SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: A Comprehensive Look at What Works and What Doesn’t

The SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra has generated considerable buzz as Samsung’s latest flagship phone. With its promises of cutting-edge technology and premium features, it’s natural to wonder if it lives up to the hype. Based on a wide range of user experiences, here’s our honest review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, dissecting its strengths and weaknesses.

The Good of SAMSUNG Galaxy S24

1. Impressive Performance and Design

The SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra is indeed a powerhouse. We’ve been impressed by its performance, driven by powerful AI technology and advanced processing. With 256GB of storage, it offers ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The display is another highlight—vivid colors, sharp details, and a smooth viewing experience make it ideal for everything from streaming to social media.

The design has also received positive feedback. Its sleek, premium build and titanium shell give it a luxurious feel. Many users appreciate the return to a flat screen, which contrasts with the curved edges of earlier models and is seen as a welcome change.

2. Enhanced Camera System

The camera system on the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out for its advanced capabilities. We’ve found the images to be highly detailed even in low light, with a variety of shooting modes that enhance creative flexibility. The upgrade to a 50MP CCD chip has improved image quality, offering better digital manipulation and sharper results compared to its predecessor, the S23 Ultra.

3. Effective Battery Life

Battery performance is generally solid, with the phone lasting through a full day of heavy use. This longevity is complemented by a quick-charging feature, although there have been occasional reports of charging speed decreasing over time.

The Not-So-Good of SAMSUNG Galaxy S24

1. Limited Innovation

While the S24 Ultra brings some improvements, we feel it represents an incremental upgrade rather than a revolutionary one. The shift from a 10x to a 5x optical zoom, for instance, is not seen as a significant leap. The phone’s AI features, although marketed as advanced, were also available on the S23 Ultra with a firmware update. The core enhancements seem to be more evolutionary than groundbreaking.

2. Software and Usability Issues

Several users have reported frustrations with the phone's software. Issues include counterintuitive settings, persistent notifications, and bloatware that hampers the user experience. Some have struggled with the "Do Not Disturb" mode, which fails to block all notifications as expected. The presence of unwanted Samsung bloatware, which can’t be removed or turned off, is also a notable drawback.

3. Display Quality Concerns

Despite the general praise for the display, there have been criticisms regarding its quality. Complaints about color banding and graininess have surfaced, suggesting that the display might not meet the high standards typically associated with Samsung’s flagship devices.

4. S Pen and Other Features

The S Pen, a staple of the Ultra series, continues to be a divisive feature. While some users appreciate the flat screen and improved usability, others find the new S Pen uncomfortable due to its thin, plastic texture compared to previous models. Additionally, issues with lens switching during video recording and HDR sync problems have been reported, impacting overall video quality.

Conclusion

The SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra is a high-performance smartphone with many strengths, including its powerful camera system, sleek design, and effective battery life. However, it’s not without its flaws. Incremental upgrades, software issues, and concerns about display quality might make some users question whether it’s worth the investment, especially if they are already satisfied with previous models like the S23 Ultra.

If you’re considering upgrading, weigh these factors carefully. The S24 Ultra delivers impressive features but may not represent the leap forward that some were hoping for. As always, personal preferences and priorities will play a significant role in determining if this flagship phone is the right choice for you.