Samsung has thrown down the gauntlet with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, a phone that feels less like an evolution and more like a revolution. With AI woven into its very fabric, the S24 Ultra promises to break down communication barriers, unleash creative potential, and push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. But after spending some quality time with this futuristic beast, what do I think about it? :
AI is the new black
It’s impossible to ignore the impact of AI on this phone. Live Translate makes foreign calls and texts a breeze, Interpreter bridges language gaps in face-to-face interactions, and Note Assist keeps workflows organized with smart summaries and templates. It’s like having a personal AI assistant always in my pocket. I mean, a smartphone HAS always been the perfect pocket assistant, but this time it’s even more advanced than ever, packing so much thought through the clouds and onto your screen in just a jiffy, solving your daily headaches one tap at a time.
We Are Trusting “Made For Galaxy” Once Again
With the success of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it’s hard to imagine just what improvements would lie in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The S23 Ultra introduced to the world, the first “Made For Galaxy” chipset, a custom clocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen2, focusing on performance, battery efficiency and AI work. From there I can see that it laid the ground work for the S24 Ultra’s AI-centric approach, which means were looking into its brains more than its guts.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform feels like a rocket engine under the hood, handling everything I throw at it with buttery smoothness. The adaptive refresh rate display and improved thermal control make gaming a joy, and ray tracing takes visuals to a whole new level.
Better Camera Hardware, Best Camera Software
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system is a playground for tech enthusiasts and photography fanatics alike. It’s a complex ensemble of hardware and AI working in tandem to deliver unprecedented smartphone photography experiences. Let’s dissect the key components:
Main Sensor:
- 50MP ISOCELL HP2SX sensor: This sensor boasts larger pixels (1.4μm) than the previous model, capturing more light in low-light scenarios. Its improved dynamic range ensures richer details and brighter highlights.
- Adaptive Pixel Sensor: This technology intelligently switches between high-resolution 50MP mode and binning pixels for better low-light performance, achieving optimal results in any lighting condition.
Rear Telephoto System:
- Quad Tele System: A first for Galaxy S series, this system offers optical zoom at 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x, powered by:
- 10MP f/2.4 telephoto lens: Delivers 3x optical zoom with solid clarity and detail.
- New 50MP f/3.4 periscope lens: This new addition replaces the 10MP periscope lens of the S23 Ultra, offering 5x optical zoom with significantly higher resolution for sharper, even more detailed close-ups.
Additional Lenses:
- 12MP f/2.2 Ultra-wide lens: This lens captures expansive landscapes and group shots with a 120-degree field of view, retaining good light handling and distortion control.
- 12MP f/2.2 front-facing camera: Perfect for selfies and video calls, it delivers high-quality images with clear skin tones and sharp details.
AI-Powered Enhancements:
- Nightography: Combines larger pixels with improved hand-shake compensation and AI-powered noise reduction to deliver stunning photos and videos even in dimly lit environments.
- Super HDR: Offers lifelike previews before capture and enhances brightness, color, and contrast when sharing on social media, making your photos pop.
- Generative Edit: Unleash your creativity by using AI to fill in image backgrounds, remove unwanted objects, and adjust compositions with seamless precision.
Other noteworthy features:
- Optical image stabilization (OIS): Available on all rear lenses except the ultra-wide for sharper images and stabilized videos.
- Dedicated ISP Block for both front and rear cameras: Dedicated processing ensures noise reduction and clear videos even in low light.
- 8K video recording at 30fps: Capture cinematic-quality videos with incredible detail and smooth playback.
Sustainable Design, With A Titanium Twist
Forget aluminum, the S24 Ultra is the first Galaxy phone to feature a precision-crafted titanium frame. This adds undeniable durability and a luxurious feel while keeping the phone surprisingly lightweight.
Eco-conscious design choices like recycled materials and 100% recycled paper packaging are refreshing to see. Plus, Gorilla® Armor with reduced reflection on the S24 Ultra is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The Early Verdict
While it’s too early for a definitive verdict, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has me seriously impressed. AI seamlessly enhances everyday tasks, the camera is truly phenomenal, and the performance is top-notch. Samsung has clearly embraced sustainability, and the overall design is both practical and stylish.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like a glimpse into the future of smartphones. AI integration is no longer a gimmick, it’s a fundamental part of the experience. If you’re looking for a powerful, innovative, and eco-conscious device, the S24 Ultra is a must-watch. I can’t wait to dive deeper and see what else this AI-powered marvel has in store.
