking camera advancements or prioritize affordability, you might want to consider alternatives. Regardless, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra showcases Samsung's continued pursuit of excellence in the smartphone market, offering a well-rounded and powerful package for users seeking a premium experience.