Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 SM-S921UZKAXAA Review

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a mid-range phone wearing a flagship name tag. Buy it for the AI software if you're a Samsung die-hard, but look elsewhere for better hardware at this price.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a solid phone that's trying to be two things at once: a flagship AI showcase and a mid-range value pick. The one thing to know? It's a decent all-rounder, but it's not the best at anything. For around $600, you get a capable Android phone with Samsung's latest software tricks, but you're making some clear compromises on hardware to hit that price. It's the phone you buy if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem and want the latest AI features without paying for the Ultra model.

Performance lands in the 69th percentile in our database, which is fine for everyday tasks but not a standout. It's powered by an unspecified processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and honestly, that's a bit of a letdown for a phone with 'Galaxy S' in the name. It'll handle social media and email just fine, but don't expect it to blaze through intensive games or heavy multitasking. The 'Fastest Processor' claim in the marketing copy feels like a stretch when you look at the actual competition.

At $619, the value is okay, but not amazing. You're paying a premium for Samsung's brand and AI software. If those specific features are must-haves, it's worth considering. If you just want a good Android phone, there's better hardware for the same money.

This is where it gets tricky. The Google Pixel 10 will almost certainly beat it on pure camera performance and cleaner software for a similar price. The OnePlus 15 is likely to offer much faster charging and a smoother experience. And if you're not tied to Android, an unlocked iPhone 15 can be found for close to this price and will have better long-term support and resale value. The S24's main advantage is its deep integration with the Samsung ecosystem.

If you're a mobile gamer, a photography enthusiast, or just want the best battery life, this isn't it. Go get a Google Pixel for the camera, a OnePlus for speed, or an iPhone for longevity.

We can't give it a full-throated recommendation. The Galaxy S24 is a competent phone for Samsung loyalists who crave the latest AI features and don't mind mid-tier hardware. For everyone else, the competition is simply stronger. Look at a Google Pixel or a OnePlus first, unless you live inside Samsung's world of apps and services.