Introduction
Unveiled in January 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra refines Samsung’s flagship formula with lighter hardware, brighter screens, and enhanced durability—all while delivering a tablet-style multitasking experience in a single device. Starting at $1,199 for the 12 GB/256 GB model, it caters to power users who want top-tier speed, imaging, and longevity.
Design & Build Quality
- Dimensions & Weight: Unfolded, it measures 162.3 × 79.5 × 7.8 mm; folded (or pocketed) it’s still sleek at 232 g.
- Materials: A new titanium frame replaces last year’s aluminum for added rigidity, paired with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back.
- Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance and Samsung’s Armor Aluminum chassis ensure survival from everyday bumps and spills, while the integrated S Pen slot remains seamlessly hidden on the lower edge.
Display
- Panel: 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- Brightness: Up to 3,000 nits peak for unrivaled outdoor legibility.
- Color & Contrast: True 12-bit color depth and HDR10+ support deliver deep blacks, vivid hues, and lifelike visuals whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing.
Performance
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy on a 4 nm process, paired with 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM.
- Storage: UFS 4.0 options up to 1 TB.
- Real-World Use: Instant app launches, seamless four-app split-screen multitasking, and sustained high-frame-rate gaming with negligible throttling.
Camera System
- Main Array: 200 MP wide (f/1.7, OIS), 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 10 MP 3× telephoto (OIS), 50 MP 5× periscope telephoto (OIS).
- Zoom: True optical 5× plus up to 100× Space Zoom for distant subjects.
- Video: 8K@30 fps and 4K@60 fps capture with Super Steady stabilization.
- Nightography: Multi-frame stacking yields bright, detailed low-light shots.
Battery & Charging
- Capacity: 5,000 mAh dual-cell battery.
- Wired Charging: 45 W delivers roughly 50% in 25 minutes.
- Wireless & Reverse: 15 W wireless charging plus 4.5 W reverse wireless to top off accessories.
- Endurance: A full day of heavy use or two days of moderate activity is typical.
Software & Features
- OS: One UI 6.1 on Android 14, enriched by Galaxy AI tools—real-time call translation, live message translation, and AI photo/video editing.
- Updates: Seven years of OS and security support promises industry-leading longevity.
- Extras: S Pen functionality for precise note-taking and drawing, plus wireless DeX for desktop-style productivity.
Verdict
The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as Samsung’s most complete flagship: an industry-leading display, powerhouse performance, and a versatile, 200 MP camera array—bolstered by Galaxy AI and S Pen productivity. Its premium price and sizeable footprint may deter some, but for users seeking future-proof hardware and unmatched feature depth, it remains the gold standard for Android smartphones.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unrivaled 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 3,000 nits peak
- Titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for top-tier durability
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy with LPDDR5X & UFS 4.0 storage
- Exceptional 200 MP main camera plus 5× periscope and 100× Space Zoom
- Integrated S Pen with One UI productivity features
- Seven years of OS and security updates
Cons
- Premium price point above $1,199
- Hefty 232 g weight challenges one-handed use
- 45 W wired charging lags behind faster-charging rivals
- Large footprint may be unwieldy for smaller hands