Introduction
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series takes aim at users who want top-tier specs in a compact, pocketable design. While the Ultra grabs headlines with its giant screen and S Pen, the Galaxy S24 5G is arguably the most balanced choice for everyday users.
But is it truly the best small flagship of 2025? I’ve spent time analyzing what it offers—and where it might fall short. Here’s my in-depth review to help you decide if this is your next phone.
🔥 Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy S24 5G |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.2” Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz LTPO |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB + 128/256/512GB |
| Cameras | 50MP wide + 12MP ultra + 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Battery | 4000mAh, 45W wired charging |
| Software | One UI 6.1 (Android 14) |
📱 Design and Build: Compact Done Right
Samsung continues to perfect its design language with the S24. The phone feels premium and genuinely pocketable—something rare among 2025 flagships.
✅ Highlights:
- Armor Aluminum frame for extra durability
- Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on front and back
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Flat edges and smaller bezels
It weighs just ~167g and is only 7.6mm thick, making it one of the most comfortable phones to hold. It feels solid, not slippery, with precise, clicky buttons.
Pros:
✔️ Extremely premium build
✔️ Compact and one-hand-friendly
✔️ Top-tier durability (IP68)
Cons:
✘ No headphone jack
✘ Slightly conservative design (similar to S23)
🌈 Display: Best-in-Class Small Screen
Samsung’s 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X remains among the very best displays in its size class.
✅ Key Features:
- LTPO 1–120Hz adaptive refresh
- HDR10+ support
- 2600+ nits peak brightness (great outdoors)
- Slim, symmetrical bezels
✅ Experience:
- Super-smooth scrolling
- Punchy, accurate colors
- Bright enough even in direct sun
- LTPO saves battery at low refresh
Pros:
✔️ Best small-screen display on the market
✔️ Adaptive refresh saves power
✔️ Gorgeous, accurate colors
Cons:
✘ Flat screen only (some may want curves)
⚡ Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Brilliance
Samsung finally nails performance consistency with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in some regions).
✅ Specs:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US/India) / Exynos 2400 (EU, some Asia)
- 8GB LPDDR5X RAM
- Up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage
✅ Benchmark Scores (approx):
- Antutu: ~1.6 million
- Geekbench: ~2100 single / ~6600 multi
✅ Real-World Use:
- Ultra-fast app launches
- Seamless multitasking with RAM Plus
- Stutter-free high-end gaming (BGMI, Genshin)
- Cooler sustained performance than S23
Samsung’s new AI-powered optimization helps keep apps ready in memory and tunes power use intelligently.
Pros:
✔️ Flagship-level speed
✔️ AI optimizations for better battery, RAM
✔️ UFS 4.0 storage = blazing fast
Cons:
✘ Exynos variant less powerful in GPU-heavy games
📸 Cameras: Flagship Quality with Familiar Formula
Samsung doesn’t reinvent the camera hardware for the S24—but improves processing significantly.
✅ Rear Camera Setup:
- 50MP wide (OIS, f/1.8)
- 12MP ultrawide (120° FOV)
- 10MP 3x telephoto (OIS)
✅ Front Camera:
- 12MP with autofocus, 4K60 video
✅ Main Camera Highlights:
- Excellent daylight detail with balanced colors
- Improved Nightography with better dynamic range
- AI Scene Optimization works faster
✅ Zoom:
- 3x optical is sharp
- Digital zoom up to 30x usable
✅ Video:
- 8K 30fps or 4K 60fps on rear
- 4K 60fps on front
Pros:
✔️ Consistently excellent main camera
✔️ 3x zoom better than most in its size class
✔️ Superb video with strong stabilization
Cons:
✘ Ultrawide is good but not class-leading
✘ No periscope zoom like Ultra
🔋 Battery Life and Charging: Surprisingly Solid
Despite the compact size, Samsung fits in a 4000mAh battery.
✅ Battery Life:
- Light use: ~1.5 days
- Heavy use: ~1 day
- Screen-on-time: ~6–7 hours
✅ Charging:
- 45W wired charging (~0–100% in ~50 min)
- 15W wireless charging
- 4.5W reverse wireless
AI battery optimization in One UI 6.1 helps stretch screen-on-time intelligently.
Pros:
✔️ Good battery for compact size
✔️ Fast enough wired charging
✔️ Wireless and reverse charging
Cons:
✘ Not the biggest battery
✘ 45W charger sold separately in many regions
📦 Software: One UI 6.1 with Galaxy AI
✅ OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1
✅ Major Features:
- Galaxy AI for real-time translation, summarization
- Circle to Search with Google
- Photo Assist: Generative editing
- Improved DeX for external monitors
✅ Update Promise:
- 7 years of Android + security updates
Samsung’s One UI 6.1 is smooth, mature, and adds meaningful AI tools without feeling bloated.
Pros:
✔️ Longest update support among Android brands
✔️ Excellent multitasking
✔️ Smart AI features for productivity
Cons:
✘ Preinstalled Samsung/Google apps can clutter for some users
🌐 Connectivity and Extras
✅ 5G with global band support
✅ Wi-Fi 6E
✅ Bluetooth 5.3
✅ NFC for payments
✅ In-display ultrasonic fingerprint
✅ Dual SIM / eSIM options
✅ Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Pros:
✔️ Future-proof connectivity
✔️ Great sound quality
✔️ Secure, fast fingerprint sensor
Cons:
✘ No expandable storage
✘ No headphone jack
🤔 How It Compares to Rivals
| Feature | Galaxy S24 5G | iPhone 15 | Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2” 120Hz AMOLED | 6.1” 60Hz OLED | 6.2” 120Hz OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | A16 Bionic | Tensor G3 |
| Battery | 4000mAh, 45W | ~3349mAh, 20W | ~4485mAh, 27W |
| Cameras | Triple with 3x zoom | Dual no zoom | Dual with AI zoom |
| Updates | 7 years | 5 years | 7 years |
✅ Verdict:
- Samsung wins for compact size with zoom.
- iPhone is simpler but slower charging, no zoom.
- Pixel excels at AI photography but lacks optical zoom.
✅ Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
✔️ Stunning, small premium design
✔️ Best-in-class compact display
✔️ Flagship performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
✔️ Excellent main + zoom cameras
✔️ Solid battery life with fast charging
✔️ 7 years of updates
Cons:
✘ No headphone jack or SD card
✘ Slightly conservative design evolution
✘ Exynos variant weaker for gamers
📌 FAQs
Q: Does the Galaxy S24 support wireless charging?
👉 Yes—15W wireless + reverse wireless.
Q: Which chip will I get?
👉 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in US, India, China. Exynos 2400 in Europe and parts of Asia.
Q: Is there a charger in the box?
👉 No—Samsung sells the 45W charger separately.
Q: How long will it get updates?
👉 7 years of OS and security updates.
🌟 Final Verdict: 4.5/5 ⭐
The Galaxy S24 5G is simply the best compact flagship of 2025 for most people. It nails the balance of size, power, cameras, and software support—without the bulk of an Ultra.
If you want a one-hand-friendly Android phone that doesn’t skimp on features, the Galaxy S24 is hard to beat.
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Samsung Galaxy S24
