When the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra launched, I picked it up on day one, mainly because I was dealing with poor battery life on my previous Galaxy S22 Ultra. As an active user of the S Pen, I felt tied to the Ultra models and thus opted for the S24 Ultra, specifically the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. My primary uses for the phone are taking product shots for reviews, lots of texting, making phone calls, and doom-scrolling through Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Here’s a look at my experience so far:
1. Welcome, Flat Screen
One of the most noticeable changes with the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the shift from a curved-edge screen to a flat one. I found the curved edges on the S22 Ultra quite frustrating, especially when using the S Pen for writing or drawing. The flat screen on the S24 Ultra feels like a long-overdue improvement. Additionally, the anti-glare coating significantly reduces reflections and glare, making it easier to use the device outdoors.
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2. Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
Despite its many strengths, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s battery life is somewhat underwhelming. Samsung continues with the same 5,000mAh battery and 45W charging combination that has been around since 2021. There are speculations that the S25 Ultra might feature an upgraded battery setup, but that’s still unconfirmed. The battery can last a full day with conservative use, but with heavy photo and video shooting, the phone tends to get quite warm and may require an additional charge before the day ends.
3. Enhanced Durability
On the durability front, the Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with its latest Gorilla Glass Armor protection, which is four times more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. The device also offers an IP68 rating and a titanium build for added robustness. I had an accidental drop when the phone slipped out of my shirt pocket on a busy road. Despite this, the phone only suffered minor damage to the display, causing no significant harm to the body.
4. AI Features and Software
The S24 Ultra comes packed with Galaxy AI features, but I only use a few of them, like Circle to Search and the enhancements available in the camera app. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 have a dedicated ‘Galaxy AI’ section in the settings, providing access to and information on all the features in one place. I wish this feature were also available on the S24 Ultra.
Samsung promises seven years of OS upgrades and security updates for the S24 Ultra, S24, and S24+. However, the built-in keyboard leaves much to be desired, especially in terms of auto-correct and Hinglish support. That’s why I use Gboard, which offers a better overall typing experience.
5. Built for Productivity
Samsung has not been highlighting the DeX capabilities of its high-end phones lately. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s DeX feature has truly impressed me, transforming the smartphone into a near-complete laptop replacement. I love how seamlessly it allows me to switch from phone to desktop mode, handling most of my daily tasks with ease. The ability to connect to a monitor and use a wireless keyboard and mouse is a game-changer, making it incredibly convenient for both work and multitasking.
However, DeX does have its limitations, particularly with more demanding tasks like photo and video editing, where it falls short of a full laptop experience. While it might not replace my laptop entirely, especially for intensive photo and video editing, DeX has certainly earned a spot in my tech arsenal for its versatility and practicality. Of course, I also love using the S Pen on my S24 Ultra.
6. Final Thoughts
Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a solid choice for those seeking a flagship smartphone with a great display, stable performance, and numerous productivity features. While I haven’t specifically mentioned the photography capabilities, I fully agree that the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in this area.
However, it’s not the only high-end contender with top-notch cameras. Competing models like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Honor Magic 6 Pro, Oppo Find X7 Ultra, Vivo X100 Pro, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra also offer strong alternatives. Having used the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Find X7 Ultra, I can say that these devices have certain advantages, particularly in videography.
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