Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: The Ultimate Smartphone for Travelers and Tech Enthusiasts
Published: April 19, 2025 | By BarterOut Team
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the flagship Android smartphone of 2025, boasting a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, a 200MP camera system, and advanced Galaxy AI features. Priced at $1,299, it’s designed for travelers capturing Bali’s sunsets, professionals multitasking in Budapest, or tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance. This comprehensive review dives into its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, travel-friendly features, and comparisons with competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Is it worth the premium price? Let’s find out.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120Hz, 2600 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 12GB/1TB |
| Cameras | 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x periscope, 12MP front |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 45W fast charging, 15W wireless |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Features | S Pen, IP68, Galaxy AI, 7-year updates |
| Price | Starting at $1,299 |
Design and Build
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor 2 glass, ensuring durability for rugged travel. Its flat 6.8-inch display reaches 2600 nits, making it readable in bright sunlight, ideal for outdoor use in places like Marrakech’s souks. Weighing 232g, it’s hefty but premium, with an IP68 rating to resist water and dust—perfect for splashes at Bali’s beaches or Hanoi’s rainy streets. Available in Titanium Black, Gray, Violet, and Yellow, it exudes sophistication. The integrated S Pen adds functionality for sketching or note-taking on the go.
- Pros: Durable titanium build, bright display, S Pen integration.
- Cons: Large size may not suit small hands, premium price.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, the S24 Ultra delivers exceptional speed for gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact at 60fps), video editing, and multitasking. Its 12GB RAM ensures smooth operation with 50+ apps open, while storage options (256GB–1TB) cater to content creators storing 8K videos. Galaxy AI enhances productivity with live transcription, circle-to-search, and photo editing. Benchmark scores include Geekbench 6 (Single: 2,250, Multi: 7,100) and 3DMark Wild Life (15,200), surpassing most rivals.
Travel Scenario: Edit a 4K vlog in a Hanoi café or run navigation apps in Budapest without lag.
Camera System
The 200MP main camera captures vibrant, detailed photos in all lighting conditions, rivaling professional cameras. The 50MP 5x periscope zoom excels at 10x–100x, perfect for photographing distant landmarks like Budapest’s Parliament or Tbilisi’s Narikala Fortress. The 12MP ultra-wide lens handles landscapes, while the 10MP 3x telephoto and 12MP front camera deliver solid performance. Galaxy AI features like object removal and generative fill simplify editing, and 8K video recording suits travel vloggers.
Travel Use Case: Capture Bali’s rice terraces in stunning detail or zoom into Marrakech’s bustling markets.
Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery lasts 1.5 days with heavy use (6–8 hours screen-on time), including GPS, photography, and streaming. 45W fast charging reaches 70% in 30 minutes, though no charger is included. 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging power accessories like the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. For long trips, pair with the Anker PowerCore 10000.
- Pros: Long battery life, fast charging.
- Cons: Charger not included, wireless charging relatively slow.
Travel-Friendly Features
The S24 Ultra shines for travelers with:
- Galaxy AI: Real-time translation for 13 languages (e.g., Vietnamese, Hungarian), ideal for navigating foreign markets.
- S Pen: Sketch itineraries or annotate maps during layovers.
- Durability: IP68 rating protects against water and dust in tropical or dusty environments.
- Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, and Wi-Fi 7 ensure global access, from Chiang Mai’s cafés to Krakow’s co-working spaces.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | S24 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 | $1,199 | $1,099 |
| Camera | 200MP + 50MP zoom | 48MP + 5x zoom | 50MP + 5x zoom |
| Battery | 5000mAh | ~4680mAh | 5060mAh |
| Unique | S Pen, Galaxy AI | Apple Intelligence | Google AI |
The S24 Ultra’s zoom and S Pen are unique, but the iPhone offers a smoother ecosystem for Apple users, and the Pixel excels in AI-driven photography at a lower price.
Who Should Buy It?
The S24 Ultra is ideal for:
- Travelers: Versatile camera and translation tools for global adventures.
- Professionals: Multitasking and S Pen for productivity.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Cutting-edge performance and AI features.
Consider the Pixel 9 Pro XL for budget-conscious buyers or the iPhone 16 Pro Max for iOS integration.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse smartphone, excelling in photography, performance, and travel utility. Its $1,299 price is justified by 7-year software updates, durable design, and AI-driven features. Budget your tech purchases with our savings calculators, or explore other tech reviews like the Apple MacBook Air M3 or Apple Watch Series 10 for a complete travel setup.