Galaxy S24+ Dazzles with QHD+ and RAM, S24 Pledges 7 Years of Support
The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series heralds a significant leap into the future with AI integration. However, a crucial immediate upgrade takes the spotlight – all three S24 models feature LTPO displays boasting a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. While the Ultra phones already had this feature, it marks a long-awaited enhancement for enthusiasts of the vanilla plus models.
The Samsung Galaxy S24+ stands out with a QHD+ resolution on its flat 6.7” display, bringing a user experience close to the Ultra at a more affordable price point. Despite maintaining a similar size to the S23+ (with minor dimensional adjustments), the S24+ showcases a larger 4,900mAh battery, offering an additional 200mAh capacity.
A notable change is the uniform upgrade to 12GB of RAM for all S24+ configurations, matching the capabilities of the Ultra. Storage options range between 256GB and 512GB, catering to diverse user needs.
Quietly, Samsung introduces the exclusive use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipsets in the S24 Ultra, while the S24 and S24+ will adopt it in select regions. In other areas, they will feature the new Exynos 2400, with specific details on regional allocations yet to be disclosed.
Moving on to the Galaxy S24, it boasts a slightly larger 6.2” display, maintaining FHD+ resolution while benefiting from the LTPO upgrade (1-120Hz). All three S24 models showcase a peak brightness of 2,600 nits with Vision Booster, surpassing last year's displays that capped at 1,750 nits.
The Galaxy S24's battery sees a marginal increase of 100mAh, reaching a capacity of 4,000mAh. Charging capabilities, however, remain capped at 25W wired and 15W wireless. The S24+ retains its existing charging specifications (45W wired, 15W wireless with Qi charging). Using a compatible USB charger, the S24 achieves a 50% charge in 30 minutes, while the S24+ reaches 65% within the same timeframe.
Despite the Exynos situation, it's worth noting that the base configuration of the vanilla model retains 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
An uplifting detail for consumers is the commitment to software support – the Samsung Galaxy S24 series promises 7 generations of OS updates and 7 years of security patches, extending support into the 2030s. Launching with Android 14 and One UI 6.1 out of the box, these devices prioritize longevity and up-to-date functionality.
Turning briefly to the camera setup, both the S24 and S24+ feature a 50MP main camera (f/1.8 lens with OIS), a 12MP ultrawide (120°), and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom (f/2.4). The front-facing camera maintains a 12MP sensor (f/2.2 80° lens), with no significant changes.
In terms of build, the S24 and S24+ adhere to aluminum (in contrast to the Ultra's titanium frame) and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 from the previous year. The devices retain an IP68 dust and water resistance rating as expected.
Connectivity options include sub-6GHz and mmWave variants, with availability varying by region. Wi-Fi 6E (not 7) and Bluetooth 5.3 complete the comprehensive connectivity features.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 starts at $800/€900/£800, equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Galaxy S24+ is priced at $1,000/€1,150/£1,000, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as the base configuration.