The Samsung Galaxy S24 / Ultra

[jameseld82]

Well I have taken the plunge and bought myself an S24 Ultra. It has been a big change over the past couple of days but I have found it so much easier moving things across from my iPhone. I have locked the iPhone away so I can't keep going back to it when I need to do something.

 

[jamezr]

Well I have taken the plunge and bought myself an S24 Ultra. It has been a big change over the past couple of days but I have found it so much easier moving things across from my iPhone. I have locked the iPhone away so I can't keep going back to it when I need to do something.

Congrats...post any questions you have because a lot of use have done what you are doing. Or have both an iPhone and an Android phone.

 

[Harthag]

Well I have taken the plunge and bought myself an S24 Ultra. It has been a big change over the past couple of days but I have found it so much easier moving things across from my iPhone. I have locked the iPhone away so I can't keep going back to it when I need to do something.

That's the only way to truly gauge whether the S24U works for you. I see you have several Apple devices based on your signature. If you also have access to a Mac and are a little tech savvy, I highly recommend checking out BlueBubbles so you have iMessage on your S24U. It makes the transition a lot easier. Until iOS supports RCS, but even then, the iPhone users you message with need to be on at least iOS 18 and need to know to enable the feature. I'm sticking with BB for awhile after iOS w/ RCS is launched.

 

[Fille84]

That's the only way to truly gauge whether the S24U works for you. I see you have several Apple devices based on your signature. If you also have access to a Mac and are a little tech savvy, I highly recommend checking out BlueBubbles so you have iMessage on your S24U. It makes the transition a lot easier. Until iOS supports RCS, but even then, the iPhone users you message with need to be on at least iOS 18 and need to know to enable the feature. I'm sticking with BB for awhile after iOS w/ RCS is launched.

I think RCS will be enabled by default. But I've been using BlueBubbles too for around a year now and it's been working without any issues. It's a little bit of hassle that I have to keep my macbook running all the time though.

 

[Shanghaichica]

We ended up ordering two new S24 ultra phones for my husband by accident so I’ve decided to keep the second one as it’s already here now lol just setting it up now. Will be keeping my iPhone as well. Been a good week for me phone wise as I’ve upgraded to the 15 pro max and now bagged an S24 ultra 🥳

 

[Sensamic]

I’m really liking what I’m seeing so far of OneUI 7. It’s time for a UI refresh, and Samsung always adds nice little features all over the OS.

 

[jamezr]

We ended up ordering two new S24 ultra phones for my husband by accident so I’ve decided to keep the second one as it’s already here now lol just setting it up now. Will be keeping my iPhone as well. Been a good week for me phone wise as I’ve upgraded to the 15 pro max and now bagged an S24 ultra 🥳

Wow its like Christmas and your birthday all rolled into one!

 

[jamezr]

I’m really liking what I’m seeing so far of OneUI 7. It’s time for a UI refresh, and Samsung always adds nice little features all over the OS.

I can't wait fore the beta invitations to open up in the Members app

 

[Fried_Gold]

I caved and bought a black S24 Ultra today. 🙈

 

[Shanghaichica]

I caved and bought a black S24 Ultra today. 🙈

That’s the colour I have. The best colour.

 

[mjschabow]

So, I'm at a bit of a cross roads come this fall and winter. More and more people in my circle are using Android, and in general I've become a lot less dependent on Apple's ecosystem...actually in many cases, Google servers are easier to manage and work with.

I absolutely loved the S23 Ultra but caved after several months and returned to iPhone, which yeah I'm ok with, I guess.

So I have a couple of questions as when the S25 Ultra comes out, I may give it consideration:

1. Is there a clear cut winner in the AI battle (Once Apple releases their version)?

2. Is it possible to set Google Photos as the default photo app?
2a. I HATE double apps, it's just really annoying. Is the Pixel series maybe a better buy (more on this later)

3. Is Twitter/X Android app still awful with scrolling stutters? I use this app a ton, so this is a big deal.

4. I really like the color palette feature on Android/OneUI. But does it still only change icons for System Apps? How about on Pixels?

5. This is a really specific one so bear with me, but I'm a musician that relies on SongBookPro app when I play live. Is it on Android and does it work well? I can obviously do my own research here but just put it out there in case anyone else uses it.

Thanks! I'd say the chances of me actually switching are low mostly because I'm just not that interested in tech anymore because my music career has really taken off and takes most of my time, but I'm also not suuuuuper happy with my iPhone.

 

[Ludatyk]

I’m really liking what I’m seeing so far of OneUI 7. It’s time for a UI refresh, and Samsung always adds nice little features all over the OS.

If you head to the reddit threads… it’s the complete opposite, I try to avoid going there as much as possible. The toxicity levels are through the roof… I only go there for latest breaking news.

And it’s not too much Fold related news for OneUI 7… I’m curious what they plan on doing for quick tiles and notifications for the tablet size displays. As of now… Samsung wants to have separate pages, where users swipe between the two.

I’m indifferent about the whole UI refresh... I don’t think it’s necessarily time, however I’m not against any changes that make the experience better. What Samsung did with the new Quick Tiles in OneUI 6 is great... I like it, they keep tweaking the Notification Center.

I think they should just copy Google’s version and call it day.

 

[aggie99]

So, I'm at a bit of a cross roads come this fall and winter. More and more people in my circle are using Android, and in general I've become a lot less dependent on Apple's ecosystem...actually in many cases, Google servers are easier to manage and work with.

I absolutely loved the S23 Ultra but caved after several months and returned to iPhone, which yeah I'm ok with, I guess.

So I have a couple of questions as when the S25 Ultra comes out, I may give it consideration:

1. Is there a clear cut winner in the AI battle (Once Apple releases their version)?

2. Is it possible to set Google Photos as the default photo app?
2a. I HATE double apps, it's just really annoying. Is the Pixel series maybe a better buy (more on this later)

3. Is Twitter/X Android app still awful with scrolling stutters? I use this app a ton, so this is a big deal.

4. I really like the color palette feature on Android/OneUI. But does it still only change icons for System Apps? How about on Pixels?

5. This is a really specific one so bear with me, but I'm a musician that relies on SongBookPro app when I play live. Is it on Android and does it work well? I can obviously do my own research here but just put it out there in case anyone else uses it.

Thanks! I'd say the chances of me actually switching are low mostly because I'm just not that interested in tech anymore because my music career has really taken off and takes most of my time, but I'm also not suuuuuper happy with my iPhone.

Oh man, here we go with that same cycle again with you 😂😂

 

[Fried_Gold]

That’s the colour I have. The best colour.

I love it so far, much prefer it to my natural titanium iPhone.

 

[aggie99]

So, I'm at a bit of a cross roads come this fall and winter. More and more people in my circle are using Android, and in general I've become a lot less dependent on Apple's ecosystem...actually in many cases, Google servers are easier to manage and work with.

I absolutely loved the S23 Ultra but caved after several months and returned to iPhone, which yeah I'm ok with, I guess.

So I have a couple of questions as when the S25 Ultra comes out, I may give it consideration:

1. Is there a clear cut winner in the AI battle (Once Apple releases their version)?

2. Is it possible to set Google Photos as the default photo app?
2a. I HATE double apps, it's just really annoying. Is the Pixel series maybe a better buy (more on this later)

3. Is Twitter/X Android app still awful with scrolling stutters? I use this app a ton, so this is a big deal.

4. I really like the color palette feature on Android/OneUI. But does it still only change icons for System Apps? How about on Pixels?

5. This is a really specific one so bear with me, but I'm a musician that relies on SongBookPro app when I play live. Is it on Android and does it work well? I can obviously do my own research here but just put it out there in case anyone else uses it.

Thanks! I'd say the chances of me actually switching are low mostly because I'm just not that interested in tech anymore because my music career has really taken off and takes most of my time, but I'm also not suuuuuper happy with my iPhone.

1. AI is in its early stages and most of it still seems either pretty gimmicky or beta on all platforms in my opinion. I'm running iOS 18 Developer Beta 4 on my 15PM and have the Samsung and Google AI platforms on my S24U/ZF 6 and Pixel 8 Pro and while all different I don't see any of them drastically better than another. I'd say Google overall is the most useful for my needs. Hard to answer this question right now but the answer may be more clear in a couple years.

2. I have yet to find a way to make Google Photos the default app on a Samsung device.

3. I don't notice much stutter when scrolling. Not any more than my 15PM. That said I still prefer the X app on iOS over Android.

4. I've only played around with it a bit, but on my ZF6 it will change the color on some non system apps, but not all. Looks like it may be on the developer to update the app to allow this.

5. People actually pay me to stay off the stage on karaoke night at the bar. No way I have a clue on this.

We've seen you go through this a few times. You get the itch. Love the device and when the honeymoon period is over you go back to what you know and are comfortable with. You are a techy like all of us and love the new shiny things but in the end you seem to prefer iOS. I wouldn't jump again if there is nothing you are unhappy with. As much as I love Android, if I just had to make a choice I think I'd stick with the iPhone to be honest once it has full support for RCS. I get bored and like to play with new things and I love foldables so I rarely stick to iOS for long, but it does by far have the least compromises for me in its current state. iOS18 has made me like using my iPhone again.

 

[keithop]

We've seen you go through this a few times. You get the itch. Love the device and when the honeymoon period is over you go back to what you know and are comfortable with. You are a techy like all of us and love the new shiny things but in the end you seem to prefer iOS. I wouldn't jump again if there is nothing you are unhappy with. As much as I love Android, if I just had to make a choice I think I'd stick with the iPhone to be honest once it has full support for RCS. I get bored and like to play with new things and I love foldables so I rarely stick to iOS for long, but it does by far have the least compromises for me in its current state. iOS18 has made me like using my iPhone again.

yeah this is me for sure LOL

 

[mjschabow]

1. AI is in its early stages and most of it still seems either pretty gimmicky or beta on all platforms in my opinion. I'm running iOS 18 Developer Beta 4 on my 15PM and have the Samsung and Google AI platforms on my S24U/ZF 6 and Pixel 8 Pro and while all different I don't see any of them drastically better than another. I'd say Google overall is the most useful for my needs. Hard to answer this question right now but the answer may be more clear in a couple years.

2. I have yet to find a way to make Google Photos the default app on a Samsung device.

3. I don't notice much stutter when scrolling. Not any more than my 15PM. That said I still prefer the X app on iOS over Android.

4. I've only played around with it a bit, but on my ZF6 it will change the color on some non system apps, but not all. Looks like it may be on the developer to update the app to allow this.

5. People actually pay me to stay off the stage on karaoke night at the bar. No way I have a clue on this.

We've seen you go through this a few times. You get the itch. Love the device and when the honeymoon period is over you go back to what you know and are comfortable with. You are a techy like all of us and love the new shiny things but in the end you seem to prefer iOS. I wouldn't jump again if there is nothing you are unhappy with. As much as I love Android, if I just had to make a choice I think I'd stick with the iPhone to be honest once it has full support for RCS. I get bored and like to play with new things and I love foldables so I rarely stick to iOS for long, but it does by far have the least compromises for me in its current state. iOS18 has made me like using my iPhone again.

Thanks! That's a lot of good info. Yeah, my days of being a tech enthusiast are behind me, and I didn't even know that a new Pixel was coming out soon. Haha kind of losing it as I used to really pay attention to that stuff. Just too busy and more looking for a long term "Just works" solution. And what's weird is that I've had more and more little problems with my iPhone 15PM in the last month or so. More software glitches where I've had to reboot my phone. I remember the old iPhone days where you never had to do that. I read a little but about the S24 Ultra and it sounds like everyone is ecstatic about it and I don't see a lot of issues, hence why I posted today. I know there isn't a perfect OS and sometimes phones just glitch here and there, but crazy that I've had more and more issues lately from an Apple device.

Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I love it so far, much prefer it to my natural titanium iPhone.

We are twining again! That's also the colour of my 15 pro max. The S21 ultra phantom black is my all time favourite phone colour.

 

[jamezr]

5. People actually pay me to stay off the stage on karaoke night at the bar. No way I have a clue on this.

LOL you and me both brother...you and me both....

 

[aggie99]

Thanks! That's a lot of good info. Yeah, my days of being a tech enthusiast are behind me, and I didn't even know that a new Pixel was coming out soon. Haha kind of losing it as I used to really pay attention to that stuff. Just too busy and more looking for a long term "Just works" solution. And what's weird is that I've had more and more little problems with my iPhone 15PM in the last month or so. More software glitches where I've had to reboot my phone. I remember the old iPhone days where you never had to do that. I read a little but about the S24 Ultra and it sounds like everyone is ecstatic about it and I don't see a lot of issues, hence why I posted today. I know there isn't a perfect OS and sometimes phones just glitch here and there, but crazy that I've had more and more issues lately from an Apple device.

Appreciate your thoughts.

I'm with you on the glitches on the 15PM. The S24 Ultra is about the smoothest device out right now IMO. I'm running a dev beta now so I expect to have them, but even when on iOS 17 it wasn't as smooth as my S24U and now my Z Fold 6. The S24U is probably my favorite device overall right now. I wouldn't blame you one bit for trying it but I think iOS just seems to work better for you from your past postings.

 

[Fried_Gold]

Nightmare, sat down to put my screen protector on and my phone fell and scratched the screen. 😂

At least it didn't crack and won't get worse. 🥲

EDIT: Taken off the screen protector, didn't even think about it cancelling out the AR coating. 🤦‍♂️

 

[jameseld82]

So after a weeks trail unfortunately I just can't get on with the S24. I've really tried but it just is not for me.
So I have gifted it to my partner and she has given me her S21 ultra to sell.

Back to the 15 Pro Max for me.

This is by no means anything about the phone itself as it is an amazing feeling phone with great software. But it just isn't for me. I can see that One Ui has come on leaps and bounds since I last used a Samsung.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I.have to say the brightness on the S24 ultra is great. Out today with both my iphone 15 pro max and S24 ultra. I have to have my 15 pro max on max brightness to be able to see the screen. My S24 ultra is only at 35% brightness to be able to see the screen.

 

[Fried_Gold]

I've got a couple of cases for my S24 Ultra, a thin magsafe case for when I go on holiday as my battery pack and charger that I take with me are both magsafe. For regular day to day I got the Samsung vegan leather on a big discount on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CNGWLLSR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Mous for Galaxy S24 Ultra Case MagSafe Compatible - Super Thin Magnetic Phone Cover - Black

Mous for Galaxy S24 Ultra Case MagSafe Compatible - Super Thin Magnetic Phone Cover - Black

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[MacBookPro88]

So after a weeks trail unfortunately I just can't get on with the S24. I've really tried but it just is not for me.
So I have gifted it to my partner and she has given me her S21 ultra to sell.

Back to the 15 Pro Max for me.

This is by no means anything about the phone itself as it is an amazing feeling phone with great software. But it just isn't for me. I can see that One Ui has come on leaps and bounds since I last used a Samsung.

At this point, people are just used to what they have used the last few years. I don't even wanna bother changing. They both do pretty much the same thing so why complicate my life when my iPhone already does what I need it LOL