Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review 2026: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying in 2026? A specs-and-reviews based look at its display, cameras, S Pen, update support and how it compares with the S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra.

By Gadget Soch·17 Oct 2026·Updated 19 Oct 2026·9 min read

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying in 2026? Yes, for a particular buyer: someone who wants a built-in S Pen with Bluetooth remote features, a 200MP quad-camera system with both 3x and 5x telephoto lenses, and several more years of official updates, without paying for Samsung’s newest Ultra. If you want the fastest chip, quicker charging or the longest remaining update window, the Galaxy S25 Ultra or Galaxy S26 Ultra is the better choice.

Samsung announced the Galaxy S24 Ultra in January 2024 as its top flagship, with a titanium frame, a flat 6.8-inch display under Corning Gorilla Armor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and the first wave of Galaxy AI features. Two successors have arrived since, the S25 Ultra in early 2025 and the S26 Ultra in early 2026, so the real question is not whether the S24 Ultra is good, but whether its trade-offs are acceptable now.

Please note: this review is based on Samsung India’s official product page, Samsung announcements and published reviews from GSMArena and Android Central, checked on 17 October 2026. We have not tested the phone hands-on, and every real-world result below is credited to the outlet that measured it. Our Amazon.in link opens the Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage in Titanium Black.

The short answer

Good fit for: S Pen users, zoom-photography fans, people upgrading from a Galaxy S21 Ultra or S22 Ultra, and anyone who wants flagship features without the latest model
Look elsewhere if: you want the most years of updates from today, faster charging, a lighter Ultra or Samsung’s newest camera hardware
Strengths that still matter: anti-reflective Gorilla Armor display, 3x plus 5x telephotos, Bluetooth S Pen, strong battery endurance in reviews, Samsung’s seven-generation update promise
Weak spots in 2026: two-generation-old chip, 12MP ultra-wide camera, 45W charging, 232-233 g weight, PWM dimming criticised by Android Central

Because Amazon listings can show different colour and memory combinations, confirm that the page shows 12GB plus 256GB in Titanium Black. Check the current price of the Galaxy S24 Ultra (12GB, 256GB, Titanium Black) on Amazon.in.

Galaxy S24 Ultra spec sheet

Galaxy S24 Ultra key specs at a glance — Galaxy S24 Ultra key specifications, summarised from the table in this review.

Item	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G
Variant on our link	12GB RAM, 256GB storage, Titanium Black
Other storage	512GB and 1TB, both with 12GB RAM (different listings)
Display	6.8-inch (17.25 cm) flat QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440×3120, adaptive up to 120Hz, up to 2,600 nits peak
Protection	Corning Gorilla Armor front and back, titanium frame, IP68
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm)
Rear cameras	200MP wide (f/1.7, OIS), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4), 50MP 5x periscope (f/3.4)
Zoom	2x and 10x optical-quality, up to 100x Space Zoom (digital)
Front camera	12MP
Video	Up to 8K at 30 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps
Battery	5,000mAh typical (4,855mAh rated)
Charging	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
S Pen	Built in, with Bluetooth
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C 3.2
Size and weight	162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm, 232-233 g
Software at launch	Android 14, seven generations of OS upgrades promised

Display, processor, camera, battery and S Pen details come from Samsung India’s product page. Dimensions, weight, apertures and connectivity come from GSMArena’s spec sheet, because Samsung’s India spec table did not load in full when checked.

What still holds up in 2026

An easier-to-read display

The S24 Ultra moved Samsung’s Ultra line to a flat screen, with Corning Gorilla Armor glass that Samsung says helps protect against scratches and that reviewers found noticeably less reflective. Android Central’s reviewer called the anti-glare coating the change he rated most highly, saying it made a big difference to readability in all lighting. That matters on Indian streets in bright afternoon sun. He also warned that a tempered-glass screen protector cancels the benefit, so a thin film or no protector is the better match. GSMArena praised the brightness, while noting display quirks it hoped software would fix.

A camera system built around two telephotos

The 200MP main camera is joined by a 3x and a new 50MP 5x periscope lens, which replaced the older 10x lens on the S23 Ultra. Samsung describes 2x and 10x as optical-quality zoom, and 100x Space Zoom as digital. Android Central initially worried about losing the 10x lens but concluded the 50MP 5x sensor more than made up for it. GSMArena called the system as versatile as ever but flagged an uneven drop in quality just below 10x. Two dedicated telephoto lenses are genuinely useful for concerts, wildlife and stage events.

The S Pen still has Bluetooth

The built-in S Pen is the S24 Ultra’s most distinctive feature for note-takers, students and anyone who signs documents on the go. GSMArena’s spec sheet lists Bluetooth integration on this S Pen, which enables remote camera shutter use. That matters because SamMobile reported that the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen dropped Bluetooth, removing Air Actions and the remote shutter. If you use those features, the S24 Ultra is arguably the better pen phone.

Battery endurance

Samsung quotes up to 30 hours of video playback from the 5,000mAh battery. Android Central described battery life as stupendous, reporting about two days per charge in its use. GSMArena placed endurance towards the top of its class and slightly ahead of the S23 Ultra, while trailing the iPhone 15 Pro Max in its comparison.

Where the S24 Ultra shows its age

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is two generations behind the chip in the S26 Ultra. It remains a flagship-class processor, and Android Central called performance superb, but the gap will widen as apps and Galaxy AI features grow more demanding.

The 12MP ultra-wide is also older hardware. Both the S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra moved to a 50MP ultra-wide, which helps with detail in wide landscapes and close-up macro shots.

Charging is fine rather than fast. In GSMArena’s test with Samsung’s 45W adapter, the phone reached 69% in 30 minutes and a full charge in about 1 hour 5 minutes. The reviewer also noted the phone is picky about adapters and the bundled cable is rated at 3A. Samsung says the S26 Ultra reaches up to 75% in 30 minutes.

Finally, at 232-233 g, this is a heavy phone. The S25 Ultra trimmed weight to 218 g according to GSMArena. Android Central also listed PWM dimming at all brightness levels as a drawback, which matters if you are sensitive to screen flicker.

Software support and Galaxy AI: how much life is left?

Samsung committed the Galaxy S24 series to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, as reported by Croma. The phone launched with Android 14, and counting seven years from its January 2024 launch takes support to around early 2031. An S26 Ultra bought today gets the same promise but starts two years later, so it will be supported longer.

On Galaxy AI, Samsung India’s page still carries a note that Galaxy AI features would be free until the end of 2025. In August 2025, SamMobile reported Samsung’s statement to Android Police that its own built-in Galaxy AI features, such as Live Translate, Note Assist and Object Eraser, will remain free. Gemini-based features are controlled by Google and could change. Android Central also pointed out that many AI features need an internet connection.

S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra

Feature	Galaxy S24 Ultra	Galaxy S25 Ultra	Galaxy S26 Ultra
Launched	January 2024	January 2025	Early 2026
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Elite	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Display	6.8-inch QHD+	6.9-inch QHD+	6.9-inch with built-in Privacy Display
Ultra-wide camera	12MP	50MP	50MP
Wired charging	45W	45W	Up to 75% in 30 min (60W reported)
S Pen Bluetooth	Yes	No (reported)	Not verified
Weight	232-233 g	218 g	Not verified
Update promise	7 OS generations	7 OS generations	7 OS generations, 7 years security

Beyond these three, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is worth a look if you do not need the S Pen or big zoom. GSMArena lists it with a 6.2-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB RAM, a 3x telephoto and a much lighter 162 g body, though its 4,000mAh battery and 25W charging are smaller.

The verdict from the table: the S25 Ultra is the sensible middle ground for a newer chip and lighter body, while the S26 Ultra is for buyers who want the Privacy Display, faster charging and the longest update window. The S24 Ultra only makes sense if the price gap is wide enough to justify an older chip and a shorter remaining support period.

Is it the right phone for you?

Yes, if you use the S Pen daily, especially its Bluetooth remote features
Yes, if you shoot a lot of zoomed photos and value having both 3x and 5x lenses
Yes, if you want a flagship display and camera but are happy with a phone that is no longer the newest
No, if you keep phones for six years or more and want the maximum update runway
No, if you find heavy phones tiring or are sensitive to PWM flicker
No, if you rarely use zoom or a stylus, because a lighter non-Ultra phone may suit you better

Smart checks before you buy

Galaxy S24 Ultra buying checklist — What to check before you buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Match the variant: this link is for 12GB RAM, 256GB and Titanium Black. Do not assume the 512GB, 1TB or other colours use the same link.
Check the seller and warranty: buy a new unit with an Indian Samsung warranty and keep the invoice for service at Samsung service centres.
Plan for a charger: GSMArena’s review lists a USB-C cable and SIM tool in the box, with no charger mentioned. Its charging figures were measured with Samsung’s 45W adapter.
Mind the screen protector: Android Central warns that tempered glass can undo the anti-reflective benefit and interfere with the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Check software status: after setup, run the system update and confirm the security patch level in Settings.

Once those boxes are ticked, see the Galaxy S24 Ultra 12GB plus 256GB (Titanium Black) on Amazon.in.

Frequently asked questions

How many years of updates does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have left?

Samsung promised seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the S24 series. Counted from its January 2024 launch, that points to support until around early 2031.

Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra come with a charger?

GSMArena’s review lists only a USB-C cable and SIM ejector in the box, so plan to use an existing USB-C PD charger or buy one.

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra better than the S25 Ultra for S Pen users?

For Bluetooth features, yes. The S24 Ultra’s S Pen supports Bluetooth, while SamMobile reported the S25 Ultra’s S Pen dropped it, removing Air Actions and the remote shutter.

Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra in India use Snapdragon or Exynos?

Samsung India’s page lists the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Are Galaxy AI features free on the S24 Ultra?

Samsung told Android Police in 2025 that its own built-in Galaxy AI features would stay free. Gemini-based features depend on Google’s policies.

Bottom line

The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a capable flagship in 2026, with a glare-resistant display, a flexible telephoto camera system, a Bluetooth S Pen and long official support. Its compromises are an older chip, a 12MP ultra-wide, average charging and a heavy body. Compare it with the S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra on the day you buy, then see the Galaxy S24 Ultra listing on Amazon.in to confirm the variant, seller and current price.