S24 Ultra : Everything I know and a Dubai buying guide

S24 Ultra titanium grey in the above image

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung’s flagship smartphone, going head-to-head with other high-end models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Vivo X200 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. It comes pre-installed with One UI 6.1 based on Android 14. Samsung has committed to 7 years of software and security updates, making it the first phone to offer such long-term support. This extended update policy also helps retain the phone’s value for resale or trade-in.

Nicknamed the “Godfather of Androids”, the S24 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s hardware and software integration. It was also crowned “Best Phone of the Year 2024” by MKBHD (Marques Brownlee), a renowned tech YouTuber with over 20 million subscribers.

Design

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is available in seven colors:

• Titanium Black
• Titanium Gray
• Titanium Violet
• Titanium Yellow
• Titanium Blue (Samsung Store exclusive)
• Titanium Green (Samsung Store exclusive)
• Titanium Orange (Samsung Store exclusive)

It features a Grade 2 Titanium frame, replacing the armor aluminum used in the S23 Ultra. The front screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Armor, a first in smartphones, offering anti-reflective coating for improved outdoor visibility. The back uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

S Pen

Unique in its class, the S24 Ultra includes a built-in Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, exclusive to this model. Its Bluetooth features enable:

• Slide control during presentations
• Remote photo capture
• Zoom in/out functionality
• Switching between front and rear cameras
• Music playback control
• Drawing and sketching features

The S Pen charges via magnetic coils when docked in the phone.

Variants

All S24 Ultra variants feature 12GB RAM, with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB (no expandable storage). Storage is UFS 4.0, ensuring fast performance across all models.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm process) and Adreno 750 GPU clocked at 1GHz, it also supports Ray Tracing, elevating mobile gaming to console-like levels. The vapor cooling chamber is 93% larger than that of the S23 Ultra, helping maintain performance during intense usage.

With this configuration, the phone outperforms many Chromebooks and Windows laptops — rightfully earning its place as a pocket-sized supercomputing powerhouse.

Camera Setup

The S24 Ultra features a quad rear camera system:

• 12MP Ultra-wide
• 200MP Main sensor
• 50MP 5x Telephoto (optical zoom)
• 10MP 2x Telephoto (optical zoom)
• 100x Space Zoom (AI-enhanced digital zoom)
• 12MP Front camera

Additionally, it includes a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, akin to LiDAR, enhancing night photography, focus accuracy, and AR experiences.

Video recording supports up to 4K at 60fps and 8K at 30fps.

Display Specs

This phone boasts one of the best displays in the industry:

• 6.8-inch flat QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 2600 nits peak brightness
• Ultra-thin bezels and a centered punch-hole camera

All these provide an immersive, expansive viewing experience.

Battery and Charging

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the S24 Ultra supports:

• 45W wired fast charging (Super Fast Charging 2.0)
• 15W wireless charging
• 4.5W reverse wireless charging

It uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for data and power.

Galaxy AI

Samsung’s new Galaxy AI suite includes:

• Circle to Search
• Live Translate
• AI Summarization (browser, notes, and docs)
• Voice Transcription
• Magic Compose
• Generative Edit
• Instant Slow-Mo
• Generative Wallpapers

All AI features are free through end of 2025, though Samsung may introduce a subscription model later.

Though not an AI feature, Samsung DeX allows the phone to act as a desktop PC when connected to a monitor or TV — either wired or wirelessly. The phone screen can function as a touchpad, bringing a full PC-like environment on the go.

Cons

While the S24 Ultra is arguably near-perfect, no device is flawless. Here are some areas where it may fall short:

• Not the absolute best in photography/videography (compared to Vivo, Oppo, Sony)
• Not the top performer for gaming (compared to iQOO, ASUS ROG, RedMagic)
• Display lacks 10-bit color depth (only noticeable side-by-side with a 10-bit panel)
• Slower charging compared to competitors (45W vs 100W/150W)
• Requires a PPS-compatible adapter for full-speed charging
• Possible future AI subscription fees
• No Qi2 (MagSafe equivalent) support

Personal theory on Qi2 absence: Qi2 magnets may interfere with the S Pen’s magnet-based pointer system, leading to lag or glitches during use. This has been observed when using third-party magnetic accessories. However, the effect is minimal and not officially confirmed by Samsung.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the S24 Ultra delivers a balanced experience across display, battery, performance, and design, making it one of the best all-rounders on the market.

Buying the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Dubai

Prices in India:

• ₹98,999 to ₹1,25,000 (INR)

Prices in Dubai:

• AED 2666 to AED 3083 (₹64,000 to ₹74,000 INR approx.)

Dubai’s Bur Dubai (Old Dubai) is known for electronics deals — including drones, cameras, laptops, and smartphones.

Why Dubai is cheaper:

• Lower taxes and import duties
• Currency exchange advantages
• Market demand and supply
• Local economic factors like inflation and purchasing power
• Varying retailer margins

Popular retailers in Bur Dubai:

• City Choice — +971 50 548 4997 (WhatsApp)
• Seven Wonders — +971 4 353 4400
• Everest City Mobile Trading — +971 54 252 7933
• Jumbo Electronics — +971 4 325 3711 (premium service, higher prices)
• Sharaf DG — +971 543090859 (premium service, higher prices)

Dubai Variant Guide

Phones sold in Dubai include:

• F-MS928BZVGAMA (International)
• SM-S928BZKCMEA (UAE)
• SM-S928B/DS (Middle East / TDRA)

Other Variants and Their Differences

Model

Region

Key Notes

SM-S928U

US (Carrier-locked)

1 SIM + eSIM, mmWave

SM-S928U1

US (Unlocked)

No bloatware, same specs

SM-S928W

Canada

No mmWave, can flash U1 ROM

SM-S928N

Korea

1 SIM + eSIM, call recording, some bloatware

SM-S9280

China/HK/Taiwan

Dual SIM, no eSIM, call recording (only China)

SM-S928Q

Japan

mmWave, 1 SIM + dual eSIM, slower updates

SC-52E / SM-S928D

Japan (Docomo)

SIM-locked, heavy bloatware

SCG26 / SM-S928J

Japan (au)

SIM-locked, heavy bloatware

SM-S928B/DS

Global

2 SIMs + dual eSIM, no mmWave, best option

SM-S928B

Global (AU, Mexico)

1 SIM + dual eSIM

Thanks for the image! It shows detailed network band support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, including the dual SIM model. Here’s how you can integrate it into your document under the “Other Variants and the Differences Between Them” section, keeping the tone consistent:

Network Band Support (International Model)

The International Dual SIM variant of the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports a wide range of network technologies and bands, ensuring compatibility across most global carriers:

• Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
• 2G Bands: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 — SIM 1 & SIM 2 *(Dual SIM model only)

• CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA

• 3G Bands: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 (AWS) / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
• 4G LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 (International model)
• 5G Bands: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA / NSA / Sub6 — International model
• USA Model (S928U): Also supports mmWave 5G in addition to Sub6 bands
• Speed Support: HSPA, LTE-A (up to 7CA), 5G

This comprehensive band support ensures that the S24 Ultra International Dual SIM version works seamlessly in most regions, including India, Europe, the Middle East, and large parts of Asia.