Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Is It Worth Upgrading in 2025?

Design & Build Quality

Samsung didn’t reinvent anything here and that’s not a complaint. The S24 Ultra feels solid, sharp-edged, and clean.

• Titanium frame

• Gorilla Armor protection

• Matte finish

• IP68 water & dust resistance

The titanium upgrade makes it lighter but still sturdy. It feels like a device that can survive drops, backpacks, and daily hustle without turning into a cracked glass puzzle.

Display: Samsung at Its Best

No surprises Samsung still owns the crown.

• 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED

• Up to 2600 nits brightness

• Adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate

Outdoors, the screen cuts through sunlight like it’s nothing. Indoors, it delivers crisp detail without oversaturation. Watching videos is a small luxury ritual.

Performance & Daily Use

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (U.S. variant), the S24 Ultra doesn’t stutter. Even heavy apps, 4K editing, and gaming glide.

• Faster AI processing

• Better heat control

• Longer sustained performance

This device feels like it has headroom like it’s built not just for 2025 but the next few years.

Galaxy AI Features

Samsung is leaning hard into AI, but thankfully, the tools are actually useful:

• Circle to Search

• Transcript Assist

• Live Translate

• Photo Remaster AI

• Chat Assist

These aren’t gimmicks. Circle to Search feels natural like pointing at information with your finger.

Camera System: The Star of the Show

The quad-camera setup includes:

• 200MP main

• 50MP 5x telephoto

• 10MP 3x telephoto

• 12MP ultrawide

Samsung adjusted the philosophy here instead of pushing for unrealistic zoom ranges, it focuses on clarity and consistency. The new 5x telephoto lens is the sweet spot.

Low Light

Night shots finally look natural without turning streets into neon paintings.

Video

This is where Samsung closes in on the iPhone stabilization and low-light video are dramatically improved.

Battery Life

The 5000mAh battery feels almost boring in the best way. It simply lasts.

• Easily a full day

• Better standby time

• More efficient chip

If you’re upgrading from a phone that dies by dinner, this thing will feel like cheating.

S Pen: A Quiet Advantage

Not everyone uses it, but those who do, swear by it.

• Smooth writing

• Low latency

• Perfect for quick notes

It still gives the Ultra identity in a crowded market.

Price (U.S. Market)

Starts around $1,299, depending on storage. Prices fluctuate at retailers like Best Buy, Samsung, Walmart, or carriers (often with trade-in deals).

Should You Upgrade?

Upgrade If You Have:

• S21 Ultra or older

• Pixel 6 or older

• iPhone users switching for S Pen

• Anyone who needs zoom photography

Skip If You Have:

• S23 Ultra the leap is noticeable but not mandatory

Final Verdict

The S24 Ultra isn’t a revolution but it’s the most complete Android device of 2025. If you want a phone that can handle everything without compromise, this one still sits on top.