Samsung Galaxy S24 - Complete Review
Samsung Galaxy S24 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The smartphone market in 2024 has reached a saturation point where incremental updates are the norm. However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 attempts to break this cycle not just through hardware refinement, but through the aggressive integration of Artificial Intelligence. As a compact flagship, it carries the heavy burden of balancing battery life, thermal performance, and raw power in a chassis that fits comfortably in one hand. In this technical analysis, we move beyond the marketing hype of "Galaxy AI" to dissect the silicon, the thermal management systems, and the long-term viability of this device. Whether you are considering upgrading from an S21/S22 or switching ecosystems, this guide serves as your definitive technical reference.
Expert Opinion Snapshot
The Galaxy S24 is currently the undisputed king of the compact Android market, but it comes with caveats depending on your region. The reintroduction of the Exynos chipset for global markets (outside the US, Canada, and China) has sparked debate. However, our testing indicates the gap has narrowed significantly. The standout feature is the commitment to 7 years of OS updates, making this a legitimate long-term investment.
Ideal Buyer Profile: Users who demand flagship power but despise large "phablet" phones. It is perfect for corporate professionals needing reliable connectivity and average consumers who keep phones for 4+ years.
The Pros: - Stunning LTPO display (1-120Hz) with 2600 nits peak brightness. - 7 Years of Android & Security updates. - Premium build quality with Armor Aluminum 2. - Galaxy AI features are genuinely useful for productivity. - Improved battery life despite compact size.
The Cons: - Charging speed remains capped at 25W (outdated for 2024). - The 128GB base model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (Critical detail). - Cameras are largely recycled hardware from the S23. - Exynos 2400 modem is slightly less efficient than Snapdragon on 5G.
Full Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Display Panel | 6.2" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) |
| Processor (SoC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US/Canada/China) OR Exynos 2400 (Global) |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB RAM (LPDDR5X) | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| Build Materials | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front/Back), Armor Aluminum 2 Frame, IP68 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP f/1.8 (OIS) + 10MP f/2.4 (3x Zoom) + 12MP f/2.2 (Ultrawide) |
| Charging | 25W Wired (PD3.0), 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
Samsung has refined the "flat" aesthetic to perfection. The S24 features completely flat sides with a matte finish that resists fingerprints better than the glossy Armor Aluminum of the S23. The transition between the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back panel and the frame is seamless, creating a device that feels dense and premium. At 147mm tall and 70.6mm wide, this is one of the few high-performance phones that is truly usable with one hand. The bezels have been shaved down further, resulting in a slightly larger 6.2-inch screen without increasing the physical footprint of the device compared to its predecessor.
Expert Insight: While the design looks similar to the iPhone 15, the S24 is lighter (167g vs 171g) and slightly narrower, making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
This is the most controversial section of the review due to the regional chipset split. The Chipset Divide: If you are in the US, Canada, or China, you receive the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. If you are in Europe, the UK, India, or Africa, you receive the Samsung Exynos 2400. Historically, Exynos chips suffered from overheating and battery drain. However, the Exynos 2400 is a massive improvement. In Geekbench 6 multi-core tests, the Exynos 2400 scores within 5% of the Snapdragon counterpart. For daily tasks, UI fluidity, and app switching, the difference is imperceptible to the human eye. Thermal Management: Samsung has increased the vapor chamber size by 1.5x compared to the S23. This is crucial because compact phones have less surface area to dissipate heat. In our stress tests (3DMark Wild Life Extreme), the S24 throttles performance after about 15 minutes of sustained load to maintain safe temperatures. While it handles games like Genshin Impact at 60fps on High settings, expect the device to get warm near the camera module.
Critical Storage Note: Do not overlook the fact that the 128GB model uses older UFS 3.1 storage technology. This means slower read/write speeds compared to the 256GB and 512GB models, which use UFS 4.0. For future-proofing, we strongly recommend the 256GB variant.
Camera Capabilities
On paper, the hardware remains unchanged: a 50MP main sensor (GN3), a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide. However, the Image Signal Processor (ISP) and software algorithms have been overhauled. Daylight Performance: Samsung has dialed back the oversaturation. Photos look more natural, with better dynamic range in high-contrast scenarios. The 50MP mode is now more usable with zero shutter lag. Low Light (Nightography): The Night Mode is faster. It captures light effectively, though noise reduction can sometimes smooth out fine textures like fabric or pet fur. Video: This is where Samsung shines. The S24 captures 4K at 60fps with seamless lens switching. The stabilization (Super Steady) is best-in-class for Android, rivaling the iPhone 15 Pro. Galaxy AI in Photography: The "Generative Edit" feature allows you to move objects in a photo or expand the background. While impressive, it requires an internet connection and adds a watermark to the metadata.
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
The battery capacity has increased slightly to 4,000 mAh. Combined with the more efficient LTPO display (which can drop to 1Hz refresh rate), the results are surprisingly good. Real World Usage: - Heavy Use (Gaming, 5G, GPS): 5.5 to 6 hours Screen-On Time (SOT). - Moderate Use (WiFi, Social Media): 7 to 8 hours SOT. The Charging Bottleneck: The major disappointment is the 25W wired charging speed. It takes approximately 75 minutes to charge from 0% to 100%. In a world where competitors offer 65W or 100W charging, Samsung is lagging significantly behind. There is no charger in the box, so ensure you own a PPS-compatible PD charger to get the full 25W speed.
Market Value Guide (New vs Used)
Understanding the pricing tiers is essential for getting the best deal. Prices fluctuate based on region and carrier promotions.
| Condition | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Value Verdict |
| Brand New | $799 - $859 | Wait for carrier trade-in deals or holiday sales. |
| Open Box / Returns | $650 - $720 | Best Value. Often indistinguishable from new. |
| Used (Good Condition) | $550 - $620 | High risk of hidden wear. Inspect battery health. |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
If buying used, use the Samsung Members app diagnostics or dial *#0*# to access the hidden test menu.
| Component | Action to Verify |
| AMOLED Screen | Open a pure white image at 100% brightness. Look for faint icons (burn-in) specifically in the status bar area. |
| Knox Security | Reboot into Download Mode. Ensure "Knox Warranty Void" reads 0x0. If 0x1, Samsung Pay and Secure Folder will never work. |
| USB-C Port | Plug in a charger and wiggle the cable gently. Connectivity should not drop. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
Before committing, consider these rivals: 1. Google Pixel 8: Better for still photography and cleaner software. However, the S24 has a far superior modem (better signal reception), a brighter screen, and a more powerful processor for gaming. 2. iPhone 15: Better video quality and resale value. However, the S24 offers a 120Hz screen (iPhone 15 is stuck at 60Hz), a dedicated telephoto zoom lens (missing on base iPhone), and faster USB-C data speeds (on 256GB+ models). 3. Xiaomi 14: Offers faster charging (90W) and Leica cameras. However, the software experience (HyperOS) is less polished than Samsung's One UI, and software support longevity is questionable.
Critical Advice
For Students: Use the "Samsung Education Store" portal. You can often get 10-15% off the retail price instantly without waiting for sales. For Upgraders: If you own the Galaxy S23, the S24 is not a necessary upgrade unless you absolutely need the 7-year update promise or specific AI features. If you own an S21 or S22, the jump in battery life and screen brightness is massive and worth the cost. Protection: The victus 2 glass is shatter-resistant but prone to micro-scratches. A screen protector is mandatory from day one to preserve trade-in value.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a triumph of refinement over revolution. It addresses the main pain points of compact phones—battery life and display visibility—while introducing a software support cycle that rivals Google and Apple. While the 25W charging speed is disappointing and the regional chipset divide is annoying for enthusiasts, the overall package is incredibly cohesive. For 90% of users looking for a high-end phone that fits in a pocket and works reliably for 5 years, the S24 is the default recommendation for 2024.