As the high-end smartphone market experiences a plateau in hardware innovation, manufacturers are now focusing on unique features and machine learning capabilities to set their flagship devices apart. Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 series, unveiled during the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17, 2023, aims to distinguish itself through incremental improvements, minimalist design, and advanced machine learning features.
Price, Availability, and Specs
The Galaxy S24 series, set to launch on January 31, 2023, includes the standard Galaxy S24 starting at $800 for 128GB of storage, with a $60 upgrade option for the 256GB model. The larger Galaxy S24+ comes at a higher price point, starting at $1,000 for 256GB of storage and an additional $120 for the 512GB variant. Preorder incentives include a free upgrade to a higher-capacity model and a $75 Samsung Credit for first-party electronic gadgets.
Design: A Race to Simplicity
Both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ boast a premium feel with a stark, minimalist design that draws comparisons to the iPhone. The S24+ stands out due to its larger size, offering increased utility at the expense of one-handed usability. Notably, Samsung has abandoned its innovative curved designs seen in previous models, opting for a more angular form.
Display: The Biggest Difference
The display technology in the Galaxy S24 series is a highlight, with both models reaching an impressive 2,600 nits of brightness. The primary differences lie in size and resolution, with the S24+ featuring a QHD+ resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 513ppi. Despite the S24’s lower resolution, its 416ppi density ensures excellent real-world clarity. Both models lack Dolby Vision support, which may be a drawback for users seeking cinema-quality dynamic contrast.
Software: A Pair of Winners
Samsung’s One UI interface continues to be lauded for its intuitiveness and customizability. The S24+ benefits slightly from its larger size, facilitating multitasking. Notably, Samsung promises seven years of Android updates for its flagship devices, aligning with Google’s commitment to the Pixel 8 series. The S24+ exclusively features ultra-wideband connectivity, offering future-proofing potential.
Samsung vs. Google on the AI Front
The Galaxy S24 series introduces machine learning-based features, aiming to enhance user experience. Samsung’s voice recording superiority is noted, and the incorporation of some of Google’s technology suggests promising advancements in AI capabilities. The long Android update lifespan ensures continued relevance and usability for years to come.
Performance: Serious Power Users Want the S24+
Powered by Qualcomm’s third-generation Snapdragon 8 SoC, the Galaxy S24 series delivers impressive real-world performance. The S24+ gains an edge with an additional 4GB of RAM, appealing to power users requiring enhanced multitasking capabilities. European users may face disappointment with the Exynos chipset, which, while not terrible, lags behind the Snapdragon in terms of speed and efficiency.
Battery Life: Not the Absolute Best, but Still Good
The Galaxy S24 series addresses previous concerns, offering improved battery performance with a capacity increase. Both models support 25W wired charging, while the S24+ presents an advantage with faster charging for resource-intensive tasks. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging options remain consistent across both devices.
Cameras: Better, but Not Because of Hardware
The camera configuration remains unchanged from the previous generation, capturing 50MP images. The notable improvement comes from machine learning-based features, with less-intensive tools operating on the device and more demanding features utilizing Samsung’s cloud hardware. Subscription charges for certain AI features are expected in the future, though Samsung offers them for free until 2025.
Which is Right for You?
The choice between the Galaxy S24 and S24+ depends on individual preferences and usage. While the S24+ offers more screen space, additional RAM, and faster charging, the S24 excels as a compact flagship option. Ultimately, both phones are nearly identical, differing mainly in screen size, resolution, RAM, charging, and UWB connectivity. Users can confidently choose based on their priorities, knowing that either model will provide a flagship experience for years to come.