2023 hasn’t been incredibly remarkable for Samsung. Snapdragon chips dominated across the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Fold 5, but each device was more or less an iterative step up from its predecessors. 2024 may or may not be the year of AI, periscope cameras, and more with the Galaxy S24 series. Here’s what we know about the phones ahead of launch day.
Pocket-lint editors routinely refresh this page with the latest, most accurate information. Although this guide consists of rumors and leaks about the Galaxy S24 range, as information is confirmed or announced, we will update our coverage to keep you up to date.
@SonnyDickson / X
Samsung Galaxy S24 models: How many phones are expected?
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra expected
Rumored range
Currently, Samsung is expected to stick with a three-device push for its Galaxy S24 series: the standard package Galaxy S24, the slightly roomier S24+, and the top-of-the-line S24 Ultra. Early in 2023, there was some short-lived doubt regarding the Plus model’s existence, but a later report from GSMArena confirmed that Samsung would stick with its existing stategy.
Galaxy Unpacked date leaks: This is when the Galaxy S24 might be announced
The Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup is getting closer, here’s when to expect it.
Samsung Galaxy S24 release date: When will they be available?
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra expected
- Unpacked event on January 18
In recent years, Samsung has usually slotted its early-year Unpacked hardware launches in February, but a few reports in the fall signaled that the company was looking at a couple of dates in mid-January this time around. A leak from Evan Blass has all but confirmed showtime to be Jan. 18, 2024. The last time Samsung held an Unpacked event in January was back in 2021.
If you’re not keen on upgrading to a Galaxy S24 device, you might want to consider the Galaxy S23 FE or any of the original Galaxy S23 series devices in the meantime. We’ve given all of them high marks in our reviews.
Samsung Galaxy S23
The Galaxy S23 series is noted as the first of Samsung’s phones in 2023 to be equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors in all markets solely.Those used to performance woes with the company’s Exynos chips had a particularly easy upgrade decision – even if they paid full retail value. Pricing starts at $799.99.
Samsung Galaxy S24 price: How much will the phones cost?
- Mexican retailer Doto lists the Galaxy S24 early at the same price of the S23.
Rumored price
The Galaxy S23 sold for $799.99 and up at launch, the S23+ was $999.99, and the S23 Ultra began at $1,199.99. The weekend prior to Unpacked, Mexican retailer Doto (via WinFuture) quietly put up the 256GB Galaxy S24 for 17,900 pesos — the same price Samsung charged for the same version of the Galaxy S23. As such, we don’t expect much change, if any, to where the starting line will be placed.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S24 hardware and specs: Is Exynos coming back?
- Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
- S24 Ultra rumored to be all Snapdragon
- 8GB RAM on S24, 12GB on Plus and Ultra
- 128GB option stays
The defining feature of Samsung’s Galaxy S23 devices (as well as the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5) is that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset was on every phone sold worldwide. In past years, several markets – including many in Europe – received Galaxy S units running with a Samsung-made Exynos SoC that almost always seemed to perform worse than the Snapdragon or misbehave in areas the other would not.
Sadly for some shoppers, it has been more or less confirmed that Samsung will return to a dual-chip distribution model for the Galaxy S24 series. During Qualcomm’s Q3 earnings call, CEO Cristiano Amon told investors that he expects his company to produce its Snapdragon chips for “the majority” of the S24 production lot. We can infer that Samsung will be chipping in its house-made Exynos 2400 chip for S24 devices in the other part of the pie chart. The distribution picture is a bit muddier, though, because we learned in late August from @Tech_Reve, a leaks blogger with a decent track record, that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 no matter where it is purchased. What that means in terms of the chip mix going into the S24 and S24+ devices around the world isn’t clear.
For those concerned, the company has reportedly put in a ton of arm grease to make sure its Exynos 2400 phones are worth using. @Tech_Reve on Twitter (aka X) claims it will have a ten-core configuration running on the newer ARMv9 architecture and new AMD graphics hardware. It’s not to say that it won’t still pale in comparison with what we expect to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Early Geekbench results for a device marked as an S24+ (though it could be spoofed) point to major uplifts in single-core and multi-core performance from even the Gen 2 with gains of 17% (2,233) and 33% (6,661) on average, respectively. You can find out more about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in our explainer piece.
Referring back to Blass’s intelligence, the S24 is expected to receive 8GB of RAM while the Plus and Ultra will get 12GB. Some who bought the S23+ at its 256GB storage tier got 8GB of RAM and others got 12GB, so this consistency is appreciated. As for storage, we would love to see the company ditch its 128GB UFS 3.1 disk on the Galaxy S24 after keeping it on for the S23 – the S23+ moved up its base option to 256GB UFS 4.0 with no year-to-year change in pricing – but we’re stuck with the S23 on 128GB and 256GB with the Plus and Ultra at 256GB and 512GB. Oddly enough, no mention of 1TB storage options this year, which is galling considering that @Tech_Reve is calling for a 2TB option for the Ultra. Geography could play even more heavily in the specs you’ll see at the store.
Charging rates are likely to stay where they are: the S24 and S24+ have charge rates that suggest a maximum of 25W while the S24 Ultra is pegged to 45W.
And yes, the S Pen stylus is sticking with the S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S24 display: Harder, faster, brighter, better?
Samsung being a massive display manufacturer, it’s able to throw its weight around in peculiar ways. So it is the case as Chosun reports from industry insiders that the OLED display on the Galaxy S24 devices will be newer, thinner, lighter, and more efficient than previous generations. It’ll be newer than the ones featured in the iPhone 15 series, so there might be some distinct advantages to be reaped there.
Throughout the pre-release rumor grind, we’ve been hearing that the Galaxy S24 Ultra would depart from the tapered-edge look and feel on previous Ultra screens. Days out from Unpacked, we’re learning that may actually be true: tech blogger Ice Universe shared a video from a Chinese company that makes screen protectors — it’s been deleted, but then reposted by others, of course — showing off the phone’s flat panel.
Samsung Galaxy S24 software features: It ain’t no lie, baby AI AI AI
Samsung is quite susceptible to bandwagoning, so it should be no surprise to hear SamMobile reporting that the S24 will feature a generative AI agent fashioned much like a Bing Copilot or ChatGPT bot. It will almost certainly be powered by the company’s own Gauss generative AI engine that it debuted in November and might be tied into the existing Bixby smart assistant. Other possible tidbits include proper HDR viewing in the Samsung Gallery app for photos taken in expanded colorspaces and satellite communication capabilities.
What is Galaxy AI? Samsung’s generative AI plans explained
All the attention is on generative AI and the major brands that have yet to jump into the pool. Apple is one of them, but what about Samsung?
One thing that Samsung has been keeping up with is software updates and Android Headlines reports the company will leverage the S24 launch to expand its current commitment from five years of coverage to seven years — that’s seven Android OS upgrades, matching Google’s promise to Pixel 8 owners.
Samsung Galaxy S24 cameras: Same as the old boss
- S24 and S24+ to star Samsung’s own 50MP ISOCELL GN3
- S24 Ultra sticks with 200MP main, gains periscope for 5x and 10x zooms
We’ve gotten used to seeing three cameras in the rear and, as far as we can tell, Samsung won’t be changing the basic camera setup on the Galaxy S24 and S24+. In another tweet from @Tech_Reve, we hear that Samsung will use its 50MP ISOCELL GN3 sensor as the lead camera on those two phones — no change from the S23 on there. We presume the 12MP ultra-wide camera and 10MP telephoto camera (2x to 3x zoom factors with computer-enhanced Space Zoom capabilities of up to 30x) are also sticking around.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a different story, however, sticking on an extra shooter. It’ll feature the same 200MP main camera seen on the S23 Ultra as well as the 12MP ultra-wide camera, but it’s been suggested by leaks blogger Yogesh Brar that the 50MP sensor will be stuck underneath the fisheye lens while the 10MP sensor will be incorporated into a periscope camera, extending the range of zoom factors to include 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x with Space Zoom of up to 100x.
Samsung Galaxy S24 design: Evolution, not revolution
Late in September, we got our first peek at the S24 phones thanks to some CAD renders from @OnLeaks as provided to us by Smartprix. There’s nothing too jarring to see here when comparing to the Galaxy S23 series… but there is some controversy about the frame going from slightly curved to straight-up flat and boxy, kind of like the iPhone. Later photos of purported dummy units supplied by Sonny Dickson on X seem to confirm that, but some observers have dubbed the units as “fake,” even if they appear to be “accurate” in replication.
Over the past few years, Samsung has remained fairly consistent on sizing: the S22 and S23 had displays spanning 6.1 inches, while their respective Plus models went up to 6.6 inches. The S22 and S23 Ultra devices pushed the limits with 6.8-inch screens. In the spec sheet provided by Evan Blass, we see that the S24 and S24+ will bump up to 6.2 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively, while the S24 Ultra will stay at 6.8 inches. Sadly, we don’t get any looks at whether the latter phone’s display is actually flat.
Titanium was the name of Apple’s game with the iPhone 15 Pro series, and for good reason: that metal provides better rough-and-tumble durability for less mass and weight. With all the new payload that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to carry, Samsung may be thinking the same thing by working titanium into that device. The S24 and S24+ are getting an aluminum build updated from the S23 series.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 latest news: The story so far
Here’s a timeline of the stories we’ve included in this hub.
January 15, 2024: Mexican retailer is already listing the Samsung Galaxy S24
As spotted by WinFuture, Doto seems a little too ready to sell the Galaxy S24 on its website.
January 12, 2024: The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s flat display is revealed in video glory
Chinese tech blogger Ice Universe relayed a video from a screen protector manufacturer for the Galaxy S24 Ultra — the video’s off his account, but it’s been reposted on another X account called BenIt Bruhner Pro (via Tom’s Guide).
January 12, 2024: Galaxy S24 series will bring in 7 years of software support
Android Headlines gets word that the Galaxy S24 devices will receive seven Android OS upgrades.
December 21, 2023: Every Samsung Galaxy S24 spec you’ve wanted to know has just leaked
Evan Blass leaks details about the Unpacked event date, S24 device compatibility on AT&T’s network, and key specifications in a retail fact sheet written up in North American English.
November 14, 2023: Leaked Samsung Galaxy S24 dummies show almost no physical changes for the next-gen phones
Photos of physical dummy units of the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are leaked… or maybe the dummies have been independently produced and are “fake?”
November 3, 2023: Galaxy Unpacked date leaks: This is when the Galaxy S24 might be announced
SBS News out of Korea reports January 17 to be the big day.
November 2, 2023: Qualcomm confirms strategy for Samsung S24, as first details of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy surface
Qualcomm confirms it is producing the majority of microchips for the Galaxy S24 series.
October 30, 2023: Samsung Unpacked likely to take place in January for early Galaxy S24 launch
@Tech_Reve and Ice Universe claim mass production of the S24 devices has started with shipment planned for mid-to-late January. The Samsung Gallery app will also gain the ability to properly display photos that have been taken in HDR colorspace. Satellite communications are confirmed to be a feature on the S24.
October 23, 2023: Watch out Pixel: Samsung going all-in on AI for Galaxy S24
SamMobile says Samsung will supply a generative AI agent of sorts for S24 users similar in fashion to Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT.
September 29, 2023: This Samsung Galaxy S24 render leak shows off its controversial boxy look
While the front and back designs will be brought over from previous generations, OnLeaks CAD renders provided by Smartprix show that the frame will be flattened from their current rounded look and feel.
September 26, 2023: The likely Samsung Galaxy S24 Unpacked event date leaked and it’s sooner than you might think
Ice Universe claims January 18, 2024 as the Unpacked event date.
August 30, 2023: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra might be the only way to avoid its Exynos chips
All Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra devices will get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset globally.
August 24, 2023: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra could ditch this controversial feature of its predecessor
The next Samsung flagship of flagships could have a flat display instead of a curved one.
August 16, 2023: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs might have leaked months ahead of release
Yogesh Brar doses out some camera specs for the S24 Ultra.
August 10, 2023: Samsung Galaxy S24 to launch with new display tech making it better than iPhone 15
Thinner, lighter, and more energy efficient, Chosun reports that Samsung’s M12 series of OLED panels will be on the S24 devices. It’s also affirmed that Snapdragon and Exynos chips will be supplied for the product.
August 9, 2023: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra could get a huge telephoto camera upgrade
A noted leaker has revealed some big news about the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera, suggesting that it could have a 50MP telephoto lens.
August 1, 2023: Samsung and Apple look to titanium for their next-gen devices – here’s why
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra could have a titanium frame, like the new Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
July 31, 2023: Galaxy S24+ benchmarked with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
Geekbench results indicate that a Galaxy S24+ may have been tested with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and Android 14.
July 24, 2023: Samsung might make a shock return to Exynos for the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 models
Pocket-lint is told by reliable sources that the Exynos chip will return to distribution (in a similar hybrid fashion complementing Qualcomm SoCs to previous years) with Galaxy S devices in 2024.
April 20, 2023: Samsung Galaxy S24 could get a massive boost in performance with this new chip
More word from @Tech_Reve that the Exynos 2400 chipset will come stocked with upgrades.
April 14, 2023: Galaxy S24 Ultra could have one camera downgrade from the S23 Ultra
@Tech_Reve suggests the telephoto camera on the S24 Ultra could be out of the picture.
January 11, 2023: Galaxy S24+ could be off the table
Korean publication The Elec (via GSMArena) suggested that the mid-size Plus model was at risk of being dropped from the S24 lineup, though the potential for its inclusion remained.
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