A year after its release, and with the Galaxy S25 now on the horizon, it’s time to reflect on my experience with the Galaxy S24. Having used it as my primary device for the past year, I now understand why it’s an ideal fit for those seeking a minimalist lifestyle—and why it’s a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable, compact phone without unnecessary frills.
A Compact and Resilient Device
I’ve always been a fan of smaller smartphones. Over the years, I’ve gravitated toward compact models, such as the Asus Zenfone 10 and the Huawei P30. These phones fit perfectly in my hands and pockets, and I’ve never quite adapted to using a smartphone with two hands, as many larger devices now require.
The Galaxy S24, with its 6.2-inch screen and dimensions of 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, strikes an ideal balance between screen size and portability. It’s not too small, like the Zenfone 10, but still feels comfortable in hand. The build quality of the S24 also surprised me—despite using it without a case, it survived multiple drops, whether on hardwood floors or carpets, with minimal damage. In fact, after a drop during a run, I only noticed a few scratches on the edges of the screen. It’s reassuring to see a device that can withstand some rough treatment without immediately showing significant wear.
A Battery with Room for Improvement
One of my major concerns with the Galaxy S24 was its battery life. With a 4000 mAh battery and an energy-hungry Exynos 2400 chip (compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in other markets), I expected more from this device in terms of longevity. The phone’s battery life is decent, and it often lasts me through a typical day with moderate use, which for me means 45 minutes to 2 hours of screen time daily. However, during more intense days, like when I’m using Google Maps extensively or watching videos, I often found myself needing to plug it in by mid-afternoon.
Traveling was particularly challenging for the Galaxy S24. I had to bring along a power bank on a trip to Rome because I was constantly using the phone for navigation. While the 25W charging speed is fine in most situations, it pales in comparison to other devices offering fast charging speeds of 45W or more. It’s a bit disappointing that Samsung hasn’t made significant improvements in this area, especially as the competition ramps up.
A Surprisingly Solid Camera
When it comes to photography, I’ve always preferred to carry my hybrid camera for high-quality shots, especially during travels or events. That said, the Galaxy S24 has proven itself to be more than capable for casual photos. It’s easy to forget how good the camera is when you’re on the go and don’t have your DSLR with you. From concert photos to quick snapshots during sports training, it gets the job done with great clarity and even handles low-light situations decently well.
However, there’s one limitation: the zoom. The S24 only offers a 3x optical zoom, which is equivalent to a 70mm lens on a full-frame camera. For someone like me, who enjoys longer focal lengths (up to 200mm), this was a bit restrictive. The S24 Ultra does offer more powerful zoom capabilities, but the compact design of the S24 means sacrifices must be made. Even though it’s a minor downside, I would have liked a more versatile zoom range for more detailed shots from a distance.
A Smartphone Built for Windows Integration
I’m not someone who spends hours each day on my smartphone. In fact, my average screen time is just a little over an hour per day. For me, PCs are my primary tools for work, browsing, and messaging. Whether it’s through Messenger, WhatsApp, or Instagram, I prefer the comfort of using these services on my desktop with a keyboard and larger screen.
What stood out about the Galaxy S24 was how well it integrates with Windows. With Microsoft’s Your Phone app, the S24 offers seamless integration, allowing me to sync my photos and videos from the phone to my PC without needing cloud storage. This is perfect for those who want to transfer media quickly and without hassle. Additionally, notifications from the phone appear directly in the Windows 11 notification center, letting me stay on top of messages and alerts without pulling my phone out of my pocket.
Some Features that Missed the Mark
There were a few features that didn’t quite live up to expectations. One of them was the screen sharing functionality via the Mobile Connect feature. It allows you to control the phone from a PC, opening apps and interacting with your phone’s interface from your computer. However, to use this feature, you need to confirm the action on your phone screen, which felt a bit cumbersome. I only used this feature a couple of times, and honestly, it wasn’t practical for the types of apps I use regularly, most of which already have web versions.
Another feature that seemed like it had potential was the copy-paste function between devices, but again, I didn’t find myself using it often. While it works well, I already have Chrome for browser syncing, which made transferring links and data between devices simple without needing a special app for clipboard sharing. Similarly, I tried using the feature that allows you to make calls from your PC using your phone, but the experience was frustrating. I couldn’t get the microphone to work properly, so I reverted to using the phone for calls.
Conclusion: The Minimalist’s Smartphone
After a full year of using the Galaxy S24, it’s clear to me that it’s an ideal device for someone who values simplicity and practicality. While it may not have the fastest charging speed or the most powerful camera zoom, it’s a well-rounded device that balances performance and ease of use. The compact size, reliable performance, and seamless integration with Windows make it the perfect smartphone for someone who doesn’t need the latest bells and whistles but still wants a solid, minimalist experience.
If you’re someone who values simplicity and doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by excessive features, the Galaxy S24 could very well be the perfect fit for you. It’s a phone that’s easy to use, reliable, and efficient—ideal for those who want to keep life simple without compromising on quality.
