Samsung has recently launched the Galaxy S24, and the tech world is abuzz with discussions about its features and capabilities. Here’s a detailed first look at what this new AI-enabled smartphone has to offer.
Key Highlights:
- The Galaxy S24 series includes improved AI functionalities under the “Galaxy AI” umbrella.
- Display enhancements include a larger screen size and increased maximum brightness.
- Seven years of Android updates and security patches are promised.
- Performance varies with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the US and Exynos 2400 in other regions.
- The camera hardware remains unchanged, but software improvements and AI features enhance photo and video quality.
- Pricing starts at $800 for the 8/128GB model.
Design and Display: The Galaxy S24 maintains Samsung’s signature look with a flat back and three separate camera lenses. It introduces flat sides, resembling the design trend set by recent iPhones. The device features Armor Aluminum frames and a matte finish, reducing fingerprint visibility. Despite these changes, the phone’s size remains similar to its predecessor, offering a compact and familiar feel.
The display has been slightly enlarged to 6.17 inches, and the peak brightness has been boosted to 2,600 nits, enhancing outdoor usability. The variable refresh rate now ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, improving battery efficiency.
Camera Innovations: While the hardware of the S24’s camera remains the same, significant software upgrades and AI enhancements bring a noticeable difference in photo and video quality. Features like HDR preview in the viewfinder, new color science for more natural images, and various AI-powered editing tools in the Gallery app provide users with advanced photo and video capabilities.
Performance and Software: The Galaxy S24 comes equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in the US, while other regions receive the Exynos 2400 variant. Despite these differences, both chipsets promise robust performance. The phone runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1, which includes several new AI-powered features such as real-time translation in phone calls, a more intuitive Samsung keyboard, and Circle to Search with Google.
Battery and Pricing: The Galaxy S24 sports a slightly larger 4,000mAh battery, but charging speeds remain the same with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The base model with 8/128GB storage is priced at $800, making it a competitive option in the compact phone market.
Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy S24 emerges as a compelling option, blending traditional design with cutting-edge AI enhancements. While the hardware shows modest improvements, the focus on AI capabilities and software refinements make it a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The long-term software support and AI-focused features position the Galaxy S24 as a forward-thinking device in the current smartphone market.
