1 / 18Samsung Galaxy S24+ and OnePlus Open comparison night shots reveal the S24+ missed capturing red colors. If you are after lightweight performance and a sleek design, you might prefer the S24 Ultra. For everyday photography, the S24 and S24+ should suffice. The results across the three rear cameras are generally similar. In comparison to my flagship phone, the OnePlus Open, indoor shots tend to be darker and noisier on the S24 and S24+ due to the newer and bigger sensors on the OnePlus Open. This difference becomes more apparent in low light conditions, especially with faded reds in taxis and traffic lights, as well as overprocessed vegetation. The selfie camera on the S24 and S24+ captures a lot of facial details, such as pores, dry skin, and facial hair, lacking the beauty options found on Chinese phones. The video recording capabilities were impressive, producing smooth 4K videos at 60fps, even in low light.Applications: Creating a Robust AI Tool
Photo by Richard Lai / Engadget The “Galaxy AI” on the S24+ was the focus during my review, leveraging a neural processing unit inside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. These phones can perform “super smart” functions on the device, and there is an offline privacy option, albeit with potentially less recent or good results. Samsung vows not to use your data for machine learning or ad targeting, and promises immediate removal of processed information. Galaxy AI comprises “live translation” for voice calls, instant translation for private conversations, keyboard input support, information support, text support, and an update in the gallery program. The language packs currently include various languages and Samsung plans to add more.
Photo by Richard Lai / Engadget The implementation of these features was not immediately clear, and locating the universal switch to activate them took some effort. The standout feature of Galaxy AI is the real-time translation of voice calls, although it required setting language preferences and pressing various buttons to activate. The translation quality varied based on the speaker’s accent and context. Recording and saving translated conversations for future reference proved to be a challenge. AI typing support tools integrated into the Samsung keyboard rapidly translate text while typing, albeit with occasional inaccuracies. The AI-infused Samsung Voice Recorder app recognized multiple speakers, but its features were less advanced than Google Recorder.Performance and Battery Life
Photo by Richard Lai / EngadgetThe S24 and S24+ are equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the UK version operates on the Samsung Exynos 2400. Benchmarks have shown comparable performance between these variants, with the added advantage of the Exynos 2400’s faster 5G modem. Both models demonstrated significant improvements in CPU and GPU benchmarks, illustrating smooth performance. Battery life on the S24 and S24+ was impressive, lasting over 24 hours under regular usage conditions. If you prioritize one-handed operation, the S24 and S24+ offer excellent battery life, lasting through a day of usage and still retaining 50-60% power by evening.Conclusion
Photo by Richard Lai / EngadgetThe S24 and S24+ exceeded my initial expectations, particularly in design and UX management. Despite lacking significant differences from their predecessors, these devices offer compelling AI tools, especially with the potential for enhanced translation features in international settings. However, there are challenges in using AI features, and improvements are needed in terms of user-friendliness and data retention options. Despite these challenges, Samsung’s efforts to simplify AI usage are commendable, especially with the offer of free Galaxy AI services until 2025.
