Introduction: The Case for Holding Onto Your Galaxy S24 Ultra
Flagship smartphones evolve rapidly, but not every upgrade is worth the cost. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, now two years old, remains a powerhouse in 2026. With the S26 Ultra’s recent launch, many users are questioning whether an upgrade is necessary. Spoiler: It’s not. Here’s why the S24 Ultra still holds its ground.
Display and Brightness: A Slight Edge, Not a Game-Changer
Corning Gorilla Armor 1 vs. Armor 2
The S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch 10-bit display with Gorilla Armor 1 remains sharp and glare-resistant. While the S26 Ultra’s Armor 2 offers marginal anti-glare improvements, both models max out at 2,600 nits of brightness. The real difference? The S26’s 10-bit panel supports 1.07 billion colors versus the S24’s 16 million. However, unless you’re a professional photographer or videographer, this upgrade is negligible.
Camera Capabilities: Incremental Improvements
200MP Sensor Still Reigns Supreme
The S24 Ultra’s 200MP primary camera, 10MP 4X telephoto, and 50MP 5X telephoto remain competitive. The S26 Ultra’s larger f/1.4 and f/2.9 sensors may improve low-light performance, but shutter lag—a persistent issue in Samsung flagships—remains unaddressed. Until this flaw is fixed, the S24 Ultra’s camera suite is still a top-tier choice.
Battery Life: No Need to Swap
Both models boast 5,000mAh batteries, with the S26 Ultra adding faster 60W wired charging. However, the S24 Ultra’s battery life remains robust even after two years. If your S24’s battery health has declined, consider a replacement rather than a full upgrade.
S Pen and Design: Losing a Legacy
Bluetooth S Pen Discontinued
The S24 Ultra’s Bluetooth-enabled S Pen supports app launching and remote shutter control—features absent in the S26 Ultra. Samsung’s shift to a non-Bluetooth pen removes a key differentiator. Meanwhile, the S26’s rounded edges abandon the S24’s boxy, utilitarian design, eroding the Ultra’s unique identity.
Conclusion: Stick With the S24 Ultra Unless You Need These
The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a flagship worth keeping. Its display, camera, and battery life are still top-tier, and software updates will last until 2031. Save your cash unless you need the S26 Ultra’s privacy display or 60W charging. For most users, the S24 Ultra has plenty of life left.
