Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands at the pinnacle of Samsung’s flagship smartphone efforts, offering top-tier specs, a refined build and advanced AI functionalities. For those asking whether this is the best smartphone of 2024, the answer may well be yes — depending on your priorities.

Design & Display

The S24 Ultra uses a premium titanium frame and Corning’s Gorilla Armor glass, delivering durability and a refined appearance. One standout is the 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a resolution around 3120×1440, supporting a 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and reaching peak brightness up to 2,600 nits. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

• 6.8″ QHD+ (approx) display with LTPO 1-120 Hz refresh. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Flat edges, titanium frame, improved durability. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Peak brightness up to ~2600 nits. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Performance & Software

At its core, the S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for Galaxy) chip, paired with at least 12 GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage up to 1 TB. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Samsung also promises up to seven years of software and security updates — a strong point for longevity. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14) introduces “Galaxy AI” tools like enhanced live translation, smart note taking and on-device context aware features. While not perfect, these elevate the phone beyond pure hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Camera System

The camera array remains a highlight: a 200 MP main sensor, 50 MP 5× optical zoom telephoto, 10 MP 3× optical zoom telephoto, and 12 MP ultra-wide. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} The 200 MP sensor and improved optics deliver excellent detail, though some reviewers still note telephoto and low-light inconsistencies. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Battery, Charging & Other Features

The S24 Ultra houses a ~5,000 mAh battery, delivering very strong endurance thanks to the efficient chipset and display optimizations. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} However, charging remains capped at 45W wired, which lags behind many competitors. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} Other premium features include S Pen support (a differentiator in the Ultra line), WiFi 7 in some regions, and durable build/scratch resistance. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Why It Might Be the Best Smartphone of 2024

• Top-tier specs across the board — display, performance, cameras and build.
• Long-term software support (7 years) ensures value in the long run. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Features like S Pen, AI tools and titanium build make it stand out among ultra-flagships.

Considerations & What to Watch

• High price — starting from around US $1,299 for the 256 GB model. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Large and heavy — not ideal for one-hand use always. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Charging speed still modest in 2024 standards. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

“You won’t find a phone with longer battery life than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.” :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the most complete flagship smartphones of 2024. If you’re after the best hardware, top software support and a premium experience, it delivers. If you’re willing to live with the size and price, this device justifies its position at the top.