The Samsung Galaxy S24 / Ultra

[edubfromktown]

Well your s23 plus is no slouch so I can see why you are holding onto it.

I personally feel like a lot of the issues you mentioned will get worked out with updates or Samsung will have to replace a lot of defective phones with faulty GPS hardware.

I also personally feel like the s24 plus is the one phone of the 3 in the lineup if you were upgrading from the previous model that you would be most impressed with. From full HD to quad HD with better ppi than the ultra. From 8gb ram to 12gb. Aluminum to armor Aluminum, smallest bezels on a phone, bigger battery, new edge to edge flat display, flat edge armor Aluminum frame.

It is a huge upgrade in my humble opinion and every phone I have ever used at initial launch had some bugs. As long as Samsung resolves the issues appropriately then it shouldn't be a problem.

But there are so many reasons and factors that go into a personal purchase decision I can't even begin to assume anything. You have to do what makes you satisfied and if that is keeping the s23 plus then that is the best plan.

I have known friends who keep their Samsung phones until they have a hardware failure, past software support and they just keep going. I think despite Samsung software long standing complaints a good thing is generally if you get a high end Samsung phone they slow down imperceptibly over years. Samsung does a decent job of keeping their phones feel responsive even after years. I am not talking about stuttering or animations because that would be a separate topic but in general day to day use the phones stay quick. So a lot of people keep their Samsung phones like iPhone users do. I think it is a good thing.

So don't feel pressure to buy a new phone. You got a lot of years left in that s23 plus!!

@ ~$430 for upgrade to double the storage, 50% more RAM and QHD display it made sense. Nearly 7 days later, after all the hours scratching my head... nope.

The unannounced gamma correction change I can let past. GPS fail, font incompatibilities and other discretions at this price level are over the top. Dunno what will be next, a few years from now (at least!)... maybe champagne, caviar and Sony Experia LOL

 

[Technerd108]

Also to be fair I have used two different s24 models and used Maps GPS and I have not had any issues with faulty GPS location signal.

People have been complaining about the screens and the cameras and I am not discounting anyone's personal experience but I have not yet experienced any of those issues and a lot of people on here would be complaining because all of us are testing the phone each time we hear about a new issue so it would be posted about a lot. Samsung members app I don't see complaints about these issues either which is the first place people go to complain about the phones.

So again, I am not discounting anything. It is just I have owned Pixel devices and the list of issues that affect the devices each release is always long and catastrophic yet I rarely have encountered any of the big hardware failures.

So I think people need to report issues to Samsung so they know about and can fix the issues and wait for a software update or two. I personally never judge a phone on it's initial software release. Of course if there are show stopping bugs that is another story. But generally you need to wait a few months before you can give a final verdict.

If you pre order you are taking a risk. That is part of the bargain. You buy something sight unseen and hope the deal is worth the risk. Generally it is worth it but it is also for fans of a company or product. So if you are on the fence or apprehensive then it is best to wait for the spring/summer sales. By then all the kinks should be worked out. Price is discounted.

You generally get a better deal overall during pre order and get to enjoy the phone the longest but you risk being disappointed. You risk software bugs or initial manufacturing issues.

So for some people it is probably not a good idea to buy pre orders. Some are more risk averse than others. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Technerd108]

@ ~$430 for upgrade to double the storage, 50% more RAM and QHD display it made sense. Nearly 7 days later, after all the hours scratching my head... nope.

The unannounced gamma correction change I can let past. GPS fail, font incompatibilities and other discretions at this price level are over the top. Dunno what will be next, a few years from now (at least!)... maybe champagne, caviar and Sony Experia LOL

Well it is not like your 6.6" full HD display, 8 Gen 2 for galaxy, 8 gb ram, 256 gb ufs 4.0 storage is bad. Those are flagship specs bro as one of my favorite youtube reviewers would say. Lol

So I don't think you are missing much. Same cameras.

$430 is a lot of money and only you can determine what is a fair trade off for you.

Electronics can seriously put you in debt!!

 

[Technerd108]

So I have been waiting for the teardown video on the s24 plus. I had read about the vapor chamber cooling and in Samsung advertising it looks like the entire line gets it but NO.

Looks like only the Ultra gets vapir chamber cooling? That might explain the slight difference in geekbench scores between the two despite identical internals. The Ultra scores higher and I couldn't understand why? If it has to do with thermal headroom then it makes sense.

Sort of disappointing that vapor chamber isn't in all models of the s24.

 

[Brent0n]

So far coming from the iPhone, I don't find the ultra as comfortable to hold. Kind of really not getting along with that part. But we'll see.

 

[Technerd108]

So far coming from the iPhone, I don't find the ultra as comfortable to hold. Kind of really not getting along with that part. But we'll see.

The size and shape can be intimidating for sure.

Comfort is really important. The Pixel 8 Pro is about the most comfortable phone to hold I have ever used for a large phone and why I preferred it over the s23 ultra.

I just love the large rectangular square edged screen. Although it may be a little uncomfortable in certain positions which I think Samsung could improve without losing the overall aesthetic.

That being said in this generation I think is slightly smaller than last year and very slightly lighter. I think it is worth the trade off. YMMV?

 

[Brent0n]

The size and shape can be intimidating for sure.

Comfort is really important. The Pixel 8 Pro is about the most comfortable phone to hold I have ever used for a large phone and why I preferred it over the s23 ultra.

I just love the large rectangular square edged screen. Although it may be a little uncomfortable in certain positions which I think Samsung could improve without losing the overall aesthetic.

That being said in this generation I think is slightly smaller than last year and very slightly lighter. I think it is worth the trade off. YMMV?

Yeah. We shall see how time progresses with it. Haven't been blown away yet.

 

[Harthag]

I'm 11 days into ownership of my S24+, no issues at all yet. Been using the Watch 6 Classic for 4 days, really enjoy it as well simply as a watch. Battery life is much better than my AW6 was. It was off charger at 8:30 AM and it's 9:17 PM now, battery has 80% left. I'm exploring some of the other Good Lock apps and other Galaxy store apps, some really cool ones there too.

I may pick up some certified refurb Buds Pro 2 for $99 at Best Buy to complete my mini ecosystem.

I think I'm still in the honeymoon phase obviously, but I have no intent to return the device or run back to Apple yet.

 

[drinkingtea]

I definitely love this phone. I have no issues with the camera. I've had no lag or stutters at all; it's the smoothest phone I have ever used. I really do like OneUI; Samsung has finally polished it to my liking. I was wondering what happened to notification categories, and I stumbled upon this article. *Why* would Samsung do this? It makes no sense. I thought there was something wrong with my phone until I Googled.

There's a few things I miss about the Pixel, but ultimately, I just really like the extra OS perks Samsung offers. I missed Pixel's back tap feature, but I mimicked it on my S24U with Tasker.

 

[Zito Abroad]

I definitely love this phone. I have no issues with the camera. I've had no lag or stutters at all; it's the smoothest phone I have ever used. I really do like OneUI; Samsung has finally polished it to my liking. I was wondering what happened to notification categories, and I stumbled upon this article. *Why* would Samsung do this? It makes no sense. I thought there was something wrong with my phone until I Googled.

There's a few things I miss about the Pixel, but ultimately, I just really like the extra OS perks Samsung offers. I missed Pixel's back tap feature, but I mimicked it on my S24U with Tasker.

Samsung has back tap actions through Registar in their Good Lock app. No need for any third party app. I've got my Flip5 so customized with Good Lock modules, using anything else would feel so lacking at this point.

 

[drinkingtea]

Samsung has back tap actions through Registar in their Good Lock app. No need for any third party app. I've got my Flip5 so customized with Good Lock modules, using anything else would feel so lacking at this point.

View attachment 2346202

Thank you for letting me know! What are some of your favorite Good Lock customizations?

 

[drinkingtea]

Oh, I am going to stay with the Tasker back tap customizations since I could do a lot more with back tap using Tasker (example).

 

[edubfromktown]

Well it is not like your 6.6" full HD display, 8 Gen 2 for galaxy, 8 gb ram, 256 gb ufs 4.0 storage is bad. Those are flagship specs bro as one of my favorite youtube reviewers would say. Lol

So I don't think you are missing much. Same cameras.

$430 is a lot of money and only you can determine what is a fair trade off for you.

Electronics can seriously put you in debt!!

This is the first pre-order of anything I've gone in on a long time (and generally not one to go wild on electronics purchases). S24+ just needs more time to iron out some rough spots I imagine.

As for the S24 Ultra, it appears some of the early ones may have a separate "grainy display" hardware issue that folks here may want to keep tabs on.

 

[Technerd108]

This is the first pre-order of anything I've gone in on a long time (and generally not one to go wild on electronics purchases). S24+ just needs more time to iron out some rough spots I imagine.

As for the S24 Ultra, it appears some of the early ones may have a separate "grainy display" hardware issue that folks here may want to keep tabs on.

The banding issue affects all s24 series and is software related. If you turn off adaptive color tone the banding is much better but not 100%. Affects s24 plus and Ultra but not s23 ultra.

A lot of these users problems will be ironed out with software updates and if not it looks like Samsung will be replacing a LOT of screens.

 

[keithop]

. I was wondering what happened to notification categories, and I stumbled upon this article. *Why* would Samsung do this? It makes no sense. I thought there was something wrong with my phone until I Googled.

notification categories caused me so much trouble on the s23u! coming from the iPhone, I didnt realise they were there and there was no indication on the slider that tapping it would reveal more config.... of course once I found them, then I saw how useful they were.

When I couldn't find them on the s24u I assumed they'd been axed but couldn't find anything about it and you're the first person to mention it so thanks for the link!

 

[Tig Bitties]

Seeing these type of posts on Reddit daily with tons of people having screen issues. Ugh. I know every new phone release has minor bugs or issues at launch that get ironed out in patches, but the S24U Ultra seems to be having a ton of complaints on various forums.

From the GalaxyS24Ultra community on Reddit: Is this Samsung Expert lying?

Explore this post and more from the GalaxyS24Ultra community

www.reddit.com

 

[jamezr]

Seeing these type of posts on Reddit daily with tons of people having screen issues. Ugh. I know every new phone release has minor bugs or issues at launch that get ironed out in patches, but the S24U Ultra seems to be having a ton of complaints on various forums.

From the GalaxyS24Ultra community on Reddit: Is this Samsung Expert lying?

Explore this post and more from the GalaxyS24Ultra community

www.reddit.com

I don't think you should buy to be honest.....You won't be happy.
I have the S24U and it is the best phone I have had ever. It is the first phone that made me turn off my iPhone and not even use it as my backup phone.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I don't think you should buy to be honest.....You won't be happy.
I have the S24U and it is the best phone I have had ever. It is the first phone that made me turn off my iPhone and not even use it as my backup

Yeah I do seem pretty reluctant on the S24U. But seriously, it is a lot of these different forms I read and I seem to be seeing more and more posts of people having issues

Way more than I ever recall hearing about the pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max having issues.

A week ago I was 100% set on getting this phone. Worst case I would return it and get my money back in the 14 days if I didn't like it. But now not sure.

But then I read people like you and others saying the absolutely love this phone calling it their favorite phone ever. And I take your opinion and advice pretty highly.

Maybe I should just pick one up locally at Best Buy so it's easier to return if I don't like it. But I probably should at least give it an honest try myself. That's the only way to know for.

 

[aue123]

Yeah I do seem pretty reluctant on the S24U. But seriously, it is a lot of these different forms I read and I seem to be seeing more and more posts of people having issues

Way more than I ever recall hearing about the pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max having issues.

A week ago I was 100% set on getting this phone. Worst case I would return it and get my money back in the 14 days if I didn't like it. But now not sure.

But then I read people like you and others saying the absolutely love this phone calling it their favorite phone ever. And I take your opinion and advice pretty highly.

Maybe I should just pick one up locally at Best Buy so it's easier to return if I don't like it. But I probably should at least give it an honest try myself. That's the only way to know for.

all phones have issues out of the box. iphone camera shake , heating issues .. they all get sorted eventually

 

[jamezr]

Yeah I do seem pretty reluctant on the S24U. But seriously, it is a lot of these different forms I read and I seem to be seeing more and more posts of people having issues

Way more than I ever recall hearing about the pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max having issues.

A week ago I was 100% set on getting this phone. Worst case I would return it and get my money back in the 14 days if I didn't like it. But now not sure.

But then I read people like you and others saying the absolutely love this phone calling it their favorite phone ever. And I take your opinion and advice pretty highly.

Maybe I should just pick one up locally at Best Buy so it's easier to return if I don't like it. But I probably should at least give it an honest try myself. That's the only way to know for.

I don't think you will be happy with any Samsung phone. There is a history here with you and Samsung phones going back a few years. You used to call them Scamsung or Scumsung and call the skin TouchGiz and I am sure there are others i have forgotten.
I just don't think you will be happy with any Samsung phone you get to ne honest. Just stick with your P8P and be happy. It is a great phone...the grass isn't always greener...its just different grass....

 

[edubfromktown]

The banding issue affects all s24 series and is software related. If you turn off adaptive color tone the banding is much better but not 100%. Affects s24 plus and Ultra but not s23 ultra.

A lot of these users problems will be ironed out with software updates and if not it looks like Samsung will be replacing a LOT of screens.

Figured some will be resolved with software update though between the the link mentioned earlier and other ones on Adobe forums, etc. there may be more going on.

So hard to tell with the deuge of posts all over the place. Figured it was worth mentioning here for the benefit of others who may not be aware.

I'm hanging onto my RMA 24+ for as long as possible to see if Samsung releases an update that addresses murky display issues.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I don't think you will be happy with any Samsung phone. There is a history here with you and Samsung phones going back a few years. You used to call them Scamsung or Scumsung and call the skin TouchGiz and I am sure there are others i have forgotten.
I just don't think you will be happy with any Samsung phone you get to ne honest. Just stick with your P8P and be happy. It is a great phone...the grass isn't always greener...its just different grass....

Yeah. But my last Samsung phone was the S8+ I recall not liking the minor microstutters and very little hiccups of lag it had. Plus duplicate apps I've always hated. And a separate app store so there's the Play Store AND the Galaxy Store. Plus bloatware apps you can't uninstall without ADB or root.

I recall my office crew all having the Samsung S7 Edge back years ago, I was in charge in setting them up and keeping them updated. And man those phones lagged like an old Windows 95 PC. It was shocking how laggy and bloated they were, even brand new out of the box. And that was 8 different coworkers that all got the phone. Every time I'd update then over the months they seem to get slower and even more laggy. But that was a long time ago, like almost a decade ago.

But...I've never had a OneUI Sanding and everyone says today's Galaxy phones are night and day significantly better than those old S8+ days.

I've even read iPhone people that have tried Samsung phones over the years never liking them until literally the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra they say it's finally after all these years on par with the iPhone as far as fluid smooth UI.

I don't know, maybe test drive one for 14 days through Best Buy?

 

[edubfromktown]

Yeah. But my last Samsung phone was the S8+ I recall not liking the minor microstutters and very little hiccups of lag it had. Plus duplicate apps I've always hated. And a separate app store so there's the Play Store AND the Galaxy Store. Plus bloatware apps you can't uninstall without ADB or root.

But...I've never had a OneUI Sanding and everyone says today's Galaxy phones are night and day significantly better than those old S8+ days.

I've even read iPhone people that have tried Samsung phones over the years never liking them until literally the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra they say it's finally after all these years on par with the iPhone as far as fluid smooth UI.

I don't know, maybe test drive one for 14 days through Best Buy?

Heck, try the S23+ imo.

It is essentially the same size as P8P and for my purposes fared better in just about every way other than somewhat more consistent photo results in a wider variety of situations. S24+ would be my recommend, once the dust settles a bit with tweaking the new hardware and OS. The Ultra is just too big for my not so big hands and S23+ size is about max size for me to quickly get in and out of a front pocket.

 

[Dave245]

My S24 Ultra is on its way back to Samsung, when I get the refund I will try the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

 

[keithop]

My S24 Ultra is on its way back to Samsung, when I get the refund I will try the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

gonna be very interested in what you find out.. particularly on the camera side