As the dust settles on the smartphone releases of 2024, the competition has been fierce and varied, making it difficult to crown a singular 'best' device. However, in my analysis, the Galaxy S24 Ultra does not warrant the top spot.

In recent years, the Android landscape has evolved, with many devices seeming to exist as mere variations of one another. Thankfully, 2024 has broken that mold, with manufacturers carving their unique identities. While major players like Google, Samsung, and OnePlus offer formidable options, deciding the best features ultimately narrows down to a few contenders: the Pixel 9 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the OnePlus 12.

If I had to choose, I'd find it challenging to pick between the Pixel 9 Pro and the OnePlus 12. The Pixel 9 Pro has showcased significant advancements, featuring a refined design, an impressive Tensor G4 chipset, and consumer-friendly pricing. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 impressively combines robust hardware with a competitive camera setup while keeping price points lower than the competition. Its only drawbacks tend to lie in camera consistency and minor software quirks within OxygenOS 14.

However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra does not stand out in this elite lineup, and several factors contribute to my reasoning.

Firstly, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a capable device, it struggles to compete effectively in critical areas, particularly in camera performance. Reviews have described its shooting capabilities as 'lackluster,' especially when capturing moving subjects. This is a notable setback for a flagship device in a market saturated with increasingly competent cameras.

Moreover, the One UI software continues to feel congested and cluttered, albeit with gradual improvements. Consumers looking for innovative and unique features may find themselves underwhelmed by the offerings of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Although it boasts the S Pen and impressive Gorilla Armor, the overall experience lacks standout elements.

While the Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t a bad choice—it excels in battery life, software update longevity (sporting an impressive seven years of support), and the stability brought by Qualcomm’s powerful chip—it remains firmly anchored in the 'safe' category of smartphones. This designation increasingly applies to Samsung’s devices as they appear to prioritize tweaking existing features rather than setting new trends.

One cannot escape the topic of pricing when discussing the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Priced at around $1,299, it holds the dubious title of being the most expensive non-foldable flagship across various markets. This pricing raises eyebrows, especially when the Pixel 9 Pro XL and OnePlus 12 offer top-tier experiences at significantly lower prices. The trade-in offers that Samsung provides, while attractive, often feel necessary to mask the retail price, which many consumers may hesitate to pay.

In conclusion, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may be a solid option for the consumer seeking reliability and longevity, but it falls short of the distinction of being the best. Industry experts and reviewers alike may applaud its features, but until Samsung addresses its camera deficiencies and pricing strategy, I’m hesitant to bestow it with any accolades for being the pinnacle of smartphone technology in 2024.

What Lies Ahead?

In the ever-evolving smartphone landscape, consumers are left to wonder what innovations lie ahead as manufacturers continue to push boundaries. With the likes of Android 16's Developer Preview already hinting at the next wave of features, the battle among brands is sure to intensify, making it vital for manufacturers to not just follow trends but redefine them. Stay tuned for more updates in this fast-paced tech world!