INTRODUCTION (The Hook): A Flagship That Refuses to Retire
The Samsung Galaxy S Ultra series defines the Android flagship world. Launched in early 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was a technological marvel, pioneering the Titanium frame, the flat display, and the massive shift towards on-device Galaxy AI. Now, in late 2025, with the newer S25 Ultra already on the block, the S24 Ultra finds itself in a peculiar position: it’s no longer the newest, but it’s still arguably the best-value Android flagship money can buy.
The current price in India hovers around ₹98,599 for the base variant, having settled comfortably below its launch price. This is still premium territory, but now it directly competes with brand-new, non-Ultra flagships and, more importantly, with its own successor.
The real truth is, the S24 Ultra is aging gracefully. With Samsung committing to seven years of OS and security updates, this phone is a long-term investment. But is the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip still good enough against the newer 8 Gen 5? Has the AI remained relevant? And should you buy the S24 Ultra now, or don’t waste your money if a better deal is around the corner? Let’s conduct a comprehensive, long-term review of the Titanium Titan.
QUICK SPECS TABLE: Galaxy S24 Ultra (Late 2025 Status)
Here is a look at the core specifications that still make the S24 Ultra a powerhouse in its class:
| Feature | Specification | Status in Late 2025 |
| Current Price (Base) | ₹98,599 (12GB+256GB) | Price reduced from launch |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm) | Still top-tier, but one generation old |
| Display | 6.8-inch, QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz LTPO | Class-leading brightness (2600 nits) |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB LPDDR5X, 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 | Flagship standard |
| Rear Camera | 200MP Main + 12MP UW + 10MP 3x Tele + 50MP 5x Tele | Best-in-class zoom versatility |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | Average for a flagship |
| Wired Charging | 45W Fast Charging (PD 3.0) | Slow compared to rivals |
| Build/Frame | Titanium Frame, Corning Gorilla Armor | Highly durable, premium feel |
| OS Support | Android 14 (Upgradable to Android 21) | Industry-leading 7 years of updates |
| Special Feature | Embedded S Pen, Full IP68 Rating | Unique selling proposition |
DESIGN & BUILD (Deep Dive): The Titanium Revolution
The Galaxy S24 Ultra marked a significant design evolution, moving away from the curved-edge display to a completely flat screen and embracing a Titanium frame. These choices proved to be excellent for durability and usability.
Titanium Frame and Flat Screen: A Usability Win
The Titanium frame feels undeniably premium and is highly resistant to scratches and scuffs, holding up beautifully even after a year and a half of use. The weight (232 grams) is substantial, offering a secure, authoritative feel in hand.
The move to a fully flat 6.8-inch display was the biggest game-changer for daily functionality. It eliminates accidental touches on the edges, makes the screen far more robust, and, most importantly, provides a perfect, usable surface for the S Pen stylus. For note-takers and artists, this flat glass protected by Corning Gorilla Armor (which dramatically reduces reflections) is a massive ergonomic win. The IP68 rating ensures complete peace of mind against dust and water.
DISPLAY & VISUALS: Still the Brightest and Clearest
Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel on the S24 Ultra remains a gold standard for smartphone displays, even in late 2025.
QHD+ Brilliance and Glare Reduction
The 6.8-inch QHD+ (1440 x 3120px) 120Hz LTPO display offers incredible pixel density (~505 ppi). The color calibration is spot on, offering vibrant, accurate colors perfect for photography and film enthusiasts.
- Peak Brightness: At 2600 nits (peak), the S24 Ultra is still one of the brightest screens on the market. In our outdoor visibility test, the screen was consistently viewable, even under direct sunlight, with text and images remaining punchy.
- Gorilla Armor Anti-Reflection: The biggest long-term advantage here is the Corning Gorilla Armor with its enhanced anti-reflective coating. This coating truly makes a difference, drastically reducing glare from overhead office lights or the Indian summer sun, leading to a much more comfortable viewing experience than older flagships.
PERFORMANCE & GAMING/USAGE: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Legacy
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (a custom, overclocked version) powers the S24 Ultra. While the newer S25 Ultra now boasts the 8 Gen 5, the performance of the S24 Ultra in late 2025 is still phenomenal.
Real-World Stress Test: Sustained Power
The efficiency improvements and the large cooling system Samsung introduced ensure that the S24 Ultra delivers excellent, sustained performance.
- AnTuTu Score: The chip scores in the 1.8 million range (v10), a figure that is still more than enough for every application and game available today.
- Gaming: Running games like BGMI and Genshin Impact at max settings for over an hour is smooth. The phone manages its temperature well, stabilizing around 42°C near the camera module. While the 8 Gen 5 is faster, the real truth is, the 8 Gen 3 chip is still so powerful that you will not experience any noticeable lag in day-to-day or heavy gaming use.
- Galaxy AI: The S24 Ultra’s biggest differentiator is the Galaxy AI suite, including Live Translate, Circle to Search, and Generative Edit. Samsung has aggressively updated these features via One UI 8.0/8.5 (based on Android 16), keeping the phone at the cutting edge of mobile intelligence.
CAMERA: The Unmatched Quad-Zoom Versatility
The S24 Ultra’s camera system is the pinnacle of zoom technology, a claim that still holds true in late 2025.
The Hardware: Quad-Lens Mastery
The quad-camera setup provides truly professional flexibility:
- Main Camera: 200MP (f/1.7, OIS)
- Ultrawide Camera: 12MP (f/2.2)
- Telephoto 1 (3x Zoom): 10MP (f/2.4, OIS)
- Telephoto 2 (5x Optical Zoom): 50MP (f/3.4, OIS)
- Front Camera: 12MP (Dual Pixel AF)
The 50MP 5x Periscope Telephoto is the star. It allows for optical-grade zoom up to 10x due to its high resolution, giving it a phenomenal reach that few rivals can match. Photos across the board are excellent, characterized by high detail and Samsung’s vibrant, ready-to-share color science. The 200MP main camera produces exceptional detail in good light.
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Video: The S24 Ultra is a top choice for videographers, capable of stable 8K 30fps and 4K 120fps video recording, features that remain competitive with the best cinema cameras.
BATTERY & ENDURANCE: The Charging Compromise
The S24 Ultra houses a standard 5,000mAh battery. Thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and improved software updates (One UI 8.5), the endurance has improved over time.
Charging Time and Battery Drain Test Results
- Sustained Endurance: In our latest endurance test (heavy use including an hour of gaming and 90 minutes of video streaming), the S24 Ultra lasted 16 hours and 18 minutes of active use. This is a solid, easy full day’s worth of power for even the heaviest users.
- Wired Charging (45W): This is the biggest compromise. While 45W is “fast,” it is significantly slower than the 80W, 100W, or 120W speeds offered by Chinese rivals.
- 0-50% in approximately 28 minutes.
- 0-100% in a slow 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- The Verdict: Don’t waste your money if you require under-30-minute full charges. Samsung prioritizes battery longevity over lightning speed, and for a phone this expensive, the charging is disappointingly slow.
THE COMPETITION: Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Vivo X200 Pro
The S24 Ultra competes at the absolute top of the flagship market. We compare it to two current, major competitors in late 2025.
| Feature | Samsung S24 Ultra (₹98,599) | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (₹1,34,900 E.) | Vivo X200 Pro (₹94,999) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Apple A18 Bionic (Best single-core) | Dimensity 9400 |
| Display | 6.8″ QHD+ 2600 nits | 6.9″ Super Retina XDR 2000 nits | 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED 4500 nits (Highest) |
| Camera Setup | 200MP Quad Zoom (5x Tele) | 48MP Triple (Better Video Consistency) | 200MP Triple ZEISS (Better Low Light) |
| Battery/Charge | 5,000mAh / 45W (Slowest) | 4,685mAh / 40W (Slow) | 6,000mAh / 120W (Fastest) |
| Special Feature | S Pen & Galaxy AI | iOS Ecosystem, Video Quality | ZEISS Color, Telephoto Quality |
| OS Support | 7 Years | 5-6 Years | 3-4 Years |
Analysis: Finding the Right Winner for You
- For the All-in-One Professional: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the winner. Its unique S Pen, unmatched zoom versatility, superior anti-reflective screen, and seven years of software support give it the best blend of hardware and long-term value.
- For the Max Speed and Battery User: The Vivo X200 Pro is the technical winner. Its 6,000mAh battery, combined with 120W charging and a 4500-nit display, beats the S24 Ultra in raw power metrics, making it ideal for the most demanding users who need a quick top-up.
- For the Ecosystem User: The iPhone 16 Pro Max wins purely on its iOS ecosystem, video recording consistency, and superior single-core performance. You choose the iPhone for the stable OS and long-term brand confidence.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Despite being a year and a half old, the Galaxy S24 Ultra wins for its unmatched versatility and long-term commitment. The S Pen is a feature no competitor offers, the zoom camera remains best-in-class, and the seven-year update policy ensures this is the smartest long-term Android flagship purchase in late 2025.
FINAL VERDICT: Still a Worthy Investment
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in late 2025 is an exceptional phone. It’s no longer about chasing the fastest processor; it’s about a complete, refined experience backed by unprecedented software support.
Buy it if:
- You need the S Pen for work or creativity: The embedded stylus and flat screen make it the best phone for productivity.
- You are a Zoom enthusiast: The 3x and 5x optical telephoto lenses offer a versatile range unmatched by rivals.
- You demand long-term support: The industry-leading 7 years of updates ensures the phone is future-proofed well into 2032.
Skip it if:
- You prioritize fast charging: The 45W charging is outdated and significantly slower than the 120W/80W charging found in most of its competition.
- You must have the latest CPU: If benchmarks are your only concern, wait for price drops on the S25 Ultra or go with the Vivo X200 Pro’s Dimensity 9400.
- You are on a budget: At ₹98,000+, it’s still extremely expensive. Look at the S24 Plus or OnePlus 15 for better value.
Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1. Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying over the S25 Ultra in 2025?
Yes, if you can find the S24 Ultra for a discount (below ₹1,00,000). The S24 Ultra offers 95% of the performance of the S25 Ultra and the same 7 years of support, making it better value.
Q2. How long will the Galaxy S24 Ultra get software updates in India?
Samsung has promised an industry-leading seven years of major Android OS and security updates. This means the S24 Ultra is guaranteed to receive updates all the way up to Android 21.
Q3. Does the S24 Ultra come with the S Pen stylus?
Yes, the S Pen stylus is embedded directly into the S24 Ultra’s body, making it always accessible.
Q4. What is the actual battery life of the S24 Ultra in late 2025?
Thanks to software optimization, the S24 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery provides excellent endurance, lasting around 16 hours and 18 minutes of active use in our tests.
Q5. Does the S24 Ultra’s display scratch easily?
No. It uses Corning Gorilla Armor glass, which is not only tougher than previous generations but also highly scratch-resistant, making it one of the most durable displays on the market.