The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra launched with a buzz, promising a whole new level of smartphone performance and capabilities. Having used this device for two months, I can confirm it lives up to the hype and then some. Here’s why, building on my first impressions in the initial review.
The Power of the Snapdragon and Stellar Battery
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip is a powerhouse. Benchmarks consistently rank it among the top mobile processors on the market, and in real-world use, it translates to effortless performance. Whether I’m switching between demanding apps, editing high-resolution photos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the S24 Ultra handles it all without a hitch. This responsiveness extends to everyday tasks as well – scrolling through social media feeds, browsing the web, and navigating menus are all buttery smooth.
Another area where the S24 Ultra excels is battery life. Samsung has optimized the power consumption of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and the software, resulting in significant improvements over previous models. On a typical day with moderate usage (calls, texts, emails, social media, web browsing, and some photo/video capture), I can easily get a full day’s worth of charge. Even with heavier use, including extended gaming sessions or video streaming, the S24 Ultra usually makes it to the end of the day without needing a top-up. When a recharge is necessary, the 45W fast charging brings the phone back to life quickly – a lifesaver when you’re on the go.
Camera Magic: Capturing the Moment, Any Moment
I was already impressed with the S24 Ultra’s camera system on day one. Over the past two months, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances that make it truly exceptional. The 200MP sensor delivers exceptional detail and clarity in every shot, especially in brightly lit environments. But where it truly shines is in low-light photography. Samsung’s ‘Nightography’ mode utilizes advanced AI processing to produce clear, well-lit images that rival dedicated cameras. Gone are the grainy, noisy night shots of the past; the S24 Ultra captures the scene with remarkable detail and vibrancy, preserving the natural atmosphere.
The AI processing doesn’t stop there. Expert RAW mode offers professional photographers a high level of control over every aspect of the image, from ISO and white balance to shutter speed and lens settings. This level of granular control allows for serious creative exploration, perfect for capturing stunning, artistic photos.
Photo galley from my initial review:
A Display That Shines, Always
The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the S24 Ultra is a marvel of engineering. It boasts a peak brightness of 2700 nits, making it easily viewable even under the harshest sunlight. This is a significant improvement over previous models and a real game-changer for outdoor use. Whether you’re checking social media on a sunny beach or navigating with Google Maps on a bright afternoon, the display remains crisp and clear.
Another major upgrade is the reduced reflectivity. Samsung has implemented a new material coating that significantly minimizes reflections on the display surface. This makes a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially when viewing content or reading text outdoors. Glare is minimized, and the content remains the star of the show. The 120Hz refresh rate also deserves a mention here. It ensures silky smooth visuals, whether you’re scrolling through web pages, gaming, or watching videos. The display’s responsiveness makes everything feel fluid and instantaneous.
Software Refinement
One UI 6.1, layered over Android 14, provides a polished and user-friendly experience. It’s fast and responsive, thanks to optimizations made by Samsung. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a clean layout and customizable elements. One UI 6.1 also introduces a slew of new features designed to enhance productivity and user experience. For example, the improved multitasking capabilities allow users to work with multiple apps simultaneously more efficiently. Additionally, Samsung has been diligent about rolling out software updates since launch. These updates have addressed minor bugs and introduced new features, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to keeping the S24 Ultra feeling fresh and secure over its lifespan.
Beyond the Buzz: The Real Long-Term Value
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lives up to its reputation as a technological powerhouse, and two months of use have only strengthened that opinion. It’s a phone that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. Its power, camera prowess, and stunning display are enough to make any tech enthusiast swoon. For those committed to the Android world, or seeking to break free from Apple’s ecosystem, this could be the phone of your dreams.
But for me (yes there’s always a but), the S24 Ultra was a thrilling fling, not a lasting love story. While I acknowledge its undeniable strengths, the seamless integration and familiarity of my iPhone world ultimately won out. Perhaps one day, a phone will offer enough to make me switch permanently, but for now, I’m packing my bags and heading back to the comfortable confines of Cupertino.
It all boils down to the ecosystem. I’m heavily invested in Apple’s world. My iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook integrate seamlessly with my iPhone. That level of interconnectivity and intuitive communication between devices is, for me, a major selling point. Apps and services simply ‘work’ together in a way that’s difficult to replicate outside of Apple’s ecosystem. Additionally, Apple’s relentless focus on privacy and security aligns perfectly with my priorities. I appreciate the extra layer of control Apple grants me over how my data is used and protected. While Samsung undoubtedly offers strong security features, Apple’s ecosystem-wide approach to user privacy gives me an additional sense of ease.
For Android users, or those looking to switch ecosystems, this could be the ultimate phone. But for me, the value of staying integrated with my existing Apple devices outweighs the powerful features the S24 Ultra offers.
