Review

Samsung Galaxy S24 Series: Review Report

Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 – A Stellar Smartphone

Our team has had the opportunity to thoroughly test the Samsung Galaxy S24, and it continues to impress as a compelling choice for smartphone users in 2025. This review delves into its key features, performance, and value proposition based on long-term usage and recent comparisons, offering insights into why this device remains relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Overall Rating – 8.6/10

The Samsung Galaxy S24 proves to be a well-rounded device that excels in several key areas, making it a strong contender even in 2025.

Design and Display – 9/10

Our team appreciates the Galaxy S24’s sleek design, which builds upon Samsung’s legacy of premium craftsmanship. With its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the S24 strikes an excellent balance between screen real estate and one-handed usability. The screen boasts a resolution of 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, resulting in a crisp 416 pixels per inch. Perhaps most impressive is the peak brightness of 2,600 nits, a significant upgrade from the S23’s 1,750 nits. This enhancement ensures excellent visibility even in the brightest outdoor conditions, addressing a common pain point for smartphone users.

The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate is more than just a number; it provides tangibly smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, enhancing everything from casual browsing to intense gaming sessions. The display’s ability to dynamically adjust its refresh rate also contributes to better battery efficiency, a crucial factor for day-to-day use.

Performance – 8.5/10

At the heart of the Galaxy S24 lies the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (in North American models), marking a significant leap in processing power. This efficient processor, combined with 8GB of RAM, ensures that the S24 can handle multitasking and demanding applications with ease. In benchmark tests, the S24 has shown impressive results, with an AnTuTu score of 1,951,926 points. This score breaks down to 459,276 for CPU, 815,023 for GPU, 369,015 for Memory, and 308,612 for UX, demonstrating balanced performance across all aspects of the device.

Our real-world testing aligns with these benchmark scores, offering a smooth and responsive experience whether you’re switching between apps, editing photos, or playing graphics-intensive games. The S24’s performance capabilities ensure it remains competitive not just with its contemporaries but also with newer models released in early 2025.

Camera System – 7.5/10

While the Galaxy S24 maintains the camera setup from its predecessor, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, it’s the software enhancements that truly shine. The camera system benefits from AI-enhanced features introduced with the S24 series, such as AI Zoom for sharper images at higher magnifications and improved Nightography for better low-light performance.

These AI-powered improvements are not just marketing gimmicks but offer tangible benefits in real-world photography. Our team has noted clearer, more detailed shots in challenging lighting conditions and more natural-looking portraits. The 3x optical zoom, while not the highest in the market, provides versatility for most photographic needs without compromising image quality.

Video capabilities remain strong, with 8K recording at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, ensuring the S24 can capture high-quality footage for content creators and casual users alike. The front-facing camera, while not revolutionary, delivers crisp selfies and reliable face recognition for device security.

Battery Life and Charging – 9/10

One of the most significant improvements in the S24 is its battery life. Despite maintaining a 4,000mAh capacity, optimizations in both hardware and software have led to impressive gains. In standardized testing, the S24 lasted 13 hours and 28 minutes, a remarkable 3-hour improvement over its predecessor. This enhancement addresses one of the main criticisms of previous compact Galaxy S models, making the S24 a reliable companion throughout even the busiest days.

The phone supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, which, while not the fastest in the market, provide convenient options for keeping the device powered. The inclusion of reverse wireless charging also adds versatility, allowing users to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches directly from the phone.

Software and AI Features – 9.5/10

Running on Android 14 with One UI 6, the Galaxy S24 introduces a range of AI-powered features that enhance the user experience. Standout additions include Circle to Search, which allows for intuitive information lookup by simply circling any on-screen content, and Live Translate for real-time call translation, breaking down language barriers in personal and professional communications.

These AI features are not just novelties but practical tools that integrate seamlessly into daily use. For instance, the Notes app now includes auto-formatting and summary features, streamlining the process of organizing and reviewing information. Our team appreciates Samsung’s commitment to longevity, evident in its promise of seven years of OS upgrades and security patches. This extended support ensures that the S24 will remain secure and feature-rich well into the future, potentially outlasting the typical smartphone upgrade cycle and offering excellent value for money.

Price and Availability – 8/10

As of February 2025, the Galaxy S24 remains widely available through major retailers and carriers. While it launched at $799 for the base model, current prices may be lower due to the release of newer models. For budget-conscious consumers, the Galaxy S24 FE offers a more affordable option at around AU$1,099, with some compromises in processing power and camera capabilities.

The pricing strategy positions the S24 as a compelling option for those seeking flagship features without the premium price tag of the latest models. Its continued availability and potential discounts make it an attractive choice for users looking to upgrade from older devices without breaking the bank.

Pros:

Excellent battery life, addressing a key weakness of previous models
Bright, high-quality display with impressive peak brightness
Strong performance that remains competitive in 2025
Useful AI features that enhance daily usability
Extended software support, ensuring longevity and value

Cons:

Camera improvements are mostly software-based, with hardware similar to the S23
May be overshadowed by newer models for cutting-edge features
Charging speeds, while adequate, are not class-leading

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 8

Display:

Samsung Galaxy S24: Offers a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Google Pixel 8: Features a 6.2-inch screen with a resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels and a refresh rate that ranges between 60 and 120Hz. Peak brightness is 2,000 nits.

Performance:

Samsung Galaxy S24: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it outperforms the Pixel 8 in benchmark tests, particularly in gaming.
Google Pixel 8: Uses the Tensor G3 processor, which focuses on AI capabilities rather than raw power.

Camera:

Samsung Galaxy S24: Offers a 50MP main camera with AI enhancements for better low-light performance and 3x optical zoom.
Google Pixel 8: Features a 50MP main camera with excellent low-light performance and AI features like Magic Eraser.

Battery Life:

Samsung Galaxy S24: Provides excellent battery life with a full-day performance and reverse wireless charging.
Google Pixel 8: Offers decent battery life but falls short compared to the S24.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S24 continues to be a strong contender in the smartphone market in 2025. Its combination of robust performance, excellent battery life, and innovative AI features make it a worthwhile choice, especially if found at a discounted price. The promise of extended software support ensures that the S24 will remain relevant for years to come, making it a smart investment for those who don’t always need the latest model.

For those considering an upgrade, the S24 offers significant improvements over the S23, particularly in battery life and AI capabilities. However, users of the S24 may find less compelling reasons to upgrade to the S25, as the improvements appear to be incremental.

In the context of the broader smartphone market, the Galaxy S24 holds its ground admirably. While it may not boast the absolute latest specifications compared to 2025 flagships, its balanced approach to performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, coupled with its more attractive price point, make it a sensible choice for a wide range of users.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S24 remains a reliable, feature-rich smartphone that balances performance, innovation, and value. Its strengths in key areas like display quality, battery life, and software support make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a well-rounded device over bleeding-edge specs. As smartphone innovation continues to plateau in some areas, the S24’s proposition of refined, reliable performance becomes increasingly appealing, solidifying its position as a smart choice for discerning users in 2025.

For more information on advanced mobile technology and devices, visit www.checkthegizmo.com or home and explore the Samsung official website for details on the Galaxy S24 series.