Well the annual Samsung Galaxy unpacked event has happened with Samsung officially launching its flagship Galaxy S24 line up, with three devices, The Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ and the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra like it’s siblings comes with Samsung own Galaxy AI, which the company has advised amplifies nearly every experience on the Galaxy S24 series, from enabling barrier-free communication with intelligent text and call translations, to maximising creative freedom with Galaxy’s ProVisual Engine, to setting a new standard for search that will change how Galaxy users discover the world around them. We have made a separate post regarding what Galaxy Ai will bring and we suggest you read it to find out more.
Speaking at the launch locally, Eric Chou, Director Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics Australia has stated:
“The Galaxy S24 series transforms our connection with the world and ignites the next decade of mobile innovation. We are excited to bring these latest innovations to Australia and see how our users around the world empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up new possibilities.
Samsung has always been a leader in the mobile category. We have redefined the expectations of what mobile devices can do and how people use their smartphones. From innovating how Australians use a smartphone camera, to developing new ways of communication, the Galaxy S24 Series will continue to push the boundary of what is possible from a mobile device.
We are seeing a shift in the mobile tech market. While there has been a reduction in discretionary spending, there is a clear demand for premium devices. We know that Australians are seeking out premium, personalised experiences, and want mobile devices that will complement their busy lifestyles, offering the latest in camera technology, productivity, connectivity.
“The Galaxy S24 series directly addresses our customers’ need for premium devices that are powered by Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and provide features that make productivity and everyday tasks easier. We can’t wait to get these devices in the hands of Australians for a connected experience that inspires them to be creative and express themselves.”
The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display that brings a Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which has been specifically optimised for Galaxy devices and delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient processing.
There is also 12GB of RAM and storage options will come in three options, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options.
In terms of cameras, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will come with a quad rear set up made up of a 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera, 200 MP Wide Camera, 50MP Telephoto Camera and a 10MP Telephoto Camera whilst the front facing will be a 12MP camera lens
The Galaxy S24 will run Android 14 right out of the box and will have Samsung One UI version 6.1 placed over the top of stock android. The S24 Ultra will also come with Bluetooth version 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi Direct, 4G and 5G connectivity alongside a 5,000 mAh battery.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will come in three colour variants that include Titanium Blue, Titanium Green and Titanium Orange.
In terms of pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the retail pricing depends on the storage option you are wanting. for the example if you are after the 256GB will set you back $2,199, for 512GB this will be $2,399, and the 1TB storage option will set you back $2,799.
Deals Galore
Samsung is offering deals alongside their retails partners for the Galaxy S24 Ultra which you can view below for either retailers or telco partners.
Retailers:
| Retailer | Deal |
|---|---|
| Samsung Australia | • Free memory upgrade (up to $400) • Bonus trade-in (up to $350) • Up to $150 eVoucher to spend on Galaxy Watches, Tablets, Buds & Accessories ($150 for Ultra, $100 Base/+) • Bonus Samsung Care+ (1 year) • 50% off Samsung Care+ (2nd year) • Plus, receive a further 5% discount off your first Samsung Shop App purchase |
| Open (Market wide) | Galaxy S24 Ultra: $150 Gift Card & storage upgrade (buy the 512GB for the price of the 256GB or buy the 1TB for the price of 512GB) |
| JB Hi-Fi | Galaxy S24 Ultra: Trade-In $350 or BYO $800 upfront on $99 plan |
| Harvey Norman | • Galaxy S24 Ultra: BYO $799 upfront on the $69 plan • Please note: the market wide offer is available to outright customers only |
Telco partners:
| Telco | Deal |
|---|---|
| Telstra | • Bonus Tab S9 FE with the purchase of any Galaxy S24 series device (Valued at $949)
• $20 off Premium Plan for 12 months |
| Optus | Bonus Galaxy Watch 6 (RRP $ 699) AND Buds2 Pro (RRP $349) with the purchase of any Galaxy S24 series
device. (Valued at $1,048) |
| Vodafone | Trade-in Bonus: $400 across three device models Galaxy S24 Ultra (all storage variants): $300 off |
Sometimes I wonder if the golden era of mobile was maybe 8-10 years ago, where a new major phone release each year showed significant evolution, major changes and improvements, and new and emerging technology.
Phone releases the last three to four years have been bland, predictable iteration at best. I’m not sure a new phone in 2024 can objectively do anything that a phone from 2021 or 2022 could capably do.
Which begs the question.. why spend $2700 on a new top-flight mobile? That seems extremely tone-deaf in 2024.
Wow. So, in 3 years since the S21Ultra the upgrades are new processor and higher resolution cameras. But the optical zoom is less than it was 3 years ago.
And in 4 years since the S20Ultra its gained up a stylus too, but nothing else.