In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Samsung has once again raised the bar with its latest offering, the Galaxy S24 Plus.
This device, positioned between the standard S24 and the premium S24 Ultra, brings a host of impressive features and improvements that make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Galaxy S24 Plus a standout device in Samsung’s 2024 lineup.
Design and Build: Refinement in Every Detail
The Galaxy S24 Plus showcases Samsung’s commitment to elegant design and premium build quality.
With dimensions of 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7mm and weighing in at a comfortable 196g, the S24 Plus strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics.
The device features an enhanced Armor Aluminum frame, providing durability without compromising on style.
One of the most noticeable design changes is the adoption of more squared-off sides and iPhone-like rounded corners, giving the S24 Plus a modern and sophisticated look.
The back of the device sports a satin finish, creating a unified design aesthetic with the frame. This attention to detail not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the grip, making the phone more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Display: A Visual Feast
The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which is a slight increase from its predecessor.
However, the real upgrade lies in the resolution. Samsung has equipped the S24 Plus with a QHD+ display, matching the resolution of the Ultra model.
This results in an impressive pixel density of 509 ppi, even slightly higher than the S24 Ultra due to the marginally smaller screen size.
The display supports a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions while optimizing battery life.
With a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the S24 Plus screen remains clearly visible even under direct sunlight, marking a significant improvement over the S23 Plus’s 1,750 nits.
Samsung’s Vision Booster technology further enhances the viewing experience by optimizing color and contrast, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
Whether you’re browsing photos, watching videos, or playing games, the S24 Plus display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent overall picture quality.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Plus packs a punch with its cutting-edge processor.
In the US market, it’s equipped with a Galaxy-tuned version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, while other regions receive Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 chipset.
Both variants promise exceptional performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications alike.
The device comes with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app switching. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB variants, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.
Unfortunately, there’s no expandable storage option, so choosing the right capacity at purchase is crucial.
One of the standout features of the S24 Plus is its improved thermal management. A larger vapor chamber enhances heat dissipation, allowing for sustained performance during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
This improvement addresses one of the common criticisms of previous models, promising a more consistent user experience even under heavy loads.
Camera System: Capturing Life in Detail
While the camera hardware on the S24 Plus remains similar to its predecessor, Samsung has introduced several software enhancements and AI-powered features that elevate the photography experience:
- Main Camera: 50MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8)
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP (f/2.2)
- Telephoto Camera: 10MP (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom
- Selfie Camera: 12MP (f/2.2)
The S24 Plus introduces several AI-powered editing features, bringing more creative control to users:
- Generative Edit: Allows users to move or remove objects in photos, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser.
- Instant Slow-Mo: Creates slow-motion videos from standard footage using AI interpolation.
- ProVisual Engine: Enhances detail and color in photos, especially at higher zoom levels.
Video capabilities include 8K recording at 30fps, Super HDR selfie videos, and improvements to the popular Portrait mode.
Features like Nightography for low-light photography, Astrophoto, and Astro Hyperlapse cater to photography enthusiasts looking to push the boundaries of mobile photography.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance for Days
The Galaxy S24 Plus comes equipped with a 4,900mAh battery, a 200mAh increase from the S23 Plus.
This larger capacity, combined with the efficient new chipset and adaptive refresh rate display, translates to impressive battery life. Many users report comfortably getting through two full days of moderate use on a single charge.
Charging capabilities include:
- 45W wired fast charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Wireless PowerShare for reverse wireless charging
While the 45W wired charging isn’t the fastest on the market, it still provides a significant boost, charging the device from 0 to 65% in about 30 minutes.
Software and AI Features: The Future is Now
Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 overlay, the S24 Plus introduces a suite of AI-powered features collectively known as Galaxy AI:
- Live Translate: Provides real-time two-way call translation, breaking down language barriers in voice and video calls.
- Chat Assist: Helps refine the tone and style of written messages across various apps.
- Note Assist: Offers AI-powered organization and summarization for Samsung Notes.
- Circle to Search: A gesture-based search feature allowing users to circle, highlight, or tap on-screen content to perform a Google search.
These AI features are designed to enhance productivity and user experience, setting the S24 Plus apart in the competitive smartphone market.
Samsung has committed to providing these AI features for free until the end of 2025 on supported devices.
Additional Features and Specifications
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Under-display fingerprint sensor
- USB-C connector (no headphone jack)
- Wi-Fi 7 support
- 7 years of OS and security updates, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus hit the market on January 31, 2024, with a starting price of $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 for the 256GB model. The 512GB variant is priced at $1,119.99 / £1,099 / AU$1,899.
Color options include Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Onyx Black, and Marble Gray, with Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange available exclusively through Samsung’s website.
New Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus : A Compelling Mid-Range Flagship
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus emerges as a strong contender in the 2024 smartphone market, offering a balanced mix of premium features without the ultra-premium price tag of the S24 Ultra.
With its improved display, powerful performance, capable camera system, and innovative AI features, the S24 Plus caters to users who want a high-end experience without breaking the bank.
The device’s strengths lie in its excellent display, long-lasting battery life, and the promise of extended software support.
The inclusion of Galaxy AI features adds a layer of functionality that may become increasingly useful as users adapt to these new capabilities.
However, potential buyers should consider a few factors:
- The camera system, while capable, doesn’t see significant hardware upgrades from the previous generation.
- The lack of expandable storage means choosing the right capacity at purchase is crucial.
- The AI features, while impressive, are currently promised as free only until the end of 2025.
Despite these minor considerations, the Galaxy S24 Plus stands out as a well-rounded device that should satisfy most users’ needs.
It bridges the gap between the standard S24 and the Ultra model, offering a compelling package that combines performance, style, and innovation.
For those in the market for a new Android flagship that balances features and value, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus deserves serious consideration.