Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: The Android Flagship King

Design and Display Excellence

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra continues Samsung's tradition of premium flagship design with a refined titanium frame that feels incredibly solid in hand. At 6.8 inches, the display is large but manageable, and the squared-off edges give it a distinctive, professional appearance that stands out from the competition.

What truly sets the S24 Ultra apart is its exceptional display technology. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen delivers a stunning 3120 x 1440 resolution with a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Samsung has pushed brightness to new heights with this generation, achieving up to 2,600 nits peak brightness, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight. The display is simply one of the best you'll find on any smartphone.

The integrated S Pen remains a signature feature that no other flagship can match. It slides seamlessly into the phone's body and offers precise input for note-taking, sketching, and navigation. If you've ever used a Note series device, you'll feel right at home. The S Pen's low latency makes writing feel natural and responsive.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a specially optimized version of the flagship processor. Paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, this phone handles absolutely everything you throw at it with ease.

Whether you're multitasking between dozens of apps, editing 4K video, playing demanding mobile games, or using the new AI features, the S24 Ultra never breaks a sweat. Gaming performance is particularly impressive, with sustained high frame rates even during extended sessions. The vapor chamber cooling system keeps temperatures in check during intensive use.

Battery life is excellent thanks to the 5,000mAh capacity. You'll easily get through a full day of heavy use, and moderate users might stretch it to two days. The 45W fast charging isn't the fastest on the market, but it's adequate, taking the phone from 0 to 65% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also supported.

Camera System: Versatile Quad Setup

The camera system on the S24 Ultra is one of its strongest selling points. The quad camera array includes a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto. This versatile setup covers every shooting scenario you'll encounter.

The 200MP main camera produces incredibly detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. Samsung's image processing has improved significantly, delivering more natural colors while maintaining the vibrant look Samsung is known for. Low-light performance is impressive, with night mode producing clear, bright images even in challenging conditions.

The dual telephoto system is where the S24 Ultra truly shines. The 5x optical zoom produces sharp results, and the camera can digitally zoom up to 100x. While the extreme zoom levels are more novelty than practical, the 10x to 30x range produces usable results that are genuinely impressive. If you love telephoto photography, this phone is unmatched.

Video recording capabilities are top-tier, supporting 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps. Stabilization is excellent across all modes, and the ability to switch between lenses while recording makes the S24 Ultra a powerful tool for mobile videographers.

Galaxy AI Features

Samsung has integrated several AI-powered features into the S24 Ultra, marketed as Galaxy AI. These include Circle to Search, which lets you search for anything on your screen by drawing a circle around it, Live Translate for real-time call translation, and AI-powered photo editing tools.

The photo editing features are particularly useful, allowing you to move objects, erase reflections, and fill in backgrounds intelligently. While some of these features feel more like party tricks, others, like the translation capabilities, offer genuine practical value for international users and travelers.

Note Assist can summarize and format your notes, while Transcript Assist can transcribe and translate voice recordings. These productivity features work well and integrate seamlessly into Samsung's native apps.

Software and Updates

The S24 Ultra ships with Android 14 and Samsung's One UI 6.1. One UI has matured significantly over the years and now offers one of the most polished Android experiences available. The interface is clean, customizable, and packed with useful features without feeling overwhelming.

Samsung has committed to seven years of OS updates and security patches for the S24 Ultra, matching Google's support timeline. This long-term support makes the S24 Ultra a genuinely future-proof investment that will remain secure and up-to-date well into 2031.

Specifications

Specification	Details
Display	6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120x1440, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Main Camera	200MP, f/1.7, OIS
Telephoto 1	10MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS
Telephoto 2	50MP, f/3.4, 5x optical zoom, OIS
Ultrawide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FOV
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2
Battery	5,000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless charging
S Pen	Integrated, Bluetooth enabled
Build	Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor glass, IP68
Weight	232g

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra support 5G?

Yes, the S24 Ultra supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks for the fastest possible mobile connectivity where available.

Is the S24 Ultra worth upgrading from the S23 Ultra?

If you have an S23 Ultra, the upgrade may not be essential. The improvements are incremental, focusing on the brighter display, Galaxy AI features, and slightly better performance. S22 Ultra or older users will see more significant benefits.

How does the camera compare to the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

The S24 Ultra offers more versatility with its dual telephoto system and higher resolution sensors. The iPhone delivers more consistent results with better video quality. Both are excellent, it comes down to ecosystem preference and whether you value zoom range or video quality more.

Can you expand the storage?

No, the S24 Ultra does not have a microSD card slot. Choose your storage capacity carefully at purchase, as it cannot be expanded later.

Does it come with a charger?

No, like most flagship phones, the S24 Ultra does not include a charger in the box. You'll need to purchase a compatible USB-C charger separately or use one you already own.

Is the S Pen pressure sensitive?

Yes, the S Pen supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it excellent for detailed drawing and note-taking.

Who Should NOT Buy This Phone

Compact Phone Lovers: At 6.8 inches and 232 grams, the S24 Ultra is a large, heavy device. If you prefer one-handed use or compact phones, consider the regular S24 instead.

Budget-Conscious Buyers: Starting at $1,299, this is a premium flagship with a premium price. If budget is a concern, the S24 or S24+ offer excellent value with many of the same features at lower price points.

iOS Ecosystem Users: If you're deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem with a Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch, switching to Android means losing that seamless integration. The iPhone 15 Pro Max makes more sense for Apple users.

Minimalists Who Don't Need Features: If you don't use the S Pen, don't need extreme zoom, and won't use Galaxy AI features, you're paying for capabilities you won't utilize. A simpler phone might better suit your needs.

Comparison: Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

Feature	Galaxy S24 Ultra	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Display Size	6.8" AMOLED, 120Hz	6.7" OLED, 120Hz
Peak Brightness	2,600 nits	2,000 nits
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	A17 Pro
RAM	12GB	8GB
Main Camera	200MP	48MP
Optical Zoom	3x and 5x	5x
S Pen / Stylus	Yes (included)	No
Battery	5,000mAh	4,441mAh
Starting Price	$1,299	$1,199
OS Updates	7 years	5-6 years

The S24 Ultra excels in display brightness, zoom versatility, and stylus input. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers superior video quality, better app optimization, and tighter ecosystem integration. Read our full iPhone 15 Pro review for detailed comparison.

Alternative Options to Consider

• iPhone 15 Pro Max ($1,199) - If you prefer iOS and value video quality over zoom range, Apple's flagship remains an excellent alternative.
• Samsung Galaxy S24+ ($999) - Offers much of the S24 Ultra's performance in a lighter body without the S Pen, saving $300.
• Google Pixel 8 Pro ($999) - Google's flagship delivers exceptional AI features and camera quality with clean Android at a lower price point.

The Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most complete Android flagship available today. Its exceptional display, versatile camera system, S Pen integration, and powerful performance make it the ultimate productivity and creativity tool for power users who demand the best.

While the $1,299 starting price is steep, you're getting a phone that excels in virtually every category. The seven-year update commitment means this investment will serve you well for years to come. The improvements over the S23 Ultra are incremental, but the overall package remains unmatched in the Android world.

If you want the absolute best Android phone money can buy, need serious zoom capabilities, or rely on stylus input for work or creativity, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear choice. It's not for everyone due to its size and price, but for those who want flagship excellence without compromise, this is it.