The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has been one of the most talked-about flagship phones of the year.
In this blog, I’ll break down how it performs in everyday use, how its new features hold up, and whether it’s really worth the price.
Instead of going deep into specs, I’ll focus on real-world performance – things like battery life, camera quality, and overall feel.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of who the S24 Ultra is best for, how it compares to other premium phones, and if it’s the right choice for your next upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was released in early 2024 and is available worldwide, including the US, Europe, India, and South Korea.
It comes in multiple variants, such as 12GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage, priced between $1,200 and $1,500 depending on the configuration and region.
The phone features a bright flat display with an anti-reflective coating that improves outdoor visibility, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor for fast and efficient performance.
Its multi-lens camera system delivers detailed photos and strong zoom capabilities, while AI tools like Circle to Search and Live Translate make everyday tasks easier.
The device also includes S Pen support, adding extra convenience for note-taking and creative use.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Features and Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is built to deliver a complete flagship experience. From hardware to software, every feature is designed to work seamlessly together.
Many Galaxy S24 Ultra reviews highlight how refined this model feels, and here’s my take on how it performs in real life:
1. Design and Build Quality
This device stands out with its titanium frame, giving it a more durable and premium feel compared to earlier models.
The flat screen makes using the S Pen easier and is less prone to accidental touches. Despite its solid build, the phone feels slightly heavy, which some may notice during one-handed use, but it also adds a sense of sturdiness.
The new Gorilla Armor glass, paired with an anti-reflective coating, greatly reduces glare, making the screen easier to see outdoors while offering excellent scratch resistance.
2. Display Performance
It delivers one of the brightest and clearest displays you’ll find on a smartphone today. Its HDR performance brings out deep contrast and rich colors, especially noticeable when streaming videos or gaming outdoors.
Thanks to the new anti-reflective coating, glare is minimal even in direct sunlight, making it easier to view from any angle.
Compared to the S23 Ultra, the colors look slightly more natural. When placed beside the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the S24 Ultra’s screen appears brighter and more readable in daylight.
3. Camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers excellent photo quality from its main and ultra-wide lenses, producing sharp details, accurate colors, and strong dynamic range.
Daytime shots are vibrant, while night photos stay clear with little noise. The 5x telephoto lens performs well, but the 3x zoom lacks consistency in color and detail.
Portraits look natural, and stabilization keeps zoomed shots steady. For video, the phone records HDR footage with smooth motion and solid color balance.
Its AI tools for zoom tracking and editing are handy, though iPhone 15 Pro Max videos still appear more cinematic, and Pixel’s AI handles corrections more effectively.
The selfie camera captures realistic tones but sometimes misreads lighting, and auto-macro mode can trigger too quickly.
4. Performance and Gaming
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, the S24 Ultra handles heavy multitasking and gaming with ease.
Apps open instantly, and frame rates stay stable even in graphics-intensive titles. Thermal control is well-managed – the phone stays warm under load but never uncomfortably hot.
Switching between multiple apps feels seamless, making it ideal for users who multitask heavily or game for long sessions without slowdown.
5. Battery and Charging
The device offers excellent battery endurance, easily lasting a full day with 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time.
Even with gaming, video recording, and social apps, it rarely needs a mid-day charge. Using Samsung’s 45W fast charger, the phone reaches 100% in about 50 minutes, while a 30-minute top-up gives around 65%.
After 3 to 6 months of daily use, battery health remains stable with little capacity loss, showing strong long-term reliability and efficient power management.
6. Galaxy AI Features
The phone’s Galaxy AI features add real convenience to everyday use. Circle to Search lets you instantly identify anything on-screen, while Live Translate assists in real-time conversations or calls.
Chat Assist improves tone and clarity in messages, and Note Assist organizes and summarizes notes automatically.
These tools make multitasking easier, though minor AI lag can occur during complex translations or when processing offline.s.
7. S Pen Functionality
The S Pen remains one of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s most distinctive features. Beyond drawing, it’s useful for taking quick notes, signing documents, or precisely editing photos.
You can also use it to control the camera remotely or scroll through presentations without touching the screen.
Compared to tablet styluses, the S Pen feels equally responsive and accurate, though its smaller size limits comfort during longer use.
While it does add a bit of extra bulk, many users find it worthwhile for productivity and convenience.
8. Software and Updates
Running on One UI 6.1, the phone offers a clean, customizable software experience that feels smooth and intuitive.
Features like Good Lock and Edge Panels let you personalize layouts and shortcuts easily. However, there’s still some bloatware, with pre-installed apps that many users might not need.
Samsung’s promise of seven years of updates is impressive and seems realistic, given recent support improvements, making the S24 Ultra a safe long-term choice for Android users.
Overall, the S24 Ultra offers a balanced mix of power, durability, and useful AI features. Despite its size and some preloaded apps, it’s one of the best Android phones nowadays.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Other Alternatives
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra faces tough competition from both its predecessor and rival flagships. Here’s how it stacks up in key areas like display, performance, and overall value:
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Pixel 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Flat, brighter display with anti-reflective coating for better outdoor visibility. | Slightly curved screen, bright but more reflective. | Accurate colors, slightly dimmer in sunlight. | The Sharp OLED screen has a softer tone and lower brightness. |
| Performance | The device uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which is faster and more efficient. | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, strong but slightly slower. | A17 Pro chip, smooth performance, great for gaming. | Tensor G4, optimized for AI and multitasking. |
| Camera | Sharper detail and better zoom; the 5x lens is improved, while the 3x lens is average. | Excellent zoom range, but less accurate HDR. | Natural tones and great video, limited zoom. | Strong AI photo processing and balanced colors. |
| Battery Life | Lasts a full day with 5–6 hours of screen time; charges 0–100% in ~50 minutes. | Similar life, slower charging. | Slightly longer standby endurance. | Good battery, drains faster with AI tasks. |
| AI Features | Includes Circle to Search, Live Translate, Chat Assist, and Note Assist. | No dedicated AI suite, only basic tools. | Limited AI features, relies on Siri and iOS tools. | Gemini AI for voice, translation, and photo tasks. |
| S Pen | Built-in S Pen for notes, editing, and remote camera use. | Same S Pen, slightly higher latency. | No stylus support. | No stylus support. |
| Software & Updates | One UI 6.1 with 7 years of updates. | One UI 6 with 5 years of updates. | iOS 17, long-term Apple support. | Android 14, 7 years of updates. |
| Price & Value | Starts around $1,200; solid long-term option. | Slightly cheaper; good for skipping upgrades. | Similar price, premium design, and stability. | More affordable; strong AI value. |
| Best For | Users want performance, AI tools, and stylus support. | Galaxy owners with older models. | Apple users are focused on simplicity. | Android users prioritize AI and software. |
Overall, the S24 Ultra is a smart buy for power users who value performance, AI tools, and the S Pen. It’s a mild upgrade for S23 owners but still one of the best-rounded Android phones available.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Price Range
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung’s premium flagship designed for users who want top-tier performance, camera power, and design quality. Prices vary depending on storage and configuration.
- 256GB / 12GB RAM: around $1,299 USD
- 512GB / 12GB RAM: around $1,419 USD
- 1TB / 12GB RAM: around $1,659 USD
Overall, the S24 Ultra sits in the high-end range, offering premium build quality and cutting-edge features. Choosing the right variant depends on how much storage and performance you need for your daily use.
Who Should Buy it and Who Shouldn’t
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t for everyone, but it fits certain users perfectly. Below is a quick look at who will benefit most and who might want to skip it.
Who Should Buy It:
- Power users and professionals who need top-tier performance and a versatile camera.
- People who frequently use the S Pen for notes, editing, or control.
- Users who want long-term reliability with 7 years of updates.
- Anyone who values built-in AI tools for translation, writing, and search.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
- Casual users who don’t need flagship-level performance.
- Those who prefer smaller or lighter phones.
- Users tied to the Apple ecosystem or who favor iOS.
- Buyers are seeking value over high-end features.
Overall, the S24 Ultra is best suited for demanding users who want lasting performance and features. If you just need a simple phone, this one might be more than you need
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you now know exactly what makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra one of the strongest Android flagships out there.
I wanted this review to give you a clear, honest sense of how it performs day to day – not just on paper.
From its power-packed hardware to smart AI tools and S Pen support, it’s built for people who expect more from their phone.
If you’re ready for a phone that keeps up with you, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is worth a serious look before your next upgrade!
