Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the South Korean tech giant’s latest flagship smartphone, representing the pinnacle of their engineering and innovation. It’s designed for users who demand the absolute best in mobile technology, including:

Professionals: Those who need a powerful device for productivity, multitasking, and demanding applications.
Creatives: Photographers, videographers, and artists who can leverage the advanced camera system and S Pen for their work.
Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest features, cutting-edge performance, and a premium mobile experience.

After spending a considerable amount of time with the S24 Ultra, my overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. It’s a truly exceptional smartphone that excels in almost every area. The combination of top-tier performance, a stunning display, a versatile camera system, long battery life, and innovative AI features makes it a leader in the premium smartphone market.

While the price might be a barrier for some, the S24 Ultra delivers a compelling package that justifies its premium positioning. It’s a device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be, offering a glimpse into the future of mobile technology.

How I tested the phone?

To give you the most comprehensive and accurate review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I put it through its paces with a variety of tests and real-world usage scenarios. Here’s a glimpse into my testing process:

Performance:

Benchmarking: I used popular benchmarking apps like Geekbench 6 and 3DMark to measure the phone’s CPU, GPU, and overall system performance. This allowed me to compare its scores with other flagship smartphones and assess its processing power.
Gaming: I played a variety of graphically demanding games, such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, to evaluate the phone’s gaming performance. I paid attention to frame rates, graphics quality, and thermal management.
Multitasking: I tested the phone’s ability to handle multiple apps running simultaneously, switching between them to assess its responsiveness and memory management.

Camera:

Photo and Video Capture: I took numerous photos and videos in various lighting conditions, including daylight, indoor, and low-light environments. I experimented with different camera modes, such as portrait mode, night mode, and zoom, to assess its versatility and image quality.
Camera Feature Testing: I explored the camera’s various features, including video stabilisation, slow-motion recording, and AI-powered enhancements, to evaluate their effectiveness and usability.

Battery Life:

Real-World Usage: I used the phone as my daily driver, carrying out typical tasks like browsing the web, using social media, watching videos, and making calls, to assess its battery life under normal conditions.
Battery Test: I also ran a standardised battery test, where I looped a video at a fixed brightness level until the phone ran out of power, to get a consistent measurement of its battery endurance.
Charging Test: I timed how long it took to fully charge the phone using the included charger and a compatible fast charger to evaluate its charging speeds.

Display:

Visual Assessment: I evaluated the display’s quality by watching videos, viewing photos, and browsing the web. I paid attention to colour accuracy, brightness, viewing angles, and sharpness.
Outdoor Visibility: I tested the display’s visibility in direct sunlight to assess its readability in bright conditions.

Software:

User Interface: I explored the One UI 6.0 interface, navigating through menus, customising settings, and testing out various features to assess its user-friendliness and functionality.
AI Features: I experimented with Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, such as AI Live Translate and AI Summary, to evaluate their accuracy and usefulness.
S Pen: I used the S Pen for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface to assess its responsiveness and precision.

Other Features:

Biometric Authentication: I tested the fingerprint sensor and facial recognition for speed and accuracy.
Wireless Charging: I tested the phone’s wireless charging capabilities with different wireless chargers to assess its compatibility and charging speeds.

Throughout the testing process, I took detailed notes and compared my findings with other flagship smartphones to provide a comprehensive and objective evaluation of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Design

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a phone that commands attention with its refined design and premium materials. Here’s a closer look:

Size and Weight:

It’s a large phone, measuring 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm.
It weighs 233g, which is noticeable but not overly heavy. The weight distribution is good, making it comfortable to hold despite its size.

Materials and Build Quality:

The S24 Ultra features a sleek titanium frame that not only looks elegant but also contributes to its durability.
The front and back are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering excellent resistance against scratches and drops.
The phone has a solid, well-built feel, with tight tolerances and no flex or creaking.

Display:

The S24 Ultra boasts a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
It has a sharp WQHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in crisp and detailed visuals.
The display gets incredibly bright, making it easily viewable even in direct sunlight.
Colours are vibrant and accurate, and viewing angles are excellent with minimal colour shift.
One notable design change is the move to a completely flat display, unlike the slightly curved displays on previous Ultra models.

Unique Design Features:

Water and Dust Resistance: The S24 Ultra is IP68 rated, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. This makes it resistant to spills, rain, and even accidental drops in water.
S Pen Support: Like its predecessors, the S24 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen stylus. This allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface. The S Pen is housed within the phone’s body, making it readily accessible.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s design is a blend of elegance and durability. Its premium materials, solid build quality, and stunning display make it a visually appealing and functionally robust device.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and how they contribute to its blazing-fast speed:

Processor:

The S24 Ultra is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. This is a high-performance chipset specifically optimised for Samsung devices, offering a significant boost in processing power compared to its predecessor.

RAM:

The device comes with a generous 12GB of RAM. This ample memory ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to seamlessly switch between apps, browse the web, and play graphics-intensive games without any lag or slowdown.

Storage:

You have a choice of storage options to suit your needs: 256GB, 512GB, or a massive 1TB. This allows you to store a vast amount of photos, videos, apps, and other files without worrying about running out of space.

Benchmark Performance:

In popular benchmarking tools like Geekbench 6, the S24 Ultra achieves impressive scores. It consistently outperforms its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, and rivals other flagship smartphones in both single-core and multi-core tests. This translates to real-world performance gains in everyday tasks and demanding applications.

Gaming Performance:

The S24 Ultra is a mobile gaming beast. The combination of the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and ample RAM ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience. Even the most demanding games run flawlessly with high frame rates and stunning graphics.

User Interface and Responsiveness:

The phone runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0 overlay. The interface is clean, intuitive, and highly responsive. Navigating through menus, launching apps, and switching between tasks feels fluid and snappy.
Samsung has optimised One UI 6.0 for performance, resulting in a smooth and lag-free user experience.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers exceptional performance across the board. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and optimised software make it a true powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it. Whether you’re a power user, a gamer, or simply someone who demands a smooth and responsive smartphone experience, the S24 Ultra won’t disappoint

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra truly shines in the camera department, packing a versatile array of lenses and impressive technology. Here’s a detailed look:

Rear Cameras:

Main Camera: 200MP, f/1.7 aperture, 1/1.3″ sensor size, optical image stabilisation (OIS)
- This high-resolution sensor captures incredible detail and dynamic range, producing stunning images even in challenging lighting.
Ultrawide Camera: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field of view
- This lens allows you to capture sweeping landscapes and group shots with a wider perspective.
Telephoto Cameras:
- 50MP, f/3.4 aperture, 5x optical zoom, OIS
  - This telephoto lens provides excellent zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
- 10MP, f/4.9 aperture, 10x optical zoom, OIS
  - This periscope lens allows for even greater zoom, reaching up to 100x with Samsung’s Space Zoom technology.

Front-Facing Camera:

12MP, f/2.2 aperture
- This high-resolution selfie camera captures detailed self-portraits with good dynamic range.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts impressive battery life, making it a reliable companion for even the busiest days.Here’s a closer look at its battery capabilities:

Battery Capacity:

The S24 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, which is a standard capacity for flagship smartphones these days.

Typical Battery Life:

In real-world usage, the S24 Ultra easily lasts a full day on a single charge with moderate to heavy use. This includes activities like browsing the web, using social media, watching videos, taking photos, and playing games.
Various factors can affect battery life, such as screen brightness, network connectivity, and app usage. However, even with heavy use, you can expect the S24 Ultra to last well into the evening.
Some reviewers have reported getting around 6-7 hours of screen-on time, which is excellent for a phone with such a large and bright display.

Charging Speed:

The S24 Ultra supports 45W wired fast charging. This allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
It also supports fast wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, which lets you wirelessly charge other compatible devices.

Battery Life Comparison:

Compared to other flagship smartphones in its price range, the S24 Ultra holds its own in terms of battery life:

iPhone 16 Pro Max: The iPhone 16 Pro Max also offers excellent battery life, often exceeding the S24 Ultra in some tests.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: The Pixel 9 Pro generally has good battery life, but it might not last quite as long as the S24 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max.
OnePlus 12: While the OnePlus 12 boasts incredibly fast charging speeds, its battery life is generally comparable to the S24 Ultra.
Xiaomi 14 Pro: Xiaomi phones are known for their fast charging capabilities, but their battery life can vary.

Overall:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers excellent battery life that can easily get you through a full day of use. While its wired charging speed isn’t the fastest in the market, it’s still respectably quick. Compared to its competitors, the S24 Ultra’s battery performance is competitive, making it a reliable choice for users who demand long-lasting power.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a refined software experience that blends the latest Android version with Samsung’s own customisations. Here’s a breakdown:

Operating System and Version:

The S24 Ultra ships with Android 14 pre-installed. This is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system, bringing new features, performance improvements, and enhanced privacy controls.

One UI 6.0:

On top of Android 14, Samsung adds its own One UI 6.0 user interface. This custom skin provides a distinct look and feel, with features tailored to Samsung’s hardware and ecosystem.
One UI 6.0 is known for its clean and intuitive design, making it easy to navigate and use. It offers a good balance of customisation options and a user-friendly experience.

Pre-installed Apps and Bloatware:

Like most Android phones, the S24 Ultra comes with a selection of pre-installed apps. These include Samsung’s own apps, such as Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, and Galaxy Store, as well as some third-party apps like Microsoft Office and Facebook.
While some might consider these pre-installed apps bloatware, most of them are useful and can be uninstalled if not needed.

Unique Software Features:

Galaxy AI: Samsung has integrated its Galaxy AI technology into various aspects of the software, offering features like:
- AI Live Translate: Real-time translation of text and speech.
- AI Summary: Automatically summarises long articles and documents.
- AI Image Clipper: Allows you to easily extract subjects from images.
- AI Photo remaster: Improves the quality of your photos.
Bixby: Samsung’s virtual assistant is available for voice commands and controlling various aspects of the phone.
Samsung DeX: Allows you to connect your phone to a monitor and use it in a desktop-like environment for enhanced productivity.
Edge Panels: Provides quick access to frequently used apps, contacts, and tools.
S Pen Features: The S24 Ultra’s S Pen offers a range of features for note-taking, drawing, and controlling the phone.

Update Policy:

Samsung has significantly improved its software update policy in recent years.
The S24 Ultra is promised seven years of software updates, including four major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. This is one of the longest update commitments in the Android world, ensuring that your phone stays up-to-date and secure for a long time.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a polished and feature-rich software experience. The combination of the latest Android version, Samsung’s One UI customisations, and innovative AI features make it a compelling choice for users who value software that is both powerful and user-friendly.

Additional features

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is packed with extra features that enhance its functionality and overall user experience.Here are some notable ones:

Security:

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor: Embedded beneath the display, this sensor provides fast and reliable biometric authentication for unlocking the phone and securing sensitive data.
Facial Recognition: The phone also supports facial recognition for quick and convenient unlocking.

Connectivity:

5G Connectivity: The S24 Ultra supports the latest 5G networks for blazing-fast download and upload speeds.
Wi-Fi 6E: It also supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for fast and stable wireless connectivity.
Ultra-Wideband (UWB): This technology enables precise location tracking and enhances features like nearby sharing.

Audio:

Stereo Speakers: The phone features stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering immersive and high-quality sound.

Other Notable Features:

Wireless Charging: The S24 Ultra supports fast wireless charging for convenient power top-ups.
Wireless PowerShare: You can use the phone to wirelessly charge other compatible devices, such as earbuds or smartwatches.
Samsung DeX: This feature allows you to connect your phone to a monitor and use it in a desktop-like environment for enhanced productivity.
S Pen: The integrated S Pen stylus offers precise control for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface.
IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: The phone is protected against water and dust, making it more durable for everyday use.

Included Accessories:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra typically comes with a USB-C cable and a SIM ejector tool.
It’s worth noting that Samsung has stopped including a charging adapter in the box to reduce environmental impact. You’ll need to purchase a separate charger if you don’t already have one.

These additional features contribute to the S24 Ultra’s overall appeal, making it a versatile and feature-rich smartphone that caters to a wide range of needs and preferences.

What I would like to see in the next model?

While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an impressive device, there’s always room for improvement. Here’s what I’d love to see in the next iteration, presumably the Galaxy S25 Ultra:

Camera Enhancements:

Improved Zoom Capabilities: While the 5x and 10x optical zoom are good, I’d love to see Samsung push the boundaries further with a more powerful periscope lens, perhaps offering 15x or even 20x optical zoom.
Larger Sensor Size: A larger main camera sensor could further improve low-light performance and dynamic range, putting it on par with or even exceeding the iPhone’s capabilities in this area.
More Consistent Image Processing: While the S24 Ultra’s image processing is generally good, it can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, particularly with colours and white balance. Refinements in this area would be welcome.

Design Refinements:

Lighter Weight: While the S24 Ultra is comfortable to hold, it’s still a hefty device. Reducing the weight, even slightly, would make it more comfortable for extended use.
Under-Display Selfie Camera: While the current punch-hole selfie camera is relatively unobtrusive, an under-display camera would provide a truly uninterrupted full-screen experience.

Battery and Charging:

Faster Charging Speeds: While 45W wired charging is decent, some competitors offer significantly faster charging speeds. It would be great to see the S25 Ultra support at least 65W or even 80W wired charging.
Longer Battery Life: Even though the S24 Ultra has good battery life, further improvements are always welcome, especially with the increasing demands of power-hungry apps and 5G connectivity.

Software Enhancements:

Even Faster Software Updates: While Samsung’s commitment to seven years of updates is commendable, faster rollout of updates would be appreciated, especially for security patches and new Android versions.
Less Bloatware: Minimising the number of pre-installed apps would provide a cleaner out-of-the-box experience.

Other:

More Affordable Price: While the S24 Ultra offers a lot for its price, it’s still a very expensive device. Making the next model slightly more affordable would make it accessible to a wider audience.
Improved S Pen Integration: Exploring new ways to integrate the S Pen with the software, perhaps with more advanced note-taking features or creative tools, could further enhance its usefulness.

By addressing these areas, Samsung could make the Galaxy S25 Ultra an even more compelling and desirable flagship smartphone.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a truly exceptional smartphone that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile technology. It’s a device that excels in almost every area, offering a compelling combination of performance, features, and design.

Overall Impressions:

The S24 Ultra is a refined and polished device that feels premium in every way. From its sleek titanium frame to its stunning display and versatile camera system, it exudes quality and sophistication. The performance is top-notch, the software is smooth and intuitive, and the battery life is more than sufficient for even the most demanding users.

Strengths:

Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM deliver blazing-fast performance for smooth multitasking and demanding applications.
Stunning Display: The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a visual treat, with vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent brightness.
Versatile Camera System: The quad-camera setup, featuring a 200MP main sensor and impressive zoom capabilities, captures stunning photos and videos in various conditions.
Long Battery Life: The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use, and fast charging capabilities ensure minimal downtime.
Innovative Software: Android 14 with One UI 6.0 provides a clean and user-friendly experience, enhanced by Samsung’s Galaxy AI features.
S Pen Integration: The built-in S Pen adds another layer of functionality for note-taking, drawing, and precise control.
Long-Term Software Support: Samsung’s commitment to seven years of software updates ensures that the S24 Ultra will remain up-to-date for years to come.

Weaknesses:

High Price: The S24 Ultra is one of the most expensive smartphones on the market, which may be a barrier for some buyers.
No Major Camera Hardware Upgrades: While the camera system is excellent, it doesn’t represent a significant leap forward from its predecessor.
Bloatware: The phone comes with some pre-installed apps that some users may consider bloatware.

Recommendation:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an ideal choice for users who demand the best of the best and are willing to pay a premium for it. It’s particularly well-suited for:

Professionals: Those who need a powerful and reliable device for work and productivity.
Creatives: Photographers, videographers, and artists who can leverage the advanced camera system and S Pen.
Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest features and cutting-edge performance.

Price and Availability:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available in Australia with the following prices:

256GB: AUD $1,949
512GB: AUD $2,149
1TB: AUD $2,349

You can purchase the S24 Ultra from Samsung’s official website, major retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman, and mobile carriers such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone