When Samsung unveils a new Ultra phone, the tech community buzzes with excitement. The “Ultra” label signals high expectations; users seek top-tier performance, a camera setup that rivals a DSLR, and a display that elevates everything else to a glorious viewing experience. With the Galaxy S24 Ultra now available, many are left wondering: is it just a minor upgrade or a heavyweight contender?
Upon initial glance, the S24 Ultra might seem familiar, but a deeper look reveals a well-refined powerhouse rather than a simple update. As the S25 Ultra approaches, shedding price tags that could make wallets quiver, the S24 Ultra emerges as an unexpected champion, offering almost all pro-grade features at a more reasonable price.
So, is it still worth considering in 2025? Let’s explore its performance, display, camera capabilities, and more, one detail at a time.
Stunning Display That Transforms Viewing
Ever experienced a display so sharp you had to do a double-take? The S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that offers a mind-blowing 120Hz refresh rate, staggering peak brightness levels over 2600 nits, and QHD+ resolution that can only be appreciated firsthand.
What sets this display apart? Samsung has integrated Gorilla Armor, significantly reducing glare, enhancing scratch resistance, and improving outdoor visibility — even under the blazing sun. Users report fewer smudges, improved viewing angles, and the joy of not having to max out brightness for simple tasks, like checking notifications while on the move.
In the realm of Android phones, this display is arguably unrivaled.
Performance That Thrives on Multitasking
For performance aficionados, the S24 Ultra comes packed with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. And it certainly delivers.
Benchmark scores paint a clear picture: Geekbench 6 shows a multi-core score exceeding 7,200, while AnTuTu clocks in at an astonishing 1.77 million. This means you can effortlessly run demanding applications like Genshin Impact on maximum settings while streaming video and messaging without a hitch.
Beyond raw numbers, actual usage reflects buttery smoothness. Switching between heavy applications is seamless, and the S24 Ultra maintains its performance edge even after several months of updates, avoiding the sluggishness threshold that often plagues other Android devices.
Samsung’s RAM management shines as well. Bid farewell to apps refreshing when you briefly switch away — here, everything remains ready to go.
Impressive Battery Life That Keeps You Going
A 5,000mAh battery sounds substantial – but with the S24 Ultra, it’s not just about size; it’s about smart utilization.
Average users report 8-10 hours of screen-on time with high brightness settings and active 5G or Wi-Fi connectivity. Casual users can easily stretch their usage to an entire day and beyond. Commuters need not worry about the phone giving up mid-day while binge-watching their favorite shows.
PCMark’s battery test boasted nearly 16 hours of usage, a stamina level that puts many to shame. Charging options are decent: wired charging hits 45W, while wireless charging reaches 15W. Functional but not extravagant, it does the trick without fuss.
Camera Performance: Mostly Exceptional with a Few Caveats
The S24 Ultra sports a quad-lens arrangement, but the specs aren’t what matter most – it’s the outcomes.
For the most part, the camera’s performance is outstanding. Daylight photos are vibrant and well-balanced, while portrait shots can rival dedicated cameras, providing natural bokeh and smooth skin tones. Video capabilities extend to 8K, though many will likely favor 4K due to file size considerations.
However, whispers in the tech community highlight that motion capture could use improvement. Photographers capturing quick movements, such as toddlers or pets, may notice slight blurring or ghosting. Low-light performance is decent but doesn’t reach “wow” levels when compared to competitors like the Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In short, if photography is your passion, you might notice these flaws. But for the average user, the camera is nothing short of impressive.
S Pen: A Feature That Enhances the Experience
Remember when die-hard Note fans claimed they couldn’t live without the S Pen? With its integration into the Ultra series, it’s become a sought-after feature – especially with rumors suggesting the S25 Ultra may drop or limit S Pen functionality.
The S24 Ultra reigns supreme in S Pen usability. Whether it’s remote shutter usage, Air Actions, or sketching during dull meetings, the S Pen proves invaluable. If you’ve ever quickly jotted down thoughts during a conference call or needed a quick drawing tool, you know this feature’s worth.
Even if the S Pen isn’t a daily necessity, the potential loss in future models hungers below the surface, making the S24 Ultra even more compelling.
AI Features: More Than Just A Buzzword
- Live translation during calls works surprisingly well.
- Photo editing with smart object removal adds a fun twist to your pictures.
- Note Assist automatically organizes your notes, transforming messy bullet points into tidy summaries.
While not every feature will change your life, many have proven their practicality. With Samsung’s reputation for enhancing One UI over time, these benefits will likely improve with future updates.
Software Support Like No Other
Software longevity is crucial in the flagship market, and Samsung’s commitment to seven years of OS and security updates is remarkable. This translates to potential usage until 2031, even surprising fans of other brands with its scope.
Is the S24 Ultra Worth It in 2025?
Unless you crave every pixel from the upcoming S25 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra makes a solid case for your next device.
It boasts flagship credentials, including:
- A lightning-fast processor that leads the pack
- One of the best smartphone displays available
- Exceptional battery life that outlasts many competitors
- All-day performance that fends off throttle
- Seamless integration of the S Pen (potentially going away soon)
- A powerful camera system with minor caveats
The icing on the cake? The S24 Ultra is now available for a more attractive price as promotions and discounts roll in. You can expect to experience 90-95% of top-tier quality without the financial burden.
In conclusion? It’s the smart buy flagship for anyone who missed out last year or seeks professional features without financial strain.
FAQs
Q: Is the S24 Ultra better than the S23 Ultra?
A: Yes, it brings improvements such as a better display, a more durable body, a faster processor, enhanced AI features, and longer software support.
Q: Is the display outdoor-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The anti-glare Gorilla Armor combined with over 2600 nits peak brightness makes readings in sunlight easy.
Q: Can it handle high-demand games like PUBG and COD Mobile?
A: Yes, the S24 Ultra runs these games on maximum settings with stable frame rates and without overheating.
Q: Is the camera reliable for video content creation?
A: Definitely! It excels in 4K and bright outdoor conditions, though motion and low-light situations could be improved.
Q: Should I upgrade from the S23 Ultra?
A: It’s not an urgent upgrade unless you highly value the improved display and long-term software support. But for older devices (S21 or below), it’s a monumental upgrade.
Q: Does the S Pen operate smoothly?
A: Yes! It fits securely, clicks out effortlessly, and retains a satisfying feel reminiscent of classic Note devices.
Final Thoughts: Ultra in Name, Smart in Essence
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t focused on reinventing the smartphone. Instead, it perfects existing features to near-perfection. It ticks almost all the boxes you could want, and despite being classified as “last year’s model,” it still competes as if it just premiered.
Amidst increasing smartphone prices, the S24 Ultra delivers substantial value without sacrificing performance or style.
If you seek a flagship that feels premium, performs impressively, and has longevity to boot, this device might just be your ideal match.
