The Galaxy S24 Plus and S24 seem to be taking a page from Apple and Google, embracing the AI era with a flat-edge design reminiscent of the iPhone and drawing heavily on Google’s AI technology. Priced at $799 for the standard Galaxy S24 and $999 for the Galaxy S24 Plus, Samsung is positioning itself as a creator of phones that are not just tough and secure but also fun, fast, and affordable. While the software is distinctly Samsung’s own, the phones stand out for their noteworthy AI features, including generative photo editing, live language translation during calls, and automatic recording summaries.
Samsung has managed to increase the screen size without significantly increasing the overall size of the phones. The S24 Plus, for instance, has grown from a 6.6-inch to a 6.7-inch panel. The decision to ditch the slight curve on the edges in favor of a flat-edge design enhances the phones’ grip and comfort. The devices boast improved brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits in direct sunlight. Notably, the S24 Plus now features a 1440p panel, an upgrade from its previous 1080p display.
Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus, when purchased in the US, come equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, promising stellar performance. Battery performance across the series is relatively consistent, with larger phones compensating for their power-hungry nature with bigger batteries. Samsung commits to a commendable seven years of software updates for the S24 series, aligning with Google’s policy.
The AI features span the entire S24 series, offering generative photo editing, live language translation during calls, and more. While these features might not be deemed indispensable, they generally prove helpful. The S24 embraces Ultra HDR, a new image format supported by Android 14, resulting in vibrant and detailed photos. The camera hardware remains unchanged from the previous generation, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 3x telephoto zoom.
In essence, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus offer a reliable and well-designed Android experience, incorporating successful elements from both Apple and Google. With excellent screens, innovative AI features, and dependable performance, these phones cater to users seeking a versatile and high-quality Android experience. Although Samsung’s software may require some initial adjustments, the phones provide a lower-stakes entry into the AI future compared to more radical alternatives.
