On January 1st, Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra, highlighting AI as its main feature. With tools like language translation and Circle to Search, the phone aimed to improve our daily lives. After using it for three months, I’ve found standout features like the anti-reflective display, while some AI aspects fell short.
A Look Back: From S22 Ultra to S24 Ultra
After two years with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I was excited to see how the S24 Ultra would perform. Promising seven years of software updates and new AI tools, it seemed ready to impress. Expectations were high for a device as reliable as the S22 Ultra.
Evolution of Design and Build Quality
The S24 Ultra has improved in design from the S22 Ultra. Changes in materials, weight, and feel make a difference. Personally, I noticed the phone feels more comfortable and premium in hand.
The Revolutionary Display
Anti-Glare Innovation
While the 200-megapixel camera and AI features are exciting, the display is crucial for daily use. Samsung’s anti-glare display is a big improvement. A video released three months after launch showed off its Corning Gorilla Armor, highlighting its durability.
The display reduces reflections and glare outdoors, beating the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pixel 8 Pro, and S23 Ultra on sunny days. This means I can take photos and watch videos comfortably without shading the screen.
Screen Comparisons: S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
The S24 Ultra’s screen is a huge step up from its predecessor. The improved Gorilla Glass keeps it scratch-free, unlike my S22 Ultra, which scratched quickly. This durability shows the quality of materials used.
The Mystery of Late Screen Details
It’s curious why Samsung delayed revealing screen details. It might be due to initial issues fixed with a software update. Their transparency in addressing these issues is commendable.
Switching to a flat display from the S22 Ultra’s curved screen is beneficial. I prefer using the S Pen on the flat screen for edge-to-edge writing, enhancing the experience.
User Experience and Daily Usage
Evaluating AI Features
Circle to Search: A Handy Tool
Circle to Search is the most useful AI feature. Whether searching a webpage or circling a photo, it’s something I use often. Other AI options like shadow adjustments are available on older models with the One UI 6.1 Update.
Galaxy AI: A Missed Opportunity
Galaxy AI doesn’t provide enough reason to upgrade. These features, though innovative, lack the transformative impact expected.
Potential and Future of AI on Mobile Devices
AI in smartphones has great potential. It could become more integral, offering smarter, more personalized experiences. Future developments might include better voice recognition and more intuitive automation.
Camera Performance: A Mixed Bag
For the first time, the camera isn’t the highlight of my Galaxy experience. While zoom from ultrawide to 100x is fun, results at extreme zoom levels look like watercolors. I prefer up to 30x zoom for clearer images. There’s room for improvement at higher zoom levels.
Camera Innovations and Limitations
The shift from a 10x optical camera to a 5x model, relying on pixel-binning for hybrid zoom, limits flexibility, especially for video at 10x zoom.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro, the S24 Ultra’s camera has strengths and weaknesses. In my experience, the strengths lie in versatility, while the weaknesses appear in extreme zoom quality.
Quick Share: Enhancing File Sharing
File sharing is seamless with Android Quick Share, formerly Nearby Share. On the S24 Ultra, sharing files across devices, whether iOS or Mac, is effortless. This makes daily tasks more efficient.
Practical Uses and Benefits
Quick Share improves my daily workflow, especially in professional settings or while traveling, making file sharing stress-free.
Conclusion: Impressed and Anticipating More
Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra exceeded my expectations. While Galaxy AI hasn’t lived up to the hype, improvements like the anti-glare display make a big difference. I’m eager to revisit the phone in a few months, especially with Android 15 coming soon. There’s potential for further enhancements, making me optimistic about the future of this device.
Looking to the Future
Future updates like Android 15 could enhance the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Users might expect improved AI features and better integration in upcoming Samsung releases.