The Samsung Galaxy S24 / Ultra

[keithop]

I got one off Amazon. AACL. Easy install. Fits perfectly but has same reflective surface as the s24 plus? Sort of defeats the AR coating.

So I am on the fence too. I just really hate any type of scratches on the screen. I am thinking maybe just go bare and then if any micro scratches appear then I can use a screen protector and it should fill in the micro scratch. But if I dropped screen down on a rock which I have done I doubt anything but a tempered glass screen protector would help. So it is always a gamble.

s24u definitely looks brilliantly resistant to damage but a couple of years ago I got a brand new iphone on launch day... as always I immediately put a tempered glass protector on it and a nice thin see through case. Was admiring it when a neighbour called over in a panic because they couldn't get a vpn to work. Over I went, their dog ran out and I leant down to grab it, phone fell out of my shirt pocket and face down (as usual) on the edge of a concrete step. Bounced off a couple more steps before ending up face down in some gravel.

I couldn't bear to look at it so I just stuffed it in my pocket until I'd finished helping... got back home and the screen protector was completely wrecked. Huge cracks all over... case likewise cracked with bits off it. Held my breath as I took off the screen protector and voila, not a scratch that I could see on the phone screen itself! Couldn't believe it tbh.

So as much as I want to go bare and I always think the feel of the natural screen is so much better, I keep remembering that iphone moment and I just can't do it.

 

[keithop]

This release is making me miss GrumpyMom. :/

yeah me too what happened to GrumpyMom?

 

[Technerd108]

yeah me too what happened to GrumpyMom?

Me too. I have been missing her commentary for a while now. She was a great contribution to the community.

 

[Technerd108]

s24u definitely looks brilliantly resistant to damage but a couple of years ago I got a brand new iphone on launch day... as always I immediately put a tempered glass protector on it and a nice thin see through case. Was admiring it when a neighbour called over in a panic because they couldn't get a vpn to work. Over I went, their dog ran out and I leant down to grab it, phone fell out of my shirt pocket and face down (as usual) on the edge of a concrete step. Bounced off a couple more steps before ending up face down in some gravel.

I couldn't bear to look at it so I just stuffed it in my pocket until I'd finished helping... got back home and the screen protector was completely wrecked. Huge cracks all over... case likewise cracked with bits off it. Held my breath as I took off the screen protector and voila, not a scratch that I could see on the phone screen itself! Couldn't believe it tbh.

So as much as I want to go bare and I always think the feel of the natural screen is so much better, I keep remembering that iphone moment and I just can't do it.

Yeah, that is me too. Bit darn the difference is huge in reflectivity.

Maybe later there will be better choices. I will use this until then.

 

[jamezr]

yeah me too what happened to GrumpyMom?

Her family members has had some health issues. She also had a run in with a couple of forum members and decided to take a step back for this forum.

 

[Technerd108]

Her family members has had some health issues. She also had a run in with a couple of forum members and decided to take a step back for this forum.

It is always good to take a break and get a different perspective.

No one has the right to intimidate or harass another forum member. The people responsible should be banned in my opinion.

She was never rude, combative, or in any way anything other than a positive influence.

Hopefully given time, she will be back, if and when she is ready. Talking nerd stuff to other nerds shouldn't become online harassment. People need to just not be so serious and so certain of their opinions.

 

[Harthag]

Hmm
Using Beats Fit Pro's , preclviuualy paired TK my 13 mini then 12 mini and finally to my S23 before I sold them worked without issue on either of those phones (all where single primary devices when owned).

Since you're using AirPods Pro's which are completely meant for iPhones I say swap them out with Jabra 10 Active's or Galaxy Buds 2 Pro!

Issue occured with APP, B&O EX, and Sony XM5 buds. Installing Samsung sound assistant via Good Lock fixed it.

 

[Technerd108]

Issue occured with APP, B&O EX, and Sony XM5 buds. Installing Samsung sound assistant via Good Lock fixed it.

Bluetooth issues happen on all phones. Buds and other things can just be finicky.

As others have suggested get a pair of galaxy buds if you are going to keep the Galaxy phone. Thank me later.

The galaxy buds 2 are really good. Better than my airport Pro Gen 1. I traded in a pair of galaxy buds I got free with a Note 10. Got $80 off plus a sake price which made the buds just over $100. I bet now you can find even better deals as the buds pro 3 will be out probably in the summer.

 

[Harthag]

Bluetooth issues happen on all phones. Buds and other things can just be finicky.

As others have suggested get a pair of galaxy buds if you are going to keep the Galaxy phone. Thank me later.

The galaxy buds 2 are really good. Better than my airport Pro Gen 1. I traded in a pair of galaxy buds I got free with a Note 10. Got $80 off plus a sake price which made the buds just over $100. I bet now you can find even better deals as the buds pro 3 will be out probably in the summer.

I loved the Buds Pro 2 for the brief time I had them with the S23+. Better than APP Gen 2, to my ears. Assuming I still have the S24+ this summer I'll definitely get the Buds Pro 3.

 

[Technerd108]

I loved the Buds Pro 2 for the brief time I had them with the S23+. Better than APP Gen 2, to my ears. Assuming I still have the S24+ this summer I'll definitely get the Buds Pro 3.

After I got the Pixel 7 Pro I was thinking of going all in on Google "ecosystem" but without a Chromebook book is not much of an ecosystem. The Pixel tablet was a big disappointment to me. They go high end on the phone but make a mid range tablet with a nest dock function no one needs or cares about but a small group. So I got a little disillusioned. I tried linking my phone and it works but not as well as Samsung and isn't even listed as officially supported device.

I have a tab s9. I have galaxy buds 2. I had the s23 ultra. All work flawlessly together and with my PC. The functionality is very close to Apple.

Now I have a watch 6 classic and s24 ultra which I may keep and again everything syncs and works well together. But I am not locked in. I can use my Pixel or any other Android phone and get most of the same functionality unlike Apple.

So I am coming to the conclusion that I am going to use more Samsung devices overall. I might get a cheaper Pixel because I love the software but as a economical choice Google just is nowhere near as good as Samsung.

Take my pre orders for the Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung galaxy s24 ultra. At the end of it all the Pixel 8 Pro base model and Pixel watch 2 with a $100 store credit and Pixel 7 Pro in trade cost me around $600. Not a bad deal but not great. The watch makes it palatable.

I pre ordered the s24 ultra and watch 6 classic for the same price. But the Ultra is not a base 128gb ufs 3.1 storage but 512gb ufs 4.0 storage. Big difference.

So as much as I love the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel watch 2 they are not as nice as the s24 ultra and galaxy watch 6 classic. Say what you want. Samsung didn't hold back on the Ultra this year. The watch 6 classic has a stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, bigger better display and same performance. So Samsung gave me a much better deal.

Samsung does this with every gadget I buy from them. They basically keep me in new tech cheap. Now if it was crap I wouldn't care but it is good. Samsung may mess up but generally over time they make decent products at a decent price and continue to earn my business not only because they are affordable but they are also one of if not the best.

 

[Technerd108]

Darn it. Cobalt purple and your coolness.

The s24 plus in cobalt purple looks and feels a lot like the Purple iPhone 14 PM. One of my favorite colors on a phone. Perfect shade of purple.

Then you have the dark, dark purple on the Ultra with tan Titanium frame....ugh. I know they want to advertise Ti but why not color match the Purple model at least and use the s24 plus shade.

Alas I went with blue. Now I got to either wrap this bad boy up or the purple s24 plus. I am going to include some shots of the blue s24 ultra so people can see real life photos of it since Samsung photos suck. I already took shots of the s24 plus. Later I may add them in this post if anyone is interested.

This is going to be a tough choice for sure.

When I first took out the Ultra I almost put it right back in the box because it looked almost white to me. I don't generally like pastel colors. Then I went and set it up. The color changed in different light sort of like the bay blue of the Pixel. It grows on you. Almost a periwinkle, light blue, powder blue. The Ti frame is nice and grippy. I don't really care but it is a nice finish for sure.

 

[atiffarooq]

What kind of phone case are you using? Is it heavy to hold in your hand? I prefer a lighter one.

I always end up with lots of cases for my phones, and swap out depending on what I might be doing. On my S24 Ultra I've currently got two Spigen ones that I'm rotating between:

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Crystal Clear

Slim Protection Design

amzn.eu

Spigen Liquid Air Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Matte Black

Slim Protection Design

amzn.eu

I've also got a UAG one as their cases are more rugged. This is the one I have (I also have the same type one for my 14PM):

URBAN ARMOR GEAR UAG Designed for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Case 6.8" Monarch, Pathfinder, Plyo, Plasma, Civilian Rugged Military Drop-Proof Impact Resistant Non-Slip Protective Cover

CELLULAR_PHONE_CASE CELLULAR_PHONE_CASE

amzn.eu

The Spigen ones above don't add much weight or bulk, whereas the UAG one does (but I prefer this anyway as it's got a nice grippy feel to it).

 

[Aneres11]

Trading in my Pixel 8 Pro for the S24U...

I give you two days til you buy a cheap pixel 7 pro and then a week later til you buy and 8 Pro again. 😀

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I watched some videos on the Samsung S24 Ultra today and I'm incredibly jealous. The 15 Pro Max seems so light in comparison. I don't think I want to trade in the 15 Pro Max, but would it be dumb if I did?

 

[Dominican]

has anyone got there 1 TB

Trading in my Pixel 8 Pro for the S24U...

regard photos it’s going backwards, but good luck 👍

 

[aue123]

I watched some videos on the Samsung S24 Ultra today and I'm incredibly jealous. The 15 Pro Max seems so light in comparison. I don't think I want to trade in the 15 Pro Max, but would it be dumb if I did?

wait for the s24 update first. and dont trade in the 15 pro max.. you’ll make more money on swappa instead

 

[keithop]

I watched some videos on the Samsung S24 Ultra today and I'm incredibly jealous. The 15 Pro Max seems so light in comparison. I don't think I want to trade in the 15 Pro Max, but would it be dumb if I did?

I think the first thing I'd say is, kinda try and ignore the videos. Everyone is always WOOHOO about new stuff and then over time they become more realistic.

Having said all that, I have them both and I think my cut down comments would be.

Both are brilliant. honestly both are capable and the main thing is which you prefer in use. If you're an apple person through and through with everything apple, IMHO you don't NEED to run out for an s24u even though you may WANT to ;-)

For me right now 15pm just works it's fine, no real complaints, it's boringly fine but if both phones are sitting on the desk, I WANT to pick up the S24u.

The S24u is more exciting, it has more configurability, more options, more things to tune and play with... I enjoy the speed of the OS and the way it works.

When I flip back to an iPhone, the following things tend to hit me as annoying first:-
settings outside the app, prefer the android way of the settings being in the app, makes it easy to stay in the app itself
back button. I use back ALL the time on android.... hate the semi back that sometimes works in apple not always
cant put icons wherever I want. I tried for a blank line to separate stuff on iPhone last night, no way.
speed of the s24u in flipping between screens etc. the iPhone animations make it feel so slow after the s24u (although I get used to it over time)
swipe to get to google news (I Think its called) I use that several times a day
more info on stuff like wifi easily findable
camera options limited... brilliant being able to setup camera shortcuts on their own screen so I can just choose a custom camera that does food with a certain filter etc. and then pin that to a home screen.

...but then I'm going to keep my 15pm because sometimes it's a safe place a backup that I know works

Honestly though, both are brilliant IMHO

 

[sjsharksfan12]

For me right now 15pm just works it's fine, no real complaints, it's boringly fine but if both phones are sitting on the desk,

I think this is my issue with Iphones right now. I like the 15 Pro Max and probably will keep it, but it's so boring compared to what Samsung or Google are doing. I keep the Iphone because I'm in the ecosystem (Apple Watch and Apple TV) but my hope for IOS 18 is just spruce it up. Come up with something exciting, and something useful. I'm skeptical about AI (Terminator 2 and all that) but if it's here, I'm going to have to adapt eventually. Siri absolutely sucks, so seeing what Samsung can do right now makes the Iphone look like a flip phone, or at least it feels that way.

 

[keithop]

I think this is my issue with Iphones right now. I like the 15 Pro Max and probably will keep it, but it's so boring compared to what Samsung or Google are doing.

it really is! let's hope ios18 brings something new. I hope but I kinda have my doubts... and let's face it, we know apple are all about "there's 1 way to do it, that's apple's way" so I can't see it ever being as fun. Having said that, some of the way AI is being integrated into samsung is sloppy from a ux standpoint, Apple could win on that one.

I'm skeptical about AI (Terminator 2 and all that) but if it's here, I'm going to have to adapt eventually.

Well it's like every other tech., it's not in and of itself threatening but it's how it's used... can't put the genie back in the bottle, so let's just hope that the positive uses outweigh the negative.

Siri absolutely sucks, so seeing what Samsung can do right now makes the Iphone look like a flip phone, or at least it feels that way.

yep, I can't begin to express how much I hate siri. Honestly I'm staggered that Apple aren't terminally embarrassed by it. If I were them, I'd ditch the name because it's such a negative disappointing experience that I think they need a relaunch.

 

[Bkdodger]

I think a lot of us get bored around here TBH.. what makes Android less boring is that we could switch to a new phone with a different style where you're stuck with the same thing with iPhone .. that is why we're always changing up phones haha... I will say iPhone 15PM has been rock solid no complaints and I expect to roll with it 3 years minimum

 

[edubfromktown]

wait for the s24 update first. and dont trade in the 15 pro max.. you’ll make more money on swappa instead

Waiting is wise advice... the main motivation for me was $650 trade-in on S23+.

I'm getting roughed up a bit on issues with 6.1 (mostly due to my personal and employer combined use case) that are borderline show stoppers if I can't resolve them.

I may request an extended trade-in window.

 

[Technerd108]

Waiting is wise advice... the main motivation for me was $650 trade-in on S23+.

I'm getting roughed up a bit on issues with 6.1 (mostly due to my personal and employer combined use case) that are borderline show stoppers if I can't resolve them.

I may request an extended trade-in window.

After pre order the best advice is to sell private party like Swappa and wait for the summer sales. They should give a discount and the same storage bumps they gave with the pre order. It can add up.

With Samsung if you have a Samsung device or Apple device to trade the pre orders are generally the best deals with some carriers offering better deals but if you wait until after the pre order you have to wait a while or pay top dollar.

 

[Technerd108]

I think a lot of us get bored around here TBH.. what makes Android less boring is that we could switch to a new phone with a different style where you're stuck with the same thing with iPhone .. that is why we're always changing up phones haha... I will say iPhone 15PM has been rock solid no complaints and I expect to roll with it 3 years minimum

I think you are right although it is changing on Android side. More OEMs are creating better designs that they use for multiple years like Apple rather than redesign a new device every year. So while switching brands as you said can satisfy an itch of curiosity the changes year over year are more subtle even between brands.

But you are certainly very right about hardware and software choice on Android. It really does keep things interesting and the competition pushes Android devices forward with new concepts that would never happen if it was just one company. That is a big advantage in Android I would say.

 

[Technerd108]

Well honestly I was hoping to save some money this year.

Turns out that Samsung has made what I think will turn out to be the best phone of the year.

In 2023 the Google Pixel 8 Pro was my choice for phone of the year with the most important improvements year over year culminating in a wonderful phone that just inched the s23 ultra out of it's throne.

Now the s24 ultra is here and it once again reigns supreme.

The Pixel 8 Pro didn't turn into junk overnight. No, it is still an excellent phone.

The s24 ultra is just that good. Sure it doesn't look like much has changed but that is smartphone design in general. Radical design changes year over year seem to be a thing of the past. Now it is all about refinement and this year the s24 ultra is about the most refined note/ultra ever.

Say what you will screen and performance are probably 80% of a smartphone experience. Something Apple has gotten right with the use of anti reflective coatings on almost all of their products. Now the s24 ultra with gorilla armor glass has a true ar coating on the underside of the glass. The glass is also supposedly impervious to microscratches. Obviously it is still glass and not sapphire but it is much more scratch resistant than any other smartphone glass.

Then there is the size and shape. Sure .01" seems like nothing but the difference in screen size is significant between the s24 plus and Ultra. The squared corners and rectangular shape maximize the usefulness of the screen. The bezels have shrunk making the phone physically smaller than the s23 ultra. It is a small difference but I like it. We also have completely uniform bezels. As much as I like the extremely small bezels on the s24 plus as it looks almost like all screen, I felt likevI was going to accidentally touch the screen with my hand when holding the phone. A feeling I don't get with the Ultra.

Honestly I like the colors on the s24/plus better than the Ultra. As much as Titanium seems like a buzz word and fad I have to admit it feels great. It has a warmer feeling to touch and feels much more grippy than Aluminum.

The camera system on the plusvis actually greatly improved with whatever software they implemented this year. Samsung cameras have always sucked in certain cases but they have improved a lot. So the Ultra has even better sensors and even better camera.

Battery life and speakers seems identical but the Ultra might have an edge.

Overall if you like Android and you really don't want an Android copy of an iPhone hardware design in a top tier phone you only have the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy Ultra models. I like to have something that doesn't look like an iPhone. If I want an iPhone I will buy one. I will say though the s24 plus is one sexy beast. If you want the largest best screen in the smallest footprint with the same performance of the ultra the plus can't be beat. If you want all around best then the Ultra is it. It is the one I am keeping.

Let's just say this was the hardest choice I have ever made regarding a smartphone. The deciding factor for me was I already have a Pixel 8 Pro I can't afford to sell or trade and it has a very similar footprint to the Plus. I felt if I havevthe Ultra and the P8P they will compliment each other while the plus would feel just like the P8P with different software. So of I didn't have the P8P I would have probably gone with the s24 plus.

You can't go wrong with either but the Ultra is a special beast. The improvements to the screen and frame with the flat screen really are impressive and that and unique design of the Ultra are worth the extra cost to me.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Well honestly I was hoping to save some money this year.

Turns out that Samsung has made what I think will turn out to be the best phone of the year.

In 2023 the Google Pixel 8 Pro was my choice for phone of the year with the most important improvements year over year culminating in a wonderful phone that just inched the s23 ultra out of it's throne.

Now the s24 ultra is here and it once again reigns supreme.

The Pixel 8 Pro didn't turn into junk overnight. No, it is still an excellent phone.

The s24 ultra is just that good. Sure it doesn't look like much has changed but that is smartphone design in general. Radical design changes year over year seem to be a thing of the past. Now it is all about refinement and this year the s24 ultra is about the most refined note/ultra ever.

Say what you will screen and performance are probably 80% of a smartphone experience. Something Apple has gotten right with the use of anti reflective coatings on almost all of their products. Now the s24 ultra with gorilla armor glass has a true ar coating on the underside of the glass. The glass is also supposedly impervious to microscratches. Obviously it is still glass and not sapphire but it is much more scratch resistant than any other smartphone glass.

Then there is the size and shape. Sure .01" seems like nothing but the difference in screen size is significant between the s24 plus and Ultra. The squared corners and rectangular shape maximize the usefulness of the screen. The bezels have shrunk making the phone physically smaller than the s23 ultra. It is a small difference but I like it. We also have completely uniform bezels. As much as I like the extremely small bezels on the s24 plus as it looks almost like all screen, I felt likevI was going to accidentally touch the screen with my hand when holding the phone. A feeling I don't get with the Ultra.

Honestly I like the colors on the s24/plus better than the Ultra. As much as Titanium seems like a buzz word and fad I have to admit it feels great. It has a warmer feeling to touch and feels much more grippy than Aluminum.

The camera system on the plusvis actually greatly improved with whatever software they implemented this year. Samsung cameras have always sucked in certain cases but they have improved a lot. So the Ultra has even better sensors and even better camera.

Battery life and speakers seems identical but the Ultra might have an edge.

Overall if you like Android and you really don't want an Android copy of an iPhone hardware design in a top tier phone you only have the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy Ultra models. I like to have something that doesn't look like an iPhone. If I want an iPhone I will buy one. I will say though the s24 plus is one sexy beast. If you want the largest best screen in the smallest footprint with the same performance of the ultra the plus can't be beat. If you want all around best then the Ultra is it. It is the one I am keeping.

Let's just say this was the hardest choice I have ever made regarding a smartphone. The deciding factor for me was I already have a Pixel 8 Pro I can't afford to sell or trade and it has a very similar footprint to the Plus. I felt if I havevthe Ultra and the P8P they will compliment each other while the plus would feel just like the P8P with different software. So of I didn't have the P8P I would have probably gone with the s24 plus.

You can't go wrong with either but the Ultra is a special beast. The improvements to the screen and frame with the flat screen really are impressive and that and unique design of the Ultra are worth the extra cost to me.

Excellent write up.