The smartphone wars are heating up again as Samsung unveils its latest heavyweight, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. For those still clutching their Galaxy S22 Ultra, the question emerges: Is it time to upgrade? Let’s unwrap the layers of Samsung’s newest flagship and compare it to its predecessor.
Samsung’s design philosophy has always been about evolution rather than revolution. The transition from the S22 Ultra to the S24 Ultra embodies this. While retaining the overarching aesthetic, Samsung has tweaked the finer points to give the S24 Ultra a more contemporary edge. The S22 Ultra’s curves have been traded for the S24 Ultra’s more angular lines, mirroring the design trajectory we have seen in the industry.
The shift from an aluminum to a titanium frame not only aligns with premium market trends. But it also gives the S24 Ultra a more robust feel - albeit at the expense of added weight.
The S Pen, a standout feature of the Ultra series, also sees a design evolution. Moving away from the 'squircle' shape, the S24 Ultra’s S Pen opts for a squared-off design. This suggests a more precise and professional tool, akin to what you might find on a designer's tablet.
Battery & Performance
The Galaxy S22 Ultra came with a region-specific processor approach, but regardless of whether you had the Exynos 2200 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it was state-of-the-art back then. Fast forward to today, and the S24 Ultra is running the show with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a chip designed in collaboration with Qualcomm specifically for this device.
This means not only faster performance. But also improved energy efficiency. This could translate to longer battery life despite the same 5000 mAh capacity.
Likewise, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also promises to keep the phone feeling newer for longer, with Samsung guaranteeing up to seven years of major software updates for the S24 series. A substantial increase from the four years offered with the S22 Ultra.
The ‘Galaxy AI’ Feature is Exclusive to the S24 Ultra!
Galaxy AI is Samsung’s latest suite of artificial intelligence features, exclusive to the S24 series. It is a game-changer for those who seek a phone that is not just a tool but an assistant. The Circle to Search feature is emblematic of this new direction. Thus, offering the ability to search content within any app with a simple gesture.
Live Translate and Notes Assist are features that exemplify the practical application of AI, moving beyond gimmicks to genuinely useful tools for everyday life, be it in conversation or capturing ideas.
The Big Difference in Camera
Samsung has consistently pushed the envelope with its cameras, and the S24 Ultra is no exception. While the S22 Ultra's camera system was impressive at the time, the S24 Ultra's setup is a quantum leap forward. A 200MP main camera sensor sets the S24 Ultra way above the S22 Ultra.
The periscope telephoto camera also sees a significant upgrade, now at 50MP with improved optical zoom. Plus, the S24 Ultra's camera suite is rounded off with a 10MP telephoto and a 12MP ultrawide camera.