Uncovering the Truth: Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra Really the Best Smartphone of 2024?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: A Comprehensive Flagship

When it comes to choosing the best Android phones, there are only a few key options to consider. For me, the top of the list consists of the Pixel 9 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the OnePlus 12. In my opinion, the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t quite meet the mark, and here’s why.

A Lackluster Camera Experience

The camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is, to put it bluntly, a letdown. Despite having a flexible and sometimes-stellar setup, it rarely delivers. The issue persists, and it’s getting frustrating as prices continue to rise. While the S Pen is a unique feature, it’s not enough to justify the high price tag.

A Cluttered User Interface

Samsung’s One UI software has become more cluttered over the years, and while it’s getting better, it still falls short. You’re not getting anything particularly unique or compelling with the S24 Ultra.

A High-End Price Tag

At $1,299, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most expensive non-foldable flagship in most markets. It’s hard to argue that it’s worth the extra $200 over a Pixel 9 Pro XL or $400 more than the OnePlus 12. With trade-in deals becoming more common, it’s uncertain whether anyone will be willing to pay the retail price.

A Safe, but Not the Best Choice

In the end, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the "safe" choice, but it’s just not the best. While it’s good in many ways, it doesn’t stand out from the competition. Marques Brownlee may have chosen it as the best phone of the year, but I don’t agree.

Here are this week’s top stories:

• Android 16 Developer Preview 2: Google rolled out the second developer preview, addressing some issues and introducing a new feature for Pixel 9, which allows the fingerprint sensor to be used while the screen is turned off.
• Android 15 QPR2 Beta: Android 15 QPR2 Beta also rolled out this week, offering some enhancements and tweaks.
• Android Auto gets Material You: In a surprise move, Android Auto 13.4 received support for Material You color theming, although this feature is limited in our testing.

Stay up-to-date with more top stories from the team:

• 9to5Mac: AirTag just got a new feature in iOS 18.2: here’s how to use it
• 9to5Toys: Sony officially announces massive 2024 Holiday PlayStation Store sale
• Electrek: Tesla finds "cell-dent" issues in Cybertrucks, starts replacing battery packs

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