When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 Ultra in early 2024, it set a new bar for Android flagship performance, especially in photography, power, and productivity. Fast forward to 2026, and many smartphone shoppers are asking the same question:
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still a compelling choice in 2026?
In a market now dominated by newer chips, faster refresh rates, and more advanced AI features, we put the S24 Ultra under the microscope to see how it holds up today.
What Made the S24 Ultra Exceptional in 2024
At launch, the S24 Ultra was Samsung’s most complete smartphone:
Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with crisp QHD+ resolution and adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for Galaxy) — a performance powerhouse
Camera system built for versatility — especially strong in zoom and low light
Long software support commitment from Samsung
Those fundamentals still matter in 2026 — so let’s see how they stack up now.
Performance in 2026: Still Competitive?
Yes — and here’s why:
1. Processing Power
The S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset remains capable for everyday use, gaming, multitasking, and productivity apps. In daily benchmarks and real-world usage:
Apps launch quickly
Multitasking feels smooth
Most mainstream games run at high settings
However, newer flagship phones in 2026 now ship with next-generation chips (Gen 4 / Gen 5) that provide noticeable gains in AI tasks and intensive graphics.
Verdict: Still fast for most people, but not the fastest on the block.
Display & Battery: Still Among the Best
Display
The S24 Ultra’s display remains a highlight:
Bright, sharp, vibrant visuals that hold up against new flagships
Adaptive 120 Hz still feels fluid
Perfect for streaming, gaming, and productivity
Battery
Two years in, battery life will depend on how you’ve used it. But the combination of smart power optimization + adaptive display ensures:
Full day use on moderate tasks
45 W fast charging still useful (if you have the compatible charger)
Wireless charging convenience
Verdict: Excellent display; battery beyond average for an older flagship.
Camera: Aging But Not Obsolete
The S24 Ultra’s camera was a major selling point in 2024. In 2026:
Main sensor still captures detailed, well-balanced shots
Zoom capabilities (up to 100×) still beat most midrange phones
Low-light imaging holds up thanks to large sensor and processing
Where it lags is AI-enhanced photography seen in newer flagships, especially real-time scene optimization and advanced Night Mode processing. But overall, images are still excellent.
Verdict: Great camera for everyday and advanced users…still competitive.
Software Support & Longevity
Samsung promised 7 years of Android updates and security patches for the S24 Ultra. That means:
Continued access to the latest Android versions
UI improvements and feature additions
Security assurance through 2026
Put simply: the phone won’t feel outdated because of software.
How Does it Compare to its Newer Siblings?
Specification | S24 Ultra (2024) | S25 Ultra (2025) | S26 Ultra (2026) |
Display | 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 120 Hz | 6.9″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 120 Hz | 6.9″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 120 Hz (privacy display) |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB (some regions 16 GB) | 12 GB / 16 GB |
Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB |
Rear Cameras | 200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP | 200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP | 200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP |
Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
Battery | 5,000 mAh, 45 W | 5,000 mAh, 45 W | 5,000 mAh, 60 W |
Charging | 45 W wired / 15 W wireless | 45 W wired / 15 W wireless | 60 W wired / 25 W wireless |
Software (At Launch) | One UI 6 (Android 14) | One UI 7 (Android 15) | One UI 8 (Android 16) |
Special Features | S-Pen, flagship Samsung experience | Refined design + Galaxy AI | Privacy Display + enhanced AI features |
Weight | ~233 g | ~218 g | ~214 g |
Is It Worth Buying in 2026?
Here’s a breakdown of who should consider the Galaxy S24 Ultra today:
✅
People who want premium photography without spending flagship-price 2026 rates
The S24 Ultra still captures fantastic photos and videos.
✅
Users who value a large, premium display
Streaming, gaming, and productivity are all excellent.
⚠️
Power users wanting cutting-edge AI features
While the S24 Ultra will get a lot of the AI features via software updates, its AI capabilities pale in comparison with its newer siblings, the S25 Ultra and the S26 Ultra.
❌
Buyers who want the absolute fastest chipset and newest mobile tech
If bleeding-edge performance and future-proofing are priorities, the newly-released S26 Ultra might be a better investment.
Our Two Cents
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2026 is still one of the best “value flagship” choices you can make, especially now that it is relatively more affordable.
It may no longer be the technical frontrunner, but it hasn’t lost its edge in core areas that matter most: display quality, camera versatility, performance, and durability.
If you want premium performance that still feels relevant two years after launch, the S24 Ultra remains a worthy contender.
