A Brilliant Phone With One Unbearable Flaw: A Samsung S24 Ultra Review

Samsung has truly outdone itself with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. From its incredible camera system to the buttery-smooth performance and the stunning, vivid display, this phone is a technical marvel. It's a device that feels premium in every aspect and handles anything you throw at it with grace and speed. The built-in anti-reflective coating on the screen itself is a game-changer, making outdoor use a joy and setting a new standard for smartphone displays.

However, the reality of owning this brilliant device is overshadowed by a single, critical flaw: the difficulty in finding a decent screen protector that doesn't ruin the experience. The main selling point of the phone’s display—the anti-glare feature—is nearly impossible to preserve.

For a long time, the only anti-glare screen protector on the market was a plastic film that, while effective at first, was a poor long-term solution. What was once available in a pack of two for around R300 on launch has now become a rare and expensive commodity. It's nearly impossible to find, and when you do, it often costs R600 for a single protector that scratches easily and loses its effectiveness within a few months.

It's a perplexing and frustrating situation. The anti-reflective glass on the phone is one of its best features, yet Samsung has failed to provide a first-party, durable glass screen protector that complements it. It feels like a massive oversight for a premium device. Why spend so much on a phone with an amazing screen if you can't properly protect it without negating its key selling point?

Ultimately, the S24 Ultra is a phenomenal piece of technology, but it's a phone that's impossible to maintain in pristine condition without accepting a major downgrade to its display. It leaves users in a difficult position: risk scratching a beautiful screen or cover it with a flimsy, overpriced, and often-scratched film. For a flagship device, this simply isn't good enough.