Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24 Review: A Familiar Excellence with a Few Familiar Foibles

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks living with the Samsung Galaxy S24, and it's a phone that slots neatly into Samsung's well-established flagship lineage. At a starting price point that positions it squarely in the premium segment, the S24 aims to be the go-to choice for those who want top-tier performance in a manageable package. My testing involved everything from daily commutes and heavy social media usage to gaming sessions and dedicated photography outings, giving me a solid understanding of what this phone brings to the table. My initial impression? It's a refined iteration, not a revolution, and whether that's a good thing really depends on what you're looking for.

In the grand scheme of things, the Galaxy S24 represents Samsung's continued commitment to offering a polished, high-performance smartphone experience. They're playing it relatively safe here, focusing on incremental improvements rather than radical redesigns. This strategy makes sense when you consider the already strong foundation of the S series. The price point, while premium, feels justifiable given the feature set, though it does place the S24 in direct competition with other heavy hitters in the Android space and Apple's offering. Personally, I think Samsung is targeting users who value a balance of power, portability, and a consistently excellent camera system, without necessarily needing all the bells and whistles of the larger 'Ultra' model.

Picking up the Galaxy S24 for the first time, the familiarity is striking. The 6.2-inch display hits that sweet spot for comfortable one-handed use, a welcome relief in a market often dominated by increasingly large devices. Weighing in at a comfortable 167 grams, it feels substantial enough to exude quality without being a burden in a pocket or bag. The materials feel premium – the Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame provides a reassuring sturdiness, and while I haven't intentionally put it through any drop tests, it certainly feels like it can handle the rigors of daily life. Durability is always a key concern, and the use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back adds a layer of confidence against scratches and minor bumps.

The display is, as expected from Samsung, a visual feast. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is vibrant and sharp, and in my testing, the colors truly popped, making everything from photos to videos look stunning. The advertised peak brightness of 2600 nits is no exaggeration; even under direct sunlight, visibility was excellent. Media consumption on this display is a joy, and the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. While gaming, the responsiveness and clarity of the display were impressive, enhancing the overall immersion. For daily use, reading articles, browsing the web, and scrolling through social media felt incredibly smooth and easy on the eyes.

Under the hood, the S24 I've been testing houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (if you're in the US, Canada, or China, that is – other regions get the Exynos 2400). In my experience, this chip delivers blazing-fast performance. I threw everything at it – from graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact to demanding multitasking scenarios involving numerous apps running simultaneously – and the S24 handled it all without breaking a sweat. Gaming sessions were consistently smooth, with no noticeable frame drops or lag. Multitasking was seamless, allowing me to switch between apps instantly. While the phone did get slightly warm during extended periods of heavy use, particularly during gaming, the temperature management felt well-controlled and never became uncomfortable. While benchmark numbers like the reported 1.6 million on AnTuTu are impressive, what truly matters is the real-world experience, and in that regard, the S24 excels.

The camera system on the Galaxy S24 is another highlight. My experience taking photos across various scenarios has been consistently positive. The 50MP main sensor captures images with impressive detail and vibrant, yet natural-looking colors. Photos taken in good lighting conditions are crisp and sharp. I specifically tested the 3x telephoto lens, and I was genuinely impressed with its ability to capture detailed zoomed-in shots without significant loss of quality. Capturing that fleeting moment of a bird perched on a distant branch yielded surprisingly clear results. Video recording is also top-notch, with the option for 8K, though I mostly stuck to 4K, which provides more than enough detail for my needs while also being more manageable in terms of storage. Compared to other smartphones I've used recently, the S24's camera system holds its own, offering a versatile and reliable photographic experience.

Battery life is where my experience with the S24 became a bit more nuanced. The 4000mAh battery is adequate for a moderate day of use, but on heavier days, involving significant gaming, video streaming, and photography, I often found myself reaching for the charger by late afternoon. While the 25W fast charging does help to quickly top up the battery, it's not the fastest in the market, and a full charge still takes a little while. Wireless charging is also present, adding a layer of convenience, though it's noticeably slower than wired charging. In a world where some phones boast exceptional multi-day battery life, the S24's endurance feels just average. Effective power management is crucial here, and while the phone does a decent job optimizing battery usage, heavy users might find themselves wishing for a bit more stamina.

On the software front, the Galaxy S24 ships with Android 14 layered with Samsung's One UI 6.1. My daily usage experience has been generally smooth and intuitive. The interface is clean and well-organized, and Samsung has done a commendable job of adding useful features without making the software feel bloated. The integration of features like the excellent stereo speakers significantly enhances the multimedia experience. NFC for contactless payments is a standard convenience that works flawlessly. The under-display fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, making unlocking the phone a breeze. Samsung's commitment to providing 7 years of software updates is a significant plus, ensuring the longevity and continued relevance of the device.

Analyzing the value proposition of the Samsung Galaxy S24 requires considering its strengths and weaknesses in the context of its price. Personally, I think it offers a compelling package for those who prioritize a premium design, a fantastic display, excellent performance, and a versatile camera system in a relatively compact form factor. This phone is ideally suited for users who appreciate a polished and refined smartphone experience and aren't demanding absolute best-in-class battery life. However, if battery life is a top priority, or if you're looking for the most cutting-edge camera technology or a more radical design departure, you might want to explore other options, perhaps within Samsung's own 'Ultra' lineup or from competing brands.

In conclusion, my time with the Samsung Galaxy S24 has been largely positive. It's a well-rounded flagship that delivers on most fronts, offering a refined and enjoyable user experience. While the battery life could be better, the overall package – the stunning display, the powerful performance, and the excellent camera system – makes it a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. If you're seeking a high-performing, beautifully designed phone that's comfortable to use daily and captures great photos, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is definitely worth considering.