Samsung has followed in Apple’s footsteps by introducing titanium into its latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, giving it a more robust build. However, this new material supposedly offers a lighter alternative. Unfortunately, the weight reduction is almost negligible, with the S24 Ultra only shedding a mere 1 gram. Although an improvement, it fails to be a significant selling point compared to its competitors.
One of the noteworthy improvements in the Galaxy S24 series is the elimination of curved edges. Unlike its predecessors, the S24 and S24+ feature a 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch flat display, respectively. This alteration allows for a more immersive viewing experience and resolves the issues with grip interference that often occurred with curved screens. The decision to enhance user interaction by addressing this disadvantage is commendable.
The S24 and S24+ boast slimmer bezels and increased screen size, measuring at 6.2 and 6.7 inches, respectively. Along with these advancements, the devices now offer a screen refresh rate that can vary between 1 Hz and 120 Hz. This upgrade ensures smoother interactions and contributes to improved battery performance, a win-win situation for users. However, it is essential to note that the battery capacities of the S24 and S24+ are merely modest improvements from their predecessors, with the S24 housing a 4,000-mAh battery and the S24+ featuring a 4,900-mAh battery. In contrast, the S24 Ultra retains its 5,000-mAh cell, marking no significant progress in this area.
The camera systems on the Galaxy S24 series demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to providing users with exceptional photography experiences. The S24 and S24+ models share a similar setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3X optical zoom. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra pushes the boundaries with its prominent 200-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 10-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3X optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens boasting 5X optical zoom. Although the removal of the 10X optical zoom is regrettable, the inclusion of a 5X zoom lens ensures better usability in everyday scenarios.
While the Galaxy S24 series presents various improvements, Samsung disappoints by not incorporating the Qi2 wireless charging standard, citing its novelty as the reason behind the omission. The Qi2 standard offers enhanced efficiency and faster wireless charging capabilities, paired with the Magnetic Power Profile, similar to Apple’s MagSafe. The introduction of this feature would not only benefit users but also encourage greater cross-compatibility between iPhone and Android accessories. However, consumers will have to wait until 2025 or later this year to experience this innovation in a Samsung device.
The Galaxy S24 starts at $800, followed by the S24+ at $1,000. Notably, the S24 Ultra is the only device to see a price increase, now priced at $1,300, a $100 rise from its predecessor. On a positive note, Samsung guarantees seven years of software updates, matching the software support offered by Google’s Pixel devices. This commitment indicates that consumers can expect longevity from their Samsung devices, resulting in a potentially more cost-effective experience. Preorders are currently available with an enticing promotion offering free storage upgrades for certain models, further incentivizing users to invest in the latest Galaxy S24 series. The official release is set for January 31.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series offers an array of enhancements, utilizing titanium for durability, eliminating curved edges for improved usability, and upgrading camera capabilities for exceptional photography experiences. However, the incremental weight reduction with the addition of titanium fails to be a significant advantage. The absence of the Qi2 wireless charging standard is a missed opportunity for Samsung, as it could have revolutionized the charging experience for users. Nevertheless, with the promise of seven years of software updates and competitive pricing, the Galaxy S24 series presents itself as a compelling choice for smartphone enthusiasts.
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