Is it worth buying the Samsung S24 Plus?

Is it Worth Buying the Samsung S24 Plus?

Each year, when Samsung launches its new Galaxy S series, attention typically focuses on two extremes: the base model for being the most accessible, and the Ultra for being the pinnacle of technology. However, in 2024, the true protagonist could be the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. This year, the intermediate model has made such a significant leap in quality that it has blurred the lines separating it from its bigger sibling, becoming one of the smartest and most strategic options on the market.

At iLevante.com, we are not only passionate about current technology but also its durability and long-term value. Therefore, this analysis will not stay on the surface. We will break down the S24 Plus from a dual perspective: as a cutting-edge device you buy today and as an investment that, with proper care and repairs, can accompany you for many years. With key improvements like a QHD+ resolution screen and 12 GB of RAM as standard, the S24 Plus is no longer just a larger S24; it is a beast that competes head-to-head with the Ultra in the aspects that matter most to the majority. If we add to this Samsung's revolutionary promise of offering 7 years of software updates, the question of whether it's worth it becomes more intriguing than ever. Are you ready to discover if the S24 Plus is the master purchase it appears to be?

A Deep Technical Look at the S24 Plus: What?s Under the Hood?

To understand the true value of the S24 Plus, we need to dive into its hardware. It's not just about numbers on a spec sheet but how each component translates into a superior user experience and, of course, its potential for future repairability.

The Screen, Its Crown Jewel ð??? 

Samsung S24 Plus Screen

Receive it on tomorrow thursday 26 june

118.90€

If there's one component that defines the quality leap of the S24 Plus, it?s its screen. For the first time in several generations, Samsung has decided to equip its Plus model with a panel of the same resolution as the Ultra. We?re talking about a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels). In practice, this translates to spectacular sharpness. Texts, icons, and videos appear with a clarity and detail previously reserved exclusively for the most expensive model.

Additionally, it features LTPO technology, allowing for a variable refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz. This means the screen intelligently adapts to what you're doing: it lowers its speed to a minimum when reading static text to save battery and ramps up to the maximum for exquisite smoothness when navigating menus or gaming. As if that weren?t enough, its peak brightness of 2,600 nits is one of the highest on the market, surpassing direct competitors and ensuring perfect visibility even under direct sunlight on a summer day. Undoubtedly, it?s one of the best screens you can find on a smartphone today.

The Processor Debate: Exynos 2400 Under the Microscope ð??¬

Here we reach one of the most debated points. In Europe, including Spain, the S24 Plus comes with the Samsung Exynos 2400 processor, while other regions like North America receive the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Historically, Exynos chips have been known for being inferior, but this year the story is more complex.

Based on raw performance tests (benchmarks), the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 still holds a slight advantage, especially in graphical power for the most demanding games. However, the balance evens out, and even tilts in favor of the Exynos, in daily use. Various analyses have shown that the Exynos 2400 is more energy-efficient in common tasks like web browsing and video playback, resulting in longer battery life for most users. In terms of thermal management, both are excellent, although the Exynos tends to maintain more stable performance during long sessions, at the cost of running slightly warmer. The only reported weakness by some users is that the Exynos modem can consume more battery in areas with poor 4G/5G coverage. For the average user, the Exynos 2400 is not a step back but an engineering choice that prioritizes daily autonomy over maximum power that only a few will fully exploit.

A Versatile and Powerful Camera System ð??¸

The S24 Plus features a very balanced and capable camera system. It consists of a main sensor of 50 MP with optical stabilization (OIS), a wide-angle of 12 MP, and a telephoto lens of 10 MP with 3x optical zoom, also stabilized.

In good lighting conditions, the main sensor delivers fantastic results, with great detail and vibrant colors. The 3x zoom is a very fun and useful tool, allowing you to get closer to the action without losing quality. The wide-angle performs well, although in nighttime or low-light scenes, some noise may appear, and sharpness at the edges may decrease, a common behavior in this type of lens. The fundamental difference with the Ultra model lies in long-distance zoom; while the S24 Plus offers a usable digital zoom up to 10x, beyond that, quality deteriorates significantly. The 12 MP front camera, on the other hand, delivers detailed selfies and a good portrait mode, although video stabilization is not as robust as in the rear cameras. In summary, it?s a photographic system that won?t disappoint in 95% of situations.

The Key Decision: Is It Worth Paying More for the S24 Ultra?

This is the big question for many. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at a launch price of around ?1,459, while the S24 Plus starts at ?1,159. That ?300 difference gives you access to a series of exclusive features of the Ultra model. But are they necessary for you?

What you get by paying more for the S24 Ultra is, fundamentally:

• The S-Pen: The integrated optical pen is ideal for taking notes, drawing, or controlling the phone remotely. If you?re not a stylus user, it?s an extra you probably won?t use.
• Titanium Frame: A more premium and resistant material than the "Armor Aluminum" of the S24 Plus.
• Advanced Zoom System: The big difference. The Ultra includes a 5x periscope telephoto lens (and a 200 MP main sensor) that provides much superior long-distance zoom capabilities.
• Flat Screen with Gorilla Armor: Many users find the Ultra?s completely flat screen more comfortable, and its new glass is more scratch-resistant and reduces reflections.

Against this, the S24 Plus already matches the Ultra in key aspects that were previously differentiators: same QHD+ screen resolution and 12 GB of RAM. Its day-to-day performance is practically identical, and its battery, as we?ve seen, can even be superior in certain scenarios.

Analyst?s Verdict: If you?re not a photographer needing to zoom at 50x, a digital artist, or a professional relying on the S-Pen, the Samsung S24 Plus offers you 95% of the "Ultra" experience for a significantly lower price. The S24 Ultra is a tool for specialists; the S24 Plus is the perfect flagship for everyone else.

The Real Cost of Ownership: Prices, Repairs, and Lifespan

At iLevante.com, we know that the purchase price is just the beginning of the story. A phone is an investment, and its true cost is measured over the years, including its maintenance and repair. Here?s where the S24 Plus, thanks to its promised longevity, becomes an even more attractive option.

Launch Price Comparison Table

To put the value of the S24 Plus into perspective, it?s useful to see where it stands within Samsung?s ecosystem. This table shows the official launch prices in Spain for the base configurations of the most relevant models.

The Weak Point of Any Smartphone: The Screen ð??”

An unfortunate drop is every smartphone owner's greatest fear. The screen is the most expensive and vulnerable component. In the case of the Samsung S24 Plus, the cost of a repair at a professional service to replace the complete module (the OLED panel along with the glass) usually ranges between ?175 and ?229. This cost, representing approximately 15-20% of the initial value of the phone, is an important figure to consider.

Regarding the time it takes for the repair, a professional technician with the tools and part in stock can perform the replacement in approximately 45-60 minutes. For an individual user daring to attempt the repair on their own (DIY), equipped with a tool kit and a quality replacement from iLevante.com, the process is longer. You should estimate between 2 and 4 hours, considering the time to heat the adhesive, carefully disassemble components, transfer sensors, and reseal the device. It?s a delicate job, but the reward is significant savings.

The Battery: Its Lifespan and Replacement Time ð???

All lithium-ion batteries are consumables; their capacity degrades over time and use. This degradation is measured in "charge cycles." A cycle is completed every time you consume 100% of the battery?s capacity, even if it?s in several partial charges. Generally, after about 800-1,000 cycles, the battery's maximum capacity will have dropped to around 80% of its original state, at which point you?ll notice the autonomy is no longer what it used to be. This is where the quality of the replacement becomes crucial.

Samsung's promise of 7 years of updates completely changes the game. Previously, repairing a 3-year-old phone was questionable because its software was about to become obsolete. Now, an S24 Plus with 3 years of use will still have 4 years of support ahead. This makes a screen or battery repair not an expense to keep an old terminal afloat but a smart investment to restore a fully functional and secure device to its peak performance.  

Samsung S24 Plus Screen

Receive it on tomorrow thursday 26 june

118.90€

Common Hardware Failures and How to Address Them

Over time and with use, all devices may present problems. Knowing the most common ones prepares you to face them without panic, knowing that most have solutions. For Samsung's high-end range, here are some hardware issues that may arise:

• Overheating: Especially during intensive tasks like gaming or 4K video recording, the device may heat up. Although the software manages it, excessive heat over the long term degrades the battery. A battery replacement can improve the situation if the problem worsens over time.
• Charging Port Issues: This is one of the most frequent mechanical failures. The accumulation of lint and dust can prevent a good connection, or the port itself may wear out. Fortunately, the charging connector is a replaceable component.
• Battery Degradation: As we saw, it?s inevitable. Symptoms are clear: unexpected shutdowns, significantly reduced autonomy, or the need to always be connected to the charger. The solution is simple: a battery replacement.
• Connectivity Issues (Wi-Fi/Signal): Sometimes, after a drop, internal antennas may get damaged, resulting in weak Wi-Fi signal or mobile coverage losses. Some Exynos users also report higher consumption in low-signal areas, possibly indicating modem hardware efficiency.
• Fingerprint Sensor Failures: Although often resolved by cleaning the screen or reconfiguring the fingerprint, persistent issues may indicate a problem with the ultrasonic sensor, which is integrated into the screen module.

The good news is that none of these issues mean the end of your phone. These are components that, with the right parts you can find at iLevante.com, can be replaced to bring your device back to life.

Final Verdict: Is the Samsung S24 Plus a Master Purchase? ð?�?

After thoroughly analyzing it, the answer is a resounding yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is, without a doubt, one of the smartest purchases of 2024 and probably the one that best represents the perfect balance in the high-end range.

It offers a flagship experience without compromises in the most important areas: a spectacular screen that now competes directly with the Ultra, excellent performance for 99% of users (with outstanding autonomy in its Exynos version), and a versatile and very competent camera system. All of this, at a price that, while not low, is much more reasonable than its bigger sibling.

But the definitive argument that elevates it to the category of "master purchase" is its long-term value. The guarantee of 7 years of software updates is a statement of intent from Samsung: this is a phone designed to last, to be maintained, and to be repaired. You no longer have to fear that a broken screen or a depleted battery after three years will turn your investment into an obsolete paperweight.

The Samsung S24 Plus is an excellent phone to buy today and a fantastic platform to maintain in the future. Its value is reinforced by the peace of mind of knowing that, when the time comes, you can rely on quality spare parts like those we offer at iLevante.com to ensure your device continues to perform like the first day. It?s an investment in cutting-edge technology and sustainability. A smart choice all around.