As the release of the Galaxy S25 Ultra approaches, many highlight its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. After months of updates and extensive usage, we take a detailed look at how the Galaxy S24 Ultra has held up and whether it deserves the title of “Phone of the Year.”
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to impress with its sleek look and premium materials. The device features:
- Display: Almost imperfection-free Gorilla Armor glass.
- Body: Beautiful titanium grey colour with subtle curve rails.
- Feel: Flat display that feels robust and elegant.
Less than a year after its release, the device’s aesthetic appeal remains unparalleled, garnering admiration for its titanic features and modern yet classic appearance.
Display Quality
The display of the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as one of its most cherished aspects:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Panel Type | Anti-reflective high-brightness display |
| Brightness | Up to 2700 nits |
| Media Consumption | Excellent HDR movie-watching and content viewing |
This high-brightness anti-glare screen ensures that even in direct sunlight, visibility is superior. Users report that watching movies and browsing photos feels like the content is placed on top of the glass rather than beneath it.
Battery Performance
Battery life has been a rollercoaster ride but has settled over time:
- Initial Life: Approximately 7.5 hours
- Post-Updates: Following various updates, battery performance averages around 7.5 hours again
Even though the performance dipped initially post-release, subsequent updates restored its initial reliability. Battery longevity is commensurate with the device’s formidable display brightness, which remains strong.
Connectivity
Samsung has excelled in connectivity:
- Network Stability: Consistently strong connections across diverse environments
- Modems: Superior to competitors, ensuring reliable calling and data speeds
This device’s connectivity standards make it reliable regardless of location, whether in urban or somewhat remote areas.
Overheating and Cooling
The phone effectively manages to overheat, thanks in part to the:
- Vapor Chamber: Substantial cooling mechanism
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, enhancing efficiency and reducing heat emissions
The phone maintains optimal performance with minimal dimming issues even while taking numerous photos and recording extensive videos, particularly in high-temperature environments.
Camera Performance
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera setup is a key highlight:
- Consistency: Uniform colour and detail across different lighting conditions
- Zoom Capabilities: Excellent fidelity from close-up to zoomed-out shots
- AI Integration: AI enhancements further refine image quality
Post-update improvements have solidified this phone as a strong contender for photography enthusiasts.
Software and Updates
Samsung’s commitment to long-term updates is noteworthy:
- Update Duration: Up to seven years of software updates
- Enhanced Features: Continuous improvements through updates, adding value over time
This ensures that users will enjoy new features and security patches well into the future.
Additional Features
AI Capabilities
Though not heavily utilized by all users, the S24 Ultra comes equipped with various AI functionalities:
- Instant Search: Accessible for efficient in-gallery searches
- Slow-Motion Video Improvements: Automatic highlighting of key moments within videos
S Pen Utility
The S Pen offers diverse functions, even though its usage might be niche-specific:
- Remote Photography: Capture images or videos remotely using the S Pen as a trigger
- Precision Tasks: Ideal for note-taking or detailed graphic work
Value Proposition
With enticing trading deals from Samsung, purchasing a Galaxy S24 Ultra is now more attractive than ever. Samsung offers significant trading credits which enhance the device’s overall value proposition.
Trading Deal Structure
| Storage Upgrade | Trading Credit | Final Price |
|---|---|---|
| 512GB Variant | Up to $750 | $550 |
This makes the device an excellent investment with potential for high resale value when new models are released.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a formidable piece of technology. Its impeccable design, robust build quality, exceptional display, battery resilience, and impressive camera capabilities make it an outstanding device.
This device continues to set a benchmark for those contemplating a high-end smartphone experience.
As anticipation builds for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the S24 Ultra firmly holds its place as a superior candidate for this year’s best smartphone accolade.
