Samsung Galaxy S24+ Cobalt Violet 512GB

With 97th percentile performance, the S24+ is absurdly fast. The 2600-nit screen is a joy, and 512GB storage ensures you won't run out of space. Battery life is solid but not exceptional, and the fingerprint reader gets mixed reviews. It's a top-tier phone that's worth hunting for deals.

Benchmarks put the S24+ in the 97th percentile—that's top-of-the-charts fast. Apps launch instantly, and with 12GB RAM, you can switch between a dozen apps without a reload. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 handles demanding games without breaking a sweat, and the 120Hz display keeps everything fluid. We've seen many owners note that the jump from an S21 or S22 feels like a generational leap. This is a phone that never feels sluggish, and that kind of headroom means it'll age gracefully over the next couple of years.

Stacked against the iPhone 17, the S24+ wins on raw speed (97th vs ~95th percentile) and display brightness, but loses on camera consistency and software updates longevity. The Pixel 10a is a better value play, often cheaper, but its Tensor chip can't keep up—our tests show the S24+ outruns it by a wide margin in multitasking. The OnePlus 15 matches the S24+ in performance and adds faster charging, but its display is dimmer and the camera system isn't as refined. Newer flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max have entered the top 5, raising the bar on camera and battery, but the S24+ still holds its own on raw speed and screen quality. The Motorola razr ultra 2025 is a wildcard with its foldable form factor, though it trades blows differently depending on your priorities. For Android purists who want sheer speed and a brilliant screen, the S24+ is hard to beat, especially if you're already in Samsung's ecosystem.

At its lowest price of $880, the S24+ delivers incredible bang for your buck—that's almost top-tier performance and a flagship display for under $900. Best Buy often runs trade-in promotions, and with their price match guarantee, you can snag it for the lowest available price. At the $1080 end, though, it's competing with devices that offer slightly better cameras or battery life. The sweet spot is definitely the sub-$950 range. If you find it there, it's a no-brainer for performance seekers.

The Galaxy S24+ sits in the 97th percentile for raw performance, making it one of the fastest phones in our database. That Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor paired with 12GB of RAM means multitasking is buttery smooth, and the 512GB of storage is more than most people will ever fill. The 6.7" OLED display is equally impressive, hitting 2600 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. It's among the brightest screens we've tested, which makes outdoor visibility a non-issue. But it's not the best at everything. The camera system, while capable with that 3x optical zoom, lands in the 87th percentile—very good, but not class-leading. Battery life, at the 92nd percentile, is solid but won't break any records.

Still, the overall package is compelling. The phone weighs just 197 grams, has IP68 water resistance, and Samsung's AI features like Circle to Search and Live Translate add genuine utility. Our user sentiment data shows owners love the premium build and snappy feel, though about 4 in 10 have mixed feelings on battery longevity. Price swings from $880 to $1080 across retailers, so hunting for a deal is key. If you're upgrading from an older Galaxy, the speed bump alone is huge.

Skip the S24+ if marathon battery life is your priority. Phones like the iPhone 17 or OnePlus 15 outlast it. The fingerprint sensor's inconsistency with screen protectors is a legitimate annoyance, so if you rely on that for security, think twice. And while Samsung touts AI features, the phone's overall feature set ranks just 72nd percentile—most of the AI tricks are nice but not life-changing. If you're expecting a sea change in productivity, you might be underwhelmed.

The Galaxy S24+ is a speed demon with a gorgeous display and a capable camera setup, but it's not flawless. Battery life is just okay, and the fingerprint sensor can be a hassle. Yet, for the price—especially at the lower end of its range—it's a stellar choice. Upgraders from older Galaxies will feel the difference immediately. If you can live with average battery and don't mind a few sensor quirks, this is one of the best Android phones around.