The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra arrived as one of Samsung’s most ambitious flagship smartphones, combining premium hardware with a built-in S Pen and a strong focus on artificial intelligence. Even though newer Galaxy Ultra models now exist, the S24 Ultra remains an interesting option for buyers who want high-end performance without necessarily purchasing the newest generation.
It brings together a large QHD+ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, 200MP main camera, multiple zoom cameras, a 5,000mAh battery, titanium construction, and Galaxy AI features. Samsung also promises long-term software support, which makes the device more appealing as a phone you can keep for years.
However, specifications alone don’t tell the whole story. What is the phone actually like to use? Is the camera still competitive? Does the S Pen make a meaningful difference? And, perhaps most importantly, is buying the S24 Ultra still a smart decision?
Let’s take a closer look.
Galaxy S24 Ultra Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the S24 Ultra is its size and premium construction.
Samsung moved to a titanium frame for this generation, giving the device a more sophisticated appearance while maintaining the solid feel expected from an Ultra model. The phone measures 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6mm and weighs about 232 grams, although weight can vary slightly by market and connectivity version.
The design is also noticeably flatter than earlier Ultra models.
Titanium Frame
The titanium exterior gives the device a distinctive premium feel. It is not simply about appearance, either. The frame contributes to the phone’s overall durability.
Samsung pairs the front with Corning Gorilla Armor, while the phone carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
That does not mean you should treat the phone as waterproof. Water resistance is designed to provide protection against certain accidental exposure, not encourage underwater photography.
A Large but Heavy Smartphone
The size is both a strength and a weakness.
If you enjoy watching movies, reading, gaming, editing documents, or taking notes, the large body provides plenty of room.
But if you prefer compact phones, the S24 Ultra may feel heavy after extended use.
Think of it like carrying a small tablet that happens to fit into a large pocket. You gain screen space and functionality, but you also accept additional size and weight.
The 6.8-Inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
The display is one of the phone’s strongest features.
Samsung equips the S24 Ultra with a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The resolution is 3120 × 1440, giving the screen plenty of detail for videos, photographs, games, and text.
The 120Hz refresh rate helps scrolling and animations feel smooth. It can also make supported games feel more responsive.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility
Samsung lists peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits, which makes the screen much easier to view in bright environments. The display also benefits from Gorilla Armor’s reduced reflectivity.
This is important because a screen can have excellent colors and resolution but still become difficult to use under strong sunlight.
Great for Entertainment
The large AMOLED panel is particularly enjoyable for watching videos.
Deep blacks, strong contrast, sharp text, and smooth motion make streaming services and games look impressive.
The large screen is also useful for productivity. You can comfortably read documents, browse websites, edit photographs, and work with multiple applications.
If you spend several hours a day looking at your phone, display quality should be high on your list—and the S24 Ultra delivers.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Performance
Performance is another major reason to consider this device.
The S24 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy platform. Samsung says the chip provides substantial improvements over the previous generation, including higher CPU, GPU, and NPU performance.
In everyday use, this means applications open quickly, animations remain smooth, and demanding tasks are handled comfortably.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is one area where the hardware becomes especially useful.
The phone supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for compatible games, while Samsung also increased the size of its vapor chamber to improve heat management.
That larger cooling system is important because powerful processors can generate significant heat during long gaming sessions.
You can play demanding titles at high settings without the device immediately feeling underpowered.
Tom’s Guide’s testing also found the S24 Ultra delivered extremely strong processing performance, with benchmark results that placed it ahead of several contemporary flagship competitors.
For ordinary users, however, this power is more than enough.
Messaging, browsing, social media, streaming, photography, video calls, and multitasking are all comfortably within its capabilities.
S24 Ultra Camera System
Samsung has traditionally positioned its Ultra models as camera-focused phones, and the S24 Ultra continues that strategy.
The rear camera setup includes:
- 200MP wide camera
- 12MP ultra-wide camera
- 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom
- 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom
- 12MP front camera
Samsung also supports optical-quality zoom options and digital zoom up to 100x.
This makes the camera system extremely versatile.
200MP Main Camera
The 200MP sensor is designed to capture a high level of detail.
However, you should not assume that every photograph is automatically taken at 200MP.
The phone uses image processing and pixel-binning techniques to produce photographs that balance detail, exposure, file size, and low-light performance.
In good lighting, the main camera can capture detailed images with attractive colors and strong dynamic range.
Ultra-Wide Photography
The 12MP ultra-wide camera is useful when you need to fit more into the frame.
It is particularly handy for landscapes, buildings, group photographs, and travel.
Instead of stepping backward repeatedly to capture a wider scene, you can simply switch to the ultra-wide lens.
3x and 5x Telephoto Cameras
One of the interesting changes from the previous Ultra generation was Samsung’s move away from the S23 Ultra’s 10x optical telephoto toward a 50MP 5x optical telephoto.
The S24 Ultra still includes a separate 10MP 3x optical telephoto camera, giving users two dedicated optical zoom levels.
Samsung uses high-resolution processing to offer additional zoom ranges.
This makes the system flexible for portraits, travel, distant subjects, and everyday photography.
Is the Camera Still Good?
Absolutely.
The S24 Ultra remains a capable camera phone.
However, buyers should understand that its 200MP specification is only part of the story. Samsung’s image processing plays a major role in producing the final photograph.
Tom’s Guide described the camera system as formidable while noting that the switch from 10x optical zoom to 5x optical zoom was one of the most controversial aspects of the upgrade.
For most users, however, the combination of 3x and 5x telephoto cameras provides plenty of flexibility.
Galaxy AI Features
Galaxy AI was one of Samsung’s biggest selling points when the S24 series launched.
Instead of treating artificial intelligence as a separate application, Samsung integrated AI into different parts of the phone.
Circle to Search
Circle to Search allows you to select something on the screen and search for information about it without manually typing a description.
It can be useful when you see an unfamiliar product, location, object, or piece of information while browsing.
Photo Assist
Photo editing also receives AI-powered features.
You can move, resize, or remove certain objects from photographs, while the software can generate or fill parts of the background.
This can be particularly useful for casual photographers who want to make quick edits without opening professional editing software.
Live Translate
Live Translate is designed to help users communicate across supported languages during phone calls.
Samsung also offers other AI-powered productivity tools, including features for notes and text.
Tom’s Guide found several Galaxy AI tools useful in everyday situations, particularly Circle to Search, Generative Edit, Instant Slow-mo, and Note Assist.
The important point is that AI should be useful rather than simply impressive.
If a feature saves you time, it has genuine value.
Built-In S Pen: What Makes the Ultra Different?
The S Pen is one of the biggest reasons to choose the Ultra model over a conventional smartphone.
Samsung built the stylus directly into the phone, so you do not need to carry it separately.
Taking Notes
You can use the S Pen for handwriting, quick notes, sketches, and annotations.
It can be especially useful during meetings, classes, or situations where typing feels slower than writing.
Precision
The stylus provides more precise control than your finger.
This can be useful when editing photographs, selecting small objects, drawing, or navigating certain applications.
Is the S Pen Necessary?
No.
And that is actually one of the most interesting things about it.
You can use the phone perfectly well without touching the S Pen.
But if you enjoy handwriting or frequently perform tasks requiring precision, the feature can become extremely useful.
It is similar to having a Swiss Army knife in your pocket. You may not use every tool every day, but when you need one, having it built into the device is incredibly convenient.
Battery Life and Charging
The S24 Ultra uses a 5,000mAh battery, and Samsung rates it for up to 30 hours of video playback under its testing conditions.
Real-world battery life naturally varies.
Gaming, high screen brightness, 5G usage, camera recording, navigation, and intensive applications can consume more power.
Real-World Endurance
Battery testing from Tom’s Guide produced a runtime of 16 hours and 45 minutes in its standardized test, substantially ahead of the S23 Ultra in the same testing environment.
That makes endurance one of the phone’s strongest practical features.
For many users, getting through a full working day should be realistic.
45W Charging
The S24 Ultra supports up to 45W wired charging.
Tom’s Guide measured a charge level of around 71% after 30 minutes in its testing with an appropriate charger.
Wireless charging is also supported, although Samsung’s charging speed is not the fastest available in the smartphone market.
If extremely fast charging is your priority, newer competing devices may have an advantage.
Storage and Memory Options
Storage is another area worth considering carefully.
Samsung lists configurations including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with 12GB of RAM on the S24 Ultra. Availability can vary by market and retailer.
256GB
The base option can be enough for many people.
If you mainly use social media, messaging, streaming services, photographs, and ordinary applications, 256GB provides substantial space.
512GB
This is a better choice for heavy users.
If you record lots of high-resolution video or install many large games, the additional space can be worthwhile.
1TB
The 1TB version is designed for people who want a huge amount of local storage.
Content creators, photographers, and users who keep large media libraries may appreciate the extra capacity.
Remember that high-resolution photographs and videos can consume storage quickly.
Software Experience and Long-Term Support
The S24 Ultra runs Android with Samsung’s One UI interface.
One UI adds several features beyond standard Android, including multitasking tools, customization options, Samsung applications, and productivity features.
Samsung also positioned the S24 series as a long-term device, promising seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the series.
That is significant for buyers who plan to keep their phone for many years.
Instead of upgrading every two years, you can potentially keep the device much longer while continuing to receive important software improvements.
Samsung DeX
Another useful feature is Samsung DeX.
It allows the phone to provide a desktop-style experience when connected to a compatible display and accessories.
For people who occasionally need a larger workspace, this can make the device more versatile.
You may not replace a full computer with it, but it can be useful for certain productivity tasks.
Connectivity and Everyday Features
The S24 Ultra includes modern connectivity features such as 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, USB-C, and UWB, depending on market configuration. Samsung lists Wi-Fi support including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, along with Bluetooth 5.3.
These features matter because the phone is increasingly used as the center of a larger digital ecosystem.
You can connect wireless earbuds, smartwatches, cars, computers, displays, payment systems, and other devices.
The USB-C port also supports high-speed data transfer, while NFC enables contactless features where supported.
For most users, the connectivity package is more than sufficient.
S24 Ultra Pros and Cons
Every device has strengths and weaknesses, and understanding both sides is important before spending your money.
Pros
Excellent display:
The 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel provides sharp visuals, smooth 120Hz refresh, and excellent brightness.
Powerful performance:
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy remains highly capable for gaming and demanding applications.
Versatile cameras:
The combination of 200MP main, ultra-wide, 3x telephoto, and 5x telephoto cameras gives you plenty of shooting options.
Built-in S Pen:
The stylus makes the phone useful for notes, drawing, editing, and precision tasks.
Strong battery life:
The 5,000mAh battery provides excellent endurance, with independent testing showing particularly strong results.
Premium construction:
The titanium frame, Gorilla Armor, and IP68 rating give the phone a high-end feel.
Long software support:
Samsung’s seven-year update commitment makes it attractive for long-term ownership.
Cons
Large and heavy:
At roughly 232 grams, it is not ideal for users who prefer lightweight phones.
Charging is not class-leading:
45W wired charging is useful but slower than some competing flagship devices.
Expensive at launch:
The S24 Ultra launched at a premium price, although later discounts can improve its value.
Camera processing can be inconsistent:
While the cameras are powerful, Samsung’s processing may sometimes produce results that differ from the natural look some photographers prefer.
5x instead of 10x optical zoom:
Users who loved the S23 Ultra’s dedicated 10x optical zoom may consider the change a drawback.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Still Worth Buying?
The answer depends heavily on the price you can find.
At launch, Samsung positioned the S24 Ultra as a premium flagship. Today, the equation is different because newer generations are available.
If you can find the S24 Ultra at a substantial discount, it can still offer excellent value.
The processor remains powerful, the display is excellent, the cameras are versatile, the S Pen is unique, and the long software-support commitment gives the device a long runway.
Who Should Buy It?
The S24 Ultra makes sense for people who:
- Want a large premium display.
- Take lots of photographs.
- Need powerful performance.
- Enjoy mobile gaming.
- Want an integrated stylus.
- Prefer Android.
- Plan to keep their phone for several years.
- Want a feature-rich flagship.
Who Should Consider Something Else?
You may want another device if:
- You prefer compact phones.
- You want extremely fast charging.
- You already own a recent Ultra flagship and do not need its new features.
- You primarily want the best possible value at a lower price.
- You rarely use the S Pen or advanced camera features.
The S24 Ultra is not designed to be a basic phone.
It is more like a complete mobile workstation, camera, gaming machine, and entertainment device combined into one.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains an impressive smartphone.
Its combination of a high-resolution 6.8-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, 200MP camera, dual telephoto system, 5,000mAh battery, titanium construction, S Pen, and Galaxy AI features gives it an unusually broad feature set.
It is not perfect. The large size can be uncomfortable, charging speeds are no longer class-leading, and the change from a 10x optical telephoto to a 5x camera may disappoint some photography enthusiasts.
But if you find it at the right price, the S24 Ultra can still be a very capable long-term purchase.
The most important thing is to look beyond the specification sheet. A 200MP camera does not matter if you rarely take photographs. An S Pen is not valuable if you never use it. And an extremely powerful processor may be unnecessary if your daily activities consist mostly of messaging and browsing.
The S24 Ultra is at its best when you actually use what it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying?
Yes, especially if you can find it at a significant discount. Its display, performance, cameras, S Pen, battery life, and long software-support commitment remain strong selling points.
2. Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have an S Pen?
Yes. The S Pen is built directly into the phone and can be used for writing, drawing, navigation, editing, and other precision tasks.
3. How good is the S24 Ultra camera?
The camera system remains highly versatile, featuring a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, 3x telephoto, and 5x optical telephoto. It is particularly useful for users who want multiple focal lengths in one device.
4. How long does the S24 Ultra battery last?
The phone has a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung rates it for up to 30 hours of video playback, while Tom’s Guide recorded 16 hours and 45 minutes in its standardized battery test. Actual endurance depends on usage.
5. How much storage does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have?
The device is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations, with availability varying by market. Samsung lists 12GB of RAM for the S24 Ultra configurations.
