Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Best Phone Overall and Worth the Upgrade
Samsung has just released its highly anticipated Galaxy S24 Ultra, and it has quickly claimed the top spot on my list of the best phones you can buy. While some may argue that it doesn’t offer a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, I believe that this new model is definitely worth the investment. Even if you stumble upon a free Galaxy S23 Ultra, I would still recommend buying this year’s model or waiting until you can afford a phone from this point onwards.
Confusing Pricing for the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Surprisingly, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still available for purchase, even though the Galaxy S24 Ultra has already hit the market. What’s even more puzzling is that Samsung has not dropped the price of the older model. When it was launched in February 2023, the Galaxy S23 Ultra was priced at $1,199 in the US. Today, you can still buy a brand new Galaxy S23 Ultra for the exact same price. It seems that Samsung is not offering any incentives to choose the older model over the new one.
Value in Trading Up to the Galaxy S24 Ultra
In fact, Samsung is even offering more value for trading in an iPhone 14 if you choose to buy a Galaxy S24 Ultra instead of an S23 Ultra. For instance, when I checked the trade-in value for an iPhone 14, Samsung offered $400 if I were to purchase this year’s Ultra, but only $325 if I were to opt for the S23 Ultra. This indicates that Samsung is actively encouraging customers to upgrade to the latest model.
Longevity of Android Updates
One of the key reasons why I recommend the Galaxy S24 Ultra over its predecessor is the promise of longer Android updates. While Samsung guarantees four years of Android updates for phones from 2023, the latest Galaxy S24 family, including the Ultra, comes with a promise of seven years of Android and security updates. This is a significant advantage as it not only ensures that your phone remains up-to-date for a longer period but also increases its resale value.
Improved Camera Performance
Another major upgrade in the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its camera. Despite the spec sheet suggesting otherwise, the Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforms the Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of camera quality. The most notable difference is the reduction in zoom capability from 10X to 5X. However, after testing both cameras side-by-side, I can confidently say that the Galaxy S24 Ultra produces better photos in almost every scenario. While neither phone is ideal for astrophotography, they both surpass other smartphones in this regard. The Galaxy S24 Ultra exhibits less noise, better color reproduction, and improved dynamic range compared to its predecessor.
Overall Superiority of the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Apart from the camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in various other aspects when compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Despite having the same 5,000 mAh battery, the S24 Ultra offers significantly longer screen time in battery tests conducted by Future Labs. Additionally, in terms of raw power and performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra surpasses not only its predecessor but even the fastest iPhone 15 Pro.
Future-Proof Features
While the Galaxy AI features may not be the primary reason for my recommendation, they could become increasingly important in the future. The Galaxy S24 Ultra utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which includes a more powerful neural processing unit (NPU). This specialized processor component drives AI and machine learning features. Samsung has already hinted that older phones may miss out on certain AI features when new software updates are rolled out. Therefore, choosing the Galaxy S24 Ultra ensures that you have access to all future AI capabilities.
The Close Price Gap
Considering the minimal price difference between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it is difficult to justify choosing the older model. If you happen to find a great discount or inherit a Galaxy S23 Ultra, it may be tempting to opt for that phone. However, I would still recommend trading it in for this year’s model instead. With its superior camera, longer Android updates, better battery performance, and future-proof features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly the best choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line smartphone.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a significant upgrade over its predecessor and offers the best overall smartphone experience. Its improved camera performance, longer Android updates, superior battery life, and future-proof features make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re in the market for a new phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra should be at the top of your list.