Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Unveiled: All you need to know

Samsung just kicked off the year with a bang by introducing the Galaxy S24 lineup, and let me tell you, the new AI features stole the show, just as everyone anticipated. The AI features stand out and add a new dimension to the user experience. It’s like Samsung cranked up the innovation dial to bring us something truly exciting. Exploring the Galaxy S24 lineup was a treat, and I can’t wait to share my insights with you. So, buckle up for a sneak peek into what Samsung has in store for us with the latest and greatest in their S24 series!

No Galaxy S lineup is complete without a bit of spec bump action, right? Brace yourself for the usual suspects – upgraded processors all around. But that’s not all, folks! Feast your eyes on some shiny new camera hardware, a boost in base RAM for the Plus and Ultra models, and a sprinkle of other tweaks to keep things interesting. For the nitty-gritty details, dive into our specs tables below. All the good stuff is waiting for you there!

Camera

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series is stepping up, promising increased power and capability across various aspects compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 series. While the two series have a fair share of similarities, encompassing certain specs and design elements, let’s dive into the key upgrades that demand your attention!

The show’s star is undeniably the Galaxy S24 Ultra, especially regarding its camera setup. A significant 2024 upgrade comes in the form of a brand-new 50MP periscope telephoto lens, a major leap from the previous 10MP counterpart. However, with great power comes a slight drawback – the optical zoom capability is now at 5x, down from the previous 10x in the Ultra models. Samsung insists that the gap is bridged through the prowess of Galaxy AI, a claim that will be tested in our rigorous evaluations.

Beyond this lens saga, the other lenses on the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintain their status quo from the Galaxy S23 Ultra, including the consistent 200MP primary sensor.

Now, turning our attention to the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus, it’s a bit of déjà vu. Since 2021, both models have been sporting identical camera systems, ensuring no discernible difference in image or video quality. Unfortunately, for the 2024 models, Samsung chose not to tinker with any camera hardware upgrades, leaving the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus unchanged from their Galaxy S23 counterparts. The gamble? Samsung is again banking on Galaxy AI’s magic to be the standout feature in the Galaxy S24 series. The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding!

Inside the hood

In a surprising move in 2023, Samsung broke from its tradition by globally outfitting all Galaxy S23 phones with the same powerhouse chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. This marked a departure from its earlier practice of launching some Galaxy S phones with Qualcomm’s flagship and others with Samsung’s in-house Exynos processor.

However, in 2024, Samsung is back to its usual playbook—well, mostly. For the United States market, all Galaxy S24 models, including the regular, Plus, and Ultra, will sport the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. The regular models will be equipped with the Exynos 2400 chipset on the global stage, while the Ultra will continue rocking the Snapdragon.

After a year-long hiatus from the Galaxy S series, Exynos processors are making a comeback. No matter where you are, if you opt for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you’ll find a tweaked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood. Meanwhile, your choice between the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S24 Plus will be influenced by your location, determining which processor you’ll be wielding.

Thankfully, Samsung has temperature concerns covered in the design of the Galaxy S24 series. All three phones boast a new vapor chamber specifically engineered for efficient temperature management. Samsung boldly claims a 92% increase in cooling for the Ultra model, and our rigorous testing will reveal the truth behind this assertion.

On the performance front, the Plus and Ultra models are set to handle demanding tasks with greater ease, thanks to an enhanced base RAM. Both models now come with a minimum of 12GB of RAM, a welcome upgrade from the 8GB standard offered last year. However, the vanilla Galaxy S24 sticks to the 8GB standard. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these advancements in our comprehensive testing.

Display

Regarding the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra, their overall dimensions haven’t strayed far from last year’s, give or take a millimeter or so. But don’t let the familiar bodies fool you – Samsung has managed to level up the displays in some impressive ways.

First off, the standout feature: the displays of the Galaxy S24 series are now brighter than ever before. With an advertised peak brightness of 2,600 nits for each phone, these numbers are a significant leap from the Galaxy S23 series. Even the Galaxy S23 Ultra, a powerhouse in its own right, only peaked at 1,750 nits. To put it in perspective, the Pixel 8 Pro, one of 2023’s luminous stars, had a peak brightness of 2,400 nits.

Now, let’s dive into the individual display tweaks. Starting with the Galaxy S24, it boasts a slightly larger 6.2-inch flat display, a 0.1-inch bump from the Galaxy S23. By trimming down the bezels, Samsung achieved this expansion without expanding the body size. The other specs, however, remain unchanged: an FHD+ resolution, an LTPO AMOLED panel, and a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz.

The Galaxy S24 Plus sees a significant upgrade this year, shifting to a QHD+ resolution akin to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This marks a welcome improvement from its previous FHD+ resolution. The display size gets a boost, too, growing by 0.1 inches through bezel reduction. The panel remains flat, and the type and refresh rate are LTPO AMOLED and 1-120Hz, respectively.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra now steals the spotlight with a colossal change – it swaps out the curved display for a flat one. Unlike its predecessors with steep curves, the Galaxy S24 Ultra opts for a straight-up flat panel. This move aims to enhance gesture navigation, but it does mean more noticeable side bezels.

Beyond the switch to a flat panel, the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its specs: QHD+ resolution, a 1-120Hz refresh rate, and a 6.8-inch display.

As for protection, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 shields the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus displays. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, conversely, gets a brand new Corning offering known as Gorilla Glass Armor. While details on Armor are still scarce, the assumption is that it packs a stronger punch than Victus 2. More info on that front is yet to come!

Build and Design

Samsung has found its groove with a design language that’s become a signature of the Galaxy S series, and the 2024 lineup is no exception. If you’ve been watching the Galaxy S phones from 2023 or even 2022, you’ll notice a sense of déjà vu. Whether that’s a comfort or a letdown depends on your perspective, but one thing’s for sure – the Galaxy S24 series doesn’t stray far from the tried-and-true formula.

Crafted with precision, the build quality of these phones is nothing short of exceptional. Holding them in your hands, especially the Galaxy S24 Ultra, feels like you’ve got a premium piece of tech. Samsung doesn’t skimp on durability, offering full IP68 ratings against water and dust for all models. When it comes to glass, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus showcase Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, while the Ultra steps it up with Gorilla Glass Armor on both sides.

Let’s talk colors. The lineup introduces eight new hues – four for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus and an exclusive set of four for the Ultra. Now, onto the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus: Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet, Marble Gray, and Onyx Black. Amber Yellow brings a delicate touch, while Cobalt Violet dives deep into richness. Marble Gray is light, almost silver or white, in certain lighting conditions, and Onyx Black, despite its name, leans more towards a dark gray than pitch black.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts similar colors but unique names and shades, thanks to its titanium alloy rails (a first for any Samsung phone, while the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus stick with aluminum rails). The quartet includes Titanium Yellow, Violet, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Black. The gray and black models closely resemble their counterparts in the S24/Plus series, while Titanium Yellow takes a darker turn compared to Amber Yellow. On the other hand, Titanium Violet goes so deep that it’s almost in a league.

Remember that Samsung usually dishes exclusive colorways through Samsung.com, so check out Samsung’s official Galaxy S24 listing in your region for a full spectrum of options.

Battery and Charging

In a world where smartphones are becoming indispensable in our daily routines, the importance of battery life and charging speeds cannot be overstated. Fortunately, Samsung has rolled out noteworthy upgrades this year that will resonate with users.

First up, the Galaxy S24 is breaking records with the largest battery in a standard model since 2021, boasting a substantial 4,000mAh. This leap is poised to extend the phone’s lifespan on a single charge, particularly compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S22, which packed a smaller 3,700mAh cell.

Shifting the spotlight to the Galaxy S24 Plus, it clinches the title for the largest battery in a Plus model at an impressive 4,900mAh. This marks a 200mAh increase from the Galaxy S23 Plus and is just a mere 100mAh shy of the powerhouse Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s worth noting that opting for the higher resolution QHD+ display might impact battery gains compared to the FHD+ option.

When it comes to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the battery capacity remains unchanged, holding steady at the reliable 5,000mAh, a consistent feature across all Ultra models.

In the wired charging department, 2024 brings no alterations. The Galaxy S24 charges with a cable at 25W, while the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra ramp it up to 45W with a cable. To unlock these speeds, make sure to have a suitable PPS-PD charger, as it doesn’t come in the box with the phone.

Last but not least, wireless charging across the board reaches a peak of 15W, providing a reliable and efficient option for topping up your device. Reverse wireless charging, a handy feature, maxes out at 5W, ensuring versatility in your charging needs. With these enhancements, Samsung is keeping pace with the increasing demands of modern smartphone users.

The S Pen

Continuing the tradition set by its predecessors, the Galaxy S24 Ultra arrives with the coveted S Pen, snugly tucked into a dedicated slot for easy storage. While the S Pen’s design remains consistent, there’s a subtle tweak this time – the top portion that protrudes from the phone when slotted is now slightly flatter compared to 2023.

In terms of features, Samsung isn’t unveiling anything groundbreaking this time. However, it does highlight the Ultra’s flat display, emphasizing that it should enhance the S Pen usage experience. This choice raises a curious eyebrow, prompting us to question the rationale behind the curved displays of the past.

Nevertheless, if you’ve savored the S Pen experience in previous generations, rest assured that the Galaxy S24 Ultra promises more of the same. Familiarity meets functionality once again.

7 Years of Software Updates

In the tech realm, 2023 saw Google grabbing headlines with an unprecedented seven years of software support for the Pixel 8 series. Always keen on matching strides, Samsung has stepped to the plate with a pledge that mirrors Google’s commitment to the Galaxy S24 series. Brace yourself – this means the trio of Galaxy S24 phones is set to ride the Android upgrade wave all the way through Android 21, reaching into the tech horizon of 2031!

However, before you start plotting out a decade of software excitement for your older Galaxy devices, a word of caution: Samsung has clarified that this extended promise won’t be retroactively applied to older Galaxy devices, at least not yet. If you’re wielding a Galaxy flagship from 2023 or earlier, you’re looking at four Android upgrades and a solid five years of security patches. While there’s no official word on expanding this generous support to older phones, we’re hoping that Samsung might extend the love in the future.

Now, let’s talk about software evolution. The Galaxy S24 series takes the helm with the debut of One UI 6.1, which is built on the foundation of Android 14. This promises to deliver all the standout features of One UI 6, coupled with a sprinkle of fresh tricks. Among these gems is the ability to transform your phone’s camera into a webcam for your computer – a nifty feature that Google incorporated into Android 14 but remained deactivated in One UI 6.

Here’s the good news for existing Samsung device owners: the rollout of One UI 6.1, along with a slew of new AI features, is not exclusive to the Galaxy S24 series. Samsung has assured us that this software goodness is set to cascade onto older Samsung phones, with a confirmed timeframe of the first half of 2024 for the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series. While it’s highly probable that other Samsung phones will join the One UI 6.1 party, Samsung is playing coy on specific commitments for the first half of 2024. Buckle up for a software journey that spans years and transcends devices!

AI, AI, and AI

Galaxy AI serves as the encompassing term for an array of AI-driven features seamlessly woven into the fabric of the Galaxy S24 series. A dynamic blend of contributions from Samsung and key partners, notably Google, form the core of Galaxy AI. The exclusive domain of Galaxy AI is the Galaxy S24 series. However, we anticipate glimpses of these features trickling down to other Samsung devices, particularly the foldables set to grace the stage later in 2024.

In a bold move, Samsung places its bets squarely on Galaxy AI to be the driving force behind the appeal of the Galaxy S24 series. The good news? Feature parity prevails across all three phones, ensuring you won’t miss out on the exciting AI tricks by opting for a different model. Whether you choose the entry-tier Galaxy S24 or the powerhouse Ultra, all the Galaxy AI offers is at your fingertips. This holds irrespective of the processor under the hood, meaning that both Exynos and Snapdragon-powered models share the same AI capabilities.

Delving into the intricacies of Galaxy AI, we encounter two broad categories of features: on-device and cloud-based. The former leverages the raw processing power of the device, functioning autonomously without needing external servers. On the flip side, cloud features rely on Samsung’s servers to execute tasks, necessitating an internet connection to unlock their full potential. Galaxy AI, with its marriage of local and cloud-based prowess, aims to redefine the user experience on the Galaxy S24 series.

One of the truly thrilling aspects of Galaxy AI is the level of control it puts in your hands. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario – you get to decide which features are active based on your preferences. Say, for instance, you’re not keen on the notion of Live Translate chiming in during your calls; no worries, flip the switch and turn it off. Similarly, if the idea of your phone syncing up with Samsung’s cloud servers for AI features doesn’t sit well with you, you have the power to deactivate those individually. It’s a level of customization that sets Samsung apart, and to this extent, it’s a feature offering unparalleled in the smartphone arena—at least not on this expansive scale.

ProVisual Engine

Introducing ProVisual Engine – Samsung’s comprehensive branding encapsulates a spectrum of photo and video features. Under this unified banner, you’ll find a blend of AI-powered capabilities and well-established computational photography tricks synonymous with Samsung phones over the years.

Let’s delve into the fresh additions to the ProVisual Engine, complementing the familiar features you’ve grown fond of on older Samsung devices:

1. Quad Telephoto (Exclusive to Galaxy S24 Ultra): This feature takes center stage on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung offers a unique solution by addressing the adjustment from 10x optical zoom to 5x optical zoom in the periscope lens. At 3x zoom, the standard telephoto lens takes charge, seamlessly transitioning to the periscope lens at 5x. However, the 2x and 10x zooms adopt a cropped approach, employing AI for multi-frame processing. The result? Four distinct zoom points—2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x—with two utilizing optical capabilities and two benefiting from AI-enhanced crops. Samsung exudes confidence that this approach will deliver high-quality shots, compensating for the shift from 10x optical zoom.
2. Instant Slo-mo: This feature proves invaluable if you shoot a video in the regular setting but later transform it into a slow-motion clip. Leveraging cloud-based generative AI, your phone processes the 60fps video, generating a new frame for each existing one. The outcome? A pristine 120fps version of the clip, enabling smoother slow-motion playback compared to simply slowing down the original 60fps video.
3. Super HDR: This encompasses multiple enhancements. Firstly, you can now preview HDR imagery before capturing your shot. Secondly, HDR functionality extends to third-party apps, with Instagram leading the charge as the initial significant partner. In essence, photos and videos taken within the Instagram app will match the quality of those captured using the camera app. Lastly, overall HDR performance is elevated, resulting in brighter, more balanced images.
4. Photo Editing Tricks: Collaborating with Google brings Pixel-exclusive features to the Galaxy S24 series. This includes a Magic Editor-like system facilitating the removal of objects from photos and an instantaneous transformation of the overall look and feel with a single tap. A notable addition is the Generative Edit, allowing you to straighten an image using generative AI to fill in the edges. Samsung, keen on transparency, adds watermarks to photos manipulated with generative AI in both metadata and the image, simplifying the user experience.
5. Editing Suggestions: Elevating the photo editing experience, Samsung enhances its suggestion system. The database powering suggestions is now dynamically updated, ensuring more accurate recommendations. Moreover, users can contribute their images securely. The context-aware editor tailors suggestions based on the specific content within the image, adding a personalized touch to the editing process.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series: Release date, price, and availability

• Samsung Galaxy S24 (8/128GB): $799.99
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus (12/256GB): $999.99
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12/256GB): $1,299.99

In the Philippines, the online pre-order is now live

• Samsung Galaxy S24 (8/512GB): PHP 53,990
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus (12/512GB): PHP 68,990
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12/512GB): PHP 84,990