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The Digital Key feature of Samsung Wallet is now expanding to more Audi vehicles. The useful feature allows you to unlock compatible Audi cars without using a physical key, just with Samsung Wallet.
The Digital Key feature has been around for some time already, with several cal models being able to take advantage of this capability. Select models from Genesis, BMW, and Kia support the feature and their drivers are able to unlock their cars without using a key fob or a physical key.
Now, Samsung is expanding the availability of this feature. It will now incorporate select Audi cars in the list of compatible car manufacturers. Of course, only certain Galaxy phones support this feature, and the list of all the phones supporting it is published on Samsung’s website.
Most of the premium Galaxy phones released in recent years support the feature, including the Galaxy S20 series and even the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Of course, the latest Galaxy S24 Ultra also supports the capability. The feature needs Android 13 and above to be installed on the phone as well.
Digital keys can also be shared with friends and family so they can also use them to unlock the car. You will be able to unlock and lock your car, and also start it using Samsung Wallet. The app offers you a button to open the truck as well for supporting vehicles.
As with any digital key, security is of paramount importance. The key meets EAL6+ standards and uses a UWB connection to virtually shake hands with the vehicle in a secure manner. If your Galaxy phone gets lost or stolen, the key can be disabled through the Samsung Find service. Audi’s Digital Key feature is currently rolling out in Samsung Wallet to users in Europe. A global rollout will be aligned with the launch timeline of Audi vehicles.
I cannot praise Digital Key features enough. I am such a big fan of being able to carry fewer things with me when I go out, so I’m super happy features like Samsung’s Digital Key are expanding to more cars. I can’t wait for the future where I would be able to go around with only a phone and be able to do literally anything.
Conclusion: A step into the future of driving The integration of Audi keys into the Samsung Wallet not only offers convenient operation, but also sets new standards in terms of security and flexibility. With availability in Germany and other European countries since November 2024, this technology is a must-have for anyone who loves technology and innovation.
Impressive performance and brilliant battery life at an easy-to-stomach price
Verdict The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is more than just a cheaper option in its product line – it’s a great phone in its own right. It may not offer quite the processing power or camera quality of its more expensive siblings, but the slight downgrades are well-worth the money saved. Not only that, but you get a full suite of Galaxy AI features, a beautiful display and incredible battery life, making this a mid-priced phone that’s absolutely worth considering.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Two-minute review The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a shining example of how to do a more budget-friendly phone right. You get a high-quality display, strong performance levels and even beautiful cameras – there’s a lot to love here. But of course, the real focus of the Galaxy S24 FE isn’t on its performance or even its price – it’s on AI.
That’s right, artificial intelligence – or as Samsung says, Advanced Intelligence – plays a starring role for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. You won’t miss out on the features found on more expensive Galaxy S24 devices (i.e. the best Samsung phones), so you’ll get full access to photo editing, transcription and text-generating tools. But how good are these AI features? Well, it’s a mixed bag.
AI transcription and translation tools work nicely – as does browsing assist, which offers a handy summary of web pages. You can generate AI-made text messages with Chat assist, which, while feeling intrinsically insincere, works effectively. Like Google, Samsung has leaned into the power of AI with photo editing, more than anything else. Photo assist didn’t work perfectly, with some issues around object removals and blurriness, but there’s plenty of good here. Sketch to Image is a fun inclusion, which lets you add an AI-generated piece to a picture by sketching… well, whatever comes to mind. But despite all of this AI focus, a lot of these features are hidden away in Settings – an odd decision given Samsung’s intense marketing around these new capabilities.
Beyond AI, though, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hits the right notes in all the crucial areas. For instance, it’s got a sleek, minimalistic design – albeit slightly iPhone-like – with a beautiful, yet more low-key set of color options. The display here is excellent too. Sure, it may not be the sharpest and brightest on the market (with a peak brightness of 1,900 nits), but colors still pop and fine details seamlessly bubble to the surface.
Even though the Galaxy S24 FE has a slightly weaker processor than the classic Samsung Galaxy S24, it still runs fantastically well – even when using resource-intensive applications like video calls or AI features. Also, the combination of a slightly lower-power processor and higher battery capacity means the Galaxy S24 FE can live longer than the standard Galaxy S24 – it can charge at up to 25W too, so it doesn’t take very long to juice it up again.
On top of all of that you’re getting very competent cameras with 3x zoom – a very tasty inclusion for a phone that starts at $649.99. And that’s the beauty of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. You really do get a lot for what you pay without sacrificing much. If you’re an Android/Samsung fan and you’re on the hunt for a new handset, I’d recommend this phone for its top-rate value.
Let’s cut to the chase here, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE undoubtedly has an iPhone-like appearance. Everything from its smooth, curved corners to its low-key color options feels familiar. Is this a problem? For me, no. I’m a fan of the minimalistic, rounded look of this device, although those seeking out a more angular aesthetic may wish Samsung went down the Galaxy S24 Ultra path.
At the time of release, a total of five colors were available. Galaxy S24 FE has a blue color; Graphite; Grey; Mint; Or yellow. Gray is only added in the United States and yellow is only available in the United Kingdom. The color choices here have more of a professional than a party vibe, but, if you like a low-key look, this will suit your taste. I tested the blue version and it has a nice soft look – I highly recommend it if you’re interested in this phone.
One aspect that I also liked about the Galaxy S24 FE is the button placements. UnlikeApple’s phones, this has all of its buttons on one side. That’s especially ideal if you’re holding the phone in landscape mode. With this configuration, you’re less likely to accidentally press power or volume up/down when trying to play a game or take photos.
The Galaxy S24 FE uses scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and Victus 5 on the front and back, as opposed to the Victus 2 glass used for the standard Galaxy S24. During testing, the glass never got scratched or scuffed, but I wasn’t a huge fan of how easily fingerprint marks would manifest on the reverse side of the phone. For durability, this phone also benefits from being IP68-rated and can survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for as long as 30 minutes.
So what’s the real difference between the design of this device and the standard Galaxy S24? Well, other than having different color options and glass, the main change is that the Galaxy S24 FE is both heavier and thicker. It weighs in at 213g, so although it isn’t exactly the heaviest, it’s far from the lightest phone on the market – even the standard Galaxy S24 is 46g lighter at 167g. Overall, I felt that it was well-weighted and perfectly-sized (even though I have fairly large hands) – making it a worthy option if you want a more medium-sized handset.
Design score: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Display
(Image credit: Future)
Not top-of-the-range, yet still-sharp display
Bold, beautiful colors, especially in Vivid mode
Not the brightest screen on the market
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE won’t deliverquitethe same level of sharpness as the Galaxy S24. Sure, the resolution across both devices is the same at 1080 x 2340 pixels, but the FE’s display is actually 0.6 inches larger. The result? An imperfect, yet still attractive display, which will offer more than enough detail for the average user.
Whether I was browsing the web, generating images with Samsung AI or streaming video content, I found that the Galaxy S24 FE’s AMOLED display was beautiful. I headed over toYouTubeand tried watching some videos in 2160pHDRand the colors popped with definition and vibrancy. The default display mode of this phone is Vivid, which adds a bolder edge to bright colors, although a more conservative Natural mode is also there if you want it.
One of the more noticeable changes from the standard Galaxy S24 is a fairly significant brightness downgrade. The Galaxy S24 has 2,600 nit peak brightness, whereas the FE can only reach up to 1,900 nits. This was still a considerable step up for me personally, as I typically carry theSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, which peaks at 1,200 nits. So, if like me, you have a handset that’s a few years old, you’ll still be impressed by the brightness levels on offer.
If you want to play with a handful of display options, you’re in luck too. There are all the expected settings, like Dark Mode and Eye Comfort Shield, which limits blue light for night-time use. However, there’s also the choice to activate Always On Display if you want to have an uninterrupted view of time, date, and music information, even with your device on standby.
In addition, there’s the choice to disable the Edge Panel, which can be handy for swiftly accessing some AI features like Sketch to Image, but can also be an annoyance. I decided to deactivate the Edge Panel on my personal Samsung phone many months ago, having unintentionally swiped it open about 300 times (not that I was counting), so I rapidly took advantage of that here too.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE might not have the brightest, most crisp display on the market, but for the price you pay it’s very strong. Eye-catching color, a 120Hz refresh rate and customizable display options mean you’re sacrificing very little against the standard Galaxy S24.
Display score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Software
(Image credit: Future)
Neat Samsung DeX feature
What really makes the Galaxy S24 FE compelling is how it benefits from the same rich experience I’ve already seen with the entire Galaxy S24 line. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 runs on top of Android 14, offering the same level of customization and functionality as its top-of-the-line models.
As you’d expect, it’s big on productivity with similar features such as Edge Panels that lets me run a third app on top of two others running in split-screen mode. But what makes the experience even more satisfying is that it’s accompanied by Galaxy AI features. These consist of Interpreter Mode for quick translation, Circle to Search to Google anything on my screen, Chat Assist to change my writing style, Note Assist to summarize long voice recordings, and the host of photo editing tools at my disposal.
In fact, the Galaxy S24 FE gains the same new Galaxy AI features introduced on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 — like Sketch to Image and Portrait Studio. These are in addition to other staple Galaxy AI features such as Instant Slow-Mo and Generative Edit, which I’ve found to be pretty good at what they do.
There’s certainly a lot to unpack with the Galaxy S24 FE’s software, but what I’m also happy to know is that it’s the cheapest new Galaxy to come with Samsung DeX. I’ve previously ditched my laptop for a couple of weeks using DeX on a Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it’s no different here with the S24 FE. It truly is like having a computer in my pocket because of the desktop-like interface it offers when connected to a monitor.
And to top it all off, the Galaxy S24 FE gets treated to the same 7 years of major software and security updates support that Samsung gives its premier S24 phones. You really won’t find a more functional phone at this price.
Software score: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Crisp 3x zoom
Pictures could be sharper in lower light
Beautiful 8K, 30fps video
It’s good news if you’re a keen photographer, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers great camera quality – and you’re not sacrificing much compared to the standard Galaxy S24.
The main alteration Samsung has made versus its flagship phone is that the Galaxy S24 FE uses an 8MP sensor for 3x optical zoom – that’s a slight downgrade from the Galaxy S24, which uses a 10MP sensor. This isn’t a big deal – the 3x zoom quality is still sharp, and getting real zoom in a phone at this price-point is great. Competitors, like the Apple iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8, pass on 3x optical zoom.
When we tested the Samsung Galaxy S24, we were very impressed by the camera performance, and I’m happy to report that the Galaxy S24 FE did not disappoint. When taking photos outside during the day, people, buildings and environments looked natural. Photos had rich, defined colors on the Galaxy S24 FE, although they didn’t always lookultraclear in lower-light indoor environments.
You don’t just get strong quality from the Galaxy S24 FE, there are also plenty of options to mess around with. For example, there’s a lineup of additional photo and video modes, including Dual Record for filming with both front and rear cameras and Food for… well, you get the idea.
Videos shot with the Galaxy S24 FE look great. You can even record in phenomenal8K, 30fps quality, which is perfect for capturing unforgettable moments at live sport events or concerts. Video calls fare very well too. I took plenty during my time with the Galaxy S24 FE and although a lot of quality depends on network speed, my personal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 didn’t have such a sharp picture, even on the same WiFi.
That’s not to mention the AI photo tools, including Photo Assist, which lets you change the size of objects, move them elsewhere in an image, remove them entirely, or transform them into something else with generative AI. There’s also Sketch to Image which lets you doodle anything from a hedgehog to the Eiffel Tower on your existing photos, and an AI generated image will be inserted. These are all fun enough to use, but can ultimately feel a little bit unpolished and gimmicky.
Cameras score: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Only slightly weaker processor than classic Galaxy S24
Solid 8GB of RAM
AI load times can be a little long
Given that it’s a considerable $150 less than the Samsung Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 FE doesn’t take too much of a dip performance-wise.
The key difference here is that the Galaxy 24 FE adds an ‘e’ onto the end of the Galaxy S24’s Exynos 2400 processor. So what’s the deal with the Exynos 2400e? Well, it’s essentially a weaker chipset that, while offering slightly slower processing speeds, also cuts down on power consumption. Paired with the Galaxy S24 FE’s higher-capacity battery, you’ll get lots of life out of this phone.
In normal use, I found the Samsung Galaxy 24 FE to be a responsive and competent multi-tasker that very rarely left me wanting more in terms of processing speeds. Even when screen sharing on a video call and having multiple other apps open, I didn’t experience any slow-down while scrolling through apps.
The Galaxy 24 FE is packed with 8GB of RAM, which isn’t astonishingly high, but given the price you pay, it’s a very healthy amount. To compare, the brand-new iPhone 16 models all have 8GB of RAM, too. When you combine this with a cool 120Hz refresh rate, you’re getting a super-smooth user experience, even if you’re using more resource-intensive apps.
That 120Hz refresh rate will no doubt be attractive to gamers. There’s even more if you’re in that camp – the Galaxy S24 FE offers ray-tracing, a rendering technology that produces more true-to-life lighting visuals in games that support it. More generally, gaming performance is good here. I tried playing Genshin Impact – a demanding game – and although it wasn’t frame-perfect, it ran very competently on a stable network.
One slight limitation worth noting is that you’re not always going to get perfect load times, especially if you compare this handset to a top-tier performer like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I discovered that some of the AI features in particular could leave me waiting on loading screens for a while. When using Sketch to Image, for instance, I sometimes had to wait a good 10 seconds before my result would appear. This didn’t bother me, especially for a more budget-friendly handset, but if you want top-level processing, you might want to consider the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S24 Ultra instead.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Even better battery life than the classic S24
Solid charging speed
Wireless power sharing for charging other devices
When it comes to battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE performs fantastically well. For a handset that has a modest price tag, you’ll certainly be pleased with the usage time you’ll get from a full charge.
I tested the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE intensely. When I wasn’t sleeping, I was constantly using it, whether playing music via Spotify, watching YouTube in 2160p, playing games, taking photos and videos, or playing around with AI. Through it all, this phone stayed alive over the span of more than a day of use – that’s going to be enough for pretty much anyone.
What makes this even tastier is that you’re actually getting considerably more battery capacity from the Galaxy S24 FE than you’d get with an original Galaxy S24. This troublemaker has a 4,700 mAh battery – 700 mAh more than the Galaxy S24.
The Galaxy S24 FE can charge at up to 25W, which is the same as the Galaxy S24. I found that I was able to fully recharge the Galaxy S24 FE in under one hour and 30 minutes. That’s not game-changing, but it’s speedy enough.
The phone is compatible with wireless charging, and there’s a neat little feature called wireless power sharing available, too. This allows you to wirelessly charge another device by placing it against the back of the Galaxy S24 FE. When testing this with my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, it worked perfectly – just don’t expect your device to get juiced up in a flash.
My issue is that the feature is hidden. I knew of it from my own personal use, but it may not be easy to find unless you go on an expedition through the Settings realm.
Battery life score: 5 / 5
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Neat, minimalistic look, reminiscent of recent iPhone models.
4/5
Display
Sharp display with rich colors, though not brightest out there.
4.5/5
Software
Decent amount of AI features, though not fully refined, UI not the simplest.
4/5
Cameras
Solid detail, 3x zoom, 8K 30fps video.
4/5
Performance
Can easily handle more intensive tasks, 120Hz refresh rate, great for gaming.
4.5/5
Battery life
Excellent battery life with fast charging and wireless power sharing.
5/5
Buy it if…
You want to access Galaxy AI without breaking the bank Good news – despite being a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 FE is packed full of AI. Photo Assist, Sketch to Image, translation tools and more – it’s all here and you don’t have to pay top dollar.
You want a phone with 3x zoom A lot of phones in this price range, or even slightly higher – I’m looking at you iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 – don’t offer 3x optical zoom. If you want to get impressive clarity from a distance, the Galaxy S24 FE is an awesome option.
Don’t buy it if…
You want S-tier performance For a more budget-friendly handset, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers fantastic performance. However, it’s not going to compete with top devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Bear that in mind if you want the most processing power available.
You want the simplest user experience possible If you want easily-digestible software, the Galaxy S24 FE might not be for you. iPhone users may take a while to warm to the more complex Settings, in particular, especially with a lot of useful options hidden away in sub-menus.
The latest patent rumours and leaks suggest that Samsung’s next big move in the foldable phone market could create quite a buzz.
With its Foundry division facing significant losses and supposedly disappointing sales from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, Samsung seems ready to try something new.
The recently leaked patents (via Android Headlines) reveal some jaw-dropping designs for foldable and rollable Galaxy devices that could redefine what we expect from the best folding phones.
Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold Galaxy phone is something I’m particularly excited about. Imagine unfolding your phone not just once, but twice, to reveal a tablet-sized screen.
Of course, Honor released its Mate XT Ultimate in September, but it’s currently only available in China and it’s unclear when or if it will receive a global release at all. One of our contributors went hands-on with the Mate XT and was impressed, so I’d love to see Samsung give it a go.
Photo: Android Headlines
According to the leaked patent designs, this tri-fold device has a three-panel structure, with one of the three sections noticeably thicker than the others.
This thicker panel would house the crucial components like the camera, battery, and processing hardware, balancing functionality with portability. When folded, it maintains a sleek form, almost mirroring a regular phone, but when fully extended, offers the space and versatility of a tablet.
Samsung’s expertise in foldable screens gives them a leg up in making this a more global reality, but it’s not without challenges. The biggest hurdle appears to be economic viability.
Producing a device this complex while keeping the price reasonable is no small feat. But if Samsung can crack the code, this tri-fold phone could be the game-changer the company needs to win new customers and secure a lead in the foldable market.
However, if you thought Samsung’s tri-fold idea was ambitious, the concept for a rollable Galaxy phone is on another level.
Unlike traditional folding phones that open horizontally, this rollable phone would expand vertically. Think of a compact, almost square device (similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6) that extends upwards into a traditional phone shape when you need more screen space.
For people who crave compact devices but don’t want to sacrifice screen real estate, this could be the ideal solution. Rollable screens allow for a flexible expansion mechanism, which means we could have phones that fit neatly in a pocket yet expand for a full viewing experience.
I’ve never used a clamshell phone for more than two weeks, but as a long-time iPhone 13 mini user, and a fan of smaller phones, this is certainly something that makes me excited.
Of course, patents don’t always lead to actual products. So we don’t know if Samsung will ever release this type of device.
What we do know for sure, however, is that next year’s Samsung flagship series will be called the Galaxy S25 series, and we’ll also see Galaxy XR headsets in 2025.
According to a new report, Samsung‘s first tri-fold could measure up to 10-inches across in its unfolded state. However, it may do so with a completely different design than the one showcased earlier this year by the Huawei Mate XT. In the process, Samsung’s foray into the world of tri-fold smartphones could surpass the durability of Huawei’s first attempt.
Samsung‘s first ‘tri-fold’ may resemble the Flex G, pictured. (Image source: The Korea Herald)
Huawei has well and truly beat Samsung to delivering the first ‘tri-fold’ smartphone. For reference, the Mate XT is exclusive to China for the time being. However, there have been suggestions that the company introduce the device internationally early next year.
Seemingly, Samsung has been working on its own attempt for some time, though. On the one hand, the company recently received approval from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a smartphone design that looks similar to Huawei’s first tri-fold release.
On the other hand, there have been multiple reports from South Korea that Samsung is seeking to perfect the tri-fold design before mass-producing a device that it intends to bring to market. Now, ETNews suggests that Samsung may launch its inaugural tri-fold in 2025, albeit with a completely different design to what has been discussed until now.
The Samsung Display Flex S features the same form factor as the Huawei Mate XT. (Image source: The Korea Herald)
Incidentally, Samsung Display revealed a prototype almost three years ago that closely resembled the Mate XT. By contrast, ETNews’ new report claims that Samsung’s production tri-fold folds inward twice with two hinges, thereby omitting the wraparound section of the Flex S and Mate XT.
In other words, it seems that Samsung may have settled for the form factor showcased by the Flex G, another prototype that popped up at trade shows in 2022. Theoretically, this would make Samsung’s effort more durable, considering that it will have none of its display showing when in its folded state.
Moreover, utilising this Flex G style design may be possible using existing Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) standards. Reportedly, Samsung‘s Flex G-esque design will span 9~10 inches, which would be roughly 2 inches wider diagonally than the current Galaxy Z Fold6.
Samsung Display exhibited the Flex G in two sizes during CES 2022. (Image source: The Korea Herald)
It’s time that Samsung DeX gets a massive overhaul
(Image credit: Future) In the last month, I’ve been trying to lighten the load in my backpack by trying to condense what I absolutely need to bring with me to work. One of the heaviest offenders has been my laptop, which at 3 pounds is still taxing on my back. That’s why I ditched my laptop for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for 2 weeks, just to see if I could make due with a phone for all of my work-related duties.
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra tipped for an early launch in 2025, it will more than likely have Samsung DeX support to fill my need as a laptop replacement. While this has been a longstanding feature in Samsung’s flagship series, it desperately needs to be exploited more than ever if the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands any chance at beating the best phone out there in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
I totally get that Samsung is probably gambling on new Galaxy AI features to drive people to get the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but Samsung DeX has long been flying under the radar and deserves an overhaul. I think it’s the key to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s salvation.
It pains me to know that Samsung DeX was first released in 2017 with the launch of theGalaxy S8. Since then, there have been new features added to the desktop PC interface here and there, but it’s been stale the last three years.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra could be the perfect opportunity for Samsung to revamp the experience because DeX is one of the few services that satisfies that gap between laptops and phones. This concept of a phone offering an experience similar to a desktop PC has long been around, but most people don’t realize that Samsung DeX works on touchscreen displays.
I’ve connected myGalaxy S24 UltraandGalaxy Z Fold 6to an old portable monitor I have lying around, and to my surprise, the interface offers touch interaction — so it very much feels and acts like a tablet. From a productivity standpoint, this ability to lean on touch controls make DeX even more valuable with my day-to-day duties.
My point here is that people crave multi-functioning devices, much like how smartphones integrated the functions of point and shoot cameras, MP3 players and dedicated phones. Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S25 Ultra could potentially be good enough to replace my laptop, but it’s going to need more in order to get there.
Another component of Samsung DeX that needs to be enhanced are the Air Gestures of the S Pen. I suspect we’ll still get it on the S25 Ultra.
Even though the S Pen is first and foremost a pressure sensitive stylus for that rich paper meets pen experience, I would love for Samsung to make it the key component to interacting with DeX. I want to think of it much like how the Apple Vision Pro relies on hand gestures to navigate around its interface, so the S Pen could do the same for DeX.
In the current iteration of Samsung DeX, I’m mostly using a physical mouse connected to my phone for navigating around the interface, but I’d like Samsung to somehow incorporate even more gesture support with the S Pen. For example, I’d like to see the S Pen acting more like the mouse cursor in DeX — as well as offering functions that could execute pinch and scrolling gestures by flicking the S Pen in the air.
Samsung can’t afford to overlook DeX again
(Image credit: Future)
Just with any major phone launch, I’m always hopeful that there’s no price increase — which could be true for the S25 Ultra considering how the S24 Ultra got one last year. Either way, Samsung can’t afford to just sweep DeX under the table yet again with no major improvements. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has nothing remotely close to this, which is why it’s imperative that DeX gets the proper upgrade it deserves.
I’ve only learned recently from my colleague’sMac Mini M4 reviewthat you can hook it up to a portable monitor touchscreen support. Just imagine if the iPhone 17 Pro Max could do the same? Samsung can’t neglect the utility that DeX offers, so it needs to take it to the next level and prove that the interface can be intuitive and more functional with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Huawei recently launched the world’s first tri-fold smartphone with dual folding screens. Samsung is also working on its tri-fold phone, which will be released internationally, unlike the China-exclusivity of Huawei’s Mate XT smartphone.
Samsung seemingly speeding up its work on the tri-fold phone. The company has got approval on a patent in the US Patent Office, as spotted by batterymap. The move suggests that Samsung wants to commercialize a tri-fold in the future.
The patent teases what a triple-folding Galaxy device might look like. Notably, the company submitted a patent application on date backing in July 2021. The authority has now approved the submission and published it on the database.
Samsung’s potential Tri-Fold phone could open once to a small tablet size and then extend again to reveal an even larger display. The aim is to offer the experience of a regular bar phone, a tablet, and a laptop through a single handset.
Simply put, the Galaxy Tri-Fold could be a replica of the Huawei Mate XT in terms of form factor and functionality. As Samsung is entering the market late, it’s working on an even more flexible panel with increased durability.
The work to lessen strain is also underway, to this end, the panel could get an anti-reflective layer. It may help with visibility and incorporating “at least one of stainless steel, invar, glass, and a titanium alloy” which could potentially help with durability.
At CES last year, Samsung Display showcased several prototypes with innovative form factors. The array also included a tri-fold device referred to as Flex S. Approval on the patent should finally bring the dream Tri-Fold Galaxy to reality.
Increased Durability and Flexibility While Huawei has already released its tri-fold device, Samsung is working on improving the flexibility and durability of the folding screen to ensure a longer. lasting and more resilient device. Keyelements include: 1.Anti-Reflective Layer: The display may include an anti-reflective layer, which would help improve visibility under bright light and reduce strain during extended use. 2.DurabilityEnhancements: Samsung’s panel will incorporate materials like stainless steel, invar, glass, and potentially titanium alloys, all of which would contribute to a sturdier device, reducing wear and tear from the repeated folding and unfolding of the screen. 3. Less Strain on the Panel: Samsung is focusing on ensuring that the folding process places minimal strain on the screen, preventing damage from repetitive folding and ensuring alonger lifespan for the display
Samsung’s Tri-Fold: A Step Toward the Future Samsung’s Tri-Fold device is expected to be a major leap in foldable technology. The Flex S, a tri-fold prototype showcased by Samsung Display at CEs last year, demonstrated the potential of this innovative form factor. The approval of the patent suggests that Samsung’s tri-fold phone may finally move from the prototype phase to mass production.
Important Aspects of Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone 1. Triple Folding Screen: The device would fold three times, creating a dynamic user experience that can shift between asmartphone, tablet, and laptop-like screen size. 2. Durability Focus: Samsung is working on a more durable design, incorporating materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, and anti-reflective layers to improve the device’s lifespan and user experience. 3. International Availability: Unlike Huawei’s Mate XT, which remains exclusive to China, Samsung plans to launch its tri-fold phone internationally, making foldable technology more accessible to a broader audience. 4. Increased Flexibility: Samsung is working on a more flexible folding panel. which aims to provide better performance and durability compared to existing foldable devices. 5. Patented Design: The recent approval of Samsung’s Us patent for the Tri-Fold design points toward the device’s eventual commercial release, making the long-awaited dream of a foldable phone with triple folding a reality.
Samsung’s next premium set of smartphones have been pictured before being release early next year. While the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are hard to tell apart from the current Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus, the Galaxy S25 Ultra should be easy to tell apart from the outgoing Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra should look a fair bit different from Samsung’s current ‘Ultra’ smartphone. (Image source: via Roland Quandt)
The Galaxy S25 series is likely a way off from being released. Ultimately, Samsung has not confirmed anything yet. However, the volume of Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra leaks recently implies that a repeat of an official introduction in January should be expected.
To that end, it now appears that third-parties are getting their accessories in order for the replacement of theGalaxy S24,Galaxy S24 PlusandGalaxy S24 Ultraearly next year. Specifically, Roland Quandt has shared images of what look like unofficial clear cases on X (formerly Twitter). As is often the case, it is unclear who has produced these cases.
Nonetheless, they match existing expectations for the Galaxy S25 series, which could be available exclusively with Qualcomm’s recentSnapdragon 8 Elitechipset. As such, the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are the spitting image of their predecessors. Thus, both devices should launch with three rear-facing cameras arranged vertically with thin display bezels and a flat overall design.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will represent another modest redesign for Samsung’s ‘Ultra’ smartphones. Based on all available information, next year’s Galaxy S Ultra will move away from its predecessor’s boxy design, albeit while retaining a familiar camera design and a flat display. Supposedly, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be smaller than theGalaxy S24 Ultratoo, all in the aid of improved ergonomics. Incidentally, colour options for all three models recently leaked online, whichwe have covered separately.
Samsung Galaxy S25. (Image source via Roland Quandt)
Samsungis gearing up to launch theGalaxy S25 Ultra, powered by a customized version of Qualcomm’s latestSnapdragon 8 Eliteprocessor, specifically tailored as a “For Galaxy” edition. This chipset, built on a 3nm process, promises substantial improvements over previous generations, with Qualcomm touting a 45% CPU performance increase and a 44% boost in power efficiency.
Galaxy S25 Ultra on Geekbench with improved scores
These upgrades align with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s recent benchmark scores on Geekbench, where the device, identified by model number “SM-S938U,” achieves single-core and multi-core scores of 3,148 and 10,236, respectively.
This reflects a nearly 35% boost in single-core and a 45% jump in multi-core performance over the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which scores around 2,200 and 7,100 points in the respective tests.
For those unfamiliar, the S25 Ultrapreviously surfacedon the platform with single-core and multi-core scores of 3069 and 9080, respectively. So there have been some sort of improvement in heat dissipation or performance optimization that enables the phone reach higher scores.
Samsung had reportedly beentestingits own Exynos 2500 chipset for the Galaxy S25 line but appears to have committed to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for mass production, potentially limiting the Exynos 2500 to select markets. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s early scores fall just below those achieved by theOnePlus 13‘s standard Snapdragon 8 Elite (3,296 in single-core), Samsung’s “For Galaxy” chip tuning might improve the performance and stability even further by the time the phone hits the market.
Moreover, Samsung has retained its configuration of 12 GB RAM for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, consistent since the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung is expected to maintain its established design language for the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, while rumors suggest a significant redesign for the Ultra model. The S25 Ultra could finally come with rounded corners and a completely flat display, similar to the other two models.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra looks increasingly likely to do away with the sharp corners of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but a new leak suggests it will not look wildly different from its predecessor.
Early on in the Galaxy S25 leak cycle, a design change rumor gained steam, but as we inch closer to the January launch, it looks like the update will be subtle. Leaker Roland Quandt has posted images of third-party silicon covers meant for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
Apart from some subtle tweaks to their dimensions, the base and Plus models are rumored to look identical to the models they are replacing.
TheGalaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, is all set toditch its iconic boxy design. It was said to adopt rounded corners, but as recent leaks have been suggesting, the edges will only be slightly curved, so the new device is not going to be a huge departure from its predecessor in terms of design. This hints that Samsung will maintain the broader elements of the distinctive design.
That said, the two devices will look noticeably different, with today’s leak also suggesting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will have flat sides. This will apparently also make the side bezels look slimmer, as the curved side rails of the Galaxy S24 Ultra look like an extension of the side bezels, making them appear thicker than they actually are. The entire Galaxy S25 family will reportedly be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in all regions. Early reports have raised some concerns about potential overheating issues, but it’s potentially a false scare.
The phones are not expected to feature the same highest-end display material as the iPhone 16 Pro.
Samsung’s Android 15-based One UI 7 update will be launched the same day as the Galaxy S25, which is also expected to be Samsung’s first flagship phone to support seamless software updates.
(The camera units of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.)
If you’re interested in picking up one of the best smartphones for photographers, then two of the big name choices are the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, both of which have excellent specifications for photographers.
In our standalone reviews of both these phones, we found that they are capable of producing excellent results. But now it’s time to put them squarely head to head and see which one comes out best. As such, I’ve used the phone to photograph a range of different scenarios to better see the differences.
(The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. )
With the Google Pixel 9 Pro series, there’s two screen sizes – 6.3-inch, or 6.8-inch. Therefore, this can also be considered a comparison with the Pixel 9 Pro, if you prefer the smaller screen size. Sadly, there’s only one size variant for the Samsung S24 Ultra.
In the table below I’ve compared the two phones, taking into account specifications that will likely primarily appeal to photographers. Where something is better, I’ve bolded it – there’s bold to be seen on both sides of the table.
(The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showing the native camera apps.) With regards to the cameras, there’s four available on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but only three for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The main sensor on the Samsung has 200MP, while the Pixel’s is “only” 50MP. It’s worth pointing out that either way, the standard output is 12MP though.
Both have an ultrawide lens, and both have a 5x zoom lens. But the Samsung has an additional 3x zoom as well to add to the mix.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
200MP f/1.7 main camera,OIS,12MP output, 24mm
50MP f/1.68 main camera,OIS,12MP output,25mm
12MPf/2.2ultrawide camera, 13mm
48MPf/2.8 ultrawide camera, 12MP output,12mm
50MPf/3.4, 5x telephoto camera,111mm
48MPf/2.85x telephoto camera, 113mm
10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto camera, 67mm
No fourth camera
12MP f/2.2 selfie camera, AF
42MPf/2.2 selfie camera, AF
8K 30fps
4K 60fps / 8K “upscaling” via the cloud
6.8-inch3120 x 1440 pixels, 2600 nits brightness
6.8-inch Super Actua OLED 2992 x 1344 pixels,3000 nitsbrightness
Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3
Google Tensor G4
30 hour battery life, wireless and Fast (45W) charging available
24 hour+ battery life, wireless and Fast (45W) charging available
256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm, 233g
162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, 221g
In terms of other specs to think about – take a look at the screen. Both of these models have a very large 6.8-inch screen, which can be quite cumbersome to use. However, with the Pixel 9 Pro, you can get a smaller 6.3-inch device but keep the exact same camera set up. Otherwise, the Pixel is brighter, but the Samsung has higher resolution. The Samsung also has impressive anti-reflective technology for its screen, too. It’s also worth noting that the Samsung comes with an S Pen Stylus, which you can use to trigger the camera’s shutter remotely – useful for group portraits and so on.
(The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showing the native camera apps)
The native camera apps for both of these phones is quite extensive. Both have “pro” options, and both can shoot in raw. There’s a slew of additional AI-type features for the Pixel phone however, such as the fun “Add Me” feature – where you can take group shots without needing an additional person to take the photo. Both offer a good degree of editing within the native apps, too, again including plenty of AI editing options.
Image Quality I took photographs with both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL across a variety of situations to directly compare image quality, and here are the results.
Note, the S24 Ultra is on the left every time, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is on the right every time.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
On the whole, both phones produce excellent images. Here, we’ve got the same scene shot with the 1x lens in both instances. Both are great but the Samsung has gone a little overboard with the colours, giving us unrealistic colours in both the sky and the sea. By contrast, the Pixel has boosted reality a little bit, so as to be pleasing, but without going too far. Both have plenty of detail, with perhaps just a touch more detail from the Samsung if you zoom in quite closely.
Here again we can see the differences in colour, with the sky on the Samsung shot very saturated. Arguably of course you might prefer this look, and it certainly gives landscapes shot a “zing” that arguably the Pixel doesn’t achieve in quite the same way.
Here we’ve got the Samsung’s 3x lens, but the Pixel doesn’t have one of those. Instead, I’ve compared it against the 2x digital zoom option, as that is an option that is directly displayed within the native camera app. This 2x option very closely matches the Samsung’s 3x lens in terms of detail and quality – showing that you don’t necessarily need that extra lens.
Both of the phones have a 5x zoom lens. Looking at them side by side, they’re very closely matched in quality, with both showing roughly the same level of detail and similar colour output. Both are not as good as the images produced by the 1x lens, but that’s what we’d expect.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
With the Samsung S24 Ultra, you’re promised up to 100x digital zoom, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL gives you a more staid 30x. However, the 100x is very definitely a marketing gimmick, generally producing unusable images. Even 20-30x from both phones produces fairly unimpressive results. However, the 10x option from both is quite solid. Remember that Samsung decided to ditch its 10x lens in favour of a high-resolution 5x lens for the S24 Ultra, suggesting that the digital 10x version was just as good as the previous 10x optical one. Both of the images seen here are pretty usable for social media sites and the like, but if you zoom in you can see a loss of detail quite clearly. The two pictures are fairly evenly matched, with perhaps a slightly better result from the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Both the Samsung and the Pixel use the ultrawide lens by default for macro work. The result is pretty good from either option, but the Samsung is a little bit brighter and a little bit cleaner if you look closely.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
Both models produce great images when shooting in low light, thanks to Night modes. These modes should automatically activate when low light levels are detected, but with both you can also manually switch them on. I prefer the colours from the Samsung, but, there’s marginally more detail in the shadow areas from the Pixel. Note that I carry out this assessment looking at the pictures on a large screen – the differences are much harder to spot on a phone screen.
Again with the ultrawide lenses, we have similarly pleasing results from both phones. There’s better colours again in the Samsung, but again marginally more detail in the shadow areas with the Pixel.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
Just like with the good light shot, I’ve compared the 2x digital from the Pixel phone with the 3x optical lens from the Samsung here. The Pixel’s looks OK on a phone screen, but on a larger computer screen you can easily see that it’s quite smudgy, while the Samsung’s looks quite a bit better. Both should be fine for social sharing, however.
Here there’s more of a marked difference. The 5x lens from the Samsung, despite having a narrower aperture of f/3.4, seems to have produced a much better image than the 5x f/2.8 lens from the Pixel. The Pixel’s image is very smudgy and misses out a fair amount of detail. With either I’d probably be inclined to avoid using the 5x zoom lens when shooting in similar situations.
With both models you can shoot in a dedicated Portrait mode to create shallow depth of field effects. With the Samsung, you can shoot at 1x, 3x or 5x. The Pixel is restricted to either 1.5x or 2x, which is a bit of a shame. Both produce fairly good results, with good detail and a nice fall off in focus to the background. The Pixel has produced nicer colours however, especially regarding skin tones.
Considering its price point, the Samsung S24 Ultra has a somewhat disappointing selfie camera, only being 12MP. Meanwhile, the Pixel has a 42MP selfie camera, which sounds like it should be better in theory – though it should be noted that the output from it is 10.5MP. The Pixel selfie has more pleasing colours, being darker and richer, while the blur is nicer, too. Note that you can edit the level of blur with either phones – this is the standard / default option.
Price and Value for Money There’s no way anyone would consider either of these models to be for the budget conscious. However, it’s also true that opting for a high-end like this phone should see you able to keep hold of it for quite a while.
It’s a shame that Google’s Pixel prices have risen quite a bit in recent years – they used to be quite a good budget option, but now have prices roughly in line with other flagships. That said, you can save money here by opting for the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, if you’re happy enough to have a smaller screen but still want the best camera.
（The camera units of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. ） Pixel 9 Pro prices are: $999 (128GB), $1099(256GB), $1299(512GB) and $1499 for 1TB. If you want the bigger version, prices are $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), $1399(512GB) or $1599 for 1TB.
For the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, you’ll be looking at $1299 (256GB), $1419 (512GB) or $1659 (1TB).
It’s also worth remembering the second-hand market, the Samsung is older so you’re more likely to find some available at cheaper prices that way. You should also take note of how well the brand is likely to hold its price when it comes to resale or trade-in – a Samsung is likely to be worth more in the future than a Pixel.
Verdict
Both of these Android phones would make an excellent choice for photographers looking for the best camera possible.
It’s another one of those times when it’s hard to pick an overall winner as both produce good shots across a range of conditions. On the whole though, I’d probably say I prefer the Pixel, with its slightly more muted (but more realistic) colours. Others may feel differently here though, so it’s a pretty subjective opinion.
(The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. )
In terms of apps and handling, the Pixel has a few more fun options going for it, so I’d also put it ahead there, just about. As for price, as we have seen, it depends on where you are on which is the cheapest – but the Samsung is arguably better value for money as it’s likely to keep its value a bit better than the Samsung.
Ultimately, these two Android flagships are very closely matched. Which you might choose to buy may come down to a number of factors, not necessarily limited to the quality of the onboard camera.
