Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Review: Do you really need the Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus has emerged as a surprisingly formidable contender in the flagship category, even among Samsung's 2024 S24 portfolio, boasting a tried-and-tested design, stunning display, powerful performance, and a host of features. Priced starting at ₹99,999, the Galaxy S24 Plus presents a compelling option for those seeking a top-tier device without breaking the bank, as they might with the pricier — and undeniably better — Galaxy S24 Ultra.

While the S24 Plus retains the familial aesthetics of its predecessor, it introduces a subtle yet impactful change – flat sides. The aluminium frame with a matte finish enhances the phone's grip and lends it a polished and refined look. The device maintains its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and Gorilla Glass 2 protection and my review unit came in a pleasing Cobalt Violet colour option.

The centrepiece of the Galaxy S24 Plus is its 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X panel, now upgraded to a QHD+ resolution with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The increase in resolution, coupled with the ability to scale down the 120Hz refresh rate to 1Hz for power efficiency, results in a fantastic display. Whether in direct sunlight or low-light conditions, the screen impresses with its clarity and vibrancy.

Equipped with a 50MP main camera, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP selfie camera, the Galaxy S24 Plus delivers commendable results for static subjects. The new colour-tuning solution aims for accurate and natural tones, providing visually appealing photos. However, the camera struggles with moving objects, resulting in blurry images. While the ultrawide and telephoto lenses offer versatility, the limitations in capturing dynamic scenes are evident.

Powering the S24 Plus is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering stellar performance and smooth multitasking with 12GB of RAM. The device handles resource-intensive applications effortlessly, with notable gaming capabilities showcased in games like Call of Duty: Mobile. The Indian variant of the smartphone comes with the Exynos 2400 chipset, which, while boasting similar clock speeds and two more CPU cores compared to the S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, is not quite up there with performance.

That said, it's no slouch.

The Galaxy AI suite introduces a range of features, with notable successes in photo editing, translation, and real-time language interpretation. Edit Suggestions and Generative Edit enhance photo editing capabilities, while features like Live Translate and Interpreter Mode showcase Samsung's focus on language-centric AI applications. However, not all AI features hit the mark, with Chat Assist's attempt to change message tones falling short of practicality.

Running on Android 14 customised with One UI 6.1, the S24 Plus offers a more streamlined user experience. Updates include a redesigned Quick Settings panel, an always-on display inspired by iPhone aesthetics, and various enhancements throughout the UI. While some may find One UI slightly bloated, the improvements indicate Samsung's commitment to refining its software for a better user experience. I, for once, have started using Samsung's first-party apps for internet browsing, notes, and more, and honestly, I quite liked the experience, especially since they support most of the Galaxy AI features.

The Galaxy S24 Plus excels in battery life, thanks to its 4,900 mAh battery and the chipsets. Even with the QHD+ resolution and always-on display enabled, the device easily achieves a full day of use and more with moderate usage. Wired charging at 45W and wireless charging at 15W provide fast charging options, while reverse wireless charging adds convenience for users to top up their devices on the go.

Priced at ₹99,999, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus emerges as a compelling option, balancing top-tier features with a more reasonable price tag compared to its Ultra counterpart. While the camera struggles with moving objects and some AI features may not be essential, the device's overall package, including its design, display, performance, and battery life, positions it as one of the standout smartphones in 2024. For users prioritising hardware, display quality, and day-long endurance, the Galaxy S24 Plus stands tall among the competition, offering an impressive blend of functionality and value.

Given all this, do you really need the S24 Ultra? If you have cash to burn and need the latest and greatest from Samsung, then go for it. But if you need one of the Samsung flagship smartphones and don't care to spend nearly ₹1.30 lakh, then I'd wager you'd be more than happy with the S24 Plus.