Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review 2026: Is This Flagship Still Worth Buying in India?

Reviewed by GadgetCrisp Editorial Team | Senior Tech Analyst | Last verified: May 18, 2026

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review 2026: Still the King of Android in India?

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra in early 2024, it made a bold statement: this is what an Android flagship should look like. Now in 2026, with nearly two years of software updates, Galaxy AI refinements, and real-world usage data behind it, the question isn’t whether it was a great phone at launch — it clearly was. The real question for Indian buyers today is whether it still justifies its Flagship price tag in a market that has grown sharper and more competitive. Based on our extensive evaluation, the answer is a resounding yes — with a few important caveats. The S24 Ultra remains one of the most complete smartphones you can buy in India, combining a versatile 200MP quad-camera system, integrated S Pen, titanium build, and the increasingly powerful Galaxy AI suite that has only gotten better over time.

Our methodology: We analysed 100+ verified Amazon.in reviews, GSMArena benchmarks, and expert opinions from 91mobiles and Gadgets360. Our team also evaluated real-world camera samples, battery performance under Indian usage conditions, and Galaxy AI features available on the Indian software build.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Full Specifications

Display: A Visual Benchmark for 2026

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel on the S24 Ultra is still one of the finest screens you’ll find on any smartphone available in India today. Our analysis confirms what users have been saying consistently — outdoor visibility is exceptional, with the display pushing up to 2600 nits when needed. Whether you’re checking maps in harsh Rajasthan sunlight or watching HDR content on a Mumbai commute, the screen adapts brilliantly. The anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor coating is a genuine differentiator; glare reduction is noticeably better than most competing flagships.

The 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate keeps the display smooth during scrolling and gaming without unnecessary battery drain. For S Pen users, the 2.8ms latency makes handwriting feel natural and nearly lag-free — a detail that power users and students will deeply appreciate.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Still Dominates

Powering the S24 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for Galaxy) — a custom-tuned variant that Samsung worked on in partnership with Qualcomm. In our testing, this chip continues to handle everything India’s demanding mobile users throw at it: heavy multitasking, 4K video editing, extended BGMI and Call of Duty sessions, and intensive Galaxy AI tasks all run without complaint.

We found that the thermal management — a historically weak point for Samsung flagships — has improved meaningfully. During 30-minute gaming sessions, the chassis warms up but never reaches the uncomfortable temperatures seen on some predecessors. The 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM ensures aggressive multitasking is smooth, with apps staying in memory far longer than mid-range alternatives. GSMArena benchmarks consistently place the S24 Ultra at the top tier of Android performance, and our real-world experience aligns with those numbers.

Galaxy AI: Samsung’s Biggest 2026 Selling Point

Galaxy AI is no longer a gimmick — it has matured into a genuinely useful suite of tools. Features like Live Translate (supporting multiple Indian languages), Circle to Search, Generative Edit in the photo gallery, Note Assist, and Transcript Assist are all available on the Indian software build. In our analysis, Circle to Search alone changes how you interact with content — simply draw around any object or text on screen and Google surfaces relevant results instantly.

For professionals and students in India, Note Assist is a standout — it summarises handwritten S Pen notes into structured text. Samsung has confirmed seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 Ultra, which means the AI features will keep getting smarter well beyond 2026. This long-term software commitment is a strong argument for buying this phone over newer but less-supported alternatives.

Camera: 200MP That Actually Delivers

The quad-camera setup on the S24 Ultra is among the most versatile on any smartphone in India. The 200MP primary sensor captures extraordinary detail in good lighting — zoom into a landscape shot and you’ll find sharpness that would embarrass most competing flagships. In daylight, photos are punchy, accurate, and ready to share without editing.

The dual telephoto system is where the S24 Ultra truly separates itself from the competition. The 10x optical zoom (via the 50MP 5x sensor with in-sensor cropping) delivers sharp, usable shots at distances that other phones simply cannot match. Wedding photographers, sports enthusiasts, and travel content creators in India will find this capability genuinely transformative. Night photography is excellent across all lenses, with the Nightography mode producing bright, noise-controlled images even in poorly lit environments common across Indian cities.

Video recording supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with strong stabilisation. Our evaluation found the front camera reliable for video calls and Reels creation, though it doesn’t quite match the rear system’s versatility.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5000 mAh battery comfortably delivers a full day of heavy use for most Indian users. In our analysis of verified user reviews, the majority report getting through 6–7 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage including social media, calls, navigation, and photography. The QHD+ display at high refresh rates does draw more power, but the adaptive refresh rate helps manage this intelligently.

The 45W wired charging is functional but not class-leading in 2026 — competitors at this price point now offer faster speeds. Wireless charging at 15W is a convenience rather than a primary charging method. One consistent point of feedback we noted: a 45W charger is not included in the Indian retail box, which is a genuine inconvenience at this price point.

Build Quality: Titanium is the Real Deal

The titanium frame is not marketing language — it makes a tangible difference. The S24 Ultra feels noticeably more premium and rigid than its aluminium-framed predecessors. It is heavier at 232 grams, which some users will find fatiguing during extended use. The IP68 rating provides solid water and dust resistance, reassuring for users in India’s varied climate conditions — from monsoon rains to dusty environments.

India Pricing and Value Assessment

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra launched in India at ₹1,29,999 for the base 256 GB variant. By mid-2026, prices on Amazon.in have adjusted, making it more accessible than at launch. At its current price point, it competes against the latest iPhones and Google Pixel flagships. For Indian buyers who want an all-in-one flagship — S Pen productivity, best-in-class zoom cameras, seven years of updates, and a mature AI platform — the S24 Ultra remains difficult to beat.

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Pros and Cons

• ✅ Exceptional 200MP quad-camera system with industry-leading 10x optical zoom
• ✅ Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance remains top-tier even in 2026
• ✅ Built-in S Pen with AI-powered productivity features
• ✅ Galaxy AI suite that is genuinely useful and keeps improving
• ✅ Seven years of OS and security updates — outstanding long-term value
• ✅ Titanium build + IP68 — premium, durable, and India-weather-ready
• ✅ Outstanding QHD+ display with anti-reflective glass
• ❌ 45W charging is slow for a flagship at this price in 2026
• ❌ No charger in the box — an irritating omission at ₹1+ lakh
• ❌ Heavy at 232 grams — one-handed use is tiring for some users
• ❌ No microSD slot — you pay a premium for higher storage tiers

Verdict: The Benchmark Flagship for Indian Buyers in 2026

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is, without qualification, a Flagship-tier smartphone that continues to justify its position in 2026. It launched in 2024 with bold ambitions and has only grown stronger with software updates, Galaxy AI improvements, and price corrections that make it more accessible to serious buyers. Our evaluation confirms that no single phone in India matches the S24 Ultra’s combination of S Pen utility, telephoto camera versatility, display quality, raw performance, and long-term software support.

If you’re a power user, a content creator, a professional who values productivity on the go, or simply someone who wants the best Android experience India’s money can buy — the S24 Ultra is your answer. The slow charging and missing charger are legitimate frustrations, but they do not diminish what is otherwise a landmark device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying in India in 2026?

Absolutely. The S24 Ultra launched in 2024 and remains one of the most capable flagships available in India in 2026. With Galaxy AI improvements, seven years of software support committed by Samsung, and price corrections on Amazon.in, it continues to offer an exceptional experience for power users and professionals.

What is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra price in India in 2026?

The S24 Ultra launched at ₹1,29,999 for the base 256 GB variant and ₹1,59,999 for the 1 TB variant in India. Prices have adjusted since launch — check Amazon.in for the most current pricing and ongoing offers, including EMI options from leading banks.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra support 5G in India?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra fully supports 5G connectivity in India. It is compatible with the 5G bands used by major Indian telecom operators including Jio, Airtel, and Vi, making it future-ready for India’s expanding 5G network coverage.

How is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra camera for Indian users?

The 200MP primary camera and dual telephoto system (3x and 5x optical zoom) make it one of the most versatile camera phones in India. In our evaluation, it excels at daylight photography, night shots, and long-distance zoom — ideal for travel, events, and content creation in Indian lighting conditions.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra come with an S Pen?

Yes, the S Pen is built into the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — it is stored in a dedicated slot within the device body. The S Pen works with Galaxy AI features like Note Assist, which can summarise handwritten notes, making it a genuinely productive tool for students and professionals.