Samsung’s previous generation non-folding flagship smartphone — the Galaxy S24 Ultra (review) — is currently listed for Rs 84,999 for the base variant with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. At this price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra seems like an enticing offer, especially for those who want to own one of the most versatile Android smartphones available. However, should you really pay over $1,000 for a more-than-year-old smartphone? Here is your answer.
Get the Galaxy S24 Ultra for these reasons
There is no smartphone that can match the fit and finish of the Galaxy S24 Ultra under Rs 1,00,000 for one specific reason — its titanium frame. It is the only phone that offers Corning’s cutting-edge anti-reflective glass technology — Gorilla Glass Armor.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Specifications: Wallpaper generated using AI (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
If you are looking for a phone built like a tank that can last for years, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is definitely an easy pick. Not just that, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra (review), looks more unique with flagship traits. It features a flat 2K resolution display, an ever-so-slightly curved frame, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that is among the best in the industry.
Another solid reason to pick the Galaxy S24 Ultra — even over the Galaxy S25 Ultra — is the S Pen. It is possibly the best S Pen Samsung has ever featured on a phone, with Bluetooth connectivity for additional functionalities.
While the lack of an IP69 rating might be a concern for some, it is as water-resistant as the latest Galaxy S25 Ultra with IP68 certification. Hence, you’re already getting the best that Samsung offers.
Cameras that are as good as the Galaxy S25 Ultra
The quad-camera setup on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with a 200 MP primary sensor, two telephoto lenses, and an ultra-wide-angle lens, is almost as good as the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s. The only exception is the 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While the latest entrant does offer 4K recording in RAW format, it also costs almost twice as much as the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Software is another solid reason to pick the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Although the Galaxy S24 Ultra was among the last Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered phones to receive the Android 15 update, Samsung’s One UI 7 stands out. The latest custom skin by Samsung is easy to use, intuitive, and offers a unique set of Galaxy AI experiences that are hard to find on any other device.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications: An AI phone (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also one of the few Android smartphones that comes with a promise of seven years of OS upgrades, meaning it will receive major Android versions for six more years. The device will continue to get better over time.
Don’t buy it for performance
If you are looking for a performance-oriented Android phone, you’re better off with something like the OnePlus 13 or even Samsung’s own Galaxy S25 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which costs less than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powering the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a capable chip, the current generation of flagship Android devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite is simply better.
Even the battery life on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 5,000 mAh battery, is on par with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with similar fast charging and wireless charging experiences. However, flagships from other brands offer much larger battery capacities.
To summarise
There are quite a few reasons to get the Galaxy S24 Ultra for ₹84,999 even in 2025. While there are better choices, if you want a high-end Samsung phone with a premium build and stylus input, you can’t go wrong with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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