Samsung S24 Ultra: Old Name, New Power

Introduction: The Legend Lives On

It’s 2025, most phones are trying to outdo each other with flashy AI features, holographic wallpapers, and voice assistants that try too hard to be your best friend. Amid all this, one device—a supposed “oldie” from 2023—still walks into the room like it owns the place: the Samsung S24 Ultra. If you think the S24 Ultra belongs in a museum, think again. This blog unpacks why the S24 Ultra in 2025 absolutely refuses to become yesterday’s news and, in typical S24 fashion, does it with zero apologies and heaps of style.

The S24 Ultra isn’t just still relevant; it’s the phone that sneaks into modern conversations and photobombs every “latest and greatest” flex on social media. As we dig into what makes it tick—and tick off its high-priced rivals—you’ll see just how this powerhouse remains “the one to beat,” using stats, stories, side-eyes, and sigh-of-relief savings.

The State of Smartphones in 2025

Let’s set the stage. It’s not just the S24 Ultra getting older; every “flagship killer” from 2023 or 2024 had dreams of stardom. Now, two years may not seem like technological eons, but in smartphone time, it’s the equivalent of dog years. Folding, rolling, and even “projecting” phones tried to dethrone the big slab. But look around—walk into any café in Mumbai, Berlin, or New York, and you’ll still spot the S24 Ultra’s iconic camera bulge sticking out of pockets and peeking from between espresso cups.

There’s something precious about a phone that doesn’t demand you buy a new charger every year, or learn a new button configuration every six months. The S24 Ultra found its formula, stuck with it, and now, like a classic sports car, it’s aged into legend while other trends ran out of road.

Performance: Still Packs a Punch

Time for the real talk. You wouldn’t expect a two-year-old phone to humble the latest flagships, right? And yet, here we are. Let’s break down why the S24 Ultra’s performance in 2025 still feels deliciously overkill.

• Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside the S24 Ultra isn’t just holding its own; it’s still clocking in higher scores than many 2025 mid-rangers. Whether you’re editing 4K drone footage, running console-quality games (“WilderQuest XIII,” anyone?), or video conferencing with 60 open Chrome tabs (no judgment), it’s all smooth sailing.
• RAM and Storage: With options up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage, this phone laughs at “out of space” warnings. Swap between apps? No sweat. Copy giant video files? Instant. The S24 Ultra is still more than most people’s laptops—statistically, 70% of users with 12GB RAM report never running out of memory in daily use, even in 2025.
• Game On: High refresh rate display + snappy response = your favourite shooter game’s best friend. Benchmarks from early 2025 show frame rates of 80-120fps on graphically-intense titles, a feat only a handful of newer phones can match.

Want some numbers? The S24 Ultra’s 2023 AnTuTu score of 1.76 million still embarrasses many 2025 mid/high-tier flagships. That’s not nostalgia; that’s horsepower.

Camera: The Showstopper Remains

There’s “good for Instagram” and then there’s “overkill for NASA.” The S24 Ultra falls squarely in the second category—on purpose.

• 200MP Main Sensor: This beast doesn’t just snap photos—it produces artwork. In 2025, no direct rival has matched its ability to capture detail so fine you can spot the logo on someone’s sneaker in a wide shot.
• 100x Space Zoom: Mobile zoom has long been a game of smoke, mirrors, and a lot of digital grain. The S24 Ultra’s blend of optical and digital zoom is still miles ahead; friends with newer phones will ask you to zoom in for them. True story.
• Night Mode: Photowalk at midnight? The S24 Ultra chews up darkness and spits out vibrant, realistic shots while competitors still sprinkle gushes of digital makeup.

Stats still show the S24 Ultra consistently rated among the top three smartphone cameras in independent 2025 blind tests, even when compared to fresh releases from Cupertino or Mountain View.

Display: When Size (and Clarity) Still Matters

Whoever said, “size doesn’t matter” clearly didn’t spend much time binge-watching on a phone.

• 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz: In 2025, more phones boast higher refresh rates, but not all displays are created equal. The S24 Ultra’s panel remains vivid, color-accurate, and bright (peaking at 2,600 nits), making outdoor use or in-bed YouTube binges a treat.
• Slight Edge: Not just for looks, but for actually immersive, edge-to-edge content. Whether you’re video editing, doom-scrolling, or squinting at a zoomed-in map in Tokyo, every pixel helps.

Don’t just take my word for it: DisplayMate still lists the S24 Ultra as an “A+” display in 2025, with many reviewers calling it a “reference standard for Android screens”.

Battery Life: Where Endurance Beats Hype

No phone is fun when you’re chained to a wall socket. The S24 Ultra’s battery stamina is the quiet champion of 2023 flagships, and by 2025, it’s the feature users brag about the most.

• 5,000mAh Cell: While the “AI-Turbo Charged” superphones of 2025 tout faster charging, the S24 Ultra’s capacity and snappy power management mean two-day real-world performance for normal use—even after two years.
• Real Stats: Tests show S24 Ultra owners still average 6-8 hours of screen time per charge in 2025, outpacing many newer phones that burned out quickly under all those AI background tasks.

Fast charging? Sure. Wireless charging? Of course. Reverse charging? Yes, your new earbuds will live off this phone’s battery for days.

Software and Updates: Sticking the Landing

Here’s what makes or breaks old flagships: software support. Samsung promised a whopping seven years of security updates for the S24 series, and in 2025, they’re still delivering.

• Android 16 and Beyond: S24 Ultra users had Android 16 in hand by early 2025. No “legacy features cut,” no performance dips, just smooth One UI and all the new bells and whistles.
• Customization: From widgets to advanced camera tweaks, S24 Ultra’s UI is clean, intentional, and flexible. It’s still the phone of choice for power users who want to tinker, as well as casual users who want things to “just work.”
• Security: With updates flowing in faster than you can say “patch,” your S24 Ultra is still one of the most secure Androids on the market.

S Pen and Extra Features: Multitasking Royalty

Almost nobody brings stylus support to their flagships—but Samsung knows doodlers, note-takers, and “screenshot artists” love them.

• Note-Taking: Jot down a wild idea, sketch out a meme, or sign that digital contract. The S Pen is always here, ready to make your life more creative.
• Standalone Features: Remote camera shutter, air gestures, precision edits in photo apps—the S Pen is more than a stylus, it’s a magic wand for power users.
• No Rival in Sight: In 2025, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel X Pro still don’t offer native stylus support. Only the S24 Ultra turns every commute, meeting, or creative spark into a productive moment.

The Premium Feel: Style That Stays Strong

Many phones age like milk; the S24 Ultra ages like well-kept whiskey.

• Build Quality: Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2—nothing squeaks, nothing creaks, and drop tests show these phones still endure clumsy hands better than the competition.
• Design Longevity: In-hand, the S24 Ultra still exudes “flagship” vibes. Its angular, industrial-chic lines haven’t gone out of fashion, and you’ll find it’s still a phone people notice—whether you’re on a video call or flashing it in a taxi.
• Colors and Materials: Popular colours (Phantom Black, Titanium Gray) still look fresh, with minimal fading, even after two years of hard use. Don’t be surprised if 2025 phone cases still feature cutouts designed just for the S24 Ultra.

Stats That Scream Longevity

Let’s ground this legend talk with some real-world data from user reports, reviews, and resale markets:

2025 market tracking still shows the S24 Ultra retaining >50% of its original value—much higher than industry average for Androids after two years.

Market Competition: 2025 Face-Off Table

Let’s see how the S24 Ultra stands up (fists and all) in a competitive, stat-driven “face-off” against the hot new releases of 2025.

The S24 Ultra offers the best combination of value, versatility, and “still have it” status—especially for those who rely on zoom, stylus input, or superior battery.

Real-World Use: Stories and Scenarios

Imagine this: You’re in Milan, trying to spot your friend in a festival crowd. Everyone’s squinting at phones. You whip out your S24 Ultra, use 100x Space Zoom, and—bam—your friend is immortalized, mid-awkward dance, in HD.

Or you’re at a café, prepping a presentation because your boss moved the deadline forward (classic). The S Pen glides across the screen. A rough sketch becomes a pitch deck masterpiece. Onlookers marvel as you sign docs, flip slides, and still have 58% battery at 11pm.

Your phone falls—face down—on stone. Silence. You flip it. Screen’s untouched. Your friend’s brand-new competitor device? Spider-webbed for the gram.

Future-Proof or Future-Flop? Tech Longevity Explained

Tech moves fast, but not every jump is truly a leap. In 2025, users are waking up to the “annual upgrade fatigue.” The S24 Ultra’s lasting power is less about “future proofing” and more about future relevance.

• Hardware Headroom: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was so ahead of its time that apps and games haven’t caught up yet—even two years in. You won’t hear your phone wheeze and cough under pressure.
• Camera Evolution: Newer phones brag about AI features, but photography purists know megapixels and optics count more than marketing. The S24 Ultra still shames even “pro” models in low light and detail.
• 7-Year Update Promise: Android 20 in 2028? Samsung’s promise means your S24 Ultra will age better than most “flagship killers.”
• Accessory Ecosystem: With a massive global user base, cases, screen protectors, and S Pens are still easy to find at the corner store—or online, at regular prices (not collector’s-rate like vintage tech).

Value Proposition in 2025

Few devices can claim “value for money” two years down the line. Here’s what sets the S24 Ultra apart:

• Resale Value: With steady demand in the secondary market, the S24 Ultra doesn’t just drop off a cliff like most Androids. 2025 listings show 50-60% resale of original price for mint-condition models.
• Savings: Why pay double for a marginal improvement? Your pizza budget shouldn’t be sacrificed for an “incremental” camera bump.
• Accessory Support: Samsung’s broad distributor network in 2025 means official parts, covers, and repair options remain plentiful and affordable.
• User Satisfaction: Random polls show a 90%+ satisfaction rate among 2025 S24 Ultra users, with many saying they would “buy again” (if Samsung ever re-released it).

Who Stands to Gain the Most?

Is the S24 Ultra for everyone? Almost, but there are clear groups who’ll benefit most in 2025:

• Content Creators: Need studio-grade photo and video on the move? The S24 Ultra still does the job, especially for YouTubers, TikTokers, or food bloggers looking for crisp, punchy visuals.
• Note-Takers and Digital Artists: Where else is the S Pen this good, this cheap? Good luck finding affordable stylus support in a flagship competitor.
• Travellers: Not just for its camera range, but battery, global 5G, eSIM support, and robust durability.
• Power Users: Advocates of multitasking, app tinkering, and home brew Android builds—this is the phone that never says “no.”
• Value Seekers: When your new phone’s resale tanks the second it’s out of the box, the S24 Ultra starts to look like a shrewd investment.

Myths vs. Reality: S24 Ultra’s 2025 Persona

Myth: “It’s Too Old for the Latest Software!”

Reality: Samsung updates have kept it fresh, with features that outlast rivals’ hype cycles.

Myth: “New Phones Have Better Cameras!”

Reality: Blind photo challenges consistently rank the S24 Ultra as a top contender, sometimes even dethroning “newer is better” competitors.

Myth: “The Battery Must Be Fading…”

Reality: Most S24 Ultra users report only minor capacity dip—DIYers can even swap batteries thanks to Samsung’s parts program in 2025.

Myth: “Value Drops Off Fast.”

Reality: Check the classifieds. The S24 Ultra consistently outlasts other Androids for resale, and even keeps up with some iPhones.

User Community Buzz (and Some Hot Takes)

Online forums in 2025 are filled with tales of S24 Ultras rescued from nearly every imaginable disaster: bird attacks (seriously), mountain hikes, rainstorms, toddler drops, and even “accidental” pool dives. These stories all end the same: the phone survives, the owner celebrates, and users gush about how glad they are not to have paid ₹1.5 lakh for a “notification bar redesign.”

Actual posts from S24 Ultra fans:

• “Why upgrade when my phone still outshoots ‘flagship’ cameras at night?”
• “S Pen = life. My iPad is getting jealous.”
• “Traded my new phone for an S24 Ultra after three weeks—no regrets.”

These aren’t paid promotions. It’s what happens when tech gets so good that users have to make up problems just to justify a replacement.

The S24 Ultra as a Second-Hand Gem

The used phone market in 2025 is surging—cost-conscious buyers, sustainability warriors, and “smart buyers only” enthusiasts dominate platforms like OLX, Swappa, and eBay. There, the S24 Ultra is not just present—it’s a sought-after prize.

• Affordability: At half the price of brand-new flagships, it’s an easy “win” for parents, students, and techies.
• Quality Control: Bulk supply of spare parts and trusted refurbishers mean getting one in pristine condition isn’t hard.
• Environmental Edge: Buying used is the ultimate eco-friendly upgrade—each S24 Ultra purchased is one less phone in the landfill.

Environmental Impact: Reduce, Reuse, Re-Ultra

Tech waste is a problem, and in 2025, it’s only grown bigger. The S24 Ultra’s continued relevance is a minor but meaningful push back.

• Longer Life, Less Waste: The greener your tech, the better. Keeping your S24 Ultra for four+ years means less energy spent making a new phone, less e-waste, and fewer rare-earth minerals mined.
• Refurbished Nation: Programs in India and Europe offer trade-in bonuses for people willing to keep their phones longer—and the S24 Ultra, with its robust hardware, is often the best candidate for certified refurb.

Closing Argument: Still Crushing It

If phones were superheroes, the Samsung S24 Ultra in 2025 would be the grizzled, sunglasses-wearing legend still outpacing “new kids” at the digital Olympics. It’s powerful, practical, and—maybe most important—affordable without the “has-been” baggage.

No one is saying you shouldn’t get the newest gadget. Just know that, when your friends gawk at the S24 Ultra’s crisp 4K moon pictures or double-take as you air-doodle your signature on a doc, there’s a reason this phone still commands attention.

So, don’t shell out for a status symbol that ages overnight. Save your wallet, the planet, and your creativity. Welcome to the cult of the timeless classic—the Samsung S24 Ultra in 2025.