The Galaxy S23 was all about practical upgrades like longer battery life, more base storage in the pricier models and a sharper camera sensor for the Ultra. But the Galaxy S24 may be more than just a hardware refresh if Samsung’s Galaxy AI features end up being worthwhile.
That said, flashy new AI capabilities alone aren’t enough to make a smartphone worth recommending. Basics like battery life, screen quality and camera performance still matter more when it comes to general usability. But as generative AI becomes a bigger part of the apps and services we use every day, that could change.
Read more: Best Android Phone of 2023
Here’s a look at what I’m hoping to see from the Galaxy S24, which is expected to launch at Samsung’s next Unpacked event on Jan. 17.
Useful AI features
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 45-watt charging, like its predecessor.
The Galaxy S23 lineup offers the same charging speeds as the phones’ predecessors: You get 25-watt charging on the regular S23 and 45 watts on the Plus and Ultra variants.
This lags behind some competing phones. The Lenovo ThinkPhone, for example, offers 68-watt charging that can take it from empty to 92% in 30 minutes. The Motorola Edge Plus, which also has 68-watt charging, replenished its battery from 3% to 80% in 30 minutes during CNET’s testing. Both of those beat the Galaxy S23 Plus’ 45-watt charging, which only 11% to 72% in the same amount of time.
While faster charging isn’t a deal breaker, it’s a practical upgrade that would make the S24 appealing to those who find themselves with only a few minutes to power up their devices.
More storage in the base Galaxy S24
Samsung was the leader when it came to Android version support for flagship phones, but Google recently surpassed it. While Samsung guarantees four generations of Android version updates, Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will get seven years of software updates. That’s a big deal because it means Pixel 8 owners will continue to get major platform-wide updates until 2030. I’m hoping this motivates Samsung to at least match Google, especially since Samsung’s premium phones usually cost $1,000 or more.
Overall, the ideal smartphone upgrade includes a combination of practical improvements — like better battery life or faster charging — and new features that make it feel meaningfully different from its predecessor. When it comes to the Galaxy S24, I’d like to see that manifest in storage and charging upgrades along with creative AI-powered tools that are helpful rather than gimmicky.
Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create some stories. For more, see this post.
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Article source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/what-i-want-from-samsungs-galaxy-s24-more-ai-faster-charging/#ftag=CADe34d7bf