It’s been nearly nine months since Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but for many users, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still feels like the smarter, more practical choice. While Samsung promised next-level innovation with the S25 series, the upgrades were minimal, and the much-hyped Galaxy AI features didn’t quite live up to expectations.
After switching my SIM back into the Galaxy S24 Ultra to test it with One UI 8, I realized how little has truly changed between the two flagships — and how much you can save without sacrificing real-world performance.
If you’re thinking of upgrading, here’s why the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains one of the best flagship smartphones you can buy today.
The first thing you notice when picking up the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its build quality and design. Despite being older, it doesn’t feel outdated in the slightest. In fact, its slightly thicker 8.6mm frame feels better in hand than the S25 Ultra’s sharper, flatter design. The edges are subtly curved, making it easier to hold and use for long periods. While Samsung’s newer model looks sleeker, it also lost some of the character that made the Ultra line unique — something the S24 Ultra retains beautifully.
The S Pen remains a defining feature for Samsung’s Ultra lineup, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra still supports Bluetooth S Pen functionality — a feature the company scaled back in the S25 Ultra. With the S24 Ultra, you can use the stylus for camera control, gestures, and remote features, making it ideal for creators, artists, and productivity enthusiasts.
The 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display continues to impress with its vibrant colors, crisp resolution, and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It also features the anti-reflective coating that dramatically improves outdoor visibility — something many users now consider essential in a flagship device. This small but impactful feature enhances usability in bright environments and reduces glare while watching videos or gaming.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with 12GB RAM ensures that the Galaxy S24 Ultra runs as fluidly as ever. The recent One UI 8 update has made the phone even better, bringing smoother animations, refined visuals, and improved multitasking features. Samsung’s optimization here is noteworthy — the phone feels just as fast as it did on launch day, if not faster.
Gaming performance remains excellent, too. The Galaxy S24 Ultra easily handles graphically demanding titles like Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty: Warzone. In fact, it performs more consistently than some newer devices like the Pixel 10 Pro XL, thanks to Samsung’s superior heat management and display tuning.
Battery life continues to be solid, offering a full day of heavy use on a single charge. Samsung’s 45W fast charging still gets you from 0 to 65% in around 30 minutes — fast enough for most users.
In daily use, the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t feel like a “last year’s phone.” Its combination of premium design, top-tier performance, and reliable software support keeps it on par with the latest flagship models. The One UI 8 interface also extends AI-powered features like Note Assist, Circle to Search, and Live Translate, ensuring the experience feels modern and future-ready.
For buyers looking to save without compromising on quality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner. It delivers everything you’d expect from a Samsung flagship — stellar performance, excellent cameras, long battery life, and the all-important S Pen — without the unnecessary price premium of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
In 2025, the Galaxy S24 Ultra proves that you don’t need to spend more to get a premium smartphone experience. It’s not just still relevant — it’s still one of the best.
