June Wan/ZDNET
New product launches are always exciting, especially when you’re looking to upgrade your smartphone. But while these launches are fun, they can also be overwhelming, with companies delivering a lot of information in a short amount of time. January’s Samsung Unpacked event was no different.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus: A week later, I’ve forgotten about the Ultra model
Samsung’s Unpacked event focused largely on the new features of the Galaxy S24 lineup of smartphones. From increased battery life to artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, all three of the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones are some of the best options available on the market right now.
Now that ZDNET’s team of reviewers has spent the past two weeks testing the devices, here are the key differences you should know as you decide on which model to buy.
Specifications
Galaxy S24Galaxy S24 PlusGalaxy S24 UltraStarting price$799$999$1,299Display6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2600 nits peak, Always-on6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2600 nits peak, Always-on6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2600 nits peak, Always-onResolution1080 x 2340 pixels1440 x 3088 pixels1440 x 3088 pixelsRefresh rate120Hz120Hz120HzProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM8GB12GB12GBStorage128GB, 256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB, 1TBMain camera50MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto – 8K at 24/30fps, 4K at 30/60fps50MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto – 8K at 24/30fps, 4K at 30/60/120fps200MP f/1.7 wide, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto – 8K at 24/30fps, 4K at 30/60/120fpsFront camera12MP f2.2 – 4K at 60fps12MP f2.2 – 4K at 60fps12MP f2.2 – 4K at 60fpsOSAndroid 14Android 14Android 14Battery4,000mAh, 50% in 30 minutes4,900mAh, 65% in 30 minutes5,000mAh, 65% in 30 minutesDurabilityIP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with aluminum frameIP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with aluminum frameIP68, Gorilla Glass Armor with titanium frameColorsOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber YellowOnyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber YellowTitanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if…
June Wan/ZDNET1. You want to make the most of Samsung’s new AI features
The brand new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may not be a huge hardware upgrade when compared to its previous version, the S23 Ultra, but its new AI features make daily use a far superior experience in comparison. And the included S Pen and large 6.8-inch display help you make the most of it.
Galaxy S24 users can use ‘Circle to Search’, a new feature that lets you circle an area in an image and run a Google search. The included S Pen that comes with the Ultra series is perfect to use for this purpose, giving users the precision necessary to encircle what they want to search for and leave out anything they don’t.
Also: The best Android phones of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
Other new AI features coming to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra include: Generative Edit, which lets you move and edit subjects in photos, using AI to generate backgrounds or expand images; Live Translate, which features real-time translation during voice calls; Transcript Assist, which can transcribe voice memos and notes; and Chat Assist, which can help you generate text for emails, text messages, and more.
2. You want a top-of-the-line camera
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still has a 200MP main camera, but the telephoto module got an upgrade from a 10MP to 50MP with 5x optical zoom. New improvements and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also result in clearer photos in low-light conditions. This capability helps reduce noise in photos taken at night or in dark areas while delivering more detail that typically wouldn’t be captured with other cameras.
There’s also a new AI Zoom feature that brings up the clarity and detail in long-distance shots by filling in areas that are blurry or not in focus.
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus if…
June Wan/ZDNET 1. You like a large phone but not the large price tag
The great thing about the Goldilocks Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is that it offers a lot of the great experiences from the larger S24 Ultra for a lower price. Don’t get me wrong — you can’t expect the S24 Plus to be an Ultra ‘lite’, but it is a great alternative if you’d rather have a larger screen and don’t need the extra features that a higher model offers.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S23: Should you make the upgrade?
Starting at $999 for the 256GB model, the S24 Plus has a 6.7-inch display and is perfect for anyone looking for a large phone without all of the Ultra’s bells and whistles. It also features a larger battery than the base model, and a 50MP main camera.
2. Battery life is your priority
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus has a considerably larger battery than the S24 and its predecessor, the S23 Plus. The Galaxy S24 has the smallest battery of Samsung’s latest trio of smartphones, at 4000 mAh, and is capable of reaching 50% in 30 minutes.
At 4900 mAh, the Galaxy S24 Plus’ battery can last up to 35 hours of talk time and, like the S24 Ultra’s 5000 mAh battery, can charge to up to 65% in just 30 minutes. The fact that the S24 Plus has a battery almost as powerful as the S24 Ultra’s, but without the latter’s demand to maintain more high-end features, is worth considering when choosing an S24 model.
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if…
June Wan/ZDNET1. You want all the new AI features for less
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is an obvious choice for anyone looking to save some cash, starting at just $799 for the 128GB model. But even if you’re saving more than if you get a Plus or Ultra model, you’d still be able to enjoy Samsung’s new AI features, which are available on all S24 models.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 series hands-on: I did not expect this model to be my favorite
With a 1080p-LTPO AMOLED display, the Galaxy S24 model also borrows some features from the Plus and Ultra, like a 50MP main camera and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for improved performance, all wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus 3 with an aluminum frame.
2. You want a phone that fits comfortably in your palm
If you’re a fan of one-handed Candy Crush sessions, then you might enjoy the smaller Samsung Galaxy S24. The Galaxy S24 is the smallest model in the lineup, at a comfortable 6.2 inches. This size is perfect if you don’t like your smartphone to push seven inches, which often results in the device falling out of your pocket or having to maintain an awkward, one-handed hold.
Alternatives to consider
BEST ANDROID ALTERNATIVE
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a great alternative to the S24 series of smartphones because it features many of the great AI capabilities that are exclusive to the Galaxy S24, thanks to Google’s Assistant.
BEST iPHONE ALTERNATIVE
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 is just 0.1 inches smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S24 but has a higher resolution and pixel density. It’s also a great fit for those who enjoy the Apple ecosystem.
BEST SAMSUNG ALTERNATIVE
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is last year’s model that is similar to this year’s option. Though it doesn’t have the new AI features, it’s discounted now at $1,055 for the 512GB option.