Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Titanium Black 512GB

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a spec monster with a 200MP camera, 100x zoom, and a built-in S Pen. It's heavy at 233g and not for small-phone fans, but the performance and battery life are top-tier. At $646 to $704, it's actually a solid value for a 512GB flagship. If you want the best camera and don't mind the size, this is the one.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is a beast. Our performance score lands in the 95th percentile, which means this phone is faster than almost everything else we've tested. Apps open instantly, multitasking with split-screen doesn't stutter, and the 120Hz display makes everything feel smooth. The 12GB of RAM is plenty for keeping dozens of apps in memory, and the 512GB of storage means you won't be deleting photos to make room for a software update. For gaming, the 91.8 score backs up what the specs suggest: this thing handles demanding titles without breaking a sweat.

The battery is a 5000mAh cell, and it's rated in the 95th percentile for battery life. That's a big deal for a phone with a 6.8-inch screen and a power-hungry chip. You'll get through a full day without hunting for a charger, and lighter users might stretch it to two. Charging is 45W wired, which isn't the fastest on the market, but it's quick enough to top up in a pinch. The 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are nice extras if you've got earbuds or a watch that need a boost. The display brightness of 2600 nits is a standout, though the display score overall sits at the 79th percentile, which is solid but not chart-topping. The camera, on the other hand, is in the 100th percentile. That's the absolute best we've seen.

The S24 Ultra's biggest rival is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple's flagship has a more polished ecosystem and typically stronger resale value, but the S24 Ultra counters with the S Pen, a more versatile camera system, and that 100x zoom. The iPhone's display is excellent, but the S24 Ultra's 2600 nits of brightness gives it an edge outdoors. The OnePlus 13 is another strong competitor, often priced lower and with faster charging, but it doesn't match the S24 Ultra's camera versatility or the S Pen. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a photography monster in its own right, but it's harder to find in the US and lacks the same carrier support.

The Google Pixel G4QUR is the wildcard. Google's computational photography is still the best for point-and-shoot simplicity, and the Pixel's software experience is cleaner. But the S24 Ultra's hardware is just more capable. The 200MP sensor gives you more detail to work with, and the telephoto options are more flexible. The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is a foldable, so it's a different conversation entirely. If you want a compact phone that unfolds into a tablet, the Razr is interesting. But it can't touch the S24 Ultra's camera or performance scores.

Pricing is a bit of a mixed bag here. The US listings we're seeing range from $646 to $704, which is actually pretty reasonable for a phone with this spec sheet. You're getting a 512GB storage model, which is the higher tier, and the S Pen is included. Compare that to the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and the S24 Ultra often comes in at a lower price for comparable or better camera hardware. The 200MP sensor and 100x zoom are features that usually cost a lot more.

But the value story depends on what you're buying. The listings include used, refurbished, and new options, and the condition matters. A refurbished unit at $646 is a solid deal if you're okay with a phone that's been around the block. A new one at $704 is still competitive, but you're not getting the kind of discount that makes this a no-brainer. The weak social proof, just 3 reviews and a 3.9 rating, means you're taking a bit of a leap of faith on the seller. If you can find a listing with a solid return policy, the price-to-performance ratio here is hard to beat.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung's kitchen sink phone. It's got the biggest screen, the most cameras, the built-in S Pen, and a spec sheet that reads like a wish list. If you want a phone that does everything and then some, this is the one Samsung points to. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display hits 2600 nits of brightness, which means you can read it in direct sunlight without squinting like you're trying to decode a secret message. And the 200MP main camera is just showing off at this point.

Who's this for? Someone who wants a flagship that doesn't compromise. The photography score of 92.7 out of 100 puts it near the top of our database, and the gaming score of 91.8 means it'll chew through anything you throw at it. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip is a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm's best, and with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, you're not going to run out of headroom anytime soon. The S Pen is the wildcard here. Most phones dropped the stylus years ago, but Samsung kept it, and for note-takers or doodlers, it's a genuine differentiator.

The catch? It's big. At 233 grams, this is not a phone for people who want something light. The compact score of 63.5 is the weakest area by a wide margin. If you've got small hands or tight pockets, you'll feel every gram. But if you're already committed to the big phone life, the S24 Ultra rewards you with a display, camera system, and battery that are all top-tier.

If you want a phone that fits in one hand or disappears in your pocket, skip the S24 Ultra. At 233g and 6.8 inches, it's a chunky device that demands two hands for most tasks. The compact score of 63.5 is the weakest area by a long shot, and there's no getting around the physical size. Look at the Pixel G4QUR or a smaller iPhone if portability is your priority.

Also skip this if you're not going to use the camera or the S Pen. The 200MP sensor and 100x zoom are the headline features, and they're what justify the price. If you just need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and social media, you're paying for hardware you'll never fully use. The OnePlus 13 offers similar performance in a more affordable package without the camera extras.

If you want the best camera on a phone, period, the S24 Ultra is the one to beat. The 100th percentile camera score isn't marketing fluff. The 200MP main sensor, the 50MP telephoto, and the 100x zoom give you a level of flexibility that no other phone in this price range matches. The S Pen is a genuine bonus if you take notes, sign documents, or just like doodling on screenshots. And the battery life means you won't be tethered to a charger.

But this phone isn't for everyone. If you want something light and pocketable, look elsewhere. The 233g weight and 6.8-inch display make this a two-handed phone for most people. And if you're not going to use the S Pen or the zoom camera, you're paying for features you'll never touch. In that case, the OnePlus 13 or Pixel G4QUR might be a better fit. But for power users who want the most capable Android phone on the market, the S24 Ultra delivers.