Samsung Galaxy S24 Review: The Smart Choice When Size Matters
Samsung’s Galaxy S series continues to dominate the premium smartphone market, and the Galaxy S24 is no exception. Released alongside its larger counterparts, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24+, this device stands out not just for its compact size but for packing top-tier technology into a smaller package. Despite its modest dimensions, the Galaxy S24 proves that bigger isn’t always better. Here's an in-depth look at what makes the Galaxy S24 a smart choice for users seeking a high-performance yet compact smartphone.
Design: A Sleek and Solid Build
Apple-esque Design
At first glance, the Galaxy S24 might remind you of Apple's latest offerings due to its straight-edged, minimalist design. Samsung has moved away from the curved edges seen in previous models, opting instead for a more angular look that aligns with the current trends. The result is a device that feels solid and premium, with high-quality materials used throughout. The aluminum frame holds two glass panels firmly, giving the phone a luxurious feel while maintaining durability.
Compact Yet Elegant
The Galaxy S24 is the smallest of the new S24 trio, measuring 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing just 167 grams. This compact size makes it comfortable to hold and use one-handed, though the straight edges and polished glass back might make it prone to slipping. Despite this, it boasts an IP68 certification, ensuring resistance to dust and water.
Build Quality and Durability
Both the front and rear panels are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing excellent protection against scratches and minor impacts. The phone's construction feels robust, though it does attract dust around the camera module due to its slight protrusion.
Display: A Pixel-Perfect Experience
A Samsung Specialty
Samsung has long been renowned for its display technology, and the Galaxy S24 is no exception. The device features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. One of the notable upgrades from its predecessor is the inclusion of an LTPO panel with a variable refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz, which ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness while conserving battery life.
Brilliant and Detailed
The display excels in various conditions, including bright sunlight, thanks to its high peak brightness. The color accuracy is excellent, with vibrant hues and deep contrasts that make media consumption a pleasure. The screen's sharpness and clarity are perfect for streaming videos or playing games, and the addition of HDR10+ support enhances the viewing experience further.
Customization and Features
Users can adjust the display’s color settings to their preference, choosing between "Vivid" and "Natural" modes. The screen also includes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, complemented by facial recognition for quick access. Despite being less secure, facial recognition adds convenience.
Audio: High Fidelity in a Compact Form
Impressive Built-in Speakers
The Galaxy S24 delivers exceptional audio quality through its dual stereo speakers. The sound is clear and loud, reaching up to 90 dB without distortion, though it could benefit from a bit more bass. Whether you're listening through the speakers or via Bluetooth, the audio performance is top-notch.
High-Resolution Audio
For wired audio enthusiasts, the Galaxy S24 lacks a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring a USB-C adapter with a DAC for analog output. Samsung offers high-fidelity audio support with a 32-bit, 384 kHz maximum resolution, adjustable through an AKG-tuned equalizer. Bluetooth audio is equally impressive, supporting various codecs and Dolby Atmos for an immersive listening experience.
Clear Calls
The phone’s call quality is remarkable, with excellent noise cancellation that ensures clear and crisp voice transmission, even in noisy environments.
Performance and Battery Life: Power-Packed Efficiency
Under the Hood
Equipped with the Samsung Exynos 2400 processor and 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S24 delivers smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. It handles multitasking and gaming with ease, thanks to its powerful chipset and ample memory.
Battery and Charging
The device houses a 4,000 mAh battery, which offers decent longevity for a phone of its size. It supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, ensuring that power isn’t an issue for most users.
Camera System: Versatile Photography
High-Quality Lenses
The Galaxy S24 features a versatile camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. This array captures detailed and vibrant images across different shooting conditions. The 12 MP front camera is also well-suited for selfies and video calls.
Camera Performance
The camera system excels in various scenarios, from low-light environments to bright daylight. The inclusion of optical image stabilization helps in achieving sharp, clear shots, reducing blurriness from hand movements.
The Smart Choice in a Compact Package
The Samsung Galaxy S24 proves that small size does not mean compromising on features or performance. With its sleek design, excellent display, high-quality audio, and powerful performance, it stands out as a top choice for those who prefer a more compact device without sacrificing high-end specifications. For users who value both portability and premium features, the Galaxy S24 is undoubtedly a smart choice.
Samsung Galaxy S24: A Comprehensive Review
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a standout device in Samsung’s lineup, though it comes with its pros and cons. This review will explore various aspects of the phone, from performance and battery life to software and camera capabilities.
Performance: A Step Behind
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and its larger sibling, the Galaxy S24+, both feature the Exynos 2400 chipset. This processor falls behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, marking a notable downgrade compared to the previous generation where all Galaxy S23 models used a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This shift results in a clear performance drop, particularly noticeable in high-demand applications.
Despite not experiencing significant slowdowns during everyday use, the Exynos 2400 struggles with intensive gaming, where frame drops are evident under maximum graphical loads. On the flip side, the Galaxy S24 performs well in general tasks, with smooth app transitions and minimal battery drain when idle. Samsung has made significant strides in efficiency with this SoC, though it doesn’t match the performance of its higher-end counterpart.
Benchmark Comparisons:
| Device | Processor | RAM | Geekbench 5/6 (Single/Multi) | 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited | PCMark Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | Exynos 2400 | 8 GB | 2,140 / 6,650 | 14,520 | 17,348 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 12 GB | 2,248 / 6,987 | 20,281 | 20,467 |
| iPhone 15 | Apple A16 Bionic | 6 GB | 2,587 / 6,423 | 11,807 | - |
| Realme GT 5 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 16 GB | 2,229 / 6,769 | 19,337 | 21,777 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) | 8 GB | 2,019 / 5,308 | 14,250 | 15,823 |
Battery Life: Solid Performance with Slow Charging
The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, supporting 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W wireless reverse charging. However, the phone does not come with a charger in the box, which, while becoming standard practice, remains a drawback. Moreover, the 25W charging speed feels inadequate for a phone in this price range, with a full charge taking over an hour.
In terms of battery life, the Galaxy S24 excels. It comfortably lasts over a day on moderate use and can stretch to about two days with lighter use. Battery consumption in background processes is minimal, though intensive tasks can drain 15-20% per hour. The phone’s thermal management is commendable, with heat being manageable during heavy use and charging.
Charging Times:
- 5 minutes: 10% battery
- 10 minutes: 20% battery
- 20 minutes: 40% battery
- 30 minutes: 57% battery
- 50 minutes: 84% battery
- Total Time: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Software: An AI-Driven Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S24 ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1. While Samsung is known for timely updates, the phone was initially running a dated version of Google Play Services from July 2023. Samsung promises seven years of system updates, an impressive commitment.
One UI is robust, featuring extensive customization options and duplicative apps such as two gallery apps and two messaging apps, which can be uninstalled. Samsung’s suite of AI tools, including Galaxy AI, is notable but not revolutionary. While useful for tasks like summarizing web pages or real-time translation during calls, these features don’t drastically change the user experience.
One UI 6.1 introduces several new AI-based tools, but they don't significantly enhance daily use. However, features like Samsung DeX, which transforms the phone into a desktop experience when connected to a monitor or TV, and “Link to Windows,” which integrates the phone with a PC, are valuable additions.
Camera: Versatile but Not Perfect
The Galaxy S24’s camera system is well-rounded but does not reach the level of the Ultra model. Here are the camera specifications:
- Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm equivalent, PDAF Dual Pixel, OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, 120º field of view, 13mm equivalent
- Telephoto Camera: 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm equivalent, 3x optical zoom, OIS
- Front Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, PDAF Dual Pixel
The primary sensor performs well in good lighting conditions with accurate focus and natural color processing. However, it tends to overuse ISO, resulting in some loss of sharpness in low-light situations. The ultra-wide lens falls short, with noticeable sharpness reduction and minor distortions. The telephoto lens offers solid 3x zoom performance, though digital zoom beyond 5-7x introduces visible noise and artifacts.
Low-light performance shows some weaknesses, with images often appearing too dark due to the phone's conservative approach to exposure and stabilization. The camera app itself is robust, with options like Expert RAW and Pro Video modes for advanced users.
Xataka’s Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 may seem overshadowed by its Ultra sibling, but it holds its own. Its compact form factor makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer smaller devices without sacrificing high-end features. The screen and audio quality are top-notch, and while the Exynos 2400 may not rival the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s still capable for most tasks, including AI-driven features.
In photography, while it doesn’t match the Ultra’s prowess, it delivers solid performance with some room for improvement in low-light and ultra-wide scenarios. Overall, the Galaxy S24 offers a compelling package for those seeking a high-performance smartphone in a more manageable size, making it a smart choice for many users.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a high-quality device with minor drawbacks. Its blend of advanced features and manageable size makes it a strong contender in the smartphone market.
