Introduction

Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, has arrived with much fanfare, promising to push the boundaries of smartphone photography and AI integration. As the top-tier model in Samsung’s S24 lineup, this device comes with high expectations. In this review, we’ll examine how it measures up to its predecessors and competitors, focusing on its camera capabilities, performance, and new AI features.

Review

The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains the familiar design language of its predecessor, with a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz. The screen is protected by Corning’s latest Gorilla Armor, which Samsung claims offers significantly improved scratch resistance and reduced reflectivity.

Under the hood, the S24 Ultra is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, specially optimized for Samsung. This provides a noticeable boost in performance compared to the S23 Ultra, particularly in AI-related tasks and gaming. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB.

The camera system is where the S24 Ultra truly shines. The main camera boasts a 200MP sensor, which uses advanced pixel-binning technology to produce stunningly detailed 12MP or 50MP images. The 10x optical zoom periscope lens has been replaced with a 5x optical zoom lens, which some may see as a downgrade. However, Samsung argues that this change, combined with their new AI-powered digital zoom, actually provides better overall zoom performance up to 100x.

Speaking of AI, Samsung has introduced a suite of AI-powered features under the “Galaxy AI” banner. These include real-time translation during phone calls, advanced photo editing capabilities, and AI-assisted text composition. While some of these features feel gimmicky, others, like the ability to move or remove objects from photos, are genuinely useful and well-implemented.

Battery life remains excellent, with the 5,000mAh battery easily lasting a full day of heavy use. The device supports 45W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, which is on par with its predecessor but falls behind some competitors in charging speed.

One area of potential concern is the pricing. With a starting price of $1,299, the S24 Ultra is one of the most expensive non-foldable smartphones on the market. While it offers cutting-edge technology, this price point may be a barrier for many consumers.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse of a smartphone that excels in photography and AI-powered features. Its refined design, top-tier performance, and innovative camera system make it a worthy flagship for Samsung. While the high price and some questionable changes (like the new zoom lens) may give some pause, the overall package is undeniably impressive. For those who demand the best in smartphone photography and are willing to pay a premium, the S24 Ultra is a compelling choice that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a mobile device.