Design and Build Quality
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 reflects a commitment to sleek minimalism while maintaining durability. The device boasts a refined aesthetic, with clean lines and an ultra-thin profile that makes it both modern and elegant. The materials used include a sturdy metal frame and a smooth glass back, giving it a premium feel in hand. One of the key improvements in this generation is the reduction of bezels, resulting in an almost edge-to-edge display, enhancing the visual experience.
Samsung continues to prioritize water and dust resistance, with an IP68 rating on the Galaxy S24, ensuring that the device can handle accidental spills, rain, and exposure to dust. The device is also protected by Corning's latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering improved scratch resistance and durability against drops. While the design isn't a radical departure from the Galaxy S23, the S24 builds upon the foundation with subtle refinements that will appeal to users looking for a polished and sophisticated look.
Display
Samsung is known for its industry-leading displays, and the Galaxy S24 is no exception. It features a stunning 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. The refresh rate of 120Hz ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch, making everything from gaming to web browsing feel fluid and engaging. The S24's display also excels in brightness and color accuracy, making it suitable for use in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. HDR10+ support enhances video playback by providing richer colors and deeper contrasts, which is particularly noticeable when streaming high-definition content or watching movies.
One notable upgrade in the Galaxy S24's display is the enhanced Eye Comfort Shield, which reduces blue light exposure without compromising the color quality. This feature is designed to reduce eye strain, especially during prolonged usage, and contributes to a more comfortable viewing experience overall.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is powered by the new Exynos 2400 processor (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in select markets), which delivers top-tier performance across the board. This chip is built on a 3nm process, resulting in improved efficiency and faster processing power compared to previous generations. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM, the S24 handles multitasking with ease, allowing users to switch between apps seamlessly without any noticeable lag. Gaming performance on the Galaxy S24 is also impressive, with the device easily handling demanding titles such as "Genshin Impact" and "Call of Duty: Mobile" at high settings. The improved cooling system ensures that the device remains cool during extended gaming sessions, addressing a common concern in previous models. Samsung's One UI 5.0, based on Android 14, runs smoothly on the Galaxy S24, offering a user-friendly interface with plenty of customization options.
The software includes several productivity-focused features, such as Samsung DeX, which allows users to connect their phone to a monitor and use it as a desktop-like experience. Additionally, Samsung continues to emphasize its commitment to software updates, promising at least four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches.
Camera System
The camera system on the Galaxy S24 is one of its standout features, catering to both amateur photographers and professionals alike. The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. These sensors work in tandem to produce sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. Samsung has made significant improvements in low-light photography, with the Galaxy S24's Nightography mode leveraging advanced AI algorithms to brighten images taken in dim conditions without introducing excessive noise. This makes the S24 particularly adept at capturing nighttime cityscapes, portraits, and indoor shots with minimal lighting.
The ultra-wide lens offers a wide field of view, perfect for landscape photography and group shots, while the telephoto lens enables users to zoom in on distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. The front-facing camera is a 12MP sensor that delivers clear and natural-looking selfies, with various beauty and portrait modes to enhance the results. Video recording on the Galaxy S24 is equally impressive, supporting 8K resolution at 30fps and 4K at 60fps. The Super Steady mode has been refined, offering smoother stabilization for handheld video capture, which is particularly useful for content creators and vloggers.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life for most users. In regular use, including browsing, streaming, and light gaming, the S24 comfortably lasts through a full day without requiring a charge. Power users may find themselves reaching for the charger by the evening, particularly if engaging in heavy gaming or video recording. The device supports 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, ensuring that users can quickly top up their battery when needed. While the charging speeds aren't the fastest on the market, they are still competitive, and the ability to charge wirelessly is a convenient feature. Samsung also includes reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge compatible devices, such as earbuds or another phone, by placing them on the back of the S24.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Galaxy S24 comes with the latest connectivity options, including 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. These ensure fast and reliable connections for internet browsing, streaming, and gaming. The inclusion of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology enhances features like precise device tracking and smart home connectivity, making it a forward-thinking device in the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, providing a secure method of unlocking the device, while facial recognition is also available as an alternative biometric option.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a worthy successor to the Galaxy S23, delivering incremental yet meaningful improvements across the board. Its sleek design, stunning display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system make it a top contender in the flagship smartphone market. While the changes may not be groundbreaking, they are refinements that will appeal to users looking for a reliable, high-end smartphone experience.
However, with a premium price tag, the Galaxy S24 may not be for everyone. Those looking for a more affordable option might consider the Galaxy S24 FE, which offers a similar experience with slightly reduced specs. Overall, the Galaxy S24 is a highly capable device that lives up to the high standards set by Samsung, making it a strong choice for anyone seeking a powerful and feature-packed smartphone.
Here are some cases for the Samsung Galaxy S24.
