The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Faces Challenges.
After testing the Galaxy S24 Ultra again, some of its disadvantages have become apparent, which in turn has revealed what needs to be improved in its next version.
I've been using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra again over the past few weeks, and while I firmly believe it is still one of the most versatile smartphones on the market, I soon grew tired of its design and shape. I wasn't the only one who expressed concerns about this, which led me to think that Samsung really needs to consider a significant refresh for the Galaxy S25 Ultra next year, especially since the competition has notably improved.
Starting with the positives, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is incredibly versatile. For me, it stands on par with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, satisfying all my mobile needs in a powerful package. Its screen is huge, incredibly sharp, and colorful; even when constantly set at the maximum resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, battery life has not been significantly affected. The biggest advantage of the S24 Ultra is its battery life, which has impressed me. During a week of vacation, I used the phone differently than usual: I didn’t send many emails or use Microsoft Teams, but I spent time with the camera and apps like Reddit. The battery lasted about three days with usage involving around two hours of screen time a day, keeping pace with my iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Like many current flagship phones, I never felt that the S24 Ultra was slow or had trouble multitasking; its responsiveness is really good. With years of experience using Samsung phones, I can customize the One UI interface to suit my preferences in just minutes. Although some system notifications can be a bit annoying, I appreciate the overall design and layout, although I must mention that Galaxy AI hasn't been helpful for me, nor has the S Pen, although they are available for those who need them.
However, the design of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is starting to look outdated. It hasn’t changed since the Galaxy S22 Ultra, and a non-techie friend described it as "boring" when seeing it next to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This made me reflect more on its design. The flat, rectangular shape is evident, and the lack of character may not be significant for everyone. However, it is undeniable that there haven’t been any significant improvements in the Ultra models in recent years, especially considering the attractive proposition of the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that the edges are uncomfortable, as they dig into the palm of your hand after a while, making it less pleasant to hold compared to the iPhone 16. Although the dimensions are similar, the Galaxy S24 Ultra feels wider and thicker, accentuating its lack of ergonomics. The competition from the new Pixel models and the iPhone 16 has exposed the S24 Ultra's weaknesses in terms of comfort and feel.
Samsung's decision to maintain a similar design in the Ultra range for several years must come to an end. The Galaxy S25 Ultra needs to compete in terms of comfort and modern style. If it continues with the aesthetics of its predecessors, it risks being left behind, especially now that Google is placing greater emphasis on materials and design.
While the S24 Ultra's package is really good, I worry that Samsung will opt for an outdated design again. The recent leak about the design of the Galaxy S25 does not inspire confidence, as a design similar to the iPhone would be disappointing. Although it seems that the new model might be lighter, that alone would not be enough. Even though the Galaxy S24 Ultra hasn't left me dissatisfied, I now find myself more inclined to use the Pixel 9 Pro or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold instead of continuing with the S24 Ultra. This highlights how impressive Google's phones are this year and the need for Samsung not to repeat the same formula for their next Ultra model, especially in light of strong competition from Android and iOS.
