Samsung kicked off the year with the grand reveal of its latest flagship phones, the Galaxy S24 series, at the highly anticipated Unpacked event in January. At the pinnacle of this new lineup lies the Galaxy S24 Ultra, boasting several enhancements over its predecessor, the S23 Ultra. But before you rush to upgrade, let’s delve into what has changed and whether it warrants making the switch.
What’s New in the Galaxy S24 Ultra? The Galaxy S24 Ultra introduces a slew of upgrades, albeit primarily under the hood, while also sporting a higher price tag, starting at $1,300 compared to the S23 Ultra’s launch price of $1,200.
Visually, the S24 Ultra bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, featuring a similar design and rear camera layout. However, subtle improvements have been made, such as the adoption of a titanium frame, promising increased durability compared to the aluminum frame of the S23 Ultra.
Notably, Samsung has opted for a flat front display on the S24 Ultra, eschewing the curved edges seen on its predecessor. This results in a purported 47% reduction in side bezels, offering a sleeker look. Moreover, the new display boasts enhanced brightness, reaching a maximum of 2,600 nits, making it more legible in bright outdoor conditions. Additionally, the S24 Ultra’s screen is fortified with Corning’s latest Gorilla Glass Armor, enhancing its robustness compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 used in the S23 Ultra.
Under the hood, the S24 Ultra features an improved cooling system, incorporating a larger vapor chamber and additional layers of thermal insulation. This upgrade is poised to enhance performance and maintain optimal temperatures, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming.
In terms of photography, the S24 Ultra inherits most of its predecessor’s camera setup but swaps out the 10-megapixel 10x optical camera for a 50-megapixel 5x optical telephoto camera. While this change reduces the optical zoom length, the higher megapixel count promises sharper images. Additionally, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering faster performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the S23 Ultra.
A standout feature of the S24 Ultra is its advanced generative AI capabilities, collectively known as Galaxy AI. This includes innovative features like Circle to Search, allowing users to trace an area on the screen to perform quick searches without leaving the app. While some AI features can be processed locally, others require cloud-based processing, with the option to toggle privacy settings in the device’s settings.
Should You Upgrade? Despite the enhancements introduced in the S24 Ultra, the decision to upgrade from the S23 Ultra may not be a clear-cut one. While the new device offers incremental improvements in durability, display brightness, and performance, it may not justify the steep price increase for existing S23 Ultra owners.
Furthermore, Samsung has committed to bringing Galaxy AI features to older devices, including the S23 Ultra, in the future. However, the timeline for this rollout remains uncertain, raising questions about compatibility and performance on older hardware.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade hinges largely on whether the new generative AI features of the S24 Ultra are compelling enough to warrant the investment. Until comprehensive reviews are available, it may be prudent to wait and assess the real-world performance of the device before making a decision.
In conclusion, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers several improvements over its predecessor, potential upgraders should carefully evaluate whether the enhancements align with their needs and priorities. With Samsung’s commitment to extending support for its newest devices, existing S23 Ultra owners may opt to wait for future updates or explore alternative options before making the switch.