Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Best Android phone in 2025?
📱 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Best Android Flagship of 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has officially arrived, and it’s already making waves in the tech world. With a titanium frame, upgraded AI features, and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, many are calling it the most advanced Android phone of 2025.
But with rising prices and fierce competition from rivals like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro, one question remains: Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra truly worth the upgrade? Or is it just an iterative step with some flashy new tricks?
In this in-depth Galaxy S24 Ultra review, we’ll explore its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and smart features — helping you decide if this is the right phone for you in 2025.
📦 Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the design language of its predecessor and refines it to near perfection. For 2025, Samsung introduces a titanium frame, replacing the Armor Aluminum used in the S23 Ultra. This change not only gives the phone a more premium and solid feel, but also makes it lighter and more resistant to bending or dents.
The front and back panels are protected by the new Gorilla Glass Armor, which significantly reduces glare and improves scratch resistance compared to Gorilla Glass Victus 2. According to Corning, it’s up to 3x more durable against micro-scratches, making it ideal for long-term use without a screen protector.
Ergonomically, the S24 Ultra maintains its signature rectangular shape with subtle refinements. The display is now almost completely flat, reducing edge distortion and accidental touches — a common complaint on older curved Galaxy models. The bezels have also been minimized, resulting in a modern, edge-to-edge experience.
Despite its massive 6.8-inch display, the phone feels more comfortable to hold due to its redistributed weight and slightly thinner profile (8.6 mm). In-hand comfort is further improved by the matte finish on the rear, which adds grip and minimizes fingerprints.
The iconic S Pen remains tucked into its slot on the bottom left. The button layout is unchanged from last year: power and volume rocker on the right, with solid, tactile feedback. The phone is also rated IP68 water and dust resistant, ensuring durability for everyday conditions.
For a closer look at the build materials and durability tests, check out JerryRigEverything’s teardown and bend test of the Galaxy S24 Ultra (YouTube).
🔥 Display: Big, Bright, and Brilliant
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a massive 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED 2X display that sets a new benchmark for mobile screens. With a resolution of 3088 × 1440 pixels and a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, it offers unmatched clarity, smoothness, and power efficiency.
The panel uses Samsung’s latest LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, allowing it to intelligently switch refresh rates based on content — conserving battery when reading static content and ramping up during gaming or scrolling. Color reproduction is exceptional, with support for HDR10+ and peak brightness reaching up to 2,600 nits, making it easily viewable even under direct sunlight.
Independent tests from DisplayMate gave the screen an A+ rating, praising its color accuracy, brightness uniformity, and contrast levels. Whether you're streaming in 4K, editing photos, or gaming, the display delivers a flagship experience that few phones can match.
The bezels are ultra-thin and symmetrical, giving the phone a sleek, modern look. And unlike the slightly curved displays of past models, the S24 Ultra uses a completely flat screen — a decision that enhances usability and reduces accidental touches, especially when using the included S Pen.
For gamers, artists, and media lovers alike, this display is easily one of the best — if not the best — on any smartphone in 2025.
➡️ Read the full screen benchmark results on NotebookCheck.
🚀 Performance and Processor: Blazing Speed with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
At the heart of the Galaxy S24 Ultra lies the custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy — a specially optimized variant of Qualcomm’s latest flagship chipset, built on a 4nm process. With boosted clock speeds (up to 3.4GHz on the Cortex-X4 prime core), it delivers impressive gains in both performance and efficiency compared to last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
In real-world use, the S24 Ultra handles multitasking, 4K video editing, and high-end mobile gaming effortlessly. Whether you're switching between apps or running intensive titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, the phone stays cool and responsive thanks to its improved vapor chamber cooling system.
On Geekbench 6, the S24 Ultra scores around 2,250 (single-core) and 6,800+ (multi-core), putting it on par with — and in some tasks exceeding — Apple’s A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, Apple’s chip still leads in GPU-bound performance and sustained power efficiency.
When compared to the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which uses the Tensor G3, the S24 Ultra easily outpaces it in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. The Tensor chip is optimized more for AI features, while Snapdragon is a powerhouse for raw performance.
In 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, Samsung’s flagship achieves nearly 4,000 points — a clear sign of its graphics muscle, perfect for gamers and power users.
The performance boost is not just numbers on paper — it's noticeable in daily use. App loading times are near-instant, camera processing is faster, and the One UI 6.1 animations are fluid and polished.
📸 Camera and Imaging: A True Mobile Photography Powerhouse
The Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just capture photos — it tells visual stories. Armed with a versatile quad-lens system, Samsung’s flagship is built to tackle every scenario from sweeping landscapes to fine macro details. The main sensor is a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor, enhanced for improved light capture and dynamic range. Images are pixel-binned down to 12.5MP by default for clarity, depth, and color balance.
Zooming in? The S24 Ultra replaces the S23 Ultra’s 10x telephoto with a new 50MP 5x telephoto lens, offering better resolution and light handling at medium ranges. And for those ultra-wide shots or tight close-ups, the 12MP ultra-wide lens and dedicated macro capabilities keep things sharp and immersive.
Night photography is where the magic happens. With Samsung’s upgraded Nightography AI, low-light scenes look more natural and less processed. Light halos are reduced, shadows are cleaner, and you can shoot handheld in the dark with impressive clarity. Side-by-side comparisons with the iPhone 15 Pro Max show the S24 Ultra edging ahead in zoom sharpness and low-light texture.
Video capabilities remain class-leading with support for up to 8K at 30fps, or 4K at 60fps across all lenses. Stabilization is handled via Super Steady Mode and OIS, producing cinematic clips even when walking or tracking moving subjects. Audio pickup is excellent, especially with directional mic focus enabled.
Perhaps the most exciting upgrade? The S24 Ultra’s use of AI-powered photography features, including Generative Edit (similar to Magic Editor on Pixel), Instant Slow-Mo, and AI Zoom enhancements. These aren’t just gimmicks — they genuinely elevate what you can do after snapping the photo.
How does it compare? In a direct shootout against the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the S24 Ultra held its own — winning in versatility and zoom, slightly behind the iPhone in natural skin tones, and equal to the Pixel in HDR performance.
Whether you're a content creator, casual shooter, or mobile filmmaker, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system gives you pro-level tools in your pocket.
🔋 Battery & Charging: Can the S24 Ultra Keep Up with Your Day?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a robust 5,000mAh battery, matching the capacity of its predecessor. But thanks to the efficiency improvements brought by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and Samsung's AI-powered battery management, real-world endurance has noticeably improved.
In daily use, the S24 Ultra delivers impressive results. During mixed usage — including browsing, 4K video streaming, social media, photography, and GPS navigation — users can expect 6.5 to 8 hours of screen-on time. In our tests, the device consistently lasted a full day with around 20–25% battery remaining by bedtime, even under heavy use.
Fast charging is decent, though not groundbreaking. The device supports 45W wired charging with Samsung’s Super Fast Charging 2.0. You’ll get about 65% in 30 minutes, and a full charge in roughly 58–60 minutes with a compatible charger (sold separately). For wireless charging, the S24 Ultra supports 15W Qi wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Where the S24 Ultra shines is in its intelligent power efficiency. Samsung’s new Galaxy AI engine works in the background to optimize app activity, screen refresh rate, and background processes. The result? Less drain during idle and standby times, especially overnight.
Compared to rivals like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra holds its ground well in endurance tests — slightly outlasting the Pixel and closely trailing Apple’s efficiency-focused A17 Pro.
🔌 Note: To unlock peak charging speeds, you’ll need to use Samsung’s official 45W PPS charger, which is not included in the box.
🧠 Galaxy AI & Smart Software: A New Brain for Your Phone
The Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t just a phone — it’s a smart assistant, interpreter, and productivity machine in your pocket. Powered by Galaxy AI Samsung’s new suite of on-device and cloud-based artificial intelligence tools unlocks powerful features you won’t find elsewhere.
Need to understand a foreign language in real-time? Live Translate offers seamless two-way voice and text translation during calls and chats. Want to catch up on long articles or meetings? Use Note Assist and Transcript Summarization to condense content into bite-sized summaries. Searching for something on screen? Circle to Search, powered by Google and Samsung’s AI collaboration, lets you draw a circle around anything to instantly get context.
Running on Android 14 and One UI 6.1, the software is smoother than ever. Everything from animations to multitasking feels refined and snappy. And here's the best part — Samsung promises 7 years of OS and security updates, matching Google’s Pixel strategy and even exceeding Apple in duration.
🌐 Connectivity & Tech Innovations: Ultra-Fast, Ultra-Smart
With the Galaxy S24 Ultra, staying connected is future-proof. The phone supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for ultra-low latency and 5G mm Wave and sub-6GHz bands for blazing mobile speeds. Add in Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and you’ve got a connectivity beast that works flawlessly with smart homes, trackers, and AR devices.
Biometric security is fast and reliable. The Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor under the screen is lightning quick, and Face Unlock has improved in low-light conditions using AI depth mapping.
✍️ S-Pen: Your Precision Power Tool
Tucked inside the frame is what makes the Ultra... ultra. The S-Pen is not just a stylus — it’s a creative instrument, a remote controller, and a productivity enhancer. Whether you're sketching in Clip Studio Paint, annotating PDFs, or navigating slides remotely, the S-Pen remains unmatched in precision and latency.
With Air Actions, you can control your camera shutter, scroll web pages, and even trigger custom gestures — all without touching the screen. And thanks to tighter integration with Galaxy AI, handwriting-to-text is smarter and more accurate, even with messy scribbles.
🎯 Simply put, the S-Pen transforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra from a smartphone into a smart workstation.
💰 Price & Availability: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is positioned as Samsung’s most premium flagship in 2025 — and the pricing reflects that. Depending on your region and storage configuration, here's what to expect:
- Global Launch Price: Starting from $1,299 USD (256GB model)
- UAE Price: ~4,799 AED
- Saudi Arabia: ~4,999 SAR
- Europe: From €1,449
- Morocco: ~15,500 MAD (غير رسمي)
Available in three storage variants:
- 256GB (12GB RAM)
- 512GB (12GB RAM)
- 1TB (12GB RAM)
🔄 How It Compares to the Competition
| Device | Starting Price | Base Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | $1,299 | 256GB |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $1,199 | 256GB |
| Pixel 8 Pro | $999 | 128GB |
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | ~$1,099 | 256GB |
While it’s one of the most expensive Android devices, the Galaxy S24 Ultra backs up its price tag with cutting-edge hardware, AI software, and long-term update support. For power users, it could be the best investment in 2025.
🎯 Pros & Cons of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
✅ Pros
- • Stunning camera system with advanced AI enhancements
- • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivering seamless performance
- • Vibrant and smooth 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate
- • Innovative Galaxy AI features for productivity and convenience
- • Long-term software support: 7 years of updates
- • S-Pen with ultra-responsive latency and enhanced Air Actions
❌ Cons
- • Premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers
- • Large and heavy design could be uncomfortable for some users
- • Incremental improvements might feel limited for owners of S23 Ultra
- • Official fast charger sold separately
- • No major innovation in battery capacity
📊 Comparison with Previous Generation: Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra brings a refined evolution over the S23 Ultra, but what exactly is new? The switch to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy offers a noticeable performance boost, especially in gaming and multitasking. The revamped AI suite enhances daily productivity and camera capabilities, while the brighter LTPO AMOLED 2X display improves outdoor visibility.
However, some users might find the changes incremental, especially if you already own the S23 Ultra. The design is subtly tweaked with titanium and Gorilla Glass Victus 3, improving durability but maintaining a similar size and heft. The battery capacity remains stable, with software optimizations helping extend daily endurance.
So, when does upgrading make sense? If you crave the latest processor, enhanced AI tools, and improved display brightness, the S24 Ultra is a worthy upgrade. For casual users, holding onto the S23 Ultra for another year might be more practical.
🧠 Final Verdict: Is It Truly the Best Android Phone of 2025?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra sets a high bar in 2025 with top-tier hardware, cutting-edge AI integration, and robust software support. Its camera system competes head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, while the S-Pen remains unmatched in versatility.
That said, this phone suits primarily power users, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who demand the absolute best. If you want a sleek, powerful device with longevity, it’s an excellent choice. Budget-conscious users or those satisfied with previous generations might want to wait for future innovations.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is arguably the best Android phone of 2025, but like any flagship, it’s not for everyone.
✍️ Join the Conversation!
Have you tried the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
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