Reflecting on nearly a year with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra reveals its striking design, notable durability, and impressive camera capabilities. While its weight can cause slight discomfort, the device remains resilient against drops. The photography features, including a 200 MP sensor, deliver high-quality results, though it lags behind some competitors. Running on One UI 6 with a promise of long-term software support, the phone integrates useful AI features, enhancing the overall user experience.
Reflecting on a Year with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for nearly a year now. With the upcoming release of its successor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s the perfect time to share my experiences with this flagship device over the past year.
Design: Aesthetic Appeal Meets Practical Challenges
The design of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is undeniably striking. Its bold aesthetics and distinctive square edges certainly make a statement, reminiscent of the now-phased-out Note series. However, this design can occasionally lead to discomfort during extended use. The weight and size of the device, measuring 162.3 mm in height, 79 mm in width, and a thickness of 8.6 mm, along with its hefty 232 grams, can result in minor hand fatigue, especially if held for long durations.
While I can easily carry it in my pants pockets, summer shorts with looser pockets have posed a challenge, leading to a few unfortunate drops. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has endured these falls without significant damage, aside from a minor scratch near the punch hole on the screen and a barely noticeable dent on the titanium frame. Its durability impresses, especially considering I use it without a protective case.
Another noteworthy design feature is the S Pen, which is conveniently stored at the bottom edge. Although the stylus protrudes slightly, making it easier to retrieve, it can lead to accidental activation while the phone is stowed away. This has caused some moments of panic when discovering the S Pen partially sticking out after pulling the phone from my pocket.
Photography and Performance: A Versatile Companion
When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S24 Ultra shines brightly. With its remarkable 200 MP main sensor and versatile zoom capabilities, it excels in capturing stunning images across various scenarios. While it may not claim the title of the absolute best smartphone camera—falling slightly behind competitors like the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra and Google Pixel in specific areas—it still ranks among the top devices for photography enthusiasts.
The camera’s performance is consistent, delivering high-quality results regardless of the shooting mode. Whether you’re on vacation or just exploring your surroundings, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a reliable companion for capturing memories. The video capabilities are commendable as well, though improvements in sound capture during windy conditions would enhance the overall experience.
In terms of software, the Galaxy S24 Ultra currently runs on One UI 6, based on Android 14. While Samsung is gradually rolling out the One UI 7 update, users can expect prompt access to future updates, supported by a robust seven years of software maintenance. Throughout my year of use, I’ve encountered minimal bugs, with most issues easily resolved by restarting the device or managing apps through multitasking.
Samsung’s investment in Galaxy AI features, such as text rephrasing and intelligent photo editing, adds an innovative touch to the user experience. However, these features feel more like interesting add-ons rather than essential tools in daily use.