Marques Brownlee, the renowned tech reviewer better known as MKBHD, has declared the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as his smartphone of the year for 2024. This announcement, made on December 18, 2024, through his highly anticipated annual smartphone awards video, has sparked widespread discussion among tech enthusiasts. Why did the S24 Ultra beat out strong contenders like the iPhone 16 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Let’s delve into the details and explore the reasons behind MKBHD’s decision.
Marques Brownlee, with his meticulous approach to tech reviews and his undeniable influence in the tech community, has established his smartphone awards as a significant event in the tech calendar. Every year, tech enthusiasts eagerly await his verdict on the best smartphones across various categories. This year, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra emerged as the victor, a testament to its all-around excellence.
While the S24 Ultra’s win might seem “boring” to some, as MKBHD himself acknowledged, it’s crucial to understand that this isn’t a condemnation of innovation. Instead, it highlights the S24 Ultra’s exceptional performance across all aspects of a smartphone experience. MKBHD emphasized that the S24 Ultra is “just so good at everything, literally everything.” He praised its “great screen, a great chip, a great battery, great cameras, great software, great support, great durability,” and even highlighted seemingly minor details like the “anti-reflective coating on the screen” and the “vibration motor.” This comprehensive excellence is what solidified its position as the top smartphone of 2024.
Why the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Reigns Supreme
To understand the S24 Ultra’s triumph, we need to look beyond the surface and analyze the specific features and qualities that impressed MKBHD.
- Display: The S24 Ultra boasts a stunning display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity. Its high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, contributing to a premium user experience.
- Performance: Equipped with the latest and most powerful processor, the S24 Ultra delivers blazing-fast performance. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or running demanding applications, the S24 Ultra handles it all with ease.
- Battery Life: Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartphone user, and the S24 Ultra excels in this department. Its large battery capacity, coupled with intelligent power management features, ensures that you can go through a full day of use without worrying about running out of juice.
- Camera System: The S24 Ultra’s camera system is arguably one of its most impressive features. With its versatile array of lenses, including a high-resolution primary sensor, a telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities, and an ultrawide lens for capturing expansive landscapes, the S24 Ultra empowers users to capture stunning photos and videos in any situation.
- Software and Support: Samsung’s software experience has significantly improved over the years, and the S24 Ultra benefits from a refined and user-friendly interface. Additionally, Samsung’s commitment to providing long-term software updates ensures that the S24 Ultra will remain secure and up-to-date for years to come.
- Durability: The S24 Ultra is built to last. Its robust construction and premium materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
MKBHD’s Smartphone Awards: A Quick Overview
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra secured the coveted Smartphone of the Year award, other smartphones also received recognition in specific categories:
- Best Camera: iPhone 16 Pro
- Best Small Phone: iPhone 16
- Best Big Phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Most Improved: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Best Foldable: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Best Design: Huawei Mate XT
- Best Battery: Red Magic 10 Pro
- Best Value: Nothing Phone 2a
- Bust of the Year: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
These awards highlight the diversity and innovation within the smartphone industry, showcasing the strengths of different devices across various categories.
My Personal Take on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Having used the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for an extended period, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. The phone’s impressive performance, stunning display, and versatile camera system make it a true all-rounder. While the S24 Ultra may not be a radical departure from its predecessor, its refinements and improvements across the board make it a worthy contender for the title of Smartphone of the Year.
The S24 Ultra’s camera system, in particular, has impressed me with its ability to capture stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The improved zoom capabilities and the addition of new camera features, such as enhanced portrait mode and astrophotography capabilities, further enhance the photography experience.
Furthermore, the S24 Ultra’s battery life has been exceptional. I can comfortably go through a full day of heavy use, including gaming, streaming videos, and browsing social media, without needing to recharge. This is a significant improvement over previous generations of Samsung flagship phones.
MKBHD’s choice of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as the Smartphone of the Year is a testament to the device’s all-around excellence. While it may not be the most revolutionary smartphone on the market, its consistent performance, impressive features, and refined design make it a worthy winner.
The S24 Ultra’s victory also highlights the importance of a holistic approach to smartphone design. It’s not just about having the most innovative feature or the most eye-catching design; it’s about delivering a complete package that excels in all areas. In a year filled with impressive smartphone releases, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has rightfully earned its place at the top.
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