Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Highly Recommended

25 sources analyzed

9/10

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a top-tier flagship in 2026, offering a combination of hardware durability and software longevity that few devices can match. Its anti-reflective display and integrated S Pen provide a unique user experience that justifies its premium positioning, even years after its initial launch. While charging speeds lag behind the competition and some users have reported minor display grain at low brightness, the overall package is incredibly robust. It is an ideal choice for power users, mobile photographers, and anyone seeking a phone that will remain relevant and supported for the better part of a decade. We highly recommend it as a high-value purchase, especially if found at a discount compared to the latest annual refresh.

Pros

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains a market leader in 2026, featuring a QHD+ resolution and a peak brightness of 2600 nits that ensures perfect visibility even in direct sunlight. Its Corning Gorilla Armor coating is a standout feature, significantly reducing ambient reflections by up to 75% compared to standard glass, which drastically improves the viewing experience in bright environments.
Performance is anchored by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, an overclocked chipset that continues to handle intensive 2026 mobile games and complex multitasking without significant slowdown. With 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the device maintains snappy app launches and smooth system navigation that rivals many newer mid-range releases.
The versatile quad-camera system, led by a massive 200MP main sensor and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens, provides professional-grade detail and industry-leading zoom capabilities up to 100x. This hardware configuration allows for incredible flexibility, from high-resolution landscapes to crisp long-distance shots that most competitors still struggle to replicate.
Samsung's industry-leading software commitment provides 7 years of guaranteed Android OS and security updates, ensuring this device remains secure and feature-rich until 2031. This longevity makes it an exceptional long-term investment, as the hardware is powerful enough to support several future iterations of Android and One UI.
The integrated S Pen remains a unique productivity tool that no other mainstream flagship offers, providing 2.8ms latency for a natural writing and drawing experience. It serves as a remote shutter for the camera, a precision tool for photo editing, and a quick way to take handwritten notes, making it indispensable for power users and creative professionals.

Cons

Charging speeds are capped at 45W wired, which is significantly slower than many Chinese flagship competitors that now offer 80W to 120W solutions. This means a full charge takes over an hour, whereas rivals can often top up in under 30 minutes, which may be a frustration for users with limited time.
The physical footprint of the device is quite large and the sharp, squared-off corners can make it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods without a case. While the 6.8-inch screen is great for content, the ergonomics are less refined than the curved or rounded designs found on competing flagship models.
There is a growing concern regarding the monetization of software, as Samsung has indicated that certain advanced Galaxy AI features may require a paid subscription after the initial free period. This potential paywall could diminish the value of the device's core software experience for users who rely on AI-driven productivity tools.

Common Issues Reported

A confirmed hardware-related 'mura' effect or grainy texture has been reported by multiple users when viewing dark gray backgrounds at very low brightness levels.Some users have noted a 'burnt plastic' odor emanating from the S Pen silo, which is attributed to the internal heat of the device reacting with the stylus's chemical coating.The One UI 8.5 update has received criticism from a segment of the user base for prioritizing intrusive AI features over traditional utility and customization options.

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Analyzed May 31, 2026, 01:27 PM

AInalyzer is an AI tool and might make mistakes.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review