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In this review, we’re delving into the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, a device that strikes a balance between the ultra-premium features of the Ultra and the more budget-friendly options. While the Ultra variant boasts a plethora of advanced features like a larger screen, S Pen support, and enhanced screen technology, the S24 and S24 Plus cater to users who prefer a more affordable yet feature-rich smartphone experience.

For those who prefer compact devices, the S24 is a compelling option, as premium compact smartphones are becoming increasingly rare in the market. Meanwhile, the S24 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch display, which has been upgraded to a QHD resolution, bringing it closer to the Ultra in terms of screen quality.

Under the hood, the S24 Plus is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in the United States, while other regions may receive the Samsung Exynos variant. While the Exynos chipset may have had a mixed reputation in previous iterations, this year’s model seems to perform admirably, as per reports from European reviews. Additionally, both the S24 and S24 Plus benefit from improved battery life, thanks to larger battery capacities and enhanced processor optimizations.

In the past, the Ultra model was synonymous with exceptional battery life, often lasting well over a day for many users. However, Samsung has made significant strides in improving the battery performance of the S24 Plus, which now rivals that of the Ultra. With a 4900 milliamp battery, the S24 Plus offers impressive longevity, similar to its larger counterpart. Even the smaller S24 model sees a notable improvement in battery capacity, dispelling the notion that compact phones must compromise on battery life.

The display on the S24 Plus is equally impressive, boasting a maximum brightness of 2600 nits in automatic mode, ideal for outdoor use in bright sunlight. While these AI features are undoubtedly beneficial, it’s worth noting that they will also be available on other devices in the S23 and Fold 5 series, as well as the Z Flip 5, eliminating the need to opt for the S24 Plus solely for these features.

In short, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus strikes a fine balance between premium features and affordability, making it a compelling choice for users who seek flagship-level performance without breaking the bank.

In comparing the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus to its Ultra counterpart, there are some notable differences to consider. First off, the S Pen functionality is exclusive to the Ultra model, so if stylus support is a priority for you, the S24 Plus may not be the ideal choice. Additionally, while the S24 Plus features a slightly smaller display compared to the Ultra, it retains a similar flat glass design, albeit with some rounding at the edges.

However, the absence of the S Pen and the slight differences in design may not be significant factors for most users. Another distinguishing feature of the Ultra is its anti-glare glass treatment, which addresses concerns about screen visibility in bright conditions. While this feature is absent in the S24 Plus, it may not be a deal-breaker for many consumers.

Moving on to the display, the S24 Plus boasts a 120Hz variable refresh rate OLED panel, delivering vibrant and visually stunning imagery. Despite some initial reports of washed-out colors on the S24 Ultra, such issues seem to be absent on the S24 Plus, with users praising its vibrant and immersive display experience. While the display quality may not offer significant improvements over previous models like the S23 Plus, aside from differences in maximum brightness, it nonetheless provides an enjoyable viewing experience.

In terms of memory and storage, the S24 Plus offers 12GB of RAM, compared to the 8GB found in the standard S24 model. This puts the S24 Plus on par with the Ultra in terms of memory capacity, ensuring smooth performance and multitasking capabilities. Storage options for the S24 Plus range from 256GB to 512GB, catering to users who require ample space for their apps, media, and files. However, it’s worth noting that the lack of expandable storage via microSD card slots may disappoint some users accustomed to this feature in previous Samsung devices.

Connectivity-wise, the S24 Plus offers comprehensive support for 5G networks, including both millimeter wave and sub-6GHz bands, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity in various environments. Additionally, standard features like NFC are present, providing users with convenient payment options and other NFC-enabled functionalities.

When it comes to the camera setup, the S24 Plus maintains a similar configuration to its predecessor, with incremental software improvements enhancing features like night mode and overall image quality. The device boasts a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel 3x optical zoom telephoto camera. While the camera specs remain largely unchanged from previous models, the S24 Plus delivers solid performance, producing high-quality images and videos across different shooting scenarios. The front-facing 12-megapixel camera is equally capable, ensuring sharp and detailed selfies.

Despite its premium features and performance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus comes with a price tag of $999, while the standard S24 is priced at $799. However, various trade-in deals and promotions from carriers and retailers may lower the overall cost, making these flagship devices more accessible to consumers. Overall, the S24 Plus offers a compelling blend of premium design, features, and performance, making it a worthy contender in the competitive smartphone market.

Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Plus, comes with an impressive promise of seven years of OS updates. While this includes regular security patches, the prospect of receiving major version upgrades for such an extended period raises questions about the device’s long-term compatibility and performance.

However, this extensive update support is particularly significant for users of the S24 Plus and standard S24 models, who tend to hold onto their devices for longer periods compared to Ultra buyers, who are often enthusiasts eager to upgrade frequently. With this assurance of continued support, users can feel confident that their S24 Plus devices will remain secure and up-to-date for years to come.

In addition to its extended update support, the Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a range of AI features designed to enhance user experience. Among these features is Circle the Search, a functionality similar to that found on Google Pixel devices, allowing users to search for items by circling them on the screen. While this feature can be handy for shopping and general information retrieval, its effectiveness may vary depending on the accuracy of the search results.

The device also offers a photo editing feature powered by AI technology, although its performance may not match that of Google’s equivalent feature. Furthermore, the S24 Plus includes transcription capabilities for meetings, eliminating the need for manual note-taking, as well as an executive summary feature for condensing meeting content. Lastly, the device supports live translation of phone calls in multiple languages, although the utility of this feature may be limited compared to face-to-face translation services. While these AI features add convenience and functionality to the device, users should be aware that Samsung may introduce fees for these services after 2025.

In terms of hardware features, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, allowing users to charge compatible devices wirelessly. However, the device lacks support for MagSafe technology, although aftermarket cases may offer this functionality. Overall, the S24 Plus presents a compelling option for users seeking a premium smartphone experience.

While it may not offer groundbreaking innovations or significant improvements over previous models, it delivers a sleek and attractive design, vibrant display, and robust performance. Despite its premium price tag of $1,000, savvy shoppers can take advantage of various deals and promotions to acquire the device at a more affordable price point. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is a worthy successor to its predecessors and a solid choice for users in search of a reliable and feature-rich smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S24+ Pros:

1. Extended OS Updates: Samsung promises seven years of OS updates for the Galaxy S24+, ensuring long-term security and compatibility for users.
2. Powerful Performance: Equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (in the US) or Samsung Exynos chipset (in select regions), the S24+ delivers smooth and responsive performance, ideal for multitasking, gaming, and productivity.
3. Vibrant Display: The device features a stunning OLED display with a variable refresh rate of 120Hz, providing smooth visuals and vibrant colors for an immersive viewing experience.
4. Improved Camera: With a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and 3x optical zoom telephoto camera, the S24+ captures stunning photos and videos in various conditions, supported by enhanced software features like night mode and improved image processing.
5. Ample Storage Options: Users can choose between 128GB or 256GB of internal storage for the S24+, with the option to expand storage further via microSD card (unfortunately, this feature has been removed in recent models).
6. 5G Connectivity: The S24+ supports both millimeter wave and sub-6 5G networks, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity for streaming, gaming, and browsing on the go.
7. Qi Wireless Charging: The device supports Qi wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phone without the need for cables.
8. Reverse Wireless Charging: With reverse wireless charging capabilities, the S24+ can charge other compatible devices wirelessly, making it a versatile tool for powering up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
9. Attractive Design: Sporting a sleek and modern design, the S24+ features premium materials and refined finishes, making it an attractive choice for users who value aesthetics.
10. AI Features: The device offers various AI-powered features, including Circle the Search for intuitive searching, transcription capabilities for meetings, and live translation of phone calls, enhancing productivity and convenience.

Samsung Galaxy S24+ Cons:

1. High Price: The S24+ comes with a premium price tag, starting at $999, making it a significant investment for budget-conscious consumers.
2. No Expandable Storage: Unlike previous models, the S24+ does not support expandable storage via microSD card, limiting options for users who require additional storage space.
3. Lack of MagSafe Support: The device does not feature MagSafe technology, which may disappoint users looking for the convenience of magnetic accessories and chargers.
4. AI Feature Fees: While Samsung offers AI features for free until 2025, there may be additional fees for these services in the future, potentially impacting the overall value proposition of the device.
5. Similarity to Previous Models: The S24+ may not offer significant innovations or improvements over previous models, leading some users to question the necessity of upgrading from older devices.
6. Limited Telephoto Range: While the S24+ includes a 3x optical zoom telephoto camera, its telephoto range may be insufficient for users who require greater zoom capabilities for photography.
7. Dependence on Software Updates: The longevity of the device’s performance and feature set relies heavily on ongoing software updates from Samsung, with uncertain implications for long-term usability and functionality.
8. Potential Compatibility Issues: Users in regions where the device is powered by the Samsung Exynos chipset may experience differences in performance and compatibility compared to models with the Snapdragon processor, potentially affecting user experience.
9. Limited Availability of Color Options: The availability of color options may vary depending on the region and carrier, limiting choices for users who prefer specific color configurations.
10. Incremental Upgrades: While the S24+ offers incremental upgrades in terms of hardware and features, some users may find the lack of groundbreaking innovations disappointing, especially considering the premium price point of the device.