Galaxy S24 And S24+ review: Very Good, But Not Yet Perfect

Officially presented on January 17, 2024, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Series is already available for sale in stores. If you are hesitating between the S24 and the S24 Plus, this test will help you make a more informed choice.

Table of Contents

Design

The design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus is distinguished by rounded corners, giving them a beautiful appearance. Concerning their dimensions, the standard model has a diagonal of 6.2 inches (147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm for 167 g), and 6.8 inches for the Plus version (158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm for 196 g). Both are equipped with a slim case. Thanks to their compact and well-calibrated format, these models are designed for ergonomics and practicality: smartphones can be used easily with one hand.

A reinforced aluminum outline enhances their design while protecting them in the event of a fall. On the right side, there are well-positioned buttons for volume control and locking. The back is made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass, anti-scratch treated. The 3 photo sensors on the back give a touch of relief to their “single block” design. In terms of the location of the front camera, Samsung has opted for a punch in the center housing the photo device.

In terms of design and level of manufacturing quality, the result lives up to the reputation of the Korean brand: neat and compact, sober appearance, impeccable finishes. Added to this are reliable hardware components as well as the latest technologies in artificial intelligence. It’s difficult to remain indifferent to these new flagships from Samsung and their compelling technical specifications.

Screen

The displays of the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus have similar characteristics. The difference between the two lies in the size of the panel as well as the resolution. The S24 and S24 Plus come with an Infinity-O display. Respectively, 6.2 inches have Full HD+ definition for one, and 6.7 inches have QHD+ definition for the other.

Thanks to their 120 Hz refresh rate, the screens of Samsung’s new premium smartphones guarantee a fluid visual experience, whether for streaming video playback, internet browsing, or video games. Moreover, in terms of compatibility, the HDR10+ format is supported. Users can thus fully enjoy very high-definition video content. The touch screen is flawlessly responsive, integrating 240 Hz Touch Sensor technology. We offer a comfy, portable, and smooth user experience.

Performance

As usual, the latest Samsung smartphones in the Galaxy S range offer high performance. Fans of the brand are entitled to the best in the field. Under the hood, both models feature the in-house Exynos 2400 chip. The chipset is completed by 8 GB of RAM for the S24 and 12 GB of RAM for the S24 Plus. In terms of storage, 128 or 256 GB are available for the S24, and 256 or 512 GB are known for its big sister. This is a solid configuration suitable for all types of use, whether “multitasking” or resource-intensive applications.

Additionally, users benefit from high storage capacity to save their large documents and media files. The S24 and S24 Plus are compatible with 5G, allowing you to enjoy an internet connection with optimal speed. Dual SIM smartphones have two nano-SIM slots. As with some other competitors, the Micro-SD port and the 3.5 mm jack are absent on these models. For headsets and earphones, for example, you have to use USB-C or opt for a wireless Bluetooth model.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Series runs Android 14. The manufacturer offers seven years of updates for its flagships, including major system updates, as well as security updates and patches. In terms of interface, the S24 and S24 Plus feature One UI 6.1. These models also integrate the Samsung DeX application. This is a docking station allowing you to display the interface on an external screen or connect the device to other devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.). It is possible to use your Galaxy S24 as a laptop or game console and enjoy an improved experience.

Camera

True photophones, the Galaxy S Series never disappoints in terms of photographic quality. Samsung’s S24s remain a safe bet in this area. Note that the configurations of the two models in terms of photosensors are precisely the same. At the back, we find a 50 MP f/1.8 primary sensor with optical stabilization, a 10 MP f/2.4 3X telephoto sensor (69mm, 36°), as well as a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor ( 13mm, 120°).

Dual Pixel Autofocus technology is available on each of the three devices. Among the features offered, we can cite automatic HDR photo, night mode, night hyper-lapse, or even 1080p super stability Action-Cam video mode. At the front, photo taking is provided by a 12 MP f/2.2 sensor (25mm, 80°). Available functions include Dual Pixel Autofocus and UltraHD video capture at 60 fps. The front camera also comes with a 2D face recognition option.

Connectivity

Who says high-end phones? Says rich connectivity and latest generation technologies? The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus have an ultrasonic fingerprint reader under the screen. Unlocking the phone by fingerprint is very fast and offers very appreciable precision. To connect the device, you can count on Bluetooth 5.3 or WiFI 6E, which guarantees optimal transfer speeds. In terms of network, users can enjoy a fast internet connection thanks to 5G (sub-6).

Audio

Both Samsung flagship smartphones are equipped with AKG stereo speakers. The sound delivered is of good quality, with excellent bass. Additionally, audio settings are automatically adjusted by AI, taking into account your preferences. In addition, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are compatible with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. We can thus enjoy an immersive universe for films, series, or video games.

Battery

The Galaxy S24 has a 4000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S24 Plus is powered by a 4900mAh battery. Although the capacity is not the same, the autonomy offered is generally satisfactory for both devices. Samsung announced that the S24 Series can last up to 31 hours of media playback. However, in practice, the autonomy in mixed-use is, on average, around 22:50 for the S24 and 23:40 for the S24 Plus.

Both can easily hold a charge for a full day or even a little more for moderate use. In terms of charging, these smartphones are compatible with fast charging. A full charge from 0 to 100% only requires 70 minutes. Another nice feature is that reverse charging is available. We can, therefore, use the Galaxy S24 or S24 Plus as an external battery to recharge gadgets and wearables (Galaxy Watch, for example)

Galaxy AI Features

This is an interesting new feature on the South Korean brand’s latest smartphones. Several artificial intelligence functions are directly integrated into the S24 and S24 Plus. These features are available for free until the end of 2025, also on select Samsung Galaxy devices. Galaxy AI features include those related to search, message writing, transcription and translation, photo processing, and more.

Among the options available is the “Circle to search” or literally “Encircle to search.” With this functionality, it is possible to select an object or text to perform a search directly. Please note that this function does not work on a human face. The Galaxy S24 also allows for instant translation, even during calls. The translator supports around ten languages, including French, English, and Korean.

The voice recorder fitted to the Galaxy S24 has an AI-powered transcription function. With the press of a button, you can quickly convert audio from meetings or interviews to text. AI-based generative photo editing is another great feature. This function allows, for example, extending the limits of shots, adding new elements in a photo, or automatically cropping out subjects.

Verdict

Choosing between the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus depends on individual preferences, with particular consideration for dimensions. These two high-end smartphones from Samsung have many similarities, including impressive technical specifications, fast configuration, and exemplary finish quality. The new Galaxy AI features promise an enhanced experience, especially when it comes to photo processing.