The Samsung Galaxy S24 / Ultra

[keithop]

True, it's not a requirement as such it's just annoying that the phones are not ready when sent out. Not ordering a Pixel wasn't because of software issues, more because in the UK there are features missing that should be.

I've just ordered a 15 Pro Max, if Google aren't going to give those of us in the UK all the same features that the US get, then I might as well stick with what I know.

I have all 3 in front of me, pixel8pro, iphone15pm, s24u...... I'm gonna send the p8pro back. I used to really prefer the stock OS back in the pixel3/4 days but then samsung gui was trash. Now I think it's the other way around and really love oneui + goodlock etc.

Having said all that, right now without any samsung updates, I'd rank the cameras as: p8pro, ip15pm, s24u now, it's a VERY fine line IMHO and some images are best on 24u and some on ip15..... so given it's so close, the upcoming s24 update could very easily swing it.

..but even without that, I'm getting bored of seeing a pixel feature mentioned, I go to try it and it's not in the UK. It's gonna go back.

 

[Harthag]

Samsung Announces Galaxy S24 Series Update, Offering Galaxy Users More Choices

With Galaxy AI, Samsung aims to empower you with the ability to conduct barrier-free communication, unleash creativity and enhance productivity. Early users of

news.samsung.com

I've been wanting this to happen to iPhones since the iPhone 5. Let us adjust white point etc., without using a color filter that makes the colors even worse. Glad Samsung is opening these options up. Ability to adjust warmth / coolness, color, or vividness vs natural, is how all phones should work.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I have all 3 in front of me, pixel8pro, iphone15pm, s24u...... I'm gonna send the p8pro back. I used to really prefer the stock OS back in the pixel3/4 days but then samsung gui was trash. Now I think it's the other way around and really love oneui + goodlock etc.

Having said all that, right now without any samsung updates, I'd rank the cameras as: p8pro, ip15pm, s24u now, it's a VERY fine line IMHO and some images are best on 24u and some on ip15..... so given it's so close, the upcoming s24 update could very easily swing it.

..but even without that, I'm getting bored of seeing a pixel feature mentioned, I go to try it and it's not in the UK. It's gonna go back.

I was never a fan of Vanilla Android

Oddly enough Apple has the biggest number at 7 exclusives in the US over the UK, given that the UK is so pro the Iphone (re Market share) some of these should be there. Google has just 3 exclusives and Samsung 0 as far as I can see.

Apple IPP15 US exclusives - Apple Card, Apple Card Savings, Apple Cash, Apple Pay Later, Wallet IDs, Roadside Assistance via Satellite, and Clean Energy Charging.

Google P 8 US exclusives - Call screening, Crash detection, and Body temperature

Samsung S24U - None ?

 

[Ixon2001]

Be interesting to see what the Pixel 9 brings out that is also not available in other countries other than the US, I think eventually people will start to cotton on & stop buying Pixels knowing that they are paying a premium, but yet not getting all of the features the US has.

Apple on the other hand can do what ever they want, because here in the UK at least people will buy them regardless of what features are missing, Apple could put a 480p screen on the iPhone 16 in the UK & Europe and it still outsell majority of Android phones, because it Apple so it must be good mentality.

 

[Harthag]

I am trying to buy the Samsung Care+ monthly plan, is there no way to activate it without installing their Care+ app on another device to start the inspection process? I don't have any other phone to use. This is some big time BS if I can't just register for the plan using my phone / account.

 

[hovscorpion12]

I am trying to buy the Samsung Care+ monthly plan, is there no way to activate it without installing their Care+ app on another device to start the inspection process? I don't have any other phone to use. This is some big time BS if I can't just register for the plan using my phone / account.

Yes. Using the link below Care + can be Purchased. As long as you have the serial number or IMIE

At the purchase page, It will ask You to sign in to your Samsung account.

Samsung Care+: Support 24/7, Protection & Warranty | Samsung US

Protect your latest Samsung device and get 24/7 support the way you need it: chat, email or get remote assistance. With Samsung Care+ you are always covered.

www.samsung.com

 

[Harthag]

Yes. Using the link below Care + can be Purchased. As long as you have the serial number or IMIE

At the purchase page, It will ask You to sign in to your Samsung account.

Samsung Care+: Support 24/7, Protection & Warranty | Samsung US

Protect your latest Samsung device and get 24/7 support the way you need it: chat, email or get remote assistance. With Samsung Care+ you are always covered.

www.samsung.com

Thank you! Seems to have worked, don't know why it didn't before.

 

[Technerd108]

Pixel care was $9 a month with the 7 Pro and went up to $12 a month on the 8 Pro so I cancelled it.

However, with the s24ultra I figured it was worth it more for the lost or stolen or drop danage or screen damage and even though it costs more than the 2 year plan I may not keep the phone 2 years and I like the flexibility to cancel any time. It costs the same for me to insure a s24 ultra with 512gb storage as it did for a base model 128gb P8P??

I know insurance is rigged against me by the numbers but one incident can totally pay for it so it is kind of a dice roll. Since this is a large phone I figure there is a higher chance of me dropping it than other bar phones.

Holy crap that inspection process sucks. They need to do what Apple does and run remote diagnostics BUT if you damaged your device and then bought insurance this would certainly prevent that.

 

[jamezr]

Got this email from Samsung today!

 

[Harthag]

Pixel care was $9 a month with the 7 Pro and went up to $12 a month on the 8 Pro so I cancelled it.

However, with the s24ultra I figured it was worth it more for the lost or stolen or drop danage or screen damage and even though it costs more than the 2 year plan I may not keep the phone 2 years and I like the flexibility to cancel any time. It costs the same for me to insure a s24 ultra with 512gb storage as it did for a base model 128gb P8P??

I know insurance is rigged against me by the numbers but one incident can totally pay for it so it is kind of a dice roll. Since this is a large phone I figure there is a higher chance of me dropping it than other bar phones.

Holy crap that inspection process sucks. They need to do what Apple does and run remote diagnostics BUT if you damaged your device and then bought insurance this would certainly prevent that.

Did you need to do the diagnostic / inspection in order to activate the plan? Initially it wanted me to do that but the link that was posted a few posts ago worked and let me activate without doing the diagnostics.

 

[Technerd108]

Did you need to do the diagnostic / inspection in order to activate the plan? Initially it wanted me to do that but the link that was posted a few posts ago worked and let me activate without doing the diagnostics.

Yes, and it was a pain using a tablet. Now they are going to review the pictures and then I will be activated but if anything happens between now and their decision they are on the hook since I paid and my phone is in perfect condition.

They need a software diagnosis that runs automatically and can detect drops and screen damage. A couple of shots of the phone maybe but it should have some algorithm to detect damage without having to take a bunch of photos. Seems Samsung needs to use some of that AI for themselves.

 

[Harthag]

Yes, and it was a pain using a tablet. Now they are going to review the pictures and then I will be activated but if anything happens between now and their decision they are on the hook since I paid and my phone is in perfect condition.

They need a software diagnosis that runs automatically and can detect drops and screen damage. A couple of shots of the phone maybe but it should have some algorithm to detect damage without having to take a bunch of photos. Seems Samsung needs to use some of that AI for themselves.

Hmm. Why did mine activate without going through those steps? Hopefully I'll be covered. I will look into re-doing it, I found an ancient iPad Mini that I can use.

Edit- The Care+ app they make you download still says I need to run the diagnostic to activate, so I will do it with the iPad. It's dead from no use for the past 2 years haha, so needs a little juice.

Edit 2- completed the diagnostic and my activation is under review, we'll see!

 

[edubfromktown]

Pixel care was $9 a month with the 7 Pro and went up to $12 a month on the 8 Pro so I cancelled it.

However, with the s24ultra I figured it was worth it more for the lost or stolen or drop danage or screen damage and even though it costs more than the 2 year plan I may not keep the phone 2 years and I like the flexibility to cancel any time. It costs the same for me to insure a s24 ultra with 512gb storage as it did for a base model 128gb P8P??

I know insurance is rigged against me by the numbers but one incident can totally pay for it so it is kind of a dice roll. Since this is a large phone I figure there is a higher chance of me dropping it than other bar phones.

Holy crap that inspection process sucks. They need to do what Apple does and run remote diagnostics BUT if you damaged your device and then bought insurance this would certainly prevent that.

Amex offers free coverage (on some cards) if you pay your mobile phone bill using their CC.

 

[Technerd108]

Hmm. Why did mine activate without going through those steps? Hopefully I'll be covered. I will look into re-doing it, I found an ancient iPad Mini that I can use.

Edit- The Care+ app they make you download still says I need to run the diagnostic to activate, so I will do it with the iPad. It's dead from no use for the past 2 years haha, so needs a little juice.

Edit 2- completed the diagnostic and my activation is under review, we'll see!

Good luck to us both!

 

[Dominican]

Best Phone Camara
1.pixel 8 pro
2. 15 pro max
3. S24 ultra

But after seen next camera update for s24 ultra very interesting could be good..

 

[aue123]

day 1 S24 Ultra and everything is still amazing!

 

[edubfromktown]

I'm liking the Galaxy Buds2 Pro that came for $25 along with S24+. One thing I can say for sure is that I've used AirPods far too long...

Checked out the ZD setup instructions and was somewhat puzzled as to why the Galaxy Wearable app said they were not in my ears.

Turned out I had inserted them in upside down! LOL

 

[jamezr]

I'm liking the Galaxy Buds2 Pro that came for $25 along with S24+. One thing I can say for sure is that I've used AirPods far too long...

Checked out the ZD setup instructions and was somewhat puzzled as to why the Galaxy Wearable app said they were not in my ears.

Turned out I had inserted them in upside down! LOL

sounds like something I would do

 

[Harthag]

Good luck to us both!

I received the approval email tonight. It said I need to enroll in Knox Guard within 30 days in order for theft and loss to be active. When I follow the instructions to enroll I get a pop up that says "device already enrolled". Some of the instructions said it can be activated automatically when you do a factory reset and agree to all the terms on first boot, which I did when I first got the phone. Oh well, it is what it is.

All this just to purchase a warranty. I took AppleCare for granted. It is just 1 click and done for the most part!

 

[PaddyFowler]

I'm liking the Galaxy Buds2 Pro that came for $25 along with S24+. One thing I can say for sure is that I've used AirPods far too long...

Checked out the ZD setup instructions and was somewhat puzzled as to why the Galaxy Wearable app said they were not in my ears.

Turned out I had inserted them in upside down! LOL

Have both the Buds2 Pro and the Airpods Pro 2nd Gen, and much prefer the Airpods. Noise cancellation and ambient modes are just far ahead on the Airpods in my opinion. Do not like the ambient mode on the Buds2 Pro at all - actually gives me a feeling of nausea after a while of wearing, particularly if nothing playing at all and just have just left them in my ears for a while.

Everyone is different though.

 

[edubfromktown]

Have both the Buds2 Pro and the Airpods Pro 2nd Gen, and much prefer the Airpods. Noise cancellation and ambient modes are just far ahead on the Airpods in my opinion. Do not like the ambient mode on the Buds2 Pro at all - actually gives me a feeling of nausea after a while of wearing, particularly if nothing playing at all and just have just left them in my ears for a while.

Everyone is different though.

Definitely an upgrade for me from a pair of the original Airpods and a set of OnePlus buds.

Using the Wearable app and changing the settings a little yielded decent results for noise cancellation and ambient modes.

 

[Harthag]

Have both the Buds2 Pro and the Airpods Pro 2nd Gen, and much prefer the Airpods. Noise cancellation and ambient modes are just far ahead on the Airpods in my opinion. Do not like the ambient mode on the Buds2 Pro at all - actually gives me a feeling of nausea after a while of wearing, particularly if nothing playing at all and just have just left them in my ears for a while.

Everyone is different though.

Also had both side by side, sold AirPods Pro when I sold my iPhone, much prefer the Buds2 Pro for sound quality. You need to get a good seal like any ear bud or else it'll sound like trash. I was ready to return my Sony XM5 buds and then bought better fitting tips, night and day difference.

 

[Ludatyk]

Also had both side by side, sold AirPods Pro when I sold my iPhone, much prefer the Buds2 Pro for sound quality. You need to get a good seal like any ear bud or else it'll sound like trash. I was ready to return my Sony XM5 buds and then bought better fitting tips, night and day difference.

So, what role do both the XM5 and Buds2 Pro serve? Is it simply the case you swap them while the other one is charging?

 

[Harthag]

So, what role do both the XM5 and Buds2 Pro serve? Is it simply the case you swap them while the other one is charging?

I bought the Sony using a Target $100 gift card and had the Pixel 8 Pro at the time. Sold my B&O buds before that and only had my AirPods, didn't want to get the Pixel Buds. Used the Sony with my iPhone and mostly Pixel.

So yes, now that I have just the S24+ I alternate. The Buds do fit me much better than Sony, but Sony sounds better until the buds begin to slip out of my ears. So I may end up selling the Sony at some point.

 

[Technerd108]

Just got the Caseology Nano Pop case in purple.

I like to show the blue color of my phone but I have one clear case on order from Itskins which should be perfect.

Most clear cases yellow as soon as they hit UV light. They add some blue in the plastic and it helps but most of the inexpensive clear cases yellow within a month.

I like a case that actually protects the phone but isn't one of those inner tpu and outer Polycarbonate cases that also add a lot of bulk.

The nano pop case is a thick opaque purple tpu case with a hard plastic plate over all of the cameras. One of the few cases that offer this level of camera protection and don't leave a huge hole and space where the cameras are.

It has a dual layer of flexible TPU. All of the cutouts line up and it is easy to get to the s pen while still offering decent corner protection.

I would like a little more edge protection but it is not bad.

Overall this is the absolute best case I have found for the s24 ultra. It is light, slim, and comfortable to grip yet still offering a decent level of protection.

They have a few colors and they have another case called Parallax that has a similar design and different colors. I prefer the clean look of the Nano Pop but for under $20 I don't think you can find a better case.

I will update in a few months to let everyone know how well it holds up.

Caseology Nano Pop Case Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Case, [Dual Layer Silicone Case] Military Grade Drop Tested (2024) - Light Violet

Inspired by the dual toned visuals of fresh fruit, Nano Pop is just as bold and fresh. This case stands out from the rest with a vivid contrasting two tone color scheme. Beyond just looking good, Nano Pop is also redesigned with a protective inner defense pattern offering drop defense featuring C...

www.amazon.com