Samsung Galaxy S24 review

Every year, it is more difficult to locate a little, portable phone with a ton of features and functionality. The majority of phones fit into the “go big or go home” mindset, pushing out others who would rather have a more sensible size. Fortunately, Samsung refrained from doing so with the latest Galaxy S24.
Among the S24 family, which also includes the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the smallest model. Don’t let the S24’s little size deceive you, however; it still boasts a ton of capability and all the fancy AI features that Samsung has made such a big fuss about.

How is the Galaxy S24 doing in terms of day-to-day usage? Now let’s get started.

Samsung Galaxy S24: design

The Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S23 from last year resemble each other in most aspects. The same triple-lens column camera module, flat screens, and frame antenna marks are shared by each of them. However, there are a few noteworthy variations.

First off, the S24’s frame is no longer rounded at the corners as it was before; instead, it is now flat, much like the iPhone 15. Additionally, the frame is now matte rather than shiny. Though the S24 essentially resembles an iPhone 15, it does seem that Samsung is copying Apple, which isn’t a negative thing. It seems more tasteful and sophisticated.

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is used for both the front and back glass, and the rear is still matte-finished, making it somewhat fingerprint-resistant. It does seem slick and slippery, however, so I would rather use it with a decent, grippy case.

I received Marble Gray, a very light shade of gray, for my review unit; this is not my favorite gray. Three more standard colors are available for the S24: Onyx Black, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow. Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange are the other three hues that are only available on Samsung.com. Because of their greater saturation levels, I believe that Sandstone Orange and Cobalt Violet are the only excellent colors; the rest of the color array is too dull and light for my taste.

Samsung Galaxy S24: display

Although the Galaxy S24 and its predecessor have identical screens, this year’s model has one significant improvement. Samsung has switched to an LTPO AMOLED screen, which uses less power when the display is constantly on. While not in use, the S23 could only drop as low as 24Hz, but with LTPO, the refresh rate may drop as low as 1Hz.

Apart from that, the Galaxy S24’s display has more variations. Samsung increased the screen’s size this year from the 6.1-inch model of last year to 6.2 inches. This indicates that the bezels have somewhat shrunk and that the chassis is slightly higher and thinner than it was the previous year. I was initially concerned that there would be an obvious difference, but after using the S24 for a week, I can’t really tell.
The Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display, measuring 6.2 inches, has a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. In contrast, the S23 could only get 1,750 nits. 1080 x 2340 pixels with a density of 416 pixels per inch (ppi) make up the resolution. Strangely enough, there is a little but noticeable difference between the ppi and the S23.

Even with the Natural display setting chosen, I thought the S24 display was clear and bright. Blacks are deep and rich, colors are vibrant, and writing is clear and concise. Its max brightness of 2,600 nits, which surpasses that of my iPhone 15 Pro, is another feature I like. The S24 display is still clear while I’m outside in the hot Southern California heat. Because of the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and transitions are silky smooth.

The S24 display has a lesser density than its predecessor, yet it still looks fantastic. In addition, even though it’s the basic model, it has a 120Hz refresh rate. Apple could pick up some tips from it.

Samsung Galaxy S24: performance and software

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor powers Samsung’s full S24 range. Better performance and efficiency are to be expected from this slightly overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant, which is tailored especially for Samsung’s Galaxy handsets.

On top of Android 14, Samsung Galaxy S24 runs One UI 6.1. Samsung equipped the S24 basic model with 128GB or 256GB of storage along with 8GB of RAM. Even while the standard S24 has less RAM than its bigger brothers (the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra each have 12GB RAM), it is still more than speedy and functional for the typical user.

For my everyday duties over the last week, I have modestly utilized my S24. This include viewing and reading movies, taking pictures, reviewing Microsoft Teams communications, checking emails for both professional and personal use, and checking several social media accounts. There was no lag or delay throughout my use, and transferring between programs was effortless.

When doing routine chores, the Galaxy S24 never became too hot to handle. That being said, I did notice that it was becoming warm while I was outdoors quickly snapping a lot of pictures. It never became too hot to hold, however.

Even while Samsung’s One UI isn’t all that horrible, I still prefer the native Android versions that come with Google Pixel smartphones. It is rather easy to use, however if you have never used it before, it may take some getting used to. For the S24, Samsung also guarantees seven years of software updates, so if you purchase one today, you should be able to retain it until Android 21—assuming you don’t upgrade during that time.

However, one of the most notable software features of the S24 range is Galaxy AI, a collection of AI-powered apps that may either make you scratch your head or be quite helpful and enjoyable to use.

Circle to Search is without a doubt my favorite Galaxy AI function.

Circle to Search is without a doubt my favorite Galaxy AI function. You may quickly search for anything on the screen by tapping, circling, or scribbling anywhere on it with only a long hold on the center button or the navigation bar, depending on whether you have button or gesture navigation enabled. Similar to Google Lens, but independent of the app you’re using.

While using your phone, you can quickly check up anything that catches your attention using Circle to Search, and the results have been rather decent so far. I found it to be quite helpful when I come across fascinating items or things I just want to learn more about. It’s one of those features that I didn’t realize I needed until I tried it. I can’t say that I would have succeeded in making a better estimate with a manual Google search.

However, Circle to Search isn’t exclusive for Samsung Galaxy S24 owners; on January 25, Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users were able to get it via a feature drop.

The Generative Edit tool is another helpful Galaxy AI function. Using generative AI, you can use this to fill in the gaps in photographs and resize and straighten them, or you can use it to eliminate undesired and distracting components from photos. The outcome is quite excellent; unless one really examined the minute features, one would never guess it was artificial intelligence.

Galaxy AI also introduces generative AI wallpapers, much like the Google Pixel 8 series. Results may be wonderful, amusing, or just plain strange since they are essentially the same prompts as on the Pixel 8. The reason these generative AI wallpapers annoy me is because, although the outputs are sometimes excellent, there are pixelated portions and the resolution isn’t entirely good quality. This may not be to everyone’s taste.
A real-time text and speech translation tool called Live Translate is one of the other Galaxy AI capabilities. When you are in person conversing with someone and the S24 is placed between you and them to translate your voices in real time, you would utilize an interpreter.

Another option is Chat Assist, which may help you compose your message in a different tone—something more formal, for instance. Nevertheless, this necessitates utilizing the Samsung keyboard that comes with it by default, which may not be to everyone’s taste, and the outcomes might be utterly ridiculous.

Instead than seeming like an automatic robot attempting to pass for a person, Chat Assist does provide a handy grammar and spell check feature. One other tool to assist organize and condense your notes is Note Assist. I don’t see myself utilizing that function very often, however, since I don’t exactly write down lengthy notes on my phones—I prefer using a PC for such things.

In general, several of the functions in Galaxy AI—like the generative editing picture tool and Circle to Search—are helpful. However, the other ones are either things you’ll never truly want to touch or helpful under certain conditions. But I’m not convinced whether a phone’s worth of functionality is justified by one or two very helpful AI functions. Samsung doesn’t seem to believe so, because Galaxy AI will soon be available for the Galaxy S23 phones from last year.

Samsung Galaxy S24: cameras

The Galaxy S24 basic model’s camera hasn’t changed all that much from its predecessor. A 50MP primary camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with a 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view are, in reality, almost identical lenses. There is still a 12MP selfie camera on the front.

Thankfully, given what I’ve seen, Samsung seems to have finally corrected the colors in images shot with the S24 range. The colors are still rather vibrant, but they’re a little closer to reality and more realistic.

I’ve shot some very amazing pictures so far. They are still striking, but the coloration is more true than it was before. Even close-ups have been well captured by the cameras, which also pick up all the subtle nuances, textures, and crispness. Additionally, I’ve noticed that this time around, the skin tones seem more natural since they haven’t turned my selfies orange yet. As I discovered when I tried it while my kid was playing with a bubble wand, it can also take pictures rather quickly. As soon as you press the shutter button, it can instantly focus and record the moment.

It does seem to still have some issues with low light photography, as seen by the somewhat grainy and noisy shots I took of a sushi meal at a poorly lit restaurant.

Although I’ll be testing the cameras on the S24 for a few more days, I’m pleased with the results so far. The S24 clearly manages the color profile better than the S23, despite the hardware being the same.

Samsung Galaxy S24: battery and charging

The internal battery of the Galaxy S24 is 4,000mAh, which is somewhat larger than the 3,900mAh unit found in its predecessor. Don’t let the smaller battery capacity (in comparison to its bigger siblings) deceive you, however; the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s efficiency will let it to endure for a good amount of time.

I have been using the Galaxy S24 for more than a week, and depending on how much I use, a single charge usually lasts me more than a day. Once again, I mostly use it for reading, watching videos, sending and receiving emails, endlessly cruising around social media, and taking a ton of pictures. I would still have at least 20–30% battery life remaining after a full charge and one day of moderate to heavy usage, which may allow me to use it for part of the following day before needing to plug it in.

Regretfully, the Galaxy S24’s maximum charging speed of 25W is limited to that of Apple’s iPhone 15 series. While the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra provide up to 45W fast charging, I wish the S24 had quicker charging capabilities like its bigger brothers. A USB-C cable is included in the package, however Samsung does not offer a charging converter.

The fact that Samsung chose not to implement the latest Qi2 wireless charging standards, which would have included magnetic alignment to facilitate wireless charging, is a little unexpected. Though it is limited to 15W, wireless charging is still possible. This is not as quick as the OnePlus 12, which has a 50W wireless charging capacity. Reverse wireless charging is also available at up to 4.5W.

Samsung Galaxy S24: price and availability

As of January 31, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is accessible everywhere. It is available directly from Samsung.com as well as major stores including Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and more. Carriers like as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile also provide it.

The basic colors (Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow) will be available at all shops, however Samsung.com will only carry three special colors: Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange. The 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant of the Galaxy S24 begins at $800, while the 8GB RAM/256GB storage model costs $860. There are many ways to reduce the cost.

But you may also choose the recently released OnePlus 12, which is available for the same price. Despite having a 6.8-inch curved LTPO AMOLED display and being somewhat bigger, the OnePlus 12 is quite affordable. Additionally, it includes a triple-lens Hasselblad camera that is really amazing, with a 50MP primary lens, 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, 48MP ultrawide camera, and 32MP selfie camera. It also utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. At least 12GB RAM and 256GB of initial storage are included. It also has 50W wireless charging, very quick 80W cable charging in the US (100W outside), and a big 5,400mAh battery that lasts for at least two full days.

Samsung Galaxy S24: verdict

Despite being the youngest member of the S24 range, the Galaxy S24 is nonetheless a powerful device. The S24 is still an excellent purchase if you don’t want to lose out on the newest and finest features that Samsung has to offer but the bigger sizes of the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra bother you.

One of the main selling points of the whole Galaxy range is its AI capabilities, and although I wouldn’t say upgrading is necessary because of them, some of them are very useful. The generative picture editing tools and Circle to Search come to mind most, although the interpreter and live translation functions are also useful in certain circumstances.

Furthermore, while the hardware of the camera hasn’t changed, the image processing software has undoubtedly been improved. I think it looks better now, with more natural colors and less “burned into your retinas” vividness.

A nice phone to include on your purchase list is the Galaxy S24.

The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor has several positive aspects as well, particularly in terms of power economy. All things considered, the S24 offers excellent battery life despite having a 4,000mAh capacity. Furthermore, Android 14 with One UI 6.1 provide quick, snappy, and responsive performance that is enough for almost any task.

The Galaxy S24 is an excellent phone to have on your purchasing list if you’re in the market for an upgrade this year. There’s enough to appreciate here if you’re moving from a previous model, but if you already own a Galaxy S23, it’s not a must-have update.