I used the Galaxy S24 Ultra for a month, and there's a problem

Galaxy S24 Ultra against other high-end Android phones
(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

I get to use a lot of phones over the course of a year, and when I'm done with the review cycle, I move my SIM into the devices I like the most. In the past, that used to be limited to OnePlus or Google; OxygenOS delivered everything I wanted in an Android interface, and even though the cameras weren't the best, the fluidity of the software and the customizability meant I inevitably went back to a OnePlus phone.

Hardwired

Android Central's LLoyd with a bionic eye

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In Hardwired, AC Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda delves into all things hardware, including phones, storage servers, and routers.

Similarly, Pixels had their shortcomings — mostly around the hardware — but Google's unique software features combined with outstanding cameras made using a Pixel a delight. In recent years, I found myself using Samsung phones more and more; I called the Galaxy S23 Ultra one of my favorite phones last year, and I used that device for over three months at a stretch.

So when I got my hands on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, I thought it would be just as exciting to use as its predecessor — but I was wrong. The phone turned out to be too much like the Galaxy S23 Ultra; even though it has a titanium chassis, it is the same weight, and that immediately took the sheen off the device. By contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is 19g lighter than its predecessor, and the difference is instantly noticeable — it is significantly easier to hold and use, and I thought Samsung would have similar gains on offer. 

In fact, I didn't notice any major differences between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and its predecessor in daily use. I tested enough phones to know that we're past the point where we get generational gains year-on-year, but even by the usual iterative update cycle, the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn't push the needle in a meaningful way.

Galaxy S24 Ultra against other high-end Android phones

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Other than a brighter AMOLED panel and updated internal hardware, Samsung didn't make any tangible changes. The cameras are the same as last year, but to its credit, Samsung tweaked the algorithms to deliver better shots, and this is clearly evident in low-light situations and when using the telephoto lenses.

But even then, the Galaxy S24 Ultra isn't the best camera phone you can buy today — far from it. In fact, going from Honor's Magic 6 Pro to the Galaxy S24 Ultra felt like a downgrade. This year's flagships have raised the bar significantly, with Chinese brands in particular delivering stellar cameras across the board.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Honor Magic 6 Pro, OPPO Find X7 Ultra, and Vivo X100 Pro all have better camera packages than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and they deliver versatile lenses that take magnificent photos and videos in just about any situation. Samsung, meanwhile, positioned AI as the key differentiator with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and as someone who is ambivalent about generative AI, I just didn't care about all the new additions.

Galaxy S24 Ultra against other high-end Android phones

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

I wanted Samsung to roll out exciting upgrades over the Galaxy S23 Ultra, but the brand instead chose to play it safe and delivered a phone that doesn't stand out in any meaningful way. It's no wonder, then, that I decided to switch to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra as soon as it showed up.

While other brands push the boundaries of camera tech every year, Samsung coasts along and stays relevant because of its unique market positioning. Samsung is the biggest Android manufacturer by a considerable margin, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the only flagship choice in North America other than the Pixel 8 Pro.

Samsung's biggest Chinese rivals don't have a foothold in the U.S., so the brand doesn't need to worry about its dominance in the region. That situation isn't likely to change anytime soon, and therefore, Samsung really doesn't have to innovate or deliver more than the bare minimum of upgrades.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra isn't a bad phone by any measure; it just doesn't offer any material upgrades over its predecessor, and that ultimately makes it boring. As someone who uses over 75 phones a year, I get to be incredibly picky about the devices I choose as my daily driver. And in 2024, the Galaxy S24 Ultra just doesn't measure up. It is a great choice if you're on an older device and want to upgrade — it isn't the phone for me.

Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Asia

Harish Jonnalagadda is Android Central's Senior Editor of Asia. In his current role, he oversees the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, networking products, and AV gear. He has been testing phones for over a decade, and has extensive experience in mobile hardware and the global semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.

  • dwterry
    I felt the same. I mean, the S24 Ultra is so close to the S23 Ultra that in daily use I see no difference at all. The AI stuff may be cool and all, but except for a few "circle to search" attempts, I've done nothing different with the S24 Ultra. I upgrade every year, but this is one year I feel like I might as well have just stayed with the S23 Ultra.
    Reply
  • Nagisa11
    I mean it certainly isn't as interesting as some of its Chinese competitors. It also isn't very different from the previous generation, but unless you're upgrading directly from an S23U which I'm guessing most people aren't doing, it is still fantastic. Part of the reason I didn't get a more interesting Chinese phone when I got my S24 Ultra or another pixel device is because this is a phone that I can rely on that to do just about everything extremely well. Also, that extra brightness in the display is massive. This is the first phone I've ever used that doesn't just appear readable in direct sunlight, it appears bright and saturated. However, with the exception of circle to search and some of the AI photo things that run locally, I've never used the Galaxy AI features. I don't use Samsung's keyboard so I don't use their chat enhancement, I have not had reason to use their live phone call translation and I suspect most people probably won't, and as far as the super fancy generative AI photo editor, it's a gimmick and I don't use it.
    Reply
  • Laura Knotek
    I notice a big improvement in the S24 Ultra, but I came from an S22 Ultra. The screen (both the brightness and the flatness), the battery life, and the AI features are all huge improvements to me.
    Reply
  • Walter Wagenleithner
    Laura Knotek said:
    I notice a big improvement in the S24 Ultra, but I came from an S22 Ultra. The screen (both the brightness and the flatness), the battery life, and the AI features are all huge improvements to me.
    I also come from the S22 Ultra and yes, the screen is a big improvement. Especially the new gorilla glass armor with less reflections makes it a joy to look at. I also like the flexibility You get with the new 50 MP tele lens. And this is the first Ultra where You can switch lenses while recording video in 4k60, on all previous models You had to decide if You wanted higher fps or flexibility with the lenses before You started recording, I really hated that and i LOVE the S24 Ultra that it got rid of it
    Reply
  • parksanim
    These phones are now appliances. You also have to keep in mind that there are reasons why the Chinese phones have massive shortcomings. And one of the hugest shortcomings is their lack of support. Look at OnePlus and what happened in India just this week. Thousands of stores in India have dropped one plus simply because there is very poor warranty support and they can't make enough money when they sell the phones. I'd rather have support and well-rounded, long-term usability with updates than today's wow feature on a phone that might die on me in a few months and have no support.

    https://www.androidauthority.com/oneplus-products-offline-sales-important-market-3432132/
    Reply
  • kolyan2k
    What did you expect? This is exactly what happens when you ban all competition from Chinese brands. None of those phones you listed are competing with Samsung in USA. Huge win for Samsung who can produce crappy phones as "new" tech and charge customers arm and a leg lol
    Reply
  • parksanim
    kolyan2k said:
    What did you expect? This is exactly what happens when you ban all competition from Chinese brands. None of those phones you listed are competing with Samsung in USA. Huge win for Samsung who can produce crappy phones as "new" tech and charge customers arm and a leg lol
    But the problems OnePlus is having has nothing to do with the USA. They have full reign in India, but just dump cheap product without proper support. This is exactly what the US blocked China for, and avoided. India is figuring it out.

    FYI -- I'm in Asia, not the USA.
    Reply
  • rvbfan
    parksanim said:
    But the problems OnePlus is having has nothing to do with the USA. They have full reign in India, but just dump cheap product without proper support. This is exactly what the US blocked China for, and avoided. India is figuring it out.
    I used an iPhone 3GS for a month. Hated it!
    Reply
  • parksanim
    rvbfan said:
    I used an iPhone 3GS for a month. Hated it!
    10 years ago or more, I hope.
    Reply
  • parksanim
    dwterry said:
    I felt the same. I mean, the S24 Ultra is so close to the S23 Ultra that in daily use I see no difference at all. The AI stuff may be cool and all, but except for a few "circle to search" attempts, I've done nothing different with the S24 Ultra. I upgrade every year, but this is one year I feel like I might as well have just stayed with the S23 Ultra.
    I'm a big fan of buying a year late, and used. There are enough people that have to have the latest and greatest, so a good used model is readily available at a very steep discount. Even moreso after 2 years.
    Reply