Galaxy S24 Ultra Still Shines: Why Samsung’s 2024 Flagship Remains Competitive
Table of Contents
Despite being nearly two years old, the Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to deliver a premium smartphone experience, holding its own against the newer Galaxy S25 Ultra. Released 21 months ago, the 2024 model’s surprising longevity begs the question: what’s behind its enduring appeal?
The answer, according to industry observers, lies in the incremental nature of the S25 Ultra’s upgrades. “The S25 Ultra wasn’t a significant overhaul, and that’s why the S24 Ultra can still compete,” one analyst noted. The S24 Ultra remains a powerful and capable device, proving that a substantial leap isn’t always necessary to maintain relevance.
A Matter of Incremental Improvements
The core of the S24 Ultra’s continued success is that the S25 Ultra doesn’t offer a compelling enough reason for users to upgrade. While the newer model boasts improvements in several areas, the S24 Ultra provides viable alternatives. Both phones, for instance, feature titanium frames, though the S25 Ultra utilizes a different grade. Similarly, both devices incorporate an anti-reflective display coating, with the S25 Ultra’s version offering a slight edge in performance.
The S25 Ultra’s processing power is undeniably strong, but the S24 Ultra remains remarkably capable even today. Camera capabilities also remain competitive; while the S25 Ultra introduces a 50MP ultra-wide lens, the S24 Ultra still delivers impressive results with its 200MP main sensor. Furthermore, display specifications and battery capacity are virtually identical between the two models. Even the adoption of Qi2 wireless charging in the S25 Ultra is tempered by the continued need for specialized cases. Both phones currently operate seamlessly with Android 16 and One UI 8.
“The S25 Ultra is the sum of its parts, but those parts aren’t dramatically different,” a senior official stated.
The S Pen Advantage
Interestingly, the Galaxy S24 Ultra retains a key advantage over its successor: S Pen Air Actions. This feature, removed from the S25 Ultra, allows for gesture-based control, giving the S24 Ultra a unique and arguably more advanced feel.
Where the S24 Ultra Shows Its Age
Despite its continued strength, the S24 Ultra isn’t without its drawbacks. The most noticeable difference between the two models lies in their exterior design. The 2024 flagship features a boxier aesthetic with sharper corners and less prominent camera rings. While still modern, the S24 Ultra appears slightly dated when placed side-by-side with the S25 Ultra.
Moreover, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is demonstrably thicker and heavier than the 2025 model, despite the S25 Ultra having a slightly larger screen. This suggests Samsung prioritized refinements in design and build quality with the newer iteration.
A Robust Legacy
As the Galaxy S24 Ultra approaches its second anniversary, it remains a remarkably robust device. However, the relatively modest update represented by the S25 Ultra suggests the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely present a more significant challenge to the 2024 model. Nevertheless, the S24 Ultra still rocks.
Keep reading
- Why Museums Still Ban Your Camera Flash, Even Though It's Harmless (daybreakwire.com)
