Samsung has refined its formula with the Galaxy S24, delivering a phone that feels both familiar and quietly ambitious. At first glance it looks much like last year’s S23, but subtle hardware upgrades, improved software, and an infusion of Galaxy AI make this one of the most complete compact Android phones available.

Cons

• Charging speeds are modest
• Few visual changes from the S23

Galaxy S24 – Overview

At a glance the Galaxy S24 could easily be mistaken for its predecessor, but closer inspection reveals meaningful upgrades beneath the surface. The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display now reaches an impressive 2600 nits of peak brightness, and for the first time on the base model it uses LTPO technology that allows the refresh rate to adapt smoothly between 1Hz and 120Hz.

Samsung has continued to focus on AI, building in tools such as Live Translate, Circle to Search and advanced photo editing features. Performance takes a step up thanks to the latest Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, depending on the region. The cameras remain familiar on paper but have been tuned for better low light and zoom results.

The Galaxy S24 is an evolutionary upgrade rather than a revolution, but it feels like a device carefully designed to last, with excellent software support and all round balance that few rivals can match.

Galaxy S24 – Design

The Galaxy S24 continues Samsung’s minimalist design language, with flat sides, a polished aluminium frame, and individually housed rear cameras. The footprint is almost identical to the S23 at around 147 x 70mm, and the phone weighs only 167g, making it one of the most comfortable higher end devices to hold and use with one hand.

Galaxy S24 – Display

Samsung’s displays have long set the standard, and the Galaxy S24 continues that tradition. The 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen produces deep contrast, crisp details and vivid yet accurate colours. The adaptive refresh rate makes everything from scrolling to gaming feel effortlessly smooth, while the 2600-nit peak brightness ensures strong visibility outdoors.

Unlike some competitors, the S24 sticks to a flat Full HD+ panel, which actually improves usability and durability. The centred front camera cut out is discreet, and the bezels are among the thinnest on any phone of this size. It is an exceptional display in every respect, and one of the highlights of the device.

Galaxy S24 – Camera & Video

The camera setup is familiar but still highly capable. On the back you get a 50MP wide camera with optical image stabilisation, a 12MP ultra wide and a 10MP telephoto offering 3× optical zoom. The front camera is a 12MP unit that performs well in all lighting conditions.

In daylight the S24 produces balanced, detailed images with Samsung’s characteristic vibrancy, while low light shots benefit from improved noise control and faster processing. Portrait and night modes both deliver reliable results, and the 3× zoom lens remains sharp and consistent.

Video recording is equally strong, with support for 4K at up to 60fps second across all lenses, and even 8K from the main sensor. The new AI powered editing tools make it easy to remove reflections or distractions, and motion stabilisation is excellent.

The only thing missing is a longer optical zoom, which remains exclusive to the Ultra model.

Galaxy S24 – Spec Options

Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
RAM: 8 GB
Connectivity: 5G, Wi‑Fi 6E, USB‑C
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer, Fingerprint Sensor (in-display)

Galaxy S24 – Build Quality

The Galaxy S24 features a premium design with a robust aluminium frame. Both the front and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing excellent resistance to scratches and accidental drops. The phone carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing it to survive submersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for 30 minutes.

Galaxy S24 – Performance

Depending on the market, the Galaxy S24 uses either Samsung’s Exynos 2400 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. Both deliver excellent speed, efficiency, and graphics performance. Apps launch instantly, scrolling and navigation are smooth, and multitasking, even with demanding tasks such as streaming, editing, or 3D gaming, is seamless. Improved thermal management keeps the phone cooler under sustained workloads.

In daily use, the S24 handles multiple apps, high resolution photo and video editing, and intensive games without lag. Local AI processing enables real time camera enhancements, translations, and image editing instantly, without relying solely on the cloud.

Samsung also promises seven years of major Android and security updates, ensuring that the S24 remains fast, secure, and capable for years to come.

Galaxy S24 – Life and Charge Time

The Galaxy S24 offers strong battery performance, easily supporting a full day of video playback with a runtime of around 8 hours and 20 minutes. This is a modest improvement over the S23, which lasts about 8 hours and 6 minutes, and slightly outperforms the S24 Ultra at 8 hours and 18 minutes.

Charging is fast and convenient. Wired charging brings the S24 to 50% in roughly 30 minutes, while a full charge takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes. Although similar to previous models, the S24 strikes a balance between battery endurance and charging speed, making it reliable for extended use without frequent interruptions.

Galaxy S24 – Operating System

The Galaxy S24 delivers a noticeable performance boost over its predecessor, thanks to its updated operating system and new processors. In benchmarks, it scores 2,046 in single-core tests and 6,351 in multi-core tests, showing a clear improvement over the S23’s 1,875 and 5,019. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved responsiveness across the system.

While the S24 Ultra edges slightly ahead with 2,109 single-core and 6,642 multi-core scores, the standard S24 still offers highly capable performance for daily tasks, gaming, and content creation.

Galaxy S24 – Additional Features

Galaxy AI and smart enhancements
Seven years of updates
Samsung DeX and Knox security
Eco friendly build
Wired and wireless charging with PowerShare

Galaxy S24 – Problems with Older Phones / Issues to Look Out For

Storage on the Galaxy S24 starts at 128GB, with a 256GB option, but as with previous models, there is no microSD slot for expandable storage. The phone comes with a USB-C cable in the box but does not include a charger, which may be inconvenient for some users.

While the software is advanced and forward looking, with Galaxy AI features such as Live Translate, Circle to Search powered by Google, and AI-driven photo editing tools, these capabilities rely heavily on the latest updates.

Samsung Galaxy S24 – Verdict

The Galaxy S24 is a superb all round smartphone that refines rather than reinvents the formula. It combines premium design, an outstanding display, reliable cameras and the latest AI driven software in a body that’s compact and comfortable to hold.

It lacks the dramatic upgrades of the S24 Ultra, but for many users that won’t matter. The S24 delivers top tier performance and longevity at a lower price, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a high end Android phone that doesn’t overwhelm with size or complexity. If you want the great balance of power, style and practicality, the Galaxy S24 is it.

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