September 9, 2026

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Still a Complete Ultra Flagship

Reviewed phone Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
PhonicSpecs editorial score 9.1/10 editorial Editorial assessment — not a user or customer rating.

Verdict

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has aged well because its strengths were broad rather than gimmicky. The display, S Pen, cameras, performance and seven-year support commitment remain excellent, while slow charging and a large heavy body are its clearest weaknesses.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains one of Samsung’s most complete smartphone designs. Its 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED combines 120Hz refresh with Gorilla Armor’s anti-reflective treatment, which makes the display easier to read outdoors than many glossy rivals. The flat panel and titanium frame also gave the Ultra line a more practical shape than earlier curved models.

Camera versatility remains a major strength. The 200MP main sensor is supported by a 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto and 50MP 5x periscope. That setup covers more useful focal lengths than most flagships and remains strong for travel, portraits and distant subjects.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy still provides excellent performance, and Samsung’s seven-year update policy means the phone has a long useful life ahead. The integrated S Pen is another advantage that no mainstream rival fully duplicates.

The weaknesses have also become clearer with time. A 5,000mAh battery is fine, but 45W wired and 15W wireless charging feel conservative beside newer competitors. The phone is also large, heavy and expensive. Even so, the S24 Ultra’s combination of display quality, productivity, cameras and support keeps it relevant well beyond its launch year.

Buying advice

The S24 Ultra remains worth considering at a meaningful discount, especially for buyers who value the S Pen and long software support. Pay extra for a newer Ultra only if you specifically want newer camera processing, lighter hardware or additional display features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent anti-reflective 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED
  • Versatile 200MP camera system with 3x and 5x telephotos
  • Built-in S Pen
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy performance
  • Seven years of software support
  • Premium titanium build

Cons

  • Large and heavy
  • 45W charging is slow beside Chinese flagships
  • Expensive even when discounted
  • 100x zoom is more marketing than everyday necessity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying?

Yes if it is meaningfully discounted. Its camera system, display, S Pen and long update policy remain competitive.

How many optical zoom cameras does the S24 Ultra have?

It has two dedicated telephoto cameras: a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto.

How long is the Galaxy S24 Ultra supported?

Samsung launched the S24 series with a seven-generation Android OS and seven-year security support commitment.

← Back to Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications