2024 has only just begun, but Samsung already has a contender for the biggest smartphone launch of the year.
The Galaxy S24 series of flagship phones are here, and there are three handsets to choose from: the regular S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra.
All of them get access to a range of new AI functionality, though several other features are exclusive to the Ultra.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new phones, including release date, pricing and all the key specs and features.
When will the Samsung Galaxy S24 be released?
The Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra were all announced at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on 17 January 2024.
All three phones are on sale now, having been released on 31 January 2024.
- Buy the Galaxy S24 in the UK or in the US
- Buy the Galaxy S24+ in the UK or in the US
- Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra in the UK or in the US
For lots more options, including various contract offers, see our separate guide to the best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals.
For context, here’s when the previous generations were announced:
- Samsung Galaxy S23 – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S22 – February 2022
- Samsung Galaxy S21 – January 2021
How much will the Samsung Galaxy S24 cost?
Here are the prices for the phones in the US and UK, though we’re still waiting.The GB figures below refer to internal storage.
Galaxy S24
- 128GB – £799/$799.99
- 256GB – £859/$859.99
Galaxy S24+
- 256GB – £999/$999.99
- 512GB – £1,099/$1,119.99
Galaxy S24 Ultra
- 256GB – £1,249/$1,299.99
- 512GB – £1,349/$1,419.99
- 1TB – £1,549/$1,659.99
What specs and features does the Samsung Galaxy S24 have?
The S24 series was extensively leaked ahead of time, and most of the rumours turned out to be true.
But there’s still a lot to talk about, so let’s start with what the S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra have in common. It mostly relates to software, with all three phones running Samsung’s One UI 6.1 skin out of the box. While based on Android 14, it adds features such as a redesigned quick panel, extra personalisation options and lots of Samsung’s own apps.
Samsung has also improved its software support, promising to deliver seven major OS updates and seven years of security updates. That matches what Google offers for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and is the joint-best of any Android phone maker.
However, the most exciting upgrades are a range of new AI features. Artificial intelligence will let you translate calls in real time, search for something just by circling it and create and translate transcripts of conversations with up to 20 people.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You can also use AI to edit photos, adjust the tone of an important message or deliver smart responses while in the car using Android Auto, amongst others. It’s great to see that all the AI features are available on all three phones.
One hardware feature that’s consistent across all three phones is an IP68 rating. This states that it can survive submersion in up to 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes and is fully protected against dust and other dirt.
But that’s about where the similarities end, at least when it comes to key specs. Let’s go through each of the phones one by one, starting with the regular Galaxy S24.
Galaxy S24
The chipset powering the regular S24 will vary depending on where you’re based.
In most global markets, it runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, an overclocked version of the most capable phone chip Qualcomm makes. But in the UK, Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 for Galaxy. It’s not clear how much of a difference there is between the two.
All models of the S24 combine it with 8GB of RAM, alongside 128-, 256- or 512GB of internal storage.
Its display is a 6.2-inch, FHD+ AMOLED panel. While the 120Hz refresh rate remains, it now supports LTPO tech to automatically adjust all the way down to 1Hz, helping to preserve battery life.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
A 4000mAh cell is on the small side by modern phone standards, especially when combined with the relatively slow 25W charging (no charger in the box). Samsung says you can get up to 50% charge in 30 minutes, while there is support for Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
A triple rear camera is comprised of 50Mp main, 12Mp ultrawide (with 120˚ field of view) and 10Mp 3x telephoto. On the front, a 12Mp selfie camera can also be used for face unlock, but there is an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner.
Galaxy S24+
The S24+ has a lot in common with its regular sibling, but there are a few notable upgrades.
Of course, the most obvious one is its sheer size. The screen is a 6.7-inch AMOLED here, but also a higher QHD+ resolution. Its LTPO panel still enables the dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate.
There’s also more RAM, with 12GB on both models. And storage options are limited to 256- or 512GB.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
To help compensate for that larger screen, there’s a 4900mAh battery here. It can be charged at up to 45W using a wired charger, but it’s not included in the box. Slower Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are still included.
Cameras are identical to the regular S24, with 50Mp main, 12Mp ultrawide and 10Mp 3x telephoto and 12Mp selfie lenses. And you can choose between face unlock or the ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner.
It also still runs the Exynos 2400 chipset in the UK, but Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in many other markets.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The top-of-the-line S24 Ultra is a significant upgrade compared to both the regular S24 and S24+. We run through the changes in a separate article on S24 Ultra exclusive features, but let’s summarise the main ones here.
The big change this year is a titanium build, as opposed to aluminium on the cheaper models. It matches what you’ll find on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and should further improve durability.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Protection for the display is just as impressive, with Corning’s toughest Gorilla Armor present here. It should make the phone even more resistant to scratches and drops.
Cameras are also different, though it’s not a clear upgrade compared to the S23 Ultra. It technically has a quad telephoto setup, with a new 50Mp 5x lens joining the existing 10Mp 3x lens.
Alongside the 2x option and 10x hybrid zoom, it means there are four high quality zoom stages to choose from. But the dedicated 10Mp 10x optical telephoto is no more.
The other lenses are unchanged, so you still get 200Mp main, 12Mp ultrawide and 12Mp front-facing cameras.
As you were probably expecting, the S Pen stylus remains exclusive to the S24 Ultra. It docks into the bottom left corner of the phone, and can be used for a range of tasks – including the new Circle to Search AI feature.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
If you’re based in the UK or another market with Exynos 2400 models, this is also the only S24 phone with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. There’s 12GB of RAM across all three models, but the 256- and 512GB storage options are joined by a 1TB version here.
Battery capacity here is still 5000mAh, while charging hasn’t been improved from 45W. Qi wireless and reverse wireless charging are still supported.
The Ultra is also the only model to offer 1TB of storage, though it’ll cost significantly more than the starting price.
As our Galaxy S24 Ultra review proves, it’s undoubtedly one of the best smartphones you can buy.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.