Samsung S24 Plus Review
The Samsung S24 Plus sits in the sweet spot of Samsung’s 2024 flagship lineup. It offers a significant upgrade over the standard S24 with a larger, brighter screen, a powerful boost in battery life, and a more versatile camera system. Yet, it avoids the hefty price tag of the Samsung S24 Ultra. But is it the right choice for you? In this Samsung S24 Plus review, we’ll check out the S24 Plus’s design, performance, cameras, battery, software experience, and more, so you can decide if this premium Android phone delivers the perfect balance of features and value.
Here’s what’s new:
- Bigger, Brighter Display: Enjoy a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ display with superb 2,600-nit peak brightness and a 1-120Hz refresh rate.
- Sleek Design: Flat sides and Armor Aluminum offer a premium look and feel.
Enhanced Photography: Expect improved image processing with the same triple-camera setup. - Powerful Performance: Experience the speed of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with 12GB of RAM.
- Extended Support: Benefit from seven years of Android/One UI upgrades and security patches.
Contents
Samsung s24 Plus-Features
- Sharper design may sacrifice some comfort.
- Brighter display and higher resolution.
- Galaxy AI features may require using Samsung’s apps.
- Circle to Search is a handy AI tool.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus features subtle design refinements, including a squarer frame for a sharper aesthetic (though potentially impacting hand comfort). The display is now brighter (2600 nits) with higher QHD+ resolution. Internally, the S24 Plus boasts a larger battery and may feature Samsung’s Exynos 2400 chipset in select regions.
The main draw is Samsung’s new Galaxy AI suite of features. These include AI-powered translation for phone calls and messages, AI assistance in Notes, and voice transcription with speaker identification. A particularly useful feature is Circle to Search, letting you easily search anything circled on the screen.
While Samsung’s focus is on software-driven improvements with new AI editing tools, it’s important to note that the S24 Plus retains the same camera hardware as its predecessor.
Samsung s24 Plus-Specs
| Key Specifications | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Size and Weight | Compact dimensions: 158.5mm x 76.2mm x 7.62mm, Lightweight at 197 grams |
| Display | Stunning 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, QHD+ resolution, Smooth 1-120Hz refresh rate, Impressive 2,600 nits brightness |
| Processor | Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US), Also available with Exynos 2400 |
| Software | Runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1 for a seamless experience |
| Cameras | Versatile camera setup: 50MP main (f/1.8) and 12MP ultra-wide lenses |
| Battery Size | Robust 4,900 mAh battery ensures all-day usage |
| Charging Speeds | Fast charging options: 45W via cable and 15W wirelessly |
Samsung s24 Plus-Price
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Plus debuted at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17, 2024, and is now available for order in a vibrant selection of colors.
Here’s the pricing breakdown:
- 12GB RAM / 256GB Storage: $999.99 / £999 / AU$1,699
- 12GB RAM / 512GB Storage: $1,119.99 / £1,099 / AU$1,899
Compared to the S23 Plus, you’ll get more RAM for the same starting price and a welcome price drop in the UK. The Galaxy S24 starts at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,399, while the S24 Ultra begins at $1,299.99 / £1,249 / AU$2,199.
Samsung s24 Plus-Design and colors
For the second year, Samsung prioritizes significant internal upgrades over a flashy redesign for its Galaxy Plus model. The S24 Plus boasts subtle refinements: narrower bezels, flatter edges (reminiscent of the iPhone 15 Pro), and a sturdier Armor Aluminum frame. While it might not instantly stand out from the S23 Plus, these changes are welcome. The narrower bezels mean you get slightly more screen real estate, making it easier to get immersed in a video or scroll through a lengthy article.
Unfortunately, the S24 Plus still uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, unlike the Ultra’s superior Gorilla Armor. This was evident in my review unit, which picked up noticeable screen scratches. Consider a screen protector or case as an extra precaution.
Color options abound! Choose from Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue, or Jade Green. The latter three are exclusive to the Samsung store. While my review unit’s Cobalt Violet looks nice, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s titanium colors undeniably offer a more premium feel.
Samsung s24 Plus-Display
- Larger, sharper QHD+ display for enhanced visuals.
- Dynamic refresh rate optimizes smoothness and battery life.
- Super-bright display ensures readability in any lighting.
- Ideal for streaming, gaming, and everyday use.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus delivers a major display upgrade. It boasts a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ display, offering sharper visuals and more space for your content. This translates to a better experience for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite show on the go or editing photos, the extra screen space and sharp resolution make a noticeable difference.
The display also features LTPO 3.0 technology. This means it dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 1-120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness while conserving battery life. And with a blazing 2600-nit peak brightness, outdoor visibility is significantly improved – you’ll be able to use your phone comfortably even in bright sunlight, even if you’re wearing sunglasses.
Samsung s24 Plus-Camera
- Reliable camera system for everyday photos.
- Disappointing for those seeking cutting-edge zoom or low-light prowess.
- New AI editing tools offer impressive (and sometimes ethically questionable) enhancements.
- Great for social media users prioritizing vibrant, shareable shots.
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus delivers strong all-around photos, camera enthusiasts might be underwhelmed. It retains the same hardware as its predecessor: a 50MP wide (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 10MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom), and 12MP selfie camera (f/2.2). This means bright, detailed daytime shots from the main sensor, but the telephoto and ultrawide lenses show softness when you zoom in. Night mode is reliable, though it can artificially brighten certain colors.
Samsung’s focus is on software upgrades. New features like Ultra HDR improve color accuracy in high-contrast scenes, making social media snaps pop – ideal for capturing vibrant sunsets or a colorful plate of food. Portrait mode now includes foreground blur alongside the usual ‘bokeh’ background effect, giving your selfies and portraits a more professional touch.
The most exciting additions are AI-powered. “Generative Edit’ offers the ability to retouch photos in impressive ways. It’s important to be aware that these AI tools raise questions about the authenticity of images and their potential impact on how we perceive content online
Samsung s24 Plus-Performance
- Powerful chipsets (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400) deliver top-tier performance.
- Enhanced cooling system ensures smooth, extended gaming sessions.
- Impressive speakers enhance gaming and media experiences.
- Emerging AI features show potential for future improvements.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus delivers a major performance boost, making it a true contender for mobile gamers. It packs either the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US) or Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 (select regions). Rest assured, both chipsets provide blazing-fast everyday use and handle demanding games with ease. Whether you’re editing videos on the go, working with multiple spreadsheets, or playing a graphics-intensive game, the S24 Plus handles it all without breaking a sweat.
The real star is the upgraded cooling. A larger vapor chamber keeps the phone cooler during extended gaming sessions, and ray tracing support unlocks more immersive visuals in supported titles. These aren’t just buzzwords – games run smoother and longer without the phone overheating.
Speaking of long play sessions, the Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a larger 4,900 mAh battery, expected to deliver all-day and potentially multi-day endurance for moderate users. To top it off, the speakers deliver surprisingly rich sound for mobile gaming and media.
Beyond gaming, the powerful chipset ensures snappy multitasking and quick app loading.
Samsung’s budding AI features offer interesting potential, with tools like webpage summarization and call translation in the stock apps. While not perfect yet, these tools could offer significant benefits with future updates.
Samsung s24 Plus-Software
- One UI offers deep customization but can be overwhelming for some.
- Galaxy AI features like Live Translate and Note Assist offer useful enhancements.
- Long-term software support ensures the S24 Plus remains a viable choice for years.
- New features like enhanced DeX mode add to the phone’s versatility.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus ships with Android 14 and the latest One UI enhancements. While One UI remains complex, it offers unmatched customization for those who love tweaking their device. Samsung’s standout addition is its suite of “Galaxy AI” features, aiming to streamline everyday tasks. Imagine you’re traveling and need to quickly understand a menu or sign in a foreign language – Live Translate offers real-time, two-way call translation, making communication a breeze.
Features like Note Assist use AI to summarize text within Samsung Notes, and Transcript Assist does the same for voice recordings. Circle to Search (powered by Google Lens) lets you easily search for anything on your screen.
While some Galaxy AI tools are still finding their footing (Chat Assist can be awkward), they showcase the potential for AI-powered smartphone enhancements. Samsung’s impressive commitment to seven years of OS and security updates ensures the S24 Plus will remain a secure and up-to-date device for years to come.
New to One UI 6.1 is an improved Samsung DeX mode, transforming your phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor. You’ll also find customizable always-on display options for a more personal touch.
Samsung s24 Plus-Battery life and charging
- Exceptional battery life for all-day and multi-day use.
- Fast 45W wired charging minimizes downtime (charger not included).
- Wireless charging offers convenience.
- Minor chipset differences in battery and charging are unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus features a larger 4,900mAh battery than its predecessor. This translates to excellent longevity, easily exceeding a day and a half of moderate use. Expect slight variations between the Exynos and Snapdragon chipsets, but both deliver impressive endurance.
Charging is also speedy. With a 45W adapter (sold separately), the S24 Plus can recharge to 70%+ in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is supported at up to 15W.
Samsung s24 Plus-Security
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus takes security seriously, offering a robust suite of features to keep your data protected. Samsung’s Knox security platform provides multi-layered defense against potential threats, seamlessly integrated into both hardware and software.
For the everyday user, this translates to peace of mind knowing sensitive information like passwords, financial data, and photos are well-guarded. The S24 Plus offers dependable biometric security options like an improved fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, providing a smooth and secure unlock experience. And for those concerned about online tracking or malware, Samsung’s built-in security features proactively protect your device.
Samsung s24 Plus-5G connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus ensures you’re future-proofed with its comprehensive 5G connectivity and network compatibility. Whether you’re in a major city or a more rural area, the S24 Plus is designed to tap into the fastest available networks, providing significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to older 4G models. This means smoother streaming experiences, quicker file transfers, and a more responsive feel when gaming or using online apps.
Samsung has ensured broad carrier compatibility, giving you the flexibility to choose the provider that best suits your needs and location.
Samsung s24 Plus-Should You Buy?
The S24 Plus is an excellent choice if you’re looking for:
- A Flagship Experience Without the Ultra Price: You get top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and long-lasting battery life – all at a more approachable price than the S24 Ultra.
- A Balance of Size and Features: The 6.7-inch screen offers plenty of space for media and productivity, without being as unwieldy as the Ultra’s giant display.
- Impressive Battery Life: The S24 Plus is a reliable workhorse, easily getting you through a full day and often stretching into a second with lighter use.
- Future-Proofing: The powerful chipset and Samsung’s commitment to years of software updates ensure your phone will stay fast and secure for the long haul.
Consider Alternatives If:
- Photography is Your Top Priority: Opt for the S24 Ultra if its advanced camera system and superior zoom capabilities are essential.
- You Crave a Smaller Phone: The standard S24 offers a more compact experience for those who don’t want a large device.
- Cutting-Edge Features are a Must: The S24 Ultra pushes boundaries with features like an embedded S-Pen and a higher-resolution display.
- You’re on a Tight Budget: While the S24 Plus offers great value, the standard S24 is even more affordable, or consider excellent mid-range options.
Samsung s24 Plus-Alternatives
| Feature | Samsung S24 | Samsung S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | A17 Bionic |
| Camera | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide | 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (2x) | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto |
| Battery | 3900mAh | 5000mAh | ~4300mAh (estimated) |
| Price (Starting) | $799 | $1,199 | $1,099 |
Samsung s24 Plus-Verdict
Pros
- Bright, high-resolution QHD+ display with excellent outdoor visibility.
- Top-tier performance handles demanding tasks and games with ease.
- Long-term software and security support ensure longevity.
Cons
- Retains the same camera hardware as the S23 Plus, limiting zoom and low-light capabilities.
- Still uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rather than superior Gorilla Armor.
- AI-powered editing tools raise ethical considerations about image authenticity.
