The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Samsung's smartphone engineering for 2024. Launched in January 2024, it introduces a titanium frame, Galaxy AI features, and a refined camera system. For Singapore consumers, the device is available through major retailers and telcos at a starting price of S$1,898. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the specs, pricing, and availability of the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Singapore, with comparisons to previous models and competitor devices.

Design and Build

The Galaxy S24 Ultra marks a significant design shift with a titanium frame, replacing the Armor Aluminum used in the S23 Ultra. This change improves durability while reducing weight. The device measures 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and weighs 232g, slightly lighter than its predecessor. It is available in four standard colours: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow. Samsung's online store also offers exclusive colours like Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, and Titanium Orange.

The front and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor, which Samsung claims offers better scratch resistance and reduced reflections. The S Pen slot remains at the bottom, and the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance is retained.

Display

The S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz). Peak brightness reaches 2,600 nits, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays on the market. The flat display (a departure from the curved edges of the S23 Ultra) is designed for better S Pen usability and reduced accidental touches.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset in all markets, including Singapore. This custom chip offers a slightly higher clock speed than the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. There is no microSD card slot.

The S24 Ultra runs One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, with Samsung's promise of seven years of OS upgrades and security updates. A key highlight is Galaxy AI, a suite of on-device and cloud-based AI features. These include:

  • Live Translate: Real-time voice and text translations during calls and messages.
  • Chat Assist: Tone adjustment and message summarisation.
  • Circle to Search with Google: Circle any item on screen to get search results.
  • Note Assist: AI-powered note formatting and summarisation.
  • Photo Assist: Generative Edit for object removal and filling backgrounds.

Camera System

The camera setup on the S24 Ultra sees a significant upgrade with a new 50MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, replacing the previous 10MP 10x lens. The complete camera array:

  • 200MP wide (f/1.7, OIS)
  • 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° field of view)
  • 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom, f/2.4, OIS)
  • 50MP telephoto (5x optical zoom, f/3.4, OIS)
  • 12MP front camera (f/2.2)

The combination of 3x and 5x optical lenses, along with digital zoom up to 100x (Space Zoom), provides versatile focal lengths. Samsung's enhanced ProVisual Engine improves low-light performance and reduces noise. Video recording supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.

Battery and Charging

The S24 Ultra houses a 5,000mAh battery, same as the S23 Ultra. Charging speeds remain at 45W wired (USB-C PD 3.0) and 15W wireless (Qi/PMA). Samsung claims a full charge takes about 30 minutes with a 45W charger (sold separately). The device also supports 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories like Galaxy Buds or watches.

Price in Singapore

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced in Singapore as follows (correct as of May 2024):

  • 12GB + 256GB: S$1,898
  • 12GB + 512GB: S$2,098
  • 12GB + 1TB: S$2,428

These prices are before trade-in or carrier subsidies. Pre-order promotions in January 2024 included a free storage upgrade (e.g., 512GB at 256GB price) and a S$200 e-voucher. For the latest deals, check Samsung's official online store or major retailers.

Availability in Singapore

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is widely available in Singapore through:

  • Samsung Experience Stores at VivoCity, Plaza Singapura, and Bugis Junction.
  • Telcos: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer contract plans with upfront prices starting from S$0 with qualifying plans.
  • Consumer Electronics Retailers: Courts, Best Denki, Harvey Norman, and Challenger.
  • Online Platforms: Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon Singapore.

For those interested in premium electronics and luxury lifestyle products, SkyPremium's Complete Guide to Premium Electronics & Luxury Lifestyle in Singapore offers insights on high-end gadgets and accessories.

Comparison with Predecessors and Competitors

Compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra offers a titanium frame, brighter display, faster chipset, and Galaxy AI features. The camera change from 10x to 5x optical zoom may disappoint some, but the 50MP sensor provides more flexibility. The S24 Ultra competes directly with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 8 Pro. For an in-depth look at the iPhone 15 Pro Max, see our iPhone 15 Pro Max Review.

Accessories and Ecosystem

Samsung offers a range of official accessories including the Galaxy S24 Ultra Standing Cover (S$68), Silicone Cover (S$58), and Leather Cover (S$78). The device is compatible with Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Galaxy Watch6 series. For audiophiles, pairing with high-quality headphones is recommended — check our Best Hi-Fi Headphones 2024 list. Additionally, for those who appreciate analog audio, our Turntable Buying Guide covers classic audio setups.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a top-tier flagship that excels in performance, display, and camera versatility. The introduction of Galaxy AI adds useful software features, though some may find the AI gimmicky. The titanium build and flat screen are welcome refinements. For Singapore buyers, the S$1,898 starting price is competitive for a device that promises seven years of updates. If you are considering a premium smartphone, the S24 Ultra is a strong contender.

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