These gadgets introduce new features to the Galaxy lineup.

On January 17, Samsung officially unveiled the new Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra at Unpacked 2024. The introduction of new phones is always captivating, and these devices bring in some innovative features to the Galaxy lineup.

Galaxy AI

Notably, Samsung is heavily emphasizing AI with the S24 series, referred to as “Galaxy AI.” One focal point is Live Translate, a feature that utilizes on-device AI to translate both text and voice during phone calls. For in-person conversations, Samsung introduces Interpreter, splitting the Galaxy’s screen to provide translations for each participant.

Another addition is Chat Assist, a feature designed to adjust the tone of messages to align with the intended audience, similar to ChatGPT and other chat assistants. Galaxy AI is integrated with Android Auto to summarize incoming messages and suggest responses. Note Assist in Samsung Notes offers note summarization and template creation, while Transcript Assist can transcribe, summarize, and translate voice notes.

A particularly intriguing feature is “Circle to Search,” where a long press on the Galaxy’s home button allows users to write on any part of the screen to initiate a Google search. This innovative approach has the potential to gain popularity among users.

To enhance text and visual AI processing, Samsung has entered into a new partnership with Google. The S24 lineup will be the first smartphones to leverage Google’s Gemini Pro and Imagen 2 on Vertex AI, powered by Google Cloud, along with Gemini Nano’s on-device processing, contributing to the diverse array of features introduced by Samsung.

Galaxy S24 specs

Samsung’s phones continue to be robust, and the S24 lineup is no exception, all featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset. Notably, Samsung highlights the enhanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI processing.

The entire lineup boasts displays with an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The Ultra model’s display is crafted with Corning Gorilla Armor, claimed by Samsung to reduce reflections and offer increased scratch resistance.

Key specifications for each model include:

• Galaxy S24: 6.2-inch display
• Galaxy S24+: 6.7-inch display
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: 6.8-inch “flatter” display

The Ultra model features a 1.9x larger vapor chamber, enhancing thermal management during demanding tasks like gaming. Additionally, the Ultra incorporates a titanium frame, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro.

While certain AI processes occur exclusively on-device, others necessitate internet access. Users have the option to utilize Advanced Intelligence settings to prevent potential information leaks and enhance the privacy of their Galaxy S24 experience.

Galaxy S24 cameras

Once again, AI takes center stage, and this includes photography in the new Galaxy S24 lineup. All the S24 phones feature the “ProVisual Engine,” encompassing Samsung’s AI photography tools.

Predictably, there are AI editing tools akin to those found on Google’s Pixel phones. The S24 suggests edits for photos, such as removing irrelevant subjects, recomposing shots, and remastering images. Users can employ generative AI to fill in image gaps and even add artificial slow-motion to a video by generating new frames. The effectiveness of Samsung’s AI in these features remains to be seen, as it can be a hit-or-miss aspect.

To address potential misconceptions, Samsung generates a watermark whenever a photo is edited with AI, preventing it from being mistaken as an original image.

Samsung also focuses on hardware, introducing a new 5x optical zoom lens to the Galaxy S24 Ultra as part of the “Quad Tele System.” This system utilizes the 50MP sensor to enable zoom capabilities at 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x. Additionally, an enhanced digital zoom allows users to achieve up to 100x zoom with purportedly “crystal clear results,” according to Samsung.

All S24 devices feature updated Nightography tools for Space Zoom. The Ultra model boasts a larger pixel size (1.4 μm) and enhanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to minimize shake during photography.

S24 colors

As with other companies, Samsung provides various color options for the different S24 models.

For the S24 and S24+, the available colors include Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow. Additionally, Samsung.com-exclusive colors comprise Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange.

The S24 Ultra is offered in Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow. When purchasing from Samsung.com, customers have the option to choose Titanium Green, Titanium Blue, and Titanium Orange.

Environment and sustainability

In alignment with the prevalent trend among tech companies, Samsung emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in its announcement. The new phones incorporate recycled cobalt and rare earth elements in their production. The S24 Ultra’s battery, for instance, is composed of a minimum of 50% recycled cobalt, while the speakers feature 100% recycled rare earth elements and a minimum of 40% recycled steel.

Notably, the entire S series lineup is the first to incorporate recycled steel and thermoplastic polyurethane. Furthermore, the packaging for each phone is crafted from 100% recycled paper material.

S24 support

Taking a cue from Google, Samsung is extending its software support significantly compared to previous phones. While the S23 model provides four years of OneUI support and five years of security updates, the S24 lineup boasts an extended period with seven years of support in both categories.

How much does the Galaxy S24 cost?

Samsung is maintaining prices that are largely consistent with other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), though potentially leaning towards the higher end. The Galaxy S24 starts at $799.99, featuring options for 128GB and 256GB. The Galaxy S24+ starts at $999.99, offering choices of 256GB and 512GB. Lastly, the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299.99, with options for 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

For a limited time, Samsung is providing a 20% discount on Samsung Care+ with Theft and Loss when purchasing a Galaxy S24 device.