A Review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Smartphone AI Future Is Here.

A couple of months ago, Samsung launched its flagship range of Galaxy S24 smartphones, and at the apex of the range is the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I had the opportunity to use a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for a few weeks as a basis for this review and for sure it represents the very tippy top of what one can consider to be the best smartphones in the world at the minute. Apart from its rather large size, which was quite surprising to me, it does represent a blend of high-end smartphone sophistication and artificial intelligence or AI. Yes, AI is now very much a part of what we can expect going forward on smartphones.

One thing is clear — after spending the time I did with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it's not just an evolution of the Galaxy S23 Ultra with which the overall look and feel have a lot in common but rather the biggest changes are on the inside and how its been built as far as the body is concerned. Therefore, for this review my focus is largely on its design, the newly introduced Galaxy AI features and functionalities as well as what I found to be a highly capable camera system that works in all conditions as far as I can tell.

Design & Build.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra immediately impresses with its premium build quality. Cosmetically, it looks remarkably similar to last year’s Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra but that’s as far as the similarities go. The body, this time around, is made from titanium which makes it incredibly durable but also gives it a more refined look and feel. The biggest transitions are inside the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with Galaxy AI being the biggest advancement from last year’s Samsung Galaxy S23. In addition, we also see that as expected with Samsung’s most premium flagship variant that it has an impressive display with superior brightness levels.

Introducing Galaxy AI.

The biggest innovation in the entire Galaxy S24 range including the Ultra model is the introduction of Galaxy AI. In using the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it’s clear that Galaxy AI was designed to be a key part of the overall user experience of the latest Samsung flagship which enhances a myriad of features and functionalities, from photography and video as well as communications. For instance, Live Translate and Chat Assist redefine the boundaries of language, facilitating effortless communication. Meanwhile, the Circle to Search feature, developed in collaboration with Google, is something that I used on numerous occasions to get more information about something as one standout capability of Galaxy AI.

However, Samsung has also introduced Galaxy AI features and features that go beyond translation and search functions. Others are Note Assist and Transcript Assist which anticipate and fulfill user needs and enhance the overall user experience. These features and functionalities, although reliant on network connectivity and Samsung Account integration, showcase the potential of Galaxy AI to streamline daily tasks and enhance productivity in ways previously unimaginable.

An Impressive Camera System.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has 200MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide, 10MP 3x Optical Zoom and a new 50MP Telephoto Lens which has a 5x optical zoom. In total, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 2x, 3x, 5x, 10x Optical Zoom quality system. In addition, it also comes with a 12MP Dual Pixel Selfie camera on the front. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom. That’s a lot of great cameras in a smartphone!

The ProVisual Engine powers the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system which in my opinion sets new standards in smartphone photography. As an amateur photographer who enjoys using smartphones, I was genuinely shocked at how good the cameras on the Galaxy S24 are in essentially any kind of scenario you could imagine. Whether it was zooming in from far distances on a subject, using it in low light conditions, or doing portraits, it seemed to excel in all circumstances.

The seemingly endless versatility of the Samsung Galaxy S24’s camera system to produce images of superior clarity and natural beauty is impressive and its ‘nightography’ capabilities for low-light conditions ensured I could capture moments with remarkable quality. The Samsung S24 Ultra’s camera system has additional advanced features such as AI Zoom and an extensive suite of editing tools. Generative Edit, for instance, enables users to adjust and enhance images with AI-generated content.

Durability & Display.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just lead in terms of software innovation; its hardware is equally impressive. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, certified by VDE Germany for its colour volume and achieving up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, provides an immersive viewing experience with deep contrasts and vivid colours. Corning® Gorilla® Armour enhances the display’s durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigours of daily use without compromising on visual quality.

Environmental Sustainability.

In crafting the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung has taken significant strides towards sustainability. The use of recycled materials across various components — most notably in the battery, speakers, and frame — demonstrates the serious commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. This approach not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also sets new standards for environmental responsibility in the technology industry.

Pricing & Availability.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Series is available in Kenya and consumers have a range of options to suit their preferences and needs:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 12+512 GB: Kes. 245,999
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 12+256 GB: Kes. 228,999
Samsung Galaxy S24+ 12+512 GB: Kes. 194,999
Samsung Galaxy S24+ 12+256 GB: Kes. 174,999
Samsung Galaxy S24 Base 8+ 256 GB: Kes. 154,999

Each variant of the Galaxy S24 Series not only offers Samsung’s technological advancements but also comes with a suite of benefits designed to enhance the user experience. From generous storage upgrades to comprehensive device protection and flexible payment options, Samsung ensures that users receive value that extends beyond the device itself.

Concluding Thoughts.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, as expected, is a significant achievement given how it seamlessly integrates Galaxy AI into every aspect of the device with a truly exceptional camera system, robust design, and commitment to sustainability. It’s not just an upgrade but a reimagining of what a smartphone can be in an increasingly AI-first world which delivers unprecedented user experiences that will reshape smartphones going forward.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is more than just a flagship smartphone; it’s a gateway to new possibilities, blending art and technology to create experiences that were once only in the realm of our imaginations. For those who need to be at the very cutting edge of smartphone innovation, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the future of where technology and human creativity converge and by doing so sets new benchmarks for what we can expect from our smartphones and ourselves.