The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a powerhouse in 2025, proving that flagship excellence outshines annual upgrade cycles. Originally launched as 2024’s premium Android flagship, this phone was engineered not just for immediate impact, but for sustained performance over years of demanding use. With its cutting-edge AI features, exceptional camera system, and premium design, the S24 Ultra still competes with today’s newest releases.
Our comprehensive Galaxy S24 Ultra review explains why it’s built to be your reliable daily driver for the next five years, making it one of the smartest long-term smartphone you can invest to own.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra showcases Samsung’s commitment to premium materials and thoughtful design. The device features a fully flat edge-to-edge 6.8-inch display with reduced bezels and a more angular, blocky design that differentiates it from the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Have a look at the key design and build quality highlights that feels solid and premium in hand, justifying its position as Samsung’s flagship offering
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm to give you a larger and flatter screen for enticing viewing
- Weight: 8. 22 ounces or 233 grams, which means it’s comfortable for use despite its premium materials
- IP68 water resistance for protection against water damage
- S Pen integration with improved latency and functionality for precise stylus drawing and writing
- Less reflective display glass for better outdoor visibility
- The titanium frame provides exceptional durability while maintaining an elegant appearance.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra real world review experience confirms that the design strikes an excellent balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Display Excellence: Best-in-Class Visual Experience
I can confidently say the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s display represents one of its strongest selling points. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen delivers exceptional and consistent performance across all the lighting conditions.
Display Specifications:
- Size: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+)
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive 120Hz
- Peak Brightness: Industry-leading outdoor visibility
- VDE Germany certification for eye safety
In my extensive testing, whether I’m reading content on the brightest summer days or scrolling through social media indoors, the display offers excellent readability performance.
Nightography Zoom
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s advanced night mode technology transforms dark scenes into clear, bright images. The intelligent zoom technology works seamlessly in low-light conditions to bring distant images closer to you.
However, I have noticed one minor drawback during my extended usage. When watching videos in dimly lit rooms, particularly during evening sessions, the screen can feel slightly bright even at lower settings. The adaptive brightness usually handles most situations well, but manual adjustment sometimes becomes necessary for optimal comfort.
Google’s Circle to Search Feature
I’ve found this feature incredibly useful for quick information gathering. Simply use the S Pen integration to draw a circle around any image, text, or video element on your screen to instantly search for it. If you’re curious about a product someone’s using in a social media post or want details about a location in a video, you can get answers immediately and return to your original task seamlessly.
Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Performance
The camera system represents a significant highlight in this Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra camera performance analysis. It’s known to be the versatile photography powerhouse because Samsung has equipped the device with a versatile quad-camera setup that excels across multiple shooting scenarios.
Camera Specifications:
- Main Camera: 200MP with advanced image processing
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP for expansive shots
- Telephoto: 10MP with 3x optical zoom
- Periscope Telephoto: 50MP with 5x optical zoom
- Front Camera: High-resolution selfie capabilities
Real-World Camera Performance:
After 9 months of putting the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system through its paces in countless real-world scenarios, here’s what I’ve discovered about its actual performance beyond the marketing promises.
Strengths:
- Vivid and pleasant colors across all lighting conditions
- Natural-looking portrait images in bright light scenarios
- Versatile zoom capabilities with high image quality at multiple ranges
- Excellent detail retention in well-lit environments
- Advanced AI-powered photo editing features
Areas for Improvement:
- Noticeable shutter lag that might cause users to miss spontaneous moments
- Low-light performance shows some limitations with detail loss and visible noise
- Video recording can experience occasional instabilities
Performance and AI Features: The Brain Behind the Beauty
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (in most regions), the Galaxy S24 Ultra AI features delivers exceptional performance that puts many competitors to shame. The device handles demanding tasks effortlessly while introducing groundbreaking AI capabilities.
Performance Highlights:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 (region-dependent)
- RAM: Up to 12GB for smooth multitasking
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB options
- 5G Connectivity: Future-ready network support
Galaxy AI Features:
The integration of Galaxy AI sets the S24 Ultra apart from previous generations:
- Live Translation: Real-time communication in foreign language assistance
- Photo Editing AI: Professional-grade image enhancement
- Smart Compose: Intelligent text assistance
- Voice Recording Transcription: Meeting and note-taking optimization
These AI features genuinely enhance daily productivity, though they can occasionally slow down the device during intensive processing.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Reliability
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s battery performance delivers solid all-day usage for most users, though outdoor usage can impact longevity more significantly.
Battery Specifications:
- Capacity: Substantial battery for extended use
- Wireless Charging: Convenient cable-free charging
- Fast Charging: Quick power replenishment
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Share power with other devices
I’ve consistently found that the Galaxy S24 Ultra easily powers through a full day of moderate to heavy use. The combination of the adaptive refresh rate and efficient processor has noticeably improved battery optimization compared to the previous Galaxy models I’ve owned
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra
When comparing the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra, several key improvements justify the upgrade for many users: The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers incremental but meaningful improvements over the S23 Ultra, particularly in AI capabilities and long-term software support.
Advantages of the S24 Ultra:
- Enhanced AI capabilities and features
- Improved camera processing and new 5x zoom lens
- Better display technology with reduced reflectivity
- More efficient processor with better battery optimization
- Titanium build for increased durability
- Flat display design preferred by many users
S23 Ultra Advantages:
- More mature software with fewer AI-related slowdowns
- Slightly better low-light zoom performance in some scenarios
- Lower price point as it becomes more accessible
I’ve created this detailed comparison table to help you decide whether upgrading from the Galaxy S23 Ultra to the S24 Ultra makes sense for your needs and budget.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Complete Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Galaxy S23 Ultra | Upgrade Value |
| Display | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120×1440, 120Hz adaptive | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120×1440, 120Hz adaptive | Minimal difference |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 15-20% performance boost |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB/256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 8GB/12GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | More consistent 12GB RAM |
| Camera System | Enhanced AI processing, improved night mode | 200MP main, excellent zoom capabilities | Moderate improvements |
| Battery Life | 5000mAh with better optimization | 5000mAh | 10-15% better efficiency |
| AI Features | Advanced Galaxy AI suite, real-time translation | Limited AI capabilities | Significant AI upgrade |
| S Pen Performance | Improved latency and precision | Excellent S Pen experience | Minor refinements |
| Build Quality | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Premium titanium upgrade |
| Software Updates | 7 years Android updates guaranteed | 4 years remaining updates | Extended software support |
| Price | $1,299+ (current pricing) | $899-$1,099 (discounted) | Higher cost consideration |
Should You Upgrade from Galaxy S23 Ultra to S24 Ultra?
Well, I’ll now share the key scenarios where upgrading makes the most sense for you.
I’ll recommend that you upgrade If:
- You heavily use AI features and productivity tools
- Photography improvements matter for your workflow
- Long-term software support is important (7-year update commitment)
- You want the premium titanium build quality
Skip the Upgrade If:
- Your S23 Ultra performance meets current needs
- Budget is a primary concern
- You upgrade phones every 2-3 years anyway
- Current camera quality satisfies your requirements
Audio Experience: Immersive Sound Quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers excellent audio performance for both media consumption and communication:
Strengths:
- High-quality built-in speakers with impressive volume and clarity
- Effective microphone performance for calls and recordings
- Advanced audio zoom functionality for video recording
- Efficient wind noise reduction during outdoor recording
Limitations:
- Default recording app audio quality doesn’t match the main camera app performance
- No dedicated headphone jack (common among flagship devices)
Software and User Experience: One UI Meets AI
Samsung’s One UI interface, built on Android, provides a feature-rich experience enhanced by Galaxy AI integration. The software feels responsive and intuitive, though some users might find Samsung’s approach to app organization different from stock Android.
Software Highlights:
- egular security updates and feature enhancements
- Extensive customization options
- Seamless S Pen integration throughout the interface
- Multi-window functionality for productivity
- Enhanced privacy and security features
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Galaxy S24 Ultra commands a premium price point, typically starting around $1,200-$1,300 depending on storage configuration and regional availability. While expensive, the device offers exceptional value for users who prioritize:
- Professional-grade camera capabilities
- Cutting-edge AI features
- Premium build quality and design
- Long-term software support
- S Pen functionality
Real World Review: Living with the Galaxy S24 Ultra
After extended daily use, the Galaxy S24 Ultra proves itself as a remarkably capable device that excels in most scenarios. The combination of excellent display quality, versatile camera system, and powerful performance makes it suitable for both professional and personal use.
Daily Use Highlights:
- Exceptional multitasking capabilities
- Reliable all-day battery life under normal usage
- Outstanding outdoor display visibility
- Smooth performance across demanding applications
- Impressive camera versatility for various shooting situations
Minor Concerns:
- Occasional AI feature lag during intensive processing
- Camera shutter delay in critical moments
- Learning curve for maximizing AI feature benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung S24 Ultra hit or flop?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is definitively a hit. The device was the only best-selling Android flagship in 2024, with the Galaxy S24 series reaching 37.17 million units shipped globally Sammy FansSammyGuru. This represents a 19% surge over the S23 series. The S24 Ultra made history as the first Android flagship to achieve this level of commercial success in six years.
How long will a Samsung S24 Ultra last?
Samsung typically provides:
- Software updates: 7 years of OS updates and security patches (through Android 21)
- Hardware durability: With proper care, the device should last 4-6 years for most users
- Battery longevity: The 5,000mAh battery should maintain good performance for 2-3 years before noticeable degradation
Why does my S24 Ultra battery drain so fast?
Common causes of battery drain include:
- Background apps and services running constantly
- High screen brightness and refresh rate settings
- Location services and GPS usage
- 5G connectivity in areas with weak signal
- Gaming and intensive apps
- Recent software updates that may need optimization
- Always-on display features
The S24 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery offering 56 hours of autonomy under moderate usage though some users report varying experiences with battery life.
What is the price of Samsung S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pricing varies by region and storage capacity:
- Starting price: Around $1,199-$1,299 USD for base model
- Higher storage options: Prices increase with 512GB and 1TB variants
- Regional pricing varies significantly based on local taxes and market conditions
What are S24 Ultra accessories?
Popular S24 Ultra accessories include:
- S Pen cases and holders (the phone comes with built-in S Pen)
- Protective cases (clear, rugged, leather, wallet cases)
- Screen protectors (tempered glass, film protectors)
- Wireless chargers (supports up to 45W wired, 15W wireless)
- Car mounts and stands
- Camera lens protectors
- Samsung DeX accessories for desktop mode
- Galaxy Buds and other Samsung audio accessories
- Portable chargers and power banks
The Android Flagship Standard
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review reveals a device that successfully pushes the boundaries of smartphone technology. While not perfect, it delivers exceptional performance across most categories that matter to flagship smartphone users.
Best For:
- Photography enthusiasts seeking versatile camera capabilities
- Business professionals requiring AI-powered productivity features
- Power users demanding top-tier performance
- S Pen users who rely on stylus functionality
- Anyone wanting the latest Android flagship experience
Consider Alternatives If:
- Budget is a primary concern
- Simple smartphone needs without AI features
- Preference for smaller device form factors
- Primary focus is gaming performance over productivity
The Galaxy S24 Ultra earns its position as one the best Android smartphones, offering a compelling combination of innovation, performance, and premium user experience. For users seeking the ultimate Android flagship that pushes technological boundaries while delivering practical daily value, the S24 Ultra represents an excellent investment in cutting-edge mobile technology.
