Galaxy S24 Ultra 1 Year Later: Long Term Review

Galaxy S24 Ultra: One Year Later Review

Key Concepts:

• Camera Versatility & Quality
• Battery Life & Granular Power Saving
• Anti-Reflective Display & Vivid Mode
• Titanium Build & Flat Panel Preference
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Performance & Future-Proofing
• 1 UI 3/7 Beta 3 Software Improvements & Consistency
• Generative AI Features & Value Increase
• Charging Speed (vs. Longevity)
• Durability & Minor Corner Scuffing
• Gaming Heat Management
• S Pen Utility & Potential Removal
• Audio Performance & Galaxy Buds Pro 3
• Longevity & Future-Proof Feel

Camera Performance

• Main Point: The camera system's versatility, feature set, and image quality are key reasons for the phone's value.
• Details:
  • Long zoom lens with good performance across camera categories.
  • 1 UI 7 beta 3 offers features like Night Mode, Pro Video, Pro Expert RAW, and Dual Recording.
  • Pro Video mode allows for professional-level video recording with external microphone support.
  • Long optical zoom capabilities.
  • 4K at 120fps in Pro mode and 8K recording.

Battery Life and Power Management

• Main Point: The 5,000 mAh battery provides good battery life, lasting a day or more, with granular power-saving options.
• Details:
  • Multiple battery modes for customized power saving.
  • Granular controls to limit CPU usage, turn on/off Always-On Display, and decrease brightness.
  • While other phones have surpassed it in battery life, it was a strong selling point.

Display

• Main Point: The anti-reflective coating and flat panel design contribute to a professional-looking and durable display.
• Details:
  • Anti-reflective coating reduces glare, though it initially made the display less vibrant.
  • Samsung added a Vivid mode slider to address user preferences for more saturated colors.
  • Flat panel design is preferred over curved displays for durability and usability.
  • Titanium build enhances durability.

Performance and Software

• Main Point: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures smooth performance, and the 1 UI 3/7 Beta 3 software offers improvements and consistent design.
• Details:
  • The phone is future-proofed with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
  • 1 UI 3 has improved animations and a smooth app-switching tray.
  • Software updates have improved performance over time.
  • Android 15 with 1 UI 7 Beta 3 is running well.
  • Software features include a now bar, vertical app tray, translucent effects, one-handed mode, Edge panels, split-screen, and pop-up view.
  • Generative AI wallpapers and features increase the phone's value.

Charging and Durability

• Main Point: Charging speed is slower compared to some competitors, but durability is excellent.
• Details:
  • Charging speed is faster than Apple but slower than OnePlus and other brands.
  • The phone supports reverse wireless charging and wireless charging.
  • The phone is durable and doesn't show fingerprints easily.
  • Minor scuffing was observed on the corners, potentially due to the design.

Gaming and Heat Management

• Main Point: The phone offers excellent heat management during extended gaming sessions.
• Details:
  • Heat management is better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and similar to OnePlus phones.

S Pen

• Main Point: The S Pen adds unique functionality, though its utility depends on the user's workflow and ecosystem.
• Details:
  • The S Pen allows for quick note-taking and can be used as a pointer.
  • It syncs with Samsung Galaxy tablets and other Samsung products with calendar apps.
  • Its value is limited if the user primarily uses Google Calendar.
  • There is concern that Samsung might remove the S Pen in future models.

Audio

• Main Point: The phone has good audio performance with Dolby Atmos mode, and pairs well with Galaxy Buds Pro 3.
• Details:
  • Dolby Atmos mode offers Auto, Movie, Music, and Voice settings.
  • Galaxy Buds Pro 3 provide good noise canceling and audio quality.
  • The phone lacks an IR blaster.

Design and Longevity

• Main Point: The phone has a sleek, rectangular design and feels future-proof with many years of software support remaining.
• Details:
  • The phone's design is distinctive and premium.
  • The phone feels like it will remain relevant for several years due to software updates and strong hardware.
  • The camera system and overall performance should remain competitive for 3-4 years.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is considered the best phone the reviewer has used since its release. Its strengths lie in its versatile camera system, good battery life, durable design, smooth performance, and unique features like the S Pen. While charging speed could be improved, the phone offers a comprehensive and future-proof experience, making it a worthwhile investment. The reviewer anticipates it will remain a strong contender even with newer phones on the market and recommends it as a good option for those seeking a high-end, feature-rich smartphone.