The Samsung Galaxy S24 was unveiled to a global audience back in january. The phone is currently available in stores in Kenya from Ksh 124,500 depending on the configuration you choose. I have been using this phone for a number of weeks and in this post I will be charging my thoughts on it to let you know if it is worth your money.
The Galaxy S24 is not that different from its predecessor but it has introduced a number of AI features bundled under the Galaxy AI umbrella. With the S24 Samsung promises up to 7 years of updates, the best we have on the market at the moment.
The variant I am using and the one available in Kenya is powered by the Exynos processor. I wasn’t excited about this but got around to l;oving it after using the phone for a few weeks.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Key specifications
- Display: 6.2-inch (1080 x 2340 pixels), AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+.
- Processor: Exynos 2400.
- Rear Camera: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP: Records 8K videos at 30fps.
- Front Camera: 12MP
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB
- Battery Capacity: 4,000mAh, 25W charging
- Android 14, OneUI 6.1
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S24 First Impressions
Sturdy Build Quality
As this is a premium smartphone, Samsung has not compromised on the build quality. The design is similar to what we had on the Galaxy S23 series but now has a flat frame with rounded edges. The materials used feel premium as well and this is exactly what you expect from a device within this price range.
The Galaxy S24 is compact and feels comfortable in hand. It is not heavy either so using it is possible even with one hand. The phone is slippery so you may want to use a case if you want an extra layer of protection. I do not use phone cases and did not drop the phone during my review period.
Overall, the built quality is exceptional and the phone is sturdy.
The Display
The Samsung Galaxy S24 has a 6.2 inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+. The display is sharp and crisp for ease of use in varying lighting conditions. Samsung has the best smartphone displays in my opinion and that is evident with the Galaxy S24. It is perfect for media consumption and you can use it outdoors under direct sunlight.
The display also provides an immersive viewing experience. This makes it perfect for media consumption, gaming or just normal web browsing. To protect the display, Samsung has used Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to ensure it is safe from accidental scratches.
Performance and Software
The review unit I have comes with the Exynos 2400 processor. It delivers fast speeds and multitasking. Whether you’re navigating between apps, streaming content, or gaming, the Galaxy S24 handles every task with ease. With 8GB of RAM, the phone is responsive with no lag.
The Galaxy S24 runs on Samsung’s One UI 6.1, based on Android 14. This interface has a ton of useful features and offers a wide range of customization options. From advanced security features like Knox to convenient utilities such as Bixby voice assistant, the OS encourages productivity and convenience. With a promise of seven years of OS upgrades, you will have the latest software updates and thus future proof your device.
Galaxy AI
The Samsung Galaxy S24 introduces its Galaxy AI suite. Integrated into Samsung’s One UI 6.1, Galaxy AI features a range of innovative features aimed at enhancing different aspects of the user experience. From Generative Edit, which enhances photos by removing unwanted elements or imperfections, to Live Translate, enabling real-time translation in multiple languages, the AI capabilities of the Galaxy S24 take everyday tasks to new levels of efficiency and creativity. In addition, Galaxy AI offers tools like Chat Assist for seamless communication and Circle to Search for intuitive web browsing experiences.
Camera Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S24 has a triple-camera setup at the back. This is made up of a main, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto lens. This offers versatility for a wide range of photography needs.
The Galaxy S24’s camera system takes decent shots in well-lit environments but struggles a bit in low-light conditions, where noise and graininess can affect the image quality. If you do not take many shots at night, this may not be an issue as the shots in well-lit environments are exceptionally good.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery that has lasted me an entire day in some cases. This is a small battery that I need to top up before the day ends most of the time. I am always on my phone and this might be the reason why. I also feel like 4000 mAh is just not enough for such a powerful phone. Samsung should have at least included a 4500 mAh battery or even pushed it to 5000 mAh.
If you are not a heavy user like me, you can get the battery to last you an entire day on a single charge. Whether you are streaming videos, web browsing etc, you can rely on this battery.
The 25W charging speeds are a bit of a disappointment for a phone within its price. The phone takes slightly longer to recharge compared to devices with faster charging speeds.
What to like
- 7 years of software updates.
- Galaxy AI features.
- Reliable performance.
- Good build quality.
What not to like
- Minimal hardware changes.
- Slow charging speeds.
Summary
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 does not have many new hardware changes, its integration of AI and a promise of long-term software support makes it appealing to consumers. However, existing Galaxy S21 or S23 owners may find no need to upgrade, while those seeking a reliable flagship device will appreciate the Galaxy S24’s mix of performance and features.
Also Read: OPPO Reno 10 5G Review