Samsung S24 Ultra Review - Goodbye iPhone?

Summary

The Galaxy S24 Ultra review reveals a mix of advancements and setbacks. Despite its titanium frame and stronger glass, durability concerns remain with visible scuffs. Major improvements include a less reflective screen, enhanced software fluidity, and a comprehensive camera software overhaul, yet the hardware changes are minimal. AI features like instant translation and summarization impress, but live call translation needs improvement. The phone promises seven years of software updates, boosting its long-term value. While not perfect, the S24 Ultra's blend of design, performance, and innovative AI capabilities marks a significant step forward, prompting the reviewer to switch from an iPhone to the S24 Ultra as their primary device.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a gorgeous anti-glare display that greatly reduces reflections.
• 👍🏻 The phone's software, UI customizability and smoothness have improved tremendously.
• 🤔 The cameras capture great photos but lack major upgrades from the S23 Ultra.
• 👎🏻 Instagram and Snapchat story quality is still subpar on the S24 Ultra.
• 😡 Samsung's AI features will start charging subscription fees after 2025.
• 🤯 The phone has incredible translation capabilities across messaging apps.
• 🔥 The S24 Ultra delivers the best battery life ever in a Samsung flagship.
• 📱 Circle to Search makes identifying objects on your screen extremely easy.
• 🎮 The phone can smoothly emulate resource-intensive PS2 games.
• 💪🏻 The S24 Ultra provides blazing fast performance but can get hot under extreme loads.

Q & A

What are some of the controversies around the Galaxy S24 Ultra launch?

The controversies include making the cameras worse than previous models, having 7 years of software support which some view as unbelievable, the chipset being a thermal nightmare, and mixed early reviews.

What are the upgrades to the Galaxy S24 Ultra's design?

Upgrades include a Titanium frame instead of aluminum, 4 times stronger glass, and a matte texture on the back, although it still scratches easily to expose the glossy layer underneath.

What is the biggest upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra's screen?

The biggest upgrade is the significant reduction in screen glare and reflections, making it retain good visibility in various lighting conditions.

What software improvements help make the Galaxy S24 Ultra smooth and fluid to use?

Improvements include excellent scrolling acceleration, consistent and smooth animations when opening/closing apps, and an overall focus on refining small details to improve the experience.

What are some drawbacks compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Drawbacks include worse audio quality, lack of MagSafe charging, more aggressive pushing of Samsung services, worse signal/connectivity, and issues sharing videos on Instagram/Snapchat.

How have the Galaxy S24 Ultra's cameras improved?

The cameras haven't improved much in terms of details/quality, but the camera app is faster, smoother, better organized and overall nicer to use.

What AI features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra stand out positively?

The instant translation features across messaging apps and the AI-powered note organization/summarization are quite useful and go beyond gimmicks.

What is the Circle to Search feature and why is it innovative?

It lets you circle anything on the screen to have Google identify/search for it without leaving the current app. It's very accurate and changes how you can search.

How long will the AI features remain free to use?

Samsung has said the online AI features will only remain free until the end of 2025, after which users may need to pay extra fees.

How does the Galaxy S24 Ultra perform under intensive tasks like gaming and emulation?

It can handle very intensive emulation well, although performance dips slightly compared to gaming phones after prolonged stress. But for most real-world use, its performance is excellent.