Samsung Galaxy S24 & S24 Ultra Review 2025
Complete buying guide for Samsung's flagship Android phones. Compare prices, features, and find the best deals in New Zealand.
Quick Verdict: Should You Buy Galaxy S24 in 2025?
✅ Buy Galaxy S24 Ultra If:
- You want the best Android camera system
- You need S Pen for productivity
- You prioritize premium build quality
- You shoot lots of photos/videos
⚖️ Consider Galaxy S24/S24+ If:
- You want flagship features for less
- You prefer more compact sizes
- You don't need S Pen functionality
- You want good value at current prices
❌ Skip Galaxy S24 If:
- You're happy with current phone
- You prefer iOS ecosystem
- You want to wait for S25 series
- You need better battery life
Galaxy S24 Series Models & Pricing
Compare all Galaxy S24 models with current New Zealand pricing and availability.
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pricing Note: Prices shown are current as of January 2025 and may vary by retailer. Check multiple stores for best deals and bundle offers.
Galaxy AI Features: What Makes S24 Series Special
Samsung's Galaxy AI brings advanced artificial intelligence to everyday smartphone use.
Circle to Search
Search anything on your screen by circling, highlighting or tapping
Live Translate
Real-time translation during phone calls
Chat Assist
AI-powered writing assistance for messages and emails
Photo Assist
AI photo editing including object removal and enhancement
Transcript Assist
AI transcription and summarization of voice recordings
Galaxy AI Verdict
Galaxy AI features genuinely improve daily smartphone use, especially for productivity and communication. Circle to Search and Live Translate are standout features that work reliably and provide real value.
Camera System: Why S24 Ultra Leads Android Photography
Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Specs
- Main: 200MP f/1.7 with OIS
- Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.2, 120° field of view
- Telephoto 1: 10MP f/2.4, 3x optical zoom
- Telephoto 2: 50MP f/3.4, 5x optical zoom
- Front: 12MP f/2.2
Key Camera Features
- 100x Space Zoom: Incredible reach for distant subjects
- 200MP Mode: Massive detail for cropping and editing
- Expert RAW: Professional photography controls
- 8K Video: Ultra-high resolution video recording
- Portrait Mode: Professional bokeh effects
- Night Mode: Excellent low-light performance
Best Photography Scenarios for S24 Ultra
🔭 Sports & Wildlife
100x zoom captures distant action with incredible detail
🌃 Night Photography
Large sensor and AI processing excel in low light
👥 Portraits
Multiple focal lengths provide creative portrait options
🏙️ Architecture
200MP resolution captures fine architectural details
Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro
How does the Galaxy S24 Ultra stack up against its main flagship competitors?
| Specification | Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (NZ) | $2099 | $1849 | $1699 |
| Display | 6.8" QHD+ AMOLED | 6.7" Super Retina XDR | 6.7" LTPO OLED |
| Main Camera | 200MP | 48MP | 50MP |
| Max Zoom | 100x Digital | 25x Digital | 30x Digital |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4441mAh | 5050mAh |
| Stylus Support | ✅ S Pen Built-in | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Software Updates | 7 years | 6+ years | 7 years |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Galaxy S24 Ultra for S Pen productivity, best Android camera, customization
- Choose iPhone 15 Pro Max for iOS ecosystem, better video, smoother performance
- Choose Pixel 8 Pro for pure Android, best AI features at lower price
Best Galaxy S24 Deals in New Zealand
Retailer Deals
- PB Tech: Best Galaxy S24 prices, tech support
- JB Hi-Fi: Bundle deals with accessories
- Harvey Norman: Interest-free payment plans
- Noel Leeming: Price matching, Airpoints
- The Warehouse: Competitive pricing on Ultra models
Carrier Plans
- Spark: Device payment plans, unlimited data
- One NZ: Trade-in bonuses, family plans
- 2degrees: Competitive monthly rates
- Skinny Mobile: Budget-friendly with device payments
Money-Saving Tips
- Compare prices across multiple retailers
- Look for bundle deals with Galaxy Watch/Buds
- Consider trade-in value of your current phone
- Check for student or corporate discounts
- Wait for seasonal sales (Boxing Day, Black Friday)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra worth buying in 2025?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains Samsung's best phone with cutting-edge features like the 200MP camera, S Pen integration, titanium build, and advanced Galaxy AI features. It's ideal for power users and professionals who need the ultimate Android experience.
What's the difference between Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra?
S24 (6.2") is the compact flagship, S24+ (6.7") offers larger screen and battery, while S24 Ultra (6.8") includes S Pen, 200MP camera, titanium build, and QHD+ display. Ultra is the premium model with professional features.
Should I buy Galaxy S24 or wait for Galaxy S25?
Galaxy S24 series launched in January 2024 and will receive 7 years of updates. With current discounts available, it's a great time to buy. S25 series expected in early 2025 will likely have minimal upgrades for significantly higher prices.
How does Galaxy S24 Ultra compare to iPhone 15 Pro Max?
S24 Ultra offers S Pen productivity, 200MP camera with 100x zoom, customizable Android, and larger 6.8" display. iPhone 15 Pro Max has better video recording, longer iOS support, more premium apps, and smoother performance. Choose based on ecosystem preference.
What are the best Galaxy S24 deals in New Zealand?
Best prices: S24 from $1299 at PB Tech, S24+ from $1699 at Harvey Norman, S24 Ultra from $2099 at Noel Leeming. Check for bundle deals with Galaxy Watch or Buds. Carrier plans from Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees often include device payments.
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra camera better than iPhone 15 Pro Max?
S24 Ultra excels in zoom photography with 100x Space Zoom and 200MP resolution for detailed shots. iPhone 15 Pro Max is better for video recording and consistent photo processing. S24 Ultra offers more creative control and AI editing features.
How long will Galaxy S24 receive software updates?
Samsung promises 7 years of major Android updates and security patches for the Galaxy S24 series, matching Google Pixel support. This means updates until 2031, making it a long-term investment.
Should I get 256GB or 512GB Galaxy S24 Ultra?
256GB ($2099) is sufficient for most users with cloud storage. Choose 512GB ($2399) if you shoot lots of 4K video, store large files locally, or want maximum future-proofing. 1TB ($2799) is for professional content creators only.
Final Verdict: Galaxy S24 Series in 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series represents the pinnacle of Android smartphone technology, with the Ultra model standing out as the best option for power users and photography enthusiasts. While premium-priced, current discounts make them more accessible than at launch.
Our Final Recommendations:
- Best Overall: Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB ($2099) - Premium features, S Pen, best camera
- Best Value: Galaxy S24+ 256GB ($1699) - Flagship features, larger screen, good price
- Most Compact: Galaxy S24 256GB ($1499) - Flagship performance in smaller size
- Wait Alternative: Galaxy S23 series with discounts or upcoming S25 series
The Galaxy AI features, 7-year update commitment, and excellent camera systems make the S24 series a smart long-term investment for Android users seeking flagship performance.