AN INCREMENTAL UPGRADE

The base model of the new versions of Samsung's flagship series offers some slightly better features.

- MANDY J WATSON

Samsung Galaxy S24 Dual SIM (SM-2921B/DS)

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the entry-level device in the 2024 iteration of Samsung's high-end flagship series, which also includes the Samsung Galaxy S24+ and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The three models come in various configurations, ultimately totalling around 54 devices, so it all becomes a bit mix and match and messy.

The specific one I tested was the dual-SIM unit with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB onboard storage and the Exynos 2400 processor.

(Units for the USA, Canada, and China have the Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.) You get the phone, the SIM-tray pin, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable. That's it.

There's no charger. So after spending more than R20 000 you still have to spend more for a charging adapter. Plus, if you have an older computer without a USB Type-C port and want to plug in your phone to copy off media files you may also need an adapter cable.

The device's size is particularly suitable for someone with medium to small hands and although the aluminium frame looks hard edged and uncomfortable, it actually isn't at all. The front and back are Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and the overall build feels robust, durable, and high quality, although I was unable to properly test the handset in a meaningful or long-term way because Samsung was expecting to get it back in pristine condition.

Software Features

The phone runs Android 14, with Samsung's One UI 6.1 on top. An immediate issue I noticed once I started using it was that it very quickly gets warm in your hand, even if you're just adjusting settings in the system.