Compact smartphones have become a rarity, with even industry giants like Samsung, Apple, and Google expanding the physical footprint of their devices. For those yearning for a truly one-handed phone, options are limited. However, Samsung has consistently delivered with its Galaxy S series, refining its approach to creating the ultimate compact flagship.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 arrives as a successor to the highly acclaimed Galaxy S23. Though it doesn’t bring substantial upgrades and the decision to employ an Exynos chipset in many regions has been met with some criticism, the question remains: how does the Galaxy S24 fare in everyday use, and does it rise to the occasion as a leading compact flagship?
Design Quality and Craftsmanship
The design of the Galaxy S24 remains true to its predecessors, maintaining a philosophy of not fixing what isn’t broken. The construction features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for robust protection and an aluminum frame with increased strength. Samsung has designed it to be comfortable, with a flat yet gentle profile and rounded corners.
The compact dimensions of the Galaxy S24 means that users won’t struggle with handling the phone, regardless of its design features. Despite a marginal increase in the device’s height and width, the screen has been bumped up by 0.1 inch, and the bezels have been evenly minimized all around. The device also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, solidifying its premium build quality. In terms of color options, the handset is available in a variety of stunning finishes, though the uniqueness of some like the Amber Yellow may merely be nominal, and the base model doesn’t offer the exclusive shades available for the S24+ and S24 Ultra.
Display and Audio Excellence
The display of the Galaxy S24 is consistent with that of its larger counterparts, except for differences in size and resolution. The device showcases impressive brightness capabilities, peaking at 2600 nits, a notable improvement from the 120Hz refresh rate of the Galaxy S23, which now dynamically adjusts down to 1Hz from the previous 48Hz minimum. This refresh rate feature enhances power efficiency and enables options like displaying wallpaper on the Always On Display mode.
The Galaxy S24 promises an unparalleled visual experience on a base model of the Galaxy S series. With improvements in brightness and efficiency, users can enjoy a sublime display regardless of the settings they are in.
In summary, the Galaxy S24 doesn’t just maintain the status quo for Samsung’s compact flagship offerings; it elevates it. The blend of a sturdy build with a premium feel and advanced display technology places the Galaxy S24 in a league of its own, demonstrating that the most powerful smartphones don’t always come in the largest packages.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 stands out as the ideal compact flagship for those seeking a premium Android experience without the bulk. While the display is smaller compared to its larger counterparts, it’s designed for easy one-handed usage, which enhances day-to-day interaction with the device.
Though diminutive, the screen does occasionally present challenges, such as small on-screen elements during gaming or browsing, and it might not be the optimal choice for engaging in video content. Despite these constraints, the Galaxy S24’s display is lauded for its quality among compact smartphones.
The Galaxy S24 doesn’t disappoint in terms of audio either, with stereo speakers that deliver an excellent output. There may not be drastic improvements over previous models, and the absence of rich bass tones compared to some competitors is noticeable; this is an area with room for improvement.
The camera setup is a major highlight, as Samsung doesn’t compromise on the photography experience with its compact flagship. Sharing the same camera hardware with the S24+, the S24 also boasts features like 3x optical zoom and 8K video support, ensuring top-notch picture and video quality.
In the performance arena, the Galaxy S24 is powered by the Exynos 2400 in most regions, offering a seamless user experience that rivals last year’s chipsets and maintains smooth operation even under demanding tasks. The S24 vastly benefits from a larger vapor chamber and an efficient chip design, keeping the phone cool in most scenarios.
Benchmarking aside, the real-world performance of the Galaxy S24 is impressive, though it does have some limitations such as the lack of Wi-Fi 7 and UWB support due to chipset constraints. Nonetheless, the device maintains excellent call quality and network reception with efficient 5G usage.
Software-wise, users can expect the Galaxy S24 to share the same comprehensive suite of features, AI capabilities, and the promise of seven years of OS updates, consistent with its larger siblings, the S24+ and S24 Ultra.
Battery life is another strong suit for the S24. Despite its smaller size and a 4,000 mAh battery, the device manages to last throughout the day under moderate usage patterns, supported by the 1Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate of the display. While it may deplete faster with intensive usage, particularly on mobile data, the S24’s battery performance stands out. Charging capabilities match those of its predecessor, with support for 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging functionality.
Conclusively, the Samsung Galaxy S24 epitomizes the quintessential compact smartphone experience, providing a full flagship experience in a smaller form factor. While the previous model, the Galaxy S23, is still a viable option at a lower cost, the Galaxy S24 presents itself as the go-to choice for superior one-handed operation and a wealth of modern features for those looking for the latest in smartphone innovation.
