The regular Samsung Galaxy S24 is the easiest compact phone to recommend

The smallest telephone in Samsung’s S-series is at all times a favorite for individuals who choose a extra petite handset.

This 12 months, the S24 is trying to retain that reputation by bringing Galaxy AI smarts and a brand new chipset to a well-recognized chassis.

The Galaxy S24 seems to be nearly equivalent to its predecessor, with the one apparent exterior modifications being a brand new matt end on the rear and a few totally different colors to select from. The display bezels have shrunk barely, which is at all times good to see, however you’d be hard-pressed to inform the fashions aside at a look.

With no {hardware} upgrades to the digicam system, both, it could look like the S24 is simply providing extra of the identical. Nonetheless, the software program does rather a lot to make this telephone really feel contemporary. I wished to know if it’s price selecting the newer mannequin, and after residing with it as my primary handset for over per week, right here’s what I came upon.

Design & Construct

• New matt end rear
• More durable aluminium body
• IP68 rated

As I discussed, there are numerous similarities between the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S23, which itself was just like the Galaxy S22. In different phrases, for those who’ve used a current mannequin, you gained’t be in for too many surprises.

Essentially the most noticeable change is that the rear panel has a satin-like matt end. It’s rather more fingerprint-resistant than the shiny rear panel, and I’m an enormous fan of this alteration. It’s additionally a grippy telephone, not like another velvety-feeling matt gadgets, so for those who’re courageous sufficient, you could possibly use it with no case.

The aluminium edges are actually utterly flat, giving the machine a little bit of an iPhone vibe, whereas the sides of the S23 have a refined curve to them.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Regardless of the tougher edges, it’s very comfy to carry, with a lot gentler curves in comparison with the sharp corners of the S24 Extremely. The sides even have a matt end, and similar to the rear panel, they’re much less vulnerable to smudges. I like to see it.

This aluminium body is supposedly 17% extra sturdy than the body of its predecessor, however it’s not fairly as fancy because the titanium body that you simply’ll discover on the S24 Extremely. To be utterly sincere, although, I’ve by no means had any considerations concerning the energy of the body – it’s the glass that’s much more prone to get broken in a drop.

As somebody who assessments numerous super-sized flagship telephones, switching to the Galaxy S24 was a deal with. It’s so slim and small that you simply barely discover it in your pocket, and the truth that it has flagship-grade specs means there are only a few compromises when choosing the extra compact mannequin.

The haptic motors on this telephone are additionally among the many finest I’ve tried. There’s a real mechanical-feeling clunk once you toggle a settings slider, whereas refined vibrations imply typing feels glorious.

Similar to earlier generations, the Galaxy S24 has an IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance. This implies it’s successfully mud and waterproof, so for those who’re the adventurous kind, you possibly can relaxation assured your telephone is properly protected against the weather.

Display & Audio system

• 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED show
• FHD+ decision, 2600 nits peak brightness
• Stereo audio system

The Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch utterly flat show, with barely slimmer bezels and a barely smaller digicam cut-out than its predecessor permitting for an additional 0.1-inch of display throughout the identical dimension physique.

Whereas it does really feel barely greater, the 2 shows aren’t worlds aside. The S24’s display is large enough to be gratifying for content material consumption, however it may really feel a tad cramped for gaming.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The largest improve to the show is that it’s now an LTPO panel, which suggests it may dynamically swap from as little as 1Hz all the way in which to a 120Hz refresh charge. Successfully, because of this content material seems to be easy and fluid whereas scrolling or taking part in a sport, however you’ll nonetheless get nice battery life, because the panel will decrease its refresh charge when a static picture is displayed.

The S24 will get a decrease decision panel than its different S-series siblings: this one is simply FHD+, whereas the S24+ and Extremely have a QHD+ show.

In actuality, although, you’ll barely discover it. The S24’s show at all times seems to be sharp, and the pixel density seems to be nice on a show of this dimension. What I’d actually have appreciated to see, although, is the beautiful anti-glare coating of the Extremely show – possibly that’ll trickle all the way down to the smaller telephones subsequent 12 months.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The show brightness has elevated considerably on the S24, and it’s now capable of output as much as 2600 nits in sure eventualities in line with Samsung. It definitely had no hassle competing with the early spring sunshine, and it makes HDR content material look very good by way of apps corresponding to Netflix and Prime Video.

Samsung’s One UI software program provides you some primary management over the color of the show, however it’s not as complete as some opponents. You get a Pure and a Vivid profile to decide on between and you’ll tweak the heat of the Vivid mode.

There’s additionally a sophisticated tab that permits you to dive additional into white stability adjustment. Nonetheless, I by no means felt the necessity to change something, because it seems to be implausible by default.

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Elsewhere, the Galaxy S24 has twin stereo audio system, and regardless of being crammed right into a smaller shell, they sound fairly good.

There’s extra bass response than you’ll hear on some competing telephones, however it may nonetheless use slightly extra grunt, in the meantime, the mids and highs are very detailed and sound nice. In fact, they’re no match for earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker, however they’re adequate to make use of across the residence.

Specs & Efficiency

• Exynos 2400 in UK, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in US
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB storage

The Galaxy S24 and S24+ function a Samsung Exynos 2400 processor in a lot of the world (together with the UK), although the US and a handful of different markets get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as an alternative.

I’ve been testing the Exynos variant, in its base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The Exynos 2400 is barely much less succesful than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, one thing which might be seen within the GFXBench scores within the chart on the backside of the web page.

Nonetheless, the margin is smaller than you would possibly count on. In day-to-day efficiency, you in all probability gained’t be capable of inform the distinction, and I may nonetheless max out the graphical settings and play Genshin Impression at 60fps on this telephone. It does get fairly sizzling within the course of, although, so the bigger fashions shall be a better option for eager avid gamers.

Except for getting a bit toasty, I’ve no complaints concerning the efficiency. The Galaxy S24 at all times feels quick and responsive – it’s a delight to make use of.

What’s slightly tougher to cope with, although, is the storage capability. 128GB feels very stingy in 2024, particularly when mid-rangers at half the value can now be discovered with 256GB as a base spec.

If you would like extra storage, 256GB is the utmost capability for this mannequin, and also you’ll want to leap to the S24+ to get 512GB, or the Extremely in order for you 1TB. It’s a little bit of a disgrace, actually; simply since you choose a smaller telephone, it doesn’t imply you don’t need top-tier specs. 

Samsung Galaxy S24 benchmarks

Cameras

• 50Mp primary sensor
• 12Mp ultrawide
• 10Mp 3x telephoto
• 12Mp selfie digicam

The digicam {hardware} on the Galaxy S24 is unchanged from the S23, however there are some variations in photograph and video efficiency due to tweaks within the picture processing.

I discovered that photographs from the newer telephone seemed slightly extra pure, with much less exaggeration within the color copy and fewer aggressive sharpening. In my eyes, the S24 is a considerably higher digicam telephone than its predecessor.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The 50Mp primary sensor is probably the most able to the rear trio, particularly at evening, as its 1/1.56-inch sensor gathers extra gentle than the supporting lenses. It captures probably the most element and is much less vulnerable to movement blur than the opposite two.

That stated, the 3x optical zoom from the telephoto could be very helpful to have, and it’s additionally able to some glorious outcomes. It really works properly for portraits, permitting you to seize close-up macro pictures with an impressively quick minimal focusing distance.

The ultrawide is first rate within the daytime, however it positively struggles at midnight, although activating evening mode can assist rather a lot. Its greatest weak point is that it doesn’t have autofocus, so whereas it’s nice for capturing landscapes, structure and enormous teams of individuals, you possibly can’t get very shut with it, which limits its usefulness.

The selfie digicam has the identical specs as the opposite telephones within the S24 lineup, and it’s fairly glorious. It has autofocus, which remains to be a rarity on even the priciest flagship telephones, and meaning your selfies at all times look tremendous sharp, regardless of how far you’re from the lens. A wonderful portrait mode and a plethora of beautification results add to the attract.

The S24 can shoot video at as much as 8K 30fps, however given the small storage capability, you gained’t be doing so for very lengthy. As an alternative, you’re extra prone to shoot at 4K 60fps, which is supported on each digicam. Stabilisation is nice in video mode, and strong microphones with good wind-noise suppression make for some nice clips.

My private favorite function is 4K 120fps gradual movement recording. Most telephones nonetheless restrict you to 1080p in gradual movement, and these movies look glorious by comparability, with significantly extra element.

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Arguably probably the most thrilling side of the S24’s digicam system isn’t something to do with the {hardware}, however moderately the brand new AI-powered modifying instruments. Now you can erase undesirable objects and folks from the body, take away reflections from home windows, and straighten out pictures with out cropping in – as generative AI fills within the corners.

The AI options prolong to video, too. You’ll be able to lengthy press on any video because it performs again to transform it to gradual movement, whatever the authentic body charge.

These results are slightly hit-and-miss in my expertise, although. After they work properly, it feels a bit like magic, however most of the time there shall be uncommon artefacts left behind.

Photographers with a watch for element are unlikely to be glad at current. That stated, it’s early days and the outcomes are solely going to get higher, which is an thrilling prospect.

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Battery Life & Charging

• 4000mAh battery
• 25W wired charging / 15W wi-fi
• No energy adapter within the field

With a 4000mAh battery capability, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has one of many smallest batteries of any trendy flagship. I used to be slightly nervous about this, however I needn’t have been, because it was a lot to see me by a mean day’s use. I suppose the lower-resolution LTPO show helps rather a lot on this regard.

In fact, for those who’re gaming for hours or taking plenty of photographs, you possibly can count on a shorter battery life, however that’s true of any telephone. Even on heavy-use days, the telephone soldiered on into the late night, at which level I may simply stick it on the charger with out challenge.

Like all Samsung flagships, there’s no charger included within the field, only a USB-C cable, and the charging speeds are removed from spectacular.

A 50% cost from absolutely flat will take just below half an hour, which isn’t terrible, however it all is dependent upon what you’re used to. After testing a number of flagships from Chinese language producers with 100W+ charging speeds, 25W feels glacial.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The telephone helps wi-fi charging, too, however that’ll take even longer. Nonetheless, it’s good to simply be capable of pop the telephone onto a charging pad whilst you’re at your desk and let it do its factor.

Software program & Apps

• Samsung One UI 6.1
• Based mostly on Android 14
• New Galaxy AI options

Samsung’s One UI 6 software program (over Android 14) is completely loaded with options, extra so than ever now that each one of that Galaxy AI goodness is baked in, however that’s each a great and unhealthy factor.

It means this telephone can do all kinds of intelligent issues – every little thing that the S24 Extremely can do, in reality – however discovering every little thing could be a little tough.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Nonetheless, when you be taught your method round, there’s some nice stuff right here. I significantly love the stackable widgets on the house display, and the addition of lock display widgets is a pleasant function that’s nonetheless very uncommon amongst Android flagships.

Generally, One UI simply feels snappier and extra responsive than numerous competing Android skins, too. I’m unsure if it’s a trick of the animation model, however no matter Samsung is doing right here works properly.

As for the headline-grabbing AI options, they’re fairly cool, and so they appear to work properly, however they’re not issues that I usually want in my day by day life. Lots of it’s targeted on translation, and so far as I can inform it really works, however until I’m travelling, it’s not one thing that comes into play.

The power to make use of AI to format your notes is neat, too, however until I’m sharing them with somebody, I don’t actually thoughts my notes being messy.

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

Luke Baker

The function I discover myself utilizing rather a lot is Circle to Search with Google. This debuted with the S24 sequence, however it has already made its approach to Pixel gadgets, and I’m keen to wager it’ll be on different Android handsets earlier than lengthy.

Both method, it’s on the S24, and it’s an especially handy approach to discover extra details about belongings you stumble throughout on the web – simply lengthy press the house button (or swipe up from backside of display and maintain) and circle what you wish to search the online for.

Samsung additionally gives a few of the longest software program assist of any model, promising an astonishing 7 years of safety patches and seven generational OS upgrades on the S24 telephones. This may solely be matched by Google’s Pixel 8 sequence on the time of writing. So, for those who plan on hanging on to your subsequent telephone for a very long time, it’s a wonderful choice.

Value & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is out there globally, though there are variations in color choices and specs relying in your area. Most nations get Samsung’s personal Exynos 2400 processor, however the US mannequin is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. 

The bottom mannequin comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and retails for $799.99 / £799, if you wish to improve to 256GB of storage, the telephone will value you $859.99 / £859.

You should buy the telephone direct from Samsung UK, Samsung US or by way of many third celebration retailers and carriers. See the total vary in our devoted round-up of the perfect Samsung Galaxy S24 offers.

On contract, listed below are the perfect choices within the UK.

In the event you’re within the US, the highest contract offers with a minimum of 1GB of knowledge are proven under.

Must you purchase the Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 isn’t probably the most thrilling generational replace – it’s simply too just like its predecessor, I can’t think about many Galaxy S23 homeowners will wish to improve.

That stated, the enhancements made right here aren’t only for the sake of it. The matt end seems to be and feels higher than the shiny Galaxy S23 sequence, the display is a particular enchancment, and the Exynos processor trades blows with the perfect that Qualcomm has to supply.

Then, there are all of the AI options. A few of these are undeniably helpful, some come into play much less usually, and a few are simply plain enjoyable. Nonetheless, I didn’t discover them to be impactful sufficient to be a deciding issue when selecting a telephone. Possibly that’ll change because the software program develops.

Whereas I’d crave some {hardware} upgrades, particularly within the digicam division, the actual fact stays that the Samsung Galaxy S24 is without doubt one of the finest compact flagships obtainable. In the event you choose a smaller telephone, it’s certain to fulfill with its ample energy, spectacular pictures and premium design.

Competitors is definitely heating up, although, with powerhouses just like the Xiaomi 14 on the scene, so Samsung shouldn’t relaxation on its laurels for too lengthy.

Specs

• One UI 6.1, based mostly on Android 14
• 6.2in, 2340×1080, AMOLED, 120Hz
• In-display fingerprint sensor
• Exynos 2400
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB storage
• Cameras:
  • 50Mp, f/1.8 primary digicam
  • 12Mp f/2.2 ultra-wide digicam
  • 10Mp f/2.4 3x telephoto
  • 12Mp front-facing digicam
• As much as 8K @ 30fps rear video
• Stereo audio system
• Twin-SIM
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
• Bluetooth 5.3
• 4000mAh battery
• 25W charging (no charger in field)
• 15W wi-fi charging
• 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
• IP68 licensed
• 167g
• Colors: Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Inexperienced, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue