Samsung recently unveiled its latest Galaxy S24 lineup, featuring the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra models. As an Apple ecosystem enthusiast with the iPhone 15 Pro Max as my daily driver, I had the opportunity to experience the base model of the Galaxy S24 ahead of its official release. In this review, we’ll delve into the new features of the Galaxy S24 and examine how it stacks up against the iPhone 15 series.
Design: A Familiar Yet Refreshed Look Samsung has introduced a refreshed design for the Galaxy S24, opting for a matte finish and a flat, rather than curved, profile. While the design is elegant, it bears a striking resemblance to the latest iPhone models, a departure from Samsung’s previous unique designs. The bezels around the screen are slightly thinner than those on the iPhone 15 Pro, showcasing Samsung’s attention to detail.
Size Matters: Transitioning from a Larger to a Compact Phone Known for favoring larger screens, I typically lean towards big-screen phones. However, the Galaxy S24’s 6.2-inch display offers a comfortable compromise, delivering vibrant colors on its 120Hz AMOLED panel. Despite the slight adjustment in size, the display’s maximum brightness of 2600 nits provides excellent visibility in bright sunlight. Weighing only 167 grams, the S24 feels lightweight and ergonomic in hand, comparable to the regular iPhone 15.
AI-Centric Features: Galaxy AI Unveiled The Galaxy S24 places a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) features, known as “Galaxy AI.” Beyond incremental hardware improvements, Samsung introduces five noteworthy AI-driven features:
- Circle to Search: An enhanced search functionality that allows users to circle any on-screen content for quick Google searches.
- Photo Editing with AI: Generative tools for editing photos, enabling users to move or delete objects within an image, with AI regenerating the photo.
- Transcript Assist: A transcription feature that not only transcribes voice memos but also provides summarized content categorized by topics.
- Live Translate: Facilitating real-time language translation during phone calls, a useful feature for multilingual conversations.
- Chat Assist: Assisting users in improving communication through real-time translation and grammar suggestions.
Camera Enhancements: AI Meets Imaging While the camera specifications remain similar to the previous model, Samsung leverages AI and improved image processing to enhance the overall imaging experience. Notable improvements include:
- AI-assisted photo editing tools for seamless adjustments.
- A 3x telephoto lens for optical zoom, providing an edge over the iPhone 15’s digital zoom.
- Comparable image quality to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with some scenarios favoring the S24’s results.
Performance and Battery Life: Under the Hood The Galaxy S24 houses either the Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, depending on the region. In my tests, the Exynos version demonstrated commendable performance, comparable to Apple’s A15 Bionic and A17 Pro chips. While concerns about Exynos processors’ power consumption and overheating persist, the S24 exhibited only minor warmth during extensive use.
With an almost 4,000mAh battery, the Galaxy S24 offers impressive battery life, outperforming the iPhone 15 Pro Max in daily use. Samsung’s collaboration with Instagram aims to optimize the app for S24 devices, enhancing the user experience for sharing Stories.
Conclusion: A Top-Tier Contender Samsung’s Galaxy S24 stands as one of the top smartphones in the market, offering an enticing option for both Android and iPhone users. While the upgrade from the Galaxy S23 may not be substantial, the S24 presents a compelling choice for users seeking the latest hardware and innovative AI features. The decision between the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 ultimately boils down to personal preferences, with both devices priced similarly at $799.