Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Impressive Features with Some Few Things to Consider

Welcome to another edition of Kwentong Tech, where we dive deep into the latest gadgets and share our honest experiences with you. Today, we’re lucky enough to review a phone that many have been eagerly waiting for: the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Although this device has created quite a buzz, let's take a closer look to see if it lives up to the hype.

A Glance at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a range of impressive features that make it a standout in the crowded smartphone market. It comes equipped with a 200MP main camera that promises pin-sharp resolution and vibrant colors. Alongside this, the new 50MP telephoto lens offers 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x optical zoom, complemented by an AI-powered 100x Space Zoom for clearer and brighter photos. On the front, you have a 12MP Dual Pixel Selfie camera, all housed within a sleek design featuring a 6.8-inch screen and durable materials.

However, despite these standout specifications, is the Galaxy S24 Ultra truly as revolutionary as it appears?

The Reality Behind the Hype

While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra certainly impresses with its spec sheet, there are a few aspects that may not be as groundbreaking as they seem. For instance, the 200MP camera is remarkable but comes with the downside of quickly consuming storage space. If you plan on using this feature extensively, you might find yourself needing additional storage solutions sooner rather than later.

The AI Features: A Blessing or a Curse?

One of the main selling points of the S24 Ultra is its AI integration. The camera’s AI is designed to make photography and video recording easier. As my wife aptly put it, it's about "easy access," meaning that the device is supposed to be user-friendly with helpful features. While the AI does assist in capturing stunning shots, it sometimes overcompensates by adjusting colors and lighting, which can lead to less natural-looking images.

These two images lightens and illuminates the dark areas.

Photography with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

For content creators, the S24 Ultra’s camera is a mixed bag. On one hand, it captures high-quality images that are crisp and detailed, which is perfect for event coverage. On the other hand, the extensive zoom capabilities, while impressive, may not always produce the most reliable results. For instance, while the 10x zoom is handy for getting close-up shots, it can be challenging to keep the image stable without a tripod.

The 200MP camera is certainly a feature to show off, but it’s worth noting that the storage capacity might become an issue if you're a heavy user. To avoid running out of space, consider opting for a higher storage model or investing in an external drive.

When and Where to Use the Camera Best

The S24 Ultra’s camera excels in well-lit environments. The colors are true to life and stand out vividly in daylight, making it ideal for capturing nature and vibrant scenes. However, the AI’s scene optimizer might not be as effective in low-light conditions, where it can over-brighten darker areas, sometimes altering the intended mood of your photos.

If you’re into dramatic night shots with high contrast, the S24 Ultra’s intelligent optimization can be more of a hindrance than a help. The AI tends to lighten dark areas, which can detract from the dramatic effect you might be going for.

AI Image Erase: A Useful but Flawed Tool

One feature that stands out is the AI image erase, which allows you to remove unwanted objects or people from your photos. This can be incredibly useful for eliminating photobombers or distractions. However, it’s not foolproof. If the object you want to remove is a similar color to the background or subject, the results can be less than perfect. It’s best to use this feature carefully to avoid unsightly patches in your photos.

Video Recording: A Double-Edged Sword

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a range of video recording options, from HD to 8K. While the 8K resolution delivers incredibly sharp and detailed footage, it also results in very large file sizes that can quickly eat up your storage. Additionally, while the video stabilization is generally effective, the need for a tripod is still evident when using high zoom levels to avoid shaky footage.

The S24 Ultra's AI stabilization is a notable feature, helping to smooth out shaky recordings, but it’s not a substitute for a steady hand or a tripod. For events like concerts, the zoom and video quality are impressive, but remember that your hand’s stability will impact the final result.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerful device with an array of impressive features that are certainly worth noting. However, it’s not without its flaws. The high storage demands, occasional overzealous AI adjustments, and the need for additional accessories like tripods can be drawbacks for some users. While the S24 Ultra is undoubtedly a top-tier smartphone, it’s important to weigh these aspects against the potential benefits to determine if it meets your specific needs.

So, whether you're a content creator or simply a tech enthusiast, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a compelling experience, but it’s essential to understand both its strengths and limitations.