Samsung Galaxy S24 Review – Unveiling the Compact Flagship Excellence

Samsung has once again graced us with its latest compact flagship, the Galaxy S24. Packed with high-end features, the S24 aims to cater to those who seek flagship-grade performance in a more pocket-friendly form factor. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the device’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and more, helping you determine if the Galaxy S24 is the right choice for you.

Design and Display:

The Galaxy S24 maintains the sleek design language observed in previous models, featuring a flat back crafted from Gorilla Glass Victus. Noteworthy changes include a matte finish on the aluminum frame for increased durability and a subtle alteration in the feel when held. The IP68 dust and water resistance, a staple in Samsung’s flagships, is present and ensures the device’s resilience.

The 6.2-inch OLED display offers a 1080p resolution, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. The screen’s extra adaptive LTP Tech allows it to adjust from 120Hz to 24Hz when idling, contributing to energy efficiency. With a peak brightness of over 1400 nits in auto mode, content appears sharp and vibrant. Slimmer bezels enhance the immersive experience, while HDR 10 Plus support and a super HDR preview feature in the viewfinder add to the visual allure.

Audio and Biometrics:

Equipped with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, the S24 provides a pleasing audio experience with enhanced loudness. The under-display fingerprint reader is not only fast and reliable but also adds a touch of modern convenience. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB, though it’s crucial to note that the 128GB variant utilizes a slower UFS 3.1 compared to UFS 4.0.

Software and Performance:

Running on Samsung’s new software package, One UI 6.1, based on Android 14, the S24 promises refined user experiences. Notably, Samsung commits to seven years of software support, ensuring longevity for the device. The choice of chipsets varies by region, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the USA, Canada, and China, while other markets receive the Exynos 20400. Benchmarks indicate flagship-grade performance, albeit slightly behind Snapdragon counterparts in graphics tests.

Battery Life and Charging:

The S24 boasts a 4,000mAh battery, an improvement from its predecessor, resulting in a better overall active use score of 12 hours and 6 minutes. Supporting 25W charging and wireless charging, the device achieves a 59% charge in just half an hour, with a full charge taking 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Camera Capabilities:

The camera setup remains consistent with last year’s model, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 10MP three-time zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide. Daytime photography showcases excellent results with vibrant yet natural colors and improved contrast. Portrait mode introduces three zoom levels, providing creative flexibility. Night mode exhibits balance, though with minor drawbacks.

The telephoto and ultrawide cameras deliver satisfactory performance, with improvements in detail and noise reduction. The 12MP selfie camera continues to impress with top-tier image quality, autofocus, and vibrant colors.

Video Capabilities:

The Galaxy S24 excels in video recording, supporting 4K at 60FPS on all four cameras and 8K resolution at 30FPS on the main rear camera. Videos exhibit vibrant yet realistic colors, excellent detail, and superb stabilization, even in low-light scenarios.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S24 proves to be a commendable upgrade, offering incremental improvements in design, display, performance, and camera capabilities. While the return of the Exynos chipset may raise eyebrows, the overall experience is solid. The device stands as a reliable compact flagship, providing an excellent option for those seeking top-notch features in a smaller form factor. Keep an eye on the retail price, and once it settles, the Galaxy S24 is undoubtedly a worthy consideration in the compact flagship arena.