Samsung’s latest flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G, arrives with a clear mission: to be the most intelligent and capable smartphone on the market. Moving beyond just hardware specs, it introduces Galaxy AI, a suite of features designed to rethink how you communicate, create, and search. Yes, it has a powerful 200MP camera and the fastest Snapdragon chip. But the real story is how it uses artificial intelligence to enhance every interaction.
We’ve spent significant time testing the S24 Ultra to answer the critical questions: Are the new AI tools genuinely useful or just gimmicks? Does the refined design and flat screen improve the experience? And does it truly deserve its position at the top of the Android ecosystem? This is a real-world review for professionals, creatives, and power users.
Design & Display A New, More Useful Shape
The S24 Ultra marks a notable design shift. Gone is the curved screen, replaced by a completely flat 2K Dynamic AMOLED display. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It makes using the S-Pen more precise and reduces accidental touches. The frame is now titanium, making the phone lighter and more durable than the previous stainless steel model.
The 6.8-inch screen is stunning. It gets incredibly bright (2600 nits peak), making it perfectly visible in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate is adaptive and smooth. For content consumption, productivity, and note-taking, this is arguably the best display on any smartphone.
The Core of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G AI
This is the S24 Ultra’s defining upgrade. Galaxy AI is integrated into the system. Here’s how the key features work in practice:
- Circle to Search (with Google): This is a game-changer. Long-press the home button, circle anything on your screen—text, image, video—and get instant Google results. Seeing a plant, landmark, or outfit? Circle it and learn more without leaving your app.
- Live Translate: Have real-time, two-way translated phone calls. The AI works on-device for privacy, splitting the screen so you both can speak naturally. It also works in person via Interpreter mode, translating live speech instantly.
- Chat Assist: Perfects your tone in messages (professional, casual, polite) and can rewrite entire messages in different styles.
- Note Assist & Transcript Assist: Summarizes long notes and can transcribe voice recordings, labeling each speaker automatically. A boon for students and journalists.
Verdict: These AI tools are deeply integrated and surprisingly practical, moving beyond gimmicks to become real productivity enhancers.
Camera System Computational Photography Mastery
The hardware sees a thoughtful evolution: a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto (replacing the 10x), a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide.
The move from 10x to 5x optical zoom is strategic. The new 50MP 5x lens captures significantly more light and detail. Using AI and sensor cropping, it delivers cleaner 10x and even usable 30x digital zoom shots than the previous model. The 200MP main sensor excels in daylight, capturing immense detail.
Low-light performance and video stabilization (now branded as “AI Action Stabilizer”) are exceptional. The AI works tirelessly to reduce noise, sharpen details, and keep footage smooth.
Camera Comparison: S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
| Feature | S24 Ultra | S23 Ultra | User Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telephoto Zoom | 50MP 5x Optical Periscope | 10MP 10x Optical Periscope | Better quality at 5x-30x range. |
| Video Stabilization | Enhanced AI Action Stabilizer | Super Steady | Smoother, more intelligent stabilization. |
| AI Post-Editing | Generative Edit (erase, move objects) | Standard photo tools | Powerful, Photoshop-like fixes after the shot. |
| Low-Light Processing | Next-gen AI processing | Excellent AI processing | Marginal but noticeable improvement. |
Note: The S24 Ultra has a 200MP camera, not 340MP. Its charging is 45W, not 220W. These are critical spec corrections.
Performance & Battery
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is a monster. Everything is instantaneous. Gaming performance is top-tier, and the larger vapor chamber keeps thermals in check. With 12GB of RAM as standard, multitasking is flawless.
The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use. The 45W wired charging gets you from 0 to about 65% in 30 minutes. While not the fastest on paper, it’s reliable. Wireless Charging and PowerShare are included.
Pros & Cons: The Balanced View
Pros:
- Powerful, Integrated AI Features: Circle to Search and Live Translate are genuinely useful.
- Superb Flat AMOLED Display: Perfect for S-Pen use and media.
- Excellent All-Round Camera System: The 5x telephoto upgrade is smart.
- Strong Build & Design: Titanium frame feels premium.
- Long-Term Software Promise: 7 years of OS and security updates.
Cons:
- Very Expensive: Positioned at the very top of the market.
- Bulky and Heavy: Not a small or light phone.
- Some AI Features May Go Paid: Samsung hints certain AI tools might require a subscription after 2025.
- Charging Speed: 45W is good but not class-leading.
Who Is This Phone For?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most capable, AI-integrated Android phone you can buy. It’s not just an incremental upgrade; it’s a shift towards an AI-powered assistant.
Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
- You value cutting-edge, practical AI tools for productivity.
- You want the best display for writing and media with an integrated S-Pen.
- You need a versatile, top-tier camera system for both photos and video.
- You plan to keep your phone for many years (thanks to 7-year support).
Consider other options if:
- Your budget is constrained. The value is high, but so is the cost.
- You prefer smaller, lighter phones.
- You don’t see yourself using the S-Pen or advanced AI features.
Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra successfully leverages AI to enhance its already superb hardware. It’s a refinement of a proven formula with a significant leap in intelligent software. For the user who wants the absolute pinnacle of Android technology with a view to the future, it is the current champion.
