The Samsung Galaxy S24 / Ultra

[Sensamic]

Got the new update and it has great new features. I tried the new translation feature in PDFs and it worked great, but it's a shame I can't share the new file created. Kind of defeats the purpose of the whole thing if I can't share the file to my Mac or another e-mail or whatever.

Samsung is doing great with AI. Way ahead of Apple, and already available in many languages aside from English. There's a new feature to turn portraits into different art styles which is nice.

I also believe there's a new parallax effect with wallpapers. Didn't see that before that I recall.

Anyway, a good update and I'm still very excited with OneUI 7 and the new UI redesign to make it look even more modern.

I'm still VERY happy with the S24+. Still finding out new features, like when you zoom in a picture and then an icon appears that lets you save the zoom area into a new picture. I use all the time now. There's just so SO many useful features.

Battery life is still STELLAR in this phone. I had an eye on the Apple event but didn't see anything really interesting. The S24+ hardware and software will probably keep me happy for another good year or two hopefully. I do wish to keep this phone for 4 years or more. Kind of tired of spending money on high end phones when there's no need anymore.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

Why don't you get "over the ear" headphones than continue to struggle with these finicky buds whose lifespan is limited as battery degrade?

I don't like how big and bulky they are.

 

[Tulani]

I don't like how big and bulky they are.

All good

If ever you want to give it a try just take a look. There is now plenty of choice around that will blow your mind from different manufacturers at different budgets.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I really like that dark blue color on Ipad OS 18 (And IOS 18). Is there a way to get that on One UI? I've tried it before and they don't really look right. I guess I need to do Icon Studio or something but is there a simpler way or I've always been confused about that.

 

[Fried_Gold]

To absolutely nobodies surprise the cashback from Samsung is late, bit of Googling shows every one seems to have got it very late or not at all.

 

[cuzo]

I haven't understood it either. This thread has basically died, yet I can't find another forum that talks about Android or the Ultra as much as this and Reddit did. People really do have a lot of money laying around to switch from one pro phone to the next in a short amount of time. I'm still paying off the 24 Ultra through T Mobile so I'm pretty much stuck with it until I pay it all off. I still don't trust Google as a company too, so that makes Samsung or Apple more reasonable choices.

Are there youtubers that people follow that are as good as Zollotech was for Apple. I was recommended Sakitech and I've been following him since I got the Ultra, but man his videos are clickbait BS and I'm starting to not be a fan. A lot of the other youtubers kind of just ramble a lot (Jimmy is Promo, HowTo Men), and a lot of the great Android youtubers (Thao, Created by Ella, Hayl's world, even though she has clickbait too) are really just hardware. I would love someone on the software side who doesn't spend their entire video talking about AI or image creation. For example, I asked today what the update was for and got a nice response, and I remember a video talking about the inclusion of the AI tab in the settings, but I think I am looking for something a little more centralized, if that makes sense. Android feels like they don't get the news love like I see for most Apple Youtubers.

Pixel is the closest to IOS but the hardware isn't as good so the performance struggles.

But don't expect android to be spoken to like IOS, IOS software is very simple to figure out android is very different.

Samsung phones don't have great software and most content creators don't know how to dumb down their videos to attract a bigger audience like that, Samsung software isn't easy like IOS.

I got the S24 ultra and I don't even know what 6.1 is either, nothing is easy like IOS.

KInda thinking of sticking with pixel even underpowered it's just simpler to use.

 

[Bkdodger]

Pixel is the closest to IOS but the hardware isn't as good so the performance struggles.

But don't expect android to be spoken to like IOS, IOS software is very simple to figure out android is very different.

Samsung phones don't have great software and most content creators don't know how to dumb down their videos to attract a bigger audience like that, Samsung software isn't easy like IOS.

I got the S24 ultra and I don't even know what 6.1 is either, nothing is easy like IOS.

KInda thinking of sticking with pixel even underpowered it's just simpler to use.

I'm using the P9PXL nothing but excellent wise with performance and hardware is solid. I know peeps like to downgrade the Pixel line but really should see what they are doing this year ... I run it side by side with my iPhone 15PM

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I got the S24 ultra and I don't even know what 6.1 is either, nothing is easy like IOS.

Something as simple as listing what version of software you are currently updating to should be incredibly basic. I mean last week we had this massive update to 6.1.1 and it was still listed as 6.1. Evidently this is normal for Samsung to not list what the current software is until the current month security patch, but that is incredibly dumb. If you want me to update my phone to the latest software, you should at least tell me what that software is.

 

[cuzo]

I'm using the P9PXL nothing but excellent wise with performance and hardware is solid. I know peeps like to downgrade the Pixel line but really should see what they are doing this year ... I run it side by side with my iPhone 15PM

As crazy as this sounds I think I'm going to hand back the S24 Ultra and keep the Pixel 8a. I hope it can hold up for a few years with 128 and 8gigs vs the S24 512 gb and 12 gbs, yes I know it's pretty dumb but the pixel software is much more pleasant and also I'm afraid to drop the S24, I won't drop the pixel since it's easier to hold in 1 hand.

Something as simple as listing what version of software you are currently updating to should be incredibly basic. I mean last week we had this massive update to 6.1.1 and it was still listed as 6.1. Evidently this is normal for Samsung to not list what the current software is until the current month security patch, but that is incredibly dumb. If you want me to update my phone to the latest software, you should at least tell me what that software is.

It's frustrating, powerful software, powerful hardware but confusing software

 

[Technerd108]

As crazy as this sounds I think I'm going to hand back the S24 Ultra and keep the Pixel 8a. I hope it can hold up for a few years with 128 and 8gigs vs the S24 512 gb and 12 gbs, yes I know it's pretty dumb but the pixel software is much more pleasant and also I'm afraid to drop the S24, I won't drop the pixel since it's easier to hold in 1 hand.

It's frustrating, powerful software, powerful hardware but confusing software

Don't overthink it. If you like a particular software more than hardware and your preference is Pixel then you are making the best choice.

Specs are specs but it is the total experience of a phone and what you prefer. There are things I hate about OneUI to this day although I greatly prefer Samsung hardware. I will say the melding of Google and Samsung and sharing software features of a Pixel in an s24 has kept me a Samsung user.

I have used Samsung since at least the s4. I have used Pixel phones since they were Nexus phones. So I have a lot of experience. I actually still prefer the Nexus days over the Pixel days. Have had no hardware issues with Nexus phones but many with Pixel? Samsung on the other hand has been rather good so far.

However I have kept coming back to Pixel because of software so I get it although I have personally chosen the opposite. I am very familiar with Samsung software and actually like the extra customization and polish. I also love the hardware and it is noticeable compared to my Pixel.

So we all have our preferences and a lot of times you just like what you like. You may enjoy a M2 MBA for a great price and don't care if it is the fastest or greatest or latest but it works for you and I could go on.

Just but and use what you like and don't worry about if you make a wrong choice and then turn back where you left off.

How do you really know what you like unless you try a lot of things,

 

[JohnRckr]

After the latest fiasco with newest iPhones and Apple trying to sell us the same phone for four generations I want to completely go away from Apple..

I am thinking of S24U as my main and only device.. or P9XL..

Which one would you recommend?

 

[mjschabow]

After the latest fiasco with newest iPhones and Apple trying to sell us the same phone for four generations I want to completely go away from Apple..

I am thinking of S24U as my main and only device.. or P9XL..

Which one would you recommend?

Not trying to deter you or anything, but check out the renders of the S25 Ultra, and then look at the renders of the S22 Ultra.

It’s not just Apple.

 

[JohnRckr]

Not trying to deter you or anything, but check out the renders of the S25 Ultra, and then look at the renders of the S22 Ultra.

It’s not just Apple.

I actually quite like the design of S24U, can’t say the same about alleged leaks of 25 though, or iPhone.

 

[yui4]

Not trying to deter you or anything, but check out the renders of the S25 Ultra, and then look at the renders of the S22 Ultra.

It’s not just Apple.

The only thing I would say is Samsung dumping the curved screen made a big difference to me

 

[Technerd108]

The only thing I would say is Samsung dumping the curved screen made a big difference to me

Me too.

Having a flat rectangular screen is awesome in my opinion and I really hope the rumors of rounded corners are not true.

If the rumors are true then I will hold onto my s24u as long as possible.

I love my brick!

 

[Technerd108]

After the latest fiasco with newest iPhones and Apple trying to sell us the same phone for four generations I want to completely go away from Apple..

I am thinking of S24U as my main and only device.. or P9XL..

Which one would you recommend?

I have no experience with the P9XL but I do have a P8P and s24U.

Between the two the s24u is leaps beyond the Pixel for multiple reasons.

From specs on the P9XL the screen tech is the same as the P8P with no Gorilla armor glass this year. Same UFS 3.1 storage on P9 vs UFS 4.0 in s24u. The new Tensor doesn't seem to be a lot different from the previous version except in efficiency.

In my personal opinion the software experience is cleaner and simpler on Pixel and the AI integration is better but the hardware is still too much of a compromise when you are paying as much as Apple or Samsung.

Also, OneUI is a lot better than in the past and has some Pixel UI elements and features with Samsung and Googles recent collaboration. This makes me enjoy OneUI despite a few nit picks that have existed since Touchwiz. If the Pixel UI elements and features had not been introduced into OneUI I don't think I would feel the same way.

I would highly advise you take advantage of the sales now or during the upcoming holidays on the S24U. You will save hundreds and possibly get free storage upgrades and get IMHO the best phone of 2024. I don't think the s24u will slow down for at least a couple more years and possibly for it's entire 7 years of software support. I don't feel like the Pixel will age as well.

In the end I would highly suggest either trying both phones in the store or buying one and return it in 14 days then buy the other return it or keep it and decide what you will keep. That way you really get to feel the device, use the device and software out in real life, and be able to make comparisons that matter most to you.

At the end of the day I have one recommendation, don't buy on specs (obviously we all do but in comparison between two devices) because a lot of times you will buy on perceived value and not take into consideration what you actually enjoy using the most despite specs, brand, etc. That way you won't end up with a ton of specs you can't really use or enjoy because you don't enjoy the software or a hardware feature, etc. You won't know it until you use it.


Good luck!

 

[Switcher007]

Currently have a 13 and got the 16 pro. But, tbh it feels like the same phone. Yes there is promotion and a better camera. But in the end I but back my backup and it’s the same after two days. Looking into the Samsung or pixel lineup. The s24u just looks amazing. So futuristic. But when reading up on Reddit I see a lot of issues with pictures if there is movement (pets or children). Is that still the thing after all updates? I mainly use my phone for simple tasks and take a lot of pictures of my kids. Really doubting to keep the 13 for another year (still fine) or switch to a pixel (is the tensor futureproof for 6/7 updates?) or Samsung. Also looking for new AirPods /headphones. So if I get those from apple I’m locked in the ecosystem again. It feels like this is my last chance to switch.

 

[danb1979]

To absolutely nobodies surprise the cashback from Samsung is late, bit of Googling shows every one seems to have got it very late or not at all.

Mine arrived on Thursday FYI - £300 straight into my account without any issues

 

[danb1979]

After the latest fiasco with newest iPhones and Apple trying to sell us the same phone for four generations I want to completely go away from Apple..

I am thinking of S24U as my main and only device.. or P9XL..

Which one would you recommend?

Pixel 9 XL over the S24U, personally...

I had the S24U from new in August; superb phone, but the Pixel system IMO is much better than One UI

 

[robvalentine]

Currently have a 13 and got the 16 pro. But, tbh it feels like the same phone. Yes there is promotion and a better camera. But in the end I but back my backup and it’s the same after two days. Looking into the Samsung or pixel lineup. The s24u just looks amazing. So futuristic. But when reading up on Reddit I see a lot of issues with pictures if there is movement (pets or children). Is that still the thing after all updates? I mainly use my phone for simple tasks and take a lot of pictures of my kids. Really doubting to keep the 13 for another year (still fine) or switch to a pixel (is the tensor futureproof for 6/7 updates?) or Samsung. Also looking for new AirPods /headphones. So if I get those from apple I’m locked in the ecosystem again. It feels like this is my last chance to switch.

If you have kids, or pets, the s24u pictures will disappoint IME. Pixel is much better software, and camera wise. And weirdly for me signal (both P8P and P9P) is more reliable on the pixel. the Pixel software is less glitchy (not perfect though) battery on my old s24u was better, but not overly much vs the P9P XL I have

 

[Fried_Gold]

Mine arrived on Thursday FYI - £300 straight into my account without any issues

Yeah I forgot to update, both my £150 and £300 arrived early hours Friday morning.

 

[JohnRckr]

Yeah I forgot to update, both my £150 and £300 arrived early hours Friday morning.

Is there any hassle with Samsung trade in? I got the option to trade my 15PM, but idk, I’d have to ship it and all that

 

[Fried_Gold]

Is there any hassle with Samsung trade in? I got the option to trade my 15PM, but idk, I’d have to ship it and all that

Not sure I've never used it. We are talking about the recent cashback offer when you buy a Samsung phone.

 

[danb1979]

Is there any hassle with Samsung trade in? I got the option to trade my 15PM, but idk, I’d have to ship it and all that

Not for me; got the return packaging in the S24Us packaging; set that up, sent my old Samsung mobile into them and they confirmed receipt in a few days and then another email to confirm all was as it should be

 

[JohnRckr]

Not for me; got the return packaging in the S24Us packaging; set that up, sent my old Samsung mobile into them and they confirmed receipt in a few days and then another email to confirm all was as it should be

Very good, gonna wait for some deal on Samsungs website and go in with the trade in