Samsung Galaxy S24: Best Compact Phone

If you prefer a smaller handset, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is among the best options available. It boasts impressive speed, an excellent display, and superb camera quality. However, with minimal hardware changes from the previous generation, discerning shoppers might find better value in the S23.

For those attracted to the features and performance of Samsung’s flagship S24 Ultra but deterred by its size and price, the regular Samsung Galaxy S24 could be the ideal choice. It delivers much of the same experience in a more compact and lightweight design that’s easier to carry.

Fortunately, this phone offers more than meets the eye. It includes Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, an improved display, and subtle design enhancements that make a significant impact. After using it as my primary device for over a week, here are my thoughts.

Features and software

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is loaded with features, matching the capabilities of the Ultra in a smaller form. It operates on Samsung’s One UI 6.1, based on Android 14, and incorporates all the latest AI-powered functionalities.

One UI offers a vast array of features, which can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of options available. However, once you familiarize yourself with it, the customization options, particularly for the lock screen and always-on display, are exceptional. Samsung stands out as one of the few brands offering lock screen widgets, which can be very practical. Additionally, the ability to stack and swipe through widgets on the home screen is a notable convenience that I often miss when using non-Samsung devices.

One UI is not just feature-rich but also feels incredibly fast. The animations contribute to a snappy and responsive experience, making everyday use pleasant.

One standout feature, Circle to Search with Google, allows users to encircle anything on their screen to perform a quick Google search. This feature is highly convenient, though it’s not exclusive to the S24 series; it’s already available on Pixel devices and is likely to appear on more Android phones soon.

The Galaxy S24 also boasts impressive AI tools for image editing, enabling users to erase unwanted people or objects, remove reflections, and straighten images without cropping, thanks to generative AI filling in the corners. Videos can be turned into slow motion with a simple long press during playback in the Gallery app.

While the AI capabilities are notable, many users will be particularly pleased with Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support. The S24 series is guaranteed to receive seven years of OS upgrades and security patches, allowing for extended use. This extensive support is matched only by the Google Pixel 8 series, with other competitors falling short.

Design

The Samsung Galaxy S24 closely resembles the S23 in appearance, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, several key differences become evident.

One of the most notable changes is the new matte finish on both the back and sides of the S24. This finish is significantly more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, which enhances the phone’s overall appearance during use and provides a better grip. This improvement is especially beneficial for those who prefer using their phone without a case, as many phones with matte finishes can still be quite slippery.

Another design change is the completely flat sides of the S24, replacing the slight curve found on the S23’s frame. While this is a subtle difference, it gives the phone a more boxy, iPhone-like look that some users might prefer. Despite this boxy design, the corners remain well-rounded, ensuring the phone is comfortable to hold and does not dig into your palms, unlike the sharper corners of the S24 Ultra.

Samsung claims the Armor Aluminium frame of the S24 is now 17% more damage-resistant. While I haven’t tested this claim, I’m not overly concerned about the frame’s durability, as other components like the glass front and back are generally more vulnerable.

The S24 is marginally larger than the S23, but the difference is only a few millimeters and likely won’t be noticeable to most users. Despite this slight increase in size, the phone remains compact by today’s standards. After using several large flagship models, the S24’s small and lightweight design is a refreshing change, making it barely noticeable when carried in a pocket.

Display

Samsung has significantly upgraded the display of the Galaxy S24 this year, featuring a new LTPO panel that is brighter than before. This advanced technology allows the refresh rate to dynamically adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz, optimizing performance for various activities. Fast-paced scrolling and gaming will appear exceptionally smooth, while battery life is conserved when displaying static images.

The screen now boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, a notable improvement from the previous model’s 1750 nits. In practical terms, this means the display is incredibly bright, even under the early spring sun, and HDR content shines with detailed blacks and vivid highlights. However, I missed the excellent anti-reflective coating found on the S24 Ultra and hope Samsung extends this feature to more models in the future.

Despite being a smaller phone, the S24 maximizes its screen space with minimal bezels, making the display feel ample in daily use. Watching full-screen YouTube videos felt comfortable, and the compact size made it easy to reach all parts of the screen without strain. However, for gaming, particularly in FPS games like CoD Mobile and PUBG, the screen felt a bit cramped.

The S24’s display has a lower resolution than its larger counterparts, offering FHD+ compared to the S24+ and Ultra’s QHD+. Nonetheless, this resolution is more than adequate for the screen size, delivering sharp and detailed visuals. Colors are vibrant straight out of the box, with options available to adjust the color balance to your preference.

The dual stereo speakers on the S24 provide above-average sound quality, with clear details and good sound staging, though a bit more bass would enhance the experience. Fortunately, I rarely encountered issues with muffling the speakers during use, which was a common problem with the S24 Ultra.

Battery

The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a slightly smaller 4000 mAh battery, compared to the typical 5000 mAh found in most flagship phones. Given its compact size, this is understandable, though it initially raised concerns about its daily endurance. However, those concerns proved unfounded, as the Galaxy S24 comfortably lasted through a typical day’s use.

Heavy users, such as gamers or avid photographers, might deplete the battery before the day ends, but even with intense usage, the S24 generally made it into the evening. By then, a charger is usually within reach.

The phone’s packaging includes only a USB-C cable, with no wall adapter, a common practice for Samsung devices. Charging tops out at 25W, which, while not terrible, is slower than the 100W+ speeds seen in many Chinese flagship phones. A full charge takes just over an hour with a compatible charger, which may feel sluggish if you’re accustomed to faster charging times.

The S24 also supports 15W wireless charging, which is slower. While not ideal for quick top-ups, it’s convenient for extended periods at a desk or overnight charging, where you can simply place the S24 on a charging pad and let it gradually recharge.

Specifications

SOperating System: Android 14

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy

Dimensions: 5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches

Screen Size: 6.2 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,340 by 1,080 pixels

Camera Resolution: (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP

Battery Life: (As Tested)13 hours, 5 minutes