The Samsung Galaxy S24, launched on January 17, 2024, marks a significant milestone in Samsung’s flagship lineup, cementing its position as a premium yet compact contender in the highly competitive smartphone market. As the smallest member of the Galaxy S24 series—alongside the S24+ and S24 Ultra—it targets a discerning audience: tech enthusiasts, professionals, and casual users who value portability without sacrificing cutting-edge features. Priced at $799.99 in the USA, the Galaxy S24 competes in the upper mid-range to lower flagship segment, offering a blend of performance, design, and innovation that appeals to those seeking a balance between size and capability.
The anticipation surrounding the Galaxy S24 was fueled by leaks and rumors of its upgraded chipset options—Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for select markets and Exynos 2400 internationally—alongside Samsung’s promise of seven years of software updates. Unveiled at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, the device garnered attention for its refined design, enhanced display, and AI-driven features via One UI 6.1.1. In this review, we’ll explore every facet of the Galaxy S24, from its sleek build to its real-world performance, providing a detailed assessment for potential buyers.
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Construction
The Samsung Galaxy S24 exudes premium quality with its construction, featuring a glass front and back clad in Gorilla Glass Victus 2, paired with an Armor Aluminum 2 frame. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers superior scratch and drop resistance compared to its predecessor, while the matte-finished aluminum frame adds durability and a sophisticated touch. This combination ensures the S24 feels robust yet refined, aligning with Samsung’s flagship ethos.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
Measuring 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g (Onyx Black, Marble Grey) or 168g (other colors), the Galaxy S24 is remarkably compact. Its slim 7.6mm profile and lightweight design make it highly portable, slipping effortlessly into pockets. The flat edges—a departure from the curved designs of past models—enhance grip and one-handed usability, though the 6.2-inch display may still stretch smaller hands.
Durability Features
An IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, a critical feature for durability. Whether caught in rain or dropped in a puddle, the S24 is built to withstand real-world mishaps, making it a reliable companion for active users.
Color Options
Available in seven striking colors—Onyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, and Sapphire Blue—the S24 caters to diverse tastes. Onyx Black and Marble Grey offer understated elegance, while vibrant hues like Amber Yellow and Sapphire Blue appeal to bolder personalities. Each finish is glossy, enhancing visual appeal but potentially attracting fingerprints.
Unique Design Elements
The flat-frame design and symmetrical bezels set the S24 apart, offering a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The rear camera module, with its floating lens arrangement, maintains continuity with the S23 while exuding a clean, functional look—a subtle evolution rather than a radical departure.
Display
Screen Specifications
The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (~416 ppi). This delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, with AMOLED’s deep blacks and high contrast elevating everything from text to multimedia.
120Hz Refresh Rate
A 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and animations, enhancing gaming and browsing. Titles like Call of Duty Mobile benefit from reduced motion blur, though frame rates depend on chipset performance. The LTPO technology scales from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing battery efficiency for static content.
HDR10+ and Brightness
With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the S24 excels in dynamic range and visibility. HDR content on YouTube or Netflix pops with color, while the extreme brightness ensures legibility in direct sunlight—a rare feat for its class.
Always-On Display
The always-on display (AOD) offers practical convenience, showing time, notifications, and more without waking the device. Customizable and battery-efficient, it’s a hallmark of AMOLED practicality.
Visual Experience
The slim bezels and flat screen maximize immersion, making the S24 ideal for videos and games. At 416 ppi, it’s crisp enough for most, though some may notice the step down from QHD+ resolutions on larger siblings.
Performance
Chipset Variations
The S24 features two chipsets: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) for USA, Canada, and China, and Exynos 2400 (4nm) internationally. The Snapdragon boasts a 1×3.3GHz Cortex-X4, 5×2.8GHz Cortex-A720, and 2×2.2GHz Cortex-A520 CPU, paired with an Adreno 750 GPU. The Exynos offers a 1×3.2GHz Cortex-X4, 2×2.9GHz Cortex-A720, 3×2.6GHz Cortex-A720, and 4×2.0GHz Cortex-A520 CPU, with an Xclipse 940 GPU. Both deliver flagship-grade power.
Day-to-Day Usage and Multitasking
For daily tasks—browsing, streaming, messaging—the S24 is swift, with 8GB or 12GB RAM ensuring smooth multitasking. App switching feels seamless, though heavy users may prefer the 12GB variant.
Gaming Performance
Gaming shines, with the Snapdragon/Adreno combo handling PUBG Mobile at high settings and Genshin Impact on medium. The Exynos/Xclipse setup is slightly less potent but still capable, with the 120Hz display enhancing responsiveness. Thermal throttling may occur during extended play.
Storage and RAM Options
Variants include 128GB (8GB RAM), 256GB (8GB or 12GB RAM), and 512GB (8GB RAM), all using UFS 4.0 for fast access. The lack of a microSD slot forces upfront storage decisions—256GB suits most, while 512GB caters to power users.
Benchmark Insights
Snapdragon models score ~1,727,225 on AnTuTu, with GeekBench 6 at 2,130 single-core and 6,557 multi-core. Exynos variants hit ~1,546,699 on AnTuTu, with similar GeekBench results. 3DMark Wild Life Extreme scores ~4,432, reflecting strong GPU performance. These translate to reliable real-world speed, though Snapdragon edges out slightly.
Software Experience
Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1
Running Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1, the S24 offers a polished, user-friendly interface. It’s customizable, with AI features like Circle to Search and Note Assist enhancing productivity.
Unique Features
Galaxy AI tools—photo editing, real-time translation—add value, while Samsung DeX transforms the phone into a desktop hub. Pre-installed apps are minimal but include Samsung and Google staples.
Software Updates
Samsung’s seven-year OS and security update pledge (through 2031) ensures longevity, matching Google’s Pixel 8 and outpacing many rivals—a major selling point.
Camera System
Rear Camera Setup
The triple-camera array includes a 50 MP main (f/1.8, OIS), 10 MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x zoom, OIS), and 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120˚ FOV). Features like LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama enhance versatility.
Performance in Lighting Conditions
Daylight shots are detailed and vibrant, with OIS aiding stability. Low-light performance impresses, though noise appears in extreme darkness. The telephoto excels at 3x zoom, while the ultra-wide captures expansive scenes with minor edge distortion.
Video Capabilities
Video recording hits 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, and 1080p with HDR10+ and gyro-EIS. Footage is smooth and detailed, ideal for casual creators.
Front Camera
The 12 MP selfie cam (f/2.2, dual pixel PDAF) delivers sharp, natural shots, with 4K@30/60fps video support for calls and vlogs. Low-light selfies soften slightly.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity
The 4,000mAh battery lasts a full day with moderate use, dropping to 14-15 hours under heavy loads (PCMark: 14h 43m). It’s modest but sufficient for its size.
Charging Capabilities
25W wired charging fills 50% in ~30 minutes, while 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless add flexibility. Faster charging exists elsewhere, but this suffices.
Battery Optimization
One UI’s power-saving modes and adaptive battery features extend life and preserve health over time.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Network Support
With 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, the S24 leverages fast networks where available, enhancing streaming and downloads.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS (GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS), NFC, and USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort 1.2 ensure robust connectivity. No 3.5mm jack pushes users to wireless audio.
Additional Features
The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is fast, joined by sensors like accelerometer and gyro. Samsung DeX offers desktop functionality—a productivity boon.
Audio Quality
Stereo Speakers
AKG-tuned stereo speakers deliver clear, immersive sound with decent volume, though bass is modest—typical for its size.
High-Quality Audio
32-bit/384kHz audio support enhances wired/wireless listening, appealing to audiophiles with premium gear.
Storage Options and Expandability
The 128GB (8GB RAM), 256GB (8GB/12GB RAM), and 512GB (8GB RAM) variants suit varied needs, but no microSD slot limits expansion. Cloud storage or 256GB+ is recommended for heavy users.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $799.99 (USA), C$680.00 (Canada), £408.00 (UK), €525.00 (Europe), and ₹56,090 (India), the S24 offers flagship value. Available globally via Samsung and retailers, launch promotions often sweeten the deal.
Comparative Analysis
Against the Google Pixel 8 ($699) and iPhone 15 ($799), the S24 shines with battery life and DeX, but Pixel’s cameras and iPhone’s ecosystem edge out slightly. It balances features and price well.
User Feedback and Reception
Early reviews praise the design, display, and updates, though some note modest battery life and camera consistency versus rivals. It’s a fan favorite for compact power.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a stellar compact flagship, blending premium design, a vibrant display, and robust performance with long-term support. Ideal for those prioritizing portability and versatility, it’s a top pick despite minor battery and storage trade-offs.