Samsung unveiled its latest flagship Galaxy S24 series smartphones at its Unpacked event on January 17th, 2024. The new devices lean heavily into AI features through a partnership with Google Cloud, representing Samsung’s bid to outpace rivals like Apple.
Overview of the Galaxy S24 Series
The Galaxy S24 series comprises three models – the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra. The phones are powered by the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and run Android 14.
Key specs and features of the devices include:
Galaxy S24
- 6.3″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- Rear triple camera setup: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto
- Front: 12MP
- 8GB RAM
- 128/256GB storage
Galaxy S24 Plus
- 6.6” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- Rear triple camera setup: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto
- Front: 32MP
- 8GB RAM
- 256/512GB storage
Galaxy S24 Ultra
- 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- Rear quad camera setup: 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 10MP telephoto (10x optical zoom)
- Front: 40MP
- 12GB RAM
- 256/512GB storage
- S Pen support
Focus on AI and Computational Photography
While the hardware upgrades like the latest Qualcomm chip and high-resolution cameras are certainly noteworthy, the real stars of the Galaxy S24 series are the AI and software.
Samsung has partnered with Google Cloud to integrate Google’s Gemini AI framework into the phones. Gemini powers the S24 series’ new “Galaxy AI” system which enables features like:
- Enhanced Nightography – takes photos in near pitch darkness
- AI Resolution Boost – upscales photos for more detail
- Background Effects – adds custom bokeh and lighting
- Frame suggestions for videos
- Real-time subtitles for videos
- Intelligent crop suggestions
In addition, Samsung is touting the Galaxy S24 Ultra model’s 200MP camera sensor paired with an upgraded NPU. Together, these allow the S24 Ultra to use pixel-binning to take incredibly detailed 50MP images in default mode. The 200MP resolution gives more data for Samsung’s own AI algorithms to work with.
Early camera samples from media reviewers showed excellent low light performance and powerful 30x “space zoom”. The AI promises to take Samsung’s already class-leading computational photography even further.
Monetization Concerns
There is some controversy though around Samsung’s plans to monetize the Galaxy AI system. Buried in the fine print, Samsung revealed the AI features would only be free for two years. After that, users would likely need to pay to continue using Galaxy AI.
Given the Galaxy S24 series already demands premium pricing (starting at $799 for S24, $999 for S24 Plus, $1,199 for S24 Ultra), users paying over $1000 for the top model only to be nickeled-and-dimed on AI features two years later doesn’t sit well.
Samsung’s leadership sidestepped questions about the monetization plans during the launch event. But there is worry this could hamper long term reception and sales if not clarified.
Outpacing the Competition
Still, the Galaxy S24 series shows Samsung aggressively staking its ground as the leader in mobile AI and computational photography. The timing lines up with rumors of Apple developing its own in-house modem and mobile AI chip to move away from Qualcomm.
By teaming with Google Cloud and the latest Snapdragon, Samsung retains an advantage – at least for now. The phones also promise up to 7 years of Android OS upgrades, which builds goodwill for long-term customers.
Meanwhile demand for the S24 series already appears strong, with models selling out on various online retailers post-launch. Industry analysts forecast the series could sell over 50 million units in 2024. Samsung is aiming for double digit sales growth to maintain its lead.
If they can resolve uncertainties around monetizing AI features, while continuing to push boundaries on mobile photography, Samsung looks well-positioned to keep customers happy and fend off rivals. For now, the S24 firmly plants their flag as the phone to beat.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
