Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra revisited: 9 months later

2024 has brought some exciting smartphone launches, but one device has stayed true to its ethos and, dare I say, stands out in a few unique ways. I’m talking about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which, despite launching nearly 9 months ago, remains highly relevant and a top choice for users with diverse needs.

Whether it’s cameras, battery, display, or AI, the Galaxy S24 Ultra shines bright, in some cases, brighter than its rivals. Samsung continues to be the only player on the market to offer a highly versatile stylus that puts the Galaxy S24 Ultra in a league of its own. Continue reading to know more.

Style, durability, and brilliant display combined

If you’re already familiar with the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S22 Ultra, the Galaxy S24 will look almost identical. That does not mean the current iteration looks poor by any metric, and Samsung has managed to pack some nifty changes without significantly impacting the weight and thickness.

For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains among the handful of options boasting a titanium frame, even at the end of 2024. This enhances the durability-to-weight ratio and contributes to a higher resale value in the future.

Another thing worth mentioning is that after months of continuous usage, I didn’t encounter any issues with the phone’s finish or colour. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has endured several accidental bumps and drops during this time, and the Gorilla Armor glass on the front and back has proven to be remarkably durable. I’d still recommend using a protective case – something Samsung doesn’t include in the box. An additional protective shield for the display might sound ideal, but that might hamper its stunning display experience.

Speaking of the display, I’ve maintained in my reviews that I prefer smartphones with tall screens. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a vibrant 6.8-inch display, and the anti-reflective coating on top remains my favourite. This, combined with punchy speakers, offers an immersive viewing experience, both indoors and outdoors. It’s also Samsung’s biggest flex that none of its competitors have been able to incorporate this display feature, at least on their smartphones.

And looking at the current landscape, Samsung’s unique method of incorporating the anti-reflective coating without affecting colours and brightness may take some time for other OEMs to replicate.

Useful AI features and a comprehensive ecosystem

One of the standout features of this year’s Galaxy S24 series has been the array of AI-powered tools under the Galaxy AI umbrella. Following the Galaxy Z Fold6 launch, additional AI-backed features like “Sketch to Draw” were introduced, further elevating the user experience.

As I mentioned in my Pixel 9 Pro XL review, Samsung is leading the AI race by thoughtfully integrating these capabilities into its proprietary apps. Apple is also lagging with its promised Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 16 series.

Some of my go-to AI tools on the Galaxy S24 Ultra include the AI summary on the Samsung browser and the editor on the Samsung keyboard. Circle to Search is another useful tool, especially for those who frequently shop online. I also found the Live Interpretation on calls helpful, particularly when travelling abroad. It’s not perfect yet, but it can be very practical, as it was to me during my travels.

Each year, Samsung makes progress in improving its ecosystem.

This year, it introduced new peripherals, like the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which seamlessly blends and connects with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and other Samsung smartphones. If you already own a GalaxyBook laptop, you can easily sync notes and images using the same Samsung ID. Samsung DeX, which practically lets you transform your Galaxy phone or tablet into a desktop with an external monitor or TV, can be equally handy for managing daily workflow.

Lastly, Galaxy Buds users can enjoy exclusive features like high-bit audio support and 360-degree audio with head tracking.

Smooth performance and versatile S-Pen

The Galaxy S24 Ultra leverages the power of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC to ensure smooth performance and the magic of Galaxy AI. I used the base variant (Rs 1,29,999) with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, yet there were hardly any signs of hiccups, thermal issues, or throttle during my extensive usage. I expect big performance leaps on the next iteration, which will likely utilise Qualcomm’s latest and greatest, the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. Until that happens, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is perfectly suitable for hardcore gamers and productivity-focused users.

For daily tasks, Samsung Notes – now enhanced with Galaxy AI support – proves to be a dependable tool for jotting down quick notes and saving lengthy transcripts. As mentioned, these notes are seamlessly accessible across other Galaxy devices, such as laptops and tablets, when logged in with the same Samsung account.

Samsung Pay is another highly practical tool, allowing users to store credit cards and make digital transactions using the tap-and-pay feature on compatible POS terminals. Samsung promises security by safeguarding this data with its proprietary Samsung Knox system.

One can argue that other OEMs also enable these features in one way or another, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra is next to none in the ultra-premium category to offer S-Pen support. The bundled stylus is easily the fanciest way of taking notes or signing an e-document provided by another rival. Samsung has also done a splendid job of fine-tuning the haptic for a true-to-life writing experience. Additionally, the S-Pen even serves as a Bluetooth remote and lets you take photos from a distance.

For gamers, you can smoothly run popular titles, like BGMI and COD Mobile, at the highest settings. While the weight can be a slight issue during long sessions, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the spacious display and aggressive haptics.

More importantly, Samsung sets an incredible benchmark of seven years of Android OS promise on the Galaxy S24 series.

Reliable cameras

The Galaxy S24 Ultra easily has one of the most reliable camera systems on a smartphone at any price point. In fact, we shot multiple reels and even a long-form video with it at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Spain.

Based on the colour science, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers familiar results, which typically include high brightness, punchy shades, and a slightly warmer white balance, for an aesthetic appeal. However, its camera hardware truly shines for crisp shots in various lighting conditions. You can expect impressive portraits from the dedicated telephoto camera, which offers a level of consistency comparable to the 200MP primary camera.

Otherwise, shots with 100x can still be hit-and-miss, although quite handy if you’re using a tripod.

Samsung also elevates the camera experience with AI-powered editing tools, such as the “sketch to image” feature, which allows you to add objects to a photo. The results can be surprisingly real and boost your social media game or serve as a perfect party trick.

Long battery backup

Like its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, which is well-tuned with the software and chipset for a long battery backup. With moderate settings, you can easily expect an all-day battery. Of course, pushing the limits with high resolution and always-on-display will provide a shorter duration.

The charging speeds offered by Galaxy S24 Ultra are decent at best and might not even be a concern if you’re upgrading from an iPhone or Pixel. There’s wireless charging support as well.

Final thoughts

Even months after its global debut, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a wholesome package suitable for every type of user. Be it gaming, consuming media, creating content, or simply business – the S24 Ultra offers something for everyone. For anyone looking to experience the best AI features available on a smartphone, Samsung leads the race with its Galaxy AI tools. Coupled with S-Pen support and a unique display featuring an anti-reflective coating, I think the Galaxy S24 Ultra belongs in a league of its own.