Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: AI Features, Camera, Performance, and More

Have you ever spent a premium on a smartphone, only to get cheated on the performance and features? It is really frustrating. Then, let me introduce you to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is all set to break your expectations once more. But does it really live up to the hype? Let’s delve deep into the intricacies of this much-anticipated release and see if it truly stands out in the crowded world of flagship smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is definitely an excellent phone. Its main attractions are the S Pen, the stunning display, and the amazing camera. Its hardware and AI features are also top-notch. But it’s expensive, and most of my favorite things are AI parts, which aren’t even exclusive to the Ultra. What makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stand out? It’s the phone that combines the best specs, new AI stuff, and everything else Samsung deems important to stuff into a smartphone.

The S Pen is not just a stylus; it’s a tool that can enhance your smartphone usage to the next level. I consider the S Pen as one of the main advantages of the Note series, as it allows you to add notes to everything, even a precise editing of texts. The supplied loudspeaker and camera system is one of the best I have seen in any smartphone. Multipurpose lenses and intelligent AI options allow you to take sharp photos and record videos in any weather. Of course, not all of them are limited to the Ultra, but they certainly make your daily interactions with the phone more intelligent and, therefore, easier and less time-consuming.

The Samsung S24 Galaxy Ultra caught my attention with its bold promises and cutting-edge specifications. From its powerful processor to its advanced camera system, this smartphone aims to be a game-changer. So, let’s dive in and uncover if this flagship device truly lives up to its bold claims.

Color Options

Aside from the excellent specifications seen in this device, the Galaxy S24 Ultra truly shines in design. What is more, Samsung has filled the whole range of colors to meet any customer’s preferences. Coming in seven colors, namely Titanium Orange, Titanium Green, Titanium Blue, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Violet, Titanium Black, and Titanium Gray, the shades have been carefully developed to enhance the beauty of the slim and premium build.

Specifications

Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra design is excellent. When I first got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I couldn’t help but be amazed by its stunning design. The S24 Ultra isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a testament to Samsung’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of smartphone aesthetics and functionality. From its satiny and strong titanium face to the emotional 6.8″ flat display, this device is erected to impress. Whether you’re esteeming its smooth satin-like finish or the innovative promised camera rings, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out in every way.

It’s clear that Samsung has heeded user feedback and made significant advancements, analogous to the new five-time drone camera and brighter screen. The shift from a twisted to a flat screen not only enhances the viewing experience but also makes it easier to use screen protectors without interference. With its titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor glass, the S24 Ultra promises durability and scrape resistance, ensuring your device stays pristine. The enhanced HDR10 support and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate make every commerce with this phone a pleasure.

• Sleek and Strong: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a titanium coating on the outside for added protection as well as elegance. The material used on the back part has a satin-like feel which is smooth to the touch.

• Flat 6.8″ Display: This time’s model boasts a 6.8-inch QHD AMOLED screen that is fully flat, furnishing a sharper viewing experience with 505 ppi. The flat design is also more practical for screen protection use and navigating interfaces.

• Camera and Screen Enhancements: With a new five-time drone camera and a brighter display, the S24 Ultra enhances photography and viewing gestures. The promised camera rings and squared-off corners give it a distinctive look.

• Durability: The device is defended by Corning Gorilla Armor glass, which is over four times tougher against scrapes and impacts. This glass also reduces light by 75%, perfecting visibility.

• Stylus Support: As with former models, the S24 Ultra supports the S Pen, which can be stored within the phone. The S Pen and the phone both point to IP68-rated doorway protection against dust and water immersion.

• Enhanced Brilliance and Refresh Rate: Thanks to LTPO technology, the 120Hz refresh rate adapts to different conditioning, saving energy. The screen’s brilliance can reach up to 1450 nits in bus mode, icing clarity indeed in bright conditions.

The Samsung S24 Ultra feels premium with its Gorilla Armor glass front and back, paired with a robust titanium frame. It’s slightly lighter at 232g and thinner at 8.6mm compared to the S23 Ultra, which weighs 234g and has a thickness of 8.9mm. While the S23 Ultra features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame, both devices maintain IP68 dust and water resistance, ensuring durability and resilience against the elements.

Display

For smartphones, form is characterized initially by the display, this being the first point that one notices and which creates the right impressions about the whole interface needed for use. Being a tech junky, i understand the importance of great display, whether it is for watching movies or browsing through Facebook and Instagram. There is a way to blow the minds of users and buyers, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra does that.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display that’s designed to impress. Here’s why:

• 120Hz Refresh Rate: It also allows the animations to be smoother and the touch screen to be more sensitive. If you’re gaming or merely swiping across your applications, everything just feels amazingly smooth.

• HDR10+ Support: This means that it is capable of rendering HDR content and provides for even deeper and richer color along with much higher contrast. HDR10+ adjusts your embrace of video to using another dimension on the scenes, giving somewhat more lively colors.

• Peak brightness of 2600 nits: This is not much of an issue if you’re dealing with bright sunlight, as the S24 Ultra is adequately protected. BenQ could have made it a lot brighter, as the peak brightness is rated at 2600 nits, but nevertheless, you won’t have a hard time using your phone outside.

• 1440x3120px Resolution: Due to the high level of detail, the picture is clear and detailed. Text is sharp, images are clear, and all the displayed objects appear clear and none of them look pixelated. 

• 5:9 Aspect Ratio: This aspect ratio produces some superb viewing, from the top angle. It gives a small and elongated screen suitable for reading and scrolling in a single swipe instead of using multiple swipes. 

• 505ppi (Pixels Per Inch): That is the pixel density; it is as high as it can get, making everything from icons to videos pin sharp. PPI stands for pixels per inch; therefore, the higher the DPI, the more that you will not see each pixel even if you scrutinize the monitor. 

• Always-On Display: That way you can have important information available but without your phone screen lighting up and disturbing you. Always-On Display is suitable for time checking, notifications, and other things, simultaneously being energy-saving. 

The display is a significant aspect where I noticed a difference. The S24 Ultra comes with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which has a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. This is a noticeable improvement over the S23 Ultra’s 1750 nits peak brightness. The S24 Ultra also offers a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smoother transitions and conserving battery life.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra truly stands out. Ever wanted to know what it is that makes a smartphone camera glorious? This week, I got dirty with the guts of that camera system on the S24 Ultra, and here is what happened. It makes big promises for the image quality of this flagship device (alongside some suspicious-seeming specs). For instance, while the zoom lens provides less detail, it compensates with better color and range. However, low-light performance and noise reduction still need some improvement.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera setup is nothing short of impressive:

• Rear Camera Resolution: 200.0 MP + 50.0 MP + 12.0 MP + 10.0 MP
• Rear Camera F Numbers: F1.7, F3.4, F2.2, F2.4
• Main Camera Auto Focus: Yes
• Rear Camera OIS (Optical Image Stabilization): Yes
• Rear Camera Zoom: Optical Zoom 3x and 5x, Optical quality Zoom 2x and 10x (Enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor), Digital Zoom up to 100x
• Front Camera Resolution: 12.0 MP
• Front Camera Aperture: F2.2
• Front Camera Auto Focus: Yes
• Main Camera Flash: Yes
• Video Recording Resolution: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320)@30fps
• Slow Motion: 240fps @FHD, 120fps @UHD

With such robust specifications, it’s no surprise that the S24 Ultra excels in capturing sharp, vibrant photos. Whether you’re zooming in on distant subjects or shooting in challenging lighting conditions, this phone offers versatility and performance. However, like any device, it has its own quirks. Despite the impressive numbers, there’s always room for software tweaks to further enhance low-light capabilities and noise reduction.

My fascination with technology has led me to assess different smartphone cameras, with the result of the S24 Ultra being incredibly satisfying. I was impressed by the buzz about the fact that this new smartphone has a 5x zoom lens. Will it be able to outperform its predecessor, which has a 10x zoom lens? It is a fantastic phone that has aced my requirements; I can heartily say it is capable of beating its predecessor’s performance in many aspects.

• The 5x Zoom Lens: A Sideways Step, Not a Step Backwards

To be honest, after hearing about the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5x zoom lens, I wondered if it would be quite as good as what we’d gotten used to with the previous year’s phone. But having used it for a while now, I can confidently say that not only is it as good as before, but in many respects better than the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 10x zoom feature too. The difference is even starker at the highest settings, where photos taken at both 10x and 100x are more colour accurate thanks to better dynamic range; so much so that they look nicer even though you might lose some sharpness when viewed up close.

• Real-World Performance: Comparing with iPhone 15 Pro Max

In my experience, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in digital zoom. When I compared it to the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 5x zoom, the iPhone initially produced better images. However, as I zoomed in further, the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintained better detail and color accuracy. For instance, when I zoomed into 25x on a lighthouse a mile off the Connecticut coast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra managed to capture the intricate details, whereas the iPhone fell short.

• Addressing Color Accuracy and Low-Light Performance

Samsung has historically faced criticism for unnatural colors in their photos. This time, they’ve taken significant strides to improve color accuracy, often producing more natural and cooler tones compared to the sometimes overly warm images from the iPhone. However, low-light performance remains an area for improvement.

• The Best Camera Phone of the Year

Despite some shortcomings, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the best camera phone I’ve used in the past year. It might not dominate every category, but its consistent performance across various scenarios sets it apart from competitors like the iPhone and Pixel. Samsung’s strength lies in capturing interesting and unique shots. Whether it’s macro photography, selfies, or portraits, the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers impressive results

• Advanced Photo Editing and AI Features

Samsung has also made advancements in photo editing with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The built-in Gallery app now includes Generative Edit AI features that allow you to resize and move objects in your photos or change backgrounds. While these features are impressive, they sometimes feel more like mixed-media collages than traditional photography. Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy Enhance-X photo editor offers advanced AI-driven tools.

• Final Thoughts

Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s digital camera is a enormous improvement over its predecessor, offering better photo high-quality, natural shades, and outstanding zoom abilities. It may not be perfect, particularly in low-mild conditions, but it consistently provides the satisfactory overall digicam enjoy. Whether you’re a pictures enthusiast or simply someone who loves capturing moments, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a great preference.

For photographers such as myself, the camera configuration is essential. The S24 Ultra improves the experience with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, while both devices have 200MP broad cameras. The S24 Ultra is more versatile than the S23 Ultra, despite the latter’s remarkable 10x optical zoom. While both phones can capture 8K videos, the S24 Ultra’s more sophisticated features—like HDR10+ and 360-degree sound recording—improve the quality of the videos.

Galaxy AI

Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra has come up with some of their new AI features that are actually quite fascinating. One thing I found incredible was the blending of AI enhancements, which are innovative and do take the so-called’smart technology’ to the next level. Imagine using a smartphone that is coupled with your needs and wants of the day to perfection. Galaxy AI changes your relation to technology with the S24 Ultra, making all operations easier, quicker, and less complicated.

Circle to Search

Ever wanted to find information about something instantly? With Circle to Search, you can. Just trace an object on your screen, and Google Search results will pop up. This new visual search method is a game-changer for quick and efficient information retrieval. 

Live Translate

Breaking down language barriers has never been easier. Live Translate offers real-time interpretation during phone calls and even in messages. You can respond in your language, and the recipient will receive the translated text. This feature is perfect for global communication, making it feel seamless and natural.

Interpreter

Traveling or just need a quick translation? The Interpreter feature turns your S24 Ultra into a personal translator. Even without Wi-Fi or in airplane mode, this tool is ready to help you ask for local recommendations or navigate a foreign city.

Note Assist

Note Assist is a lifesaver for anyone who takes notes on the go. It automatically summarizes your lengthy notes into clear, concise summaries, making them easy to review later. Plus, with the new cover summaries, you can quickly find the notes you need without scrolling endlessly.

Photo Assist

Impeccable pictures are even easier to take when using Photo Assist. With the help of AI Zoom, the zooming range is from 1x to 100x, which provides sharpness in every stepped-up tier. Whether it is taking a general view of a beautiful scene or focusing on one particular object, the AI leaves your photos bright and clear.

Chat Assist

Communicating the right message is absolutely easy when you use Chat Assist. This particular feature assists you stay informed on the most appropriate type of the message to send to your friends, relatives, formally, casually or even politely. It translates your ideas to writing in a format that is easy to read and you wonder how you have been able to work without it.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just keep up with the competition—it leads. One of the name features is Samsung’s new software package, One UI 6.1, based on Android 14. As someone who has spent time exploring and testing many mobile interfaces, I can confidently say that this replication brings significant advances and a host of innovative AI-based features, which are exclusive to Samsung’s rearmost flagship models.

What truly sets the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra apart is its commitment to longevity. Imagine getting seven years of software support! This isn’t just a promise; it’s a guarantee of sustained performance and security updates. If you’re curious about the specifics of One UI 6.1, let’s dive into what makes it exceptional.

• One UI 6.1 on Android 14: This version introduces a cleaner, more intuitive interface with smarter AI integration that personalizes your experience in ways that feel genuinely helpful.
• AI-based Features: The new AI enhancements aren’t just gimmicks; they enhance everything from camera performance to battery management, making the phone feel like an extension of yourself.
• Long-term Support: With a full seven years of software support, the S24 Ultra ensures you stay updated with the latest features and security patches long after other phones have become obsolete.

With these features, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering an unparalleled user experience that evolves and improves over time.

Performance

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Performance is truly amazing; one of the things that impressed me the most in Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra performance. I’ve seen how different devices stack up, and I believe the S24 Ultra truly stands out. Have you ever wondered what it takes for a smartphone to not just meet but exceed your expectations in speed and efficiency? Well, you’re in the right place.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first Android device that has excelled in managing its memory, ensuring smooth multitasking with minimal delays. The only small hiccup you might experience comes from its new AI features, but even those are designed to enhance overall performance. When it comes to gaming and productivity, the S24 Ultra is at the top of its class. Compared to the rest of the S24 models, it comes with the same chipset available across the world: Qualcomm’s most recent, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This isn’t just any chipset; it’s a customized version with a slightly higher clocked prime CPU core. Although this change may sound trivial to some people, it may be something for the high-performance enthusiasts. 

The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that debuted last year, especially noticeable in ray tracing for games. This chipset also brings enhanced AI processing feature capabilities, making the S24 Ultra a true leader in its category. Comparisons have it that the S24 Ultra performs well in such a league as best flagships, beating last year’s model by a wide margin.

While it does edge out the Exynos 2400 versions of the Galaxy S24 and S24+, the difference in real-world usage is subtle, yet the Ultra’s enhanced power is palpable.

I’ve got the opportunity to explore the Samsung S24 Ultra’s gaming capabilities. This device makes gaming immensely immersive with its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which has a QHD+ resolution and an adjustable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. When combined with 12GB of RAM, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Galaxy chipset offers a snappy and responsive experience that easily handles even the most demanding games. Long gaming sessions are guaranteed with the 5,000mAh battery, which eliminates the need for frequent recharging. My storage options are plentiful, ranging from 256GB to 1TB, so I never run out of room for media and games.

Additionally, the S24 Ultra features a more advanced passive cooling system than its predecessor, incorporating a larger vapor chamber. This upgrade ensures that even during intensive tasks, the device remains cool and maintains peak performance, providing an unparalleled user experience.

Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is blessed in the connectivity department with something that helps one to stay connected in all aspects of life. Featuring a USB Type-C connector and compatibility with USB 3. 2-Gen, the data transfers are faster and more versatile than they used to be. It is packed with GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, and QZSS to give you accurate navigation irrespective of the area you are in. For audio, there is a USB Type-C ear jack with clean and fine sound output for the device.

Although MHL is missing, the phone has perfect Wi-Fi support, as it uses the newest 802. For advanced Wi-Fi speed, the organization released eleven standards encompassing the various bands, including 6 GHz. Bluetooth v5.3 is safe, provides energy-efficient connections, and through NFC allows for fast and instant contactless payment. The existence of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology also improves the spatial awareness and the in-device communication, thereby making the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra a perfect working tool in connectivity. Finally, Smart Switch (PC version) enables seamless connectivity with the other devices, which makes this phone an ultimate must-have gadget for any tech-savvy person.

• USB Interface: Embracing the future with USB Type-C, ensuring faster data transfer rates and versatile connectivity options.
• USB Version: Supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 for high-speed data transfers that keep up with our fast-paced lifestyles.
• Location Technology: Harnessing GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, and QZSS for precise location tracking, whether you’re navigating urban jungles or exploring off the beaten path.
• Earjack: Simplifying connections with USB Type-C, making audio experiences seamless and uncompromising.
• MHL: While MHL isn’t supported, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t compromise on other connectivity options.
• Wi-Fi: Elevating wireless connectivity with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the groundbreaking 6GHz band, featuring MIMO and 4096-QAM for unparalleled speeds.
• Wi-Fi Direct: Empowering direct connections between devices, making file sharing and collaboration effortless.
• Bluetooth Version: Leading the pack with Bluetooth v5.3 for secure, energy-efficient connections with a wide range of devices.
• NFC: Enabling quick and secure contactless payments and seamless device pairing with NFC-enabled accessories.
• UWB (Ultra-Wideband): Redefining spatial awareness and connectivity possibilities with ultra-precise location tracking and seamless device communication.
• PC Sync: Simplifying device management with Smart Switch (PC version), ensuring effortless synchronization across platforms.

Audio-Video

I’ve always thought that a smartphone can be made much better with better audio and video performance. The standard has once again been increased in regards to the most recent Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Allow me to guide you through some of its amazing audio-visual features, which are redefining the possibilities for mobile entertainment. With its wide range of supported music formats and breathtaking 8K video playback, this gadget is made to fully submerge you in a world of vivid soundscapes and clear sights.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers excellent audio-video performance and doesn’t let you down. The features of this flagship smartphone are broken down as follows:

• Stereo Support: This feature ensures rich sound quality whether you’re listening to music or watching videos.
• Video Playing Format: The video playing formats that are compatible with a broad variety of video files are MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, FLV, MKV, and WEBM.

• Video Playing Resolution: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @60fps, providing a cinematic viewing experience with crisp detail and fluid action.

• You may enjoy your favorite music and audio content in a variety of ways with the following audio playing formats: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, DFF, DSF, and APE.

Network

• Number of SIM: Dual-SIM
• SIM size: Nano-SIM (4FF)
• Embedded-SIM: Yes
• SIM Slot Type: SIM 1 + SIM 2 / SIM 1 + eSIM / Dual eSIM

And for those curious about the technical specifics:

• 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900
• 3G WCDMA: B1(2100), B2(1900), B4(AWS), B5(850), B8(900)
• 4G LTE FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3)
• 4G LTE TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
• 5G Sub6 FDD: N1(2100), N2(1900), N3(1800), N5(850), N7(2600), N8(900), N12(700), N20(800), N25(1900), N26(850), N28(700), N66(AWS-3)
• 5G Sub6 TDD: N38(2600), N40(2300), N41(2500), N77(3700), N78(3500)

Battery

Few things are as crucial as battery life—especially for those of us who rely on our devices throughout the day. Battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is insane. Whether this is due to its massive 5,000mAh size or the impressive work Samsung and Qualcomm have done to ensure the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 sips juice efficiently, the results speak for themselves. In my tests, I set both phones to 1000 nits brightness using two different lux meters. Interestingly, the iPhone appeared brighter at times. Why? From my experience, the Galaxy’s anti-reflective cover reduces light bounce, and the S24 Ultra dims faster than the iPhone.

• Capacity: With a powerful 5000mAh battery, the gadget guarantees you’ll have enough juice to get through the day without continuously pulling out the charger.

• Charging Speed: The S24 Ultra can charge up to 65% in just 30 minutes thanks to its 45W wired charging capabilities that support PD3.0. It is flexible and easy for those who enjoy wireless charging, supporting 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA) and providing 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

• Performance: The S24 Ultra outperforms other devices in real-world scenarios. It effectively distributes power, optimizing battery life without sacrificing functionality, so you can be connected when you need it most.

Brightness and Battery Drop

To ensure fairness, I disconnected all communication apps, connected both phones to the same Google account and 5G network, and charged them to 100% at the start. The Galaxy dropped to 93% battery, while the iPhone fell to 95%. I’ve noticed the iPhone takes longer to drop from 100% to 99%, which doesn’t necessarily mean it uses less power.

Real-World Testing: Video Playback

In the first hour of playing YouTube videos, both phones connected to the same 5G network and ran at 720p resolution. After an hour, the Galaxy caught up, with 82% battery left compared to the iPhone’s 81%. The iPhone’s temperature reached 36°C, while the Galaxy remained cooler at 35°C.

4K Video Recording Testing

For the final part of my test, I shot 4K videos at 60 frames per second with the selfie cam. It’s worth noting that 30 frames per second is generally sufficient unless you’re aiming for slow-motion effects. Both phones dimmed their screens within 15 minutes to protect from overheating. After 30 minutes, the iPhone hit 42°C, and the Galaxy climbed to 45°C, reversing their earlier performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Hardware and excellent performance
• impressive cameras & Strong battery life
• AI & Productivity Features
• Useful S

Cons:

• Pricey
• Big and Heavy
• No charger in the box

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