The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an ultra-premium flagship smartphone designed for power users, mobile photographers, and professionals who demand a built-in stylus and long-term reliability. While newer models like the S26 have hit the shelves, the S24 Ultra remains a top-tier choice in 2026 due to its “Certified Re-Newed” availability and massive price drops. In this review, we’ll analyze why this titanium beast is still a productivity powerhouse and whether its AI features and hardware can compete with today’s newest releases.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Resolution: QHD+ (1440 x 3120 pixels), 505 ppi
- Brightness: 2,600 nits peak
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm)
- RAM & Storage: 12GB RAM | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0)
- Rear Camera: 200MP (Main) + 50MP (5x Zoom) + 10MP (3x Zoom) + 12MP (Ultrawide)
- Front Camera: 12MP Dual Pixel PDAF
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W Wired Charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB
- Operating System: Android 14 (Upgradable to Android 21)
- Price Range: $850 – $950 (Renewed/Discounted in 2026)
Design & Build Quality
The S24 Ultra was the first Samsung phone to feature a Titanium frame, making it more scratch-resistant than older aluminum models. Even in 2026, the build feels modern and incredibly premium. At 232g, it is a heavy phone, but the flat edges introduced in this generation make it easier to write with the S Pen compared to older curved displays. The Corning Gorilla Armor on the front is a standout spec—it reduces reflections by up to 75%, a feature many 2026 mid-range phones still lack.
Display Quality
The 6.8-inch QHD+ panel remains one of the best in the world. With a 2,600-nit peak brightness, outdoor visibility is flawless even under direct sun. The 120Hz LTPO technology allows the screen to drop to 1Hz to save battery. Colors are punchy and accurate, making it a favorite for Netflix HDR content and professional photo editing.
Performance & Daily Usage
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, this phone still flies through daily tasks in 2026. Apps like Slack, Chrome (with 50+ tabs), and Instagram open instantly. Ram 12GB of LPDDR5X, You won’t experience lag or UI stuttering, and Samsung’s One UI has been refined over two years to be extremely stable.
Gaming Performance
Despite being two years old, the GPU performance is still high-end.
- Genshin Impact / Zenless Zone Zero: Runs at 60fps on High settings.
- Ray Tracing: The hardware-accelerated ray tracing makes games like PUBG Mobile look significantly more realistic than on standard mid-range phones.
- Heating: The vapor chamber is nearly double the size of previous models, keeping the phone at a comfortable 39-41°C during heavy sessions.
Camera Performance
The 200MP Main Sensor remains a resolution leader.
- Daylight: Sharpness is incredible; you can crop into photos without losing detail.
- Zoom: The 50MP 5x Optical Zoom is the “sweet spot” for portraits and concerts.
- Low-Light: Samsung’s AI “Nightography” has received multiple updates since 2024, significantly reducing noise in dark video recordings.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5,000mAh battery consistently delivers 7 to 8 hours of screen-on time. For most users, this is a full-day phone. It supports 45W wired charging, which takes the phone from 0% to 65% in about 30 minutes. Note: As per modern standards, no charger is included in the box.
Connectivity & Features
The S24 Ultra is fully future-proof with Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support. The Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor is faster and more secure than the optical ones found in cheaper phones. Most importantly, Samsung promised 7 years of updates, meaning this phone will remain current until 2031.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Anti-reflective Gorilla Armor screen (best-in-class).
- Integrated S Pen for productivity and remote camera shutter.
- Titanium durability and IP68 water resistance.
- Long-term software support until 2031.
Cons:
- Charging speed (45W) is slow compared to 2026 competitors (80W-120W).
- Large, boxy design can be uncomfortable for small hands.
- Expensive even as a “Renewed” device.
Who Should Buy This Phone?
- Best for: Professionals who use the S Pen for notes, mobile photographers, and users who want a phone that stays updated for 5+ years.
- Who should avoid: Users who prefer light, compact phones or those who want the absolute fastest charging speeds available.
Final Verdict
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate “value flagship.” While it’s no longer the newest, its display tech, 200MP camera, and S Pen functionality still outperform 90% of the phones on the market. If you can find it for under $900, it is a much smarter buy than a brand-new mid-range phone.
FAQs
1. Is the S24 Ultra good for gaming in 2026? Absolutely. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 remains more powerful than most 2026 mid-range chips, handling all AAA mobile titles with ease.
2. Does it support Circle to Search and other AI features? Yes, the S24 Ultra was the launchpad for Galaxy AI and supports all major features like Live Translate, Note Assist, and Generative Edit.
3. Is it worth buying in 2026 instead of the S26 Ultra? If you are on a budget, yes. The S24 Ultra provides about 85% of the S26’s performance for nearly half the price.
4. How long will the S24 Ultra be supported? Samsung has committed to security and OS updates for this device until 2031.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This review is based on research, technical specifications, and long-term user feedback. Actual performance may vary depending on the battery health of renewed units and specific software versions.
