It’s a slab. Let’s be real. When you first pull it out of the box, the Samsung S24 Ultra size hits you immediately. It isn’t just a "big" phone in the way we used to think about big phones; it's a massive, unapologetic rectangle of glass and titanium that feels like it belongs on a desk more than in a pocket. If you’re coming from a standard iPhone or even the base S24, the transition is... jarring.
Honestly, I’ve spent weeks with this thing, and the ergonomics are a constant conversation with your thumb. You aren't just holding it; you're managing it. Samsung shifted away from the curved edges of the S23 Ultra, opting for a completely flat display this time around. While that’s a win for S Pen users who hated sliding off the edge of the screen, it makes the phone feel significantly wider in the palm. It's thick. It's sharp. It's 6.8 inches of pure screen.
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The Hard Numbers: Measuring the S24 Ultra
If you want the raw data, here it is. The S24 Ultra measures roughly 6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches (or 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm). For context, that’s almost identical to the previous year, but because of that new titanium frame and the flat edges, the perception of "bulk" has changed.
It weighs in at 232 grams. That is heavy. It's heavy enough that if you're lying in bed scrolling through Reddit and you drop it on your face, you're going to have a bruise. I’ve done it. It’s not fun.
Interestingly, the use of Grade 2 Titanium was supposed to make it lighter, but Samsung packed so much tech inside that the weight savings were basically neutralized. It’s only about 1 gram lighter than the S23 Ultra. You won't feel that difference. What you will feel is the shift in the center of gravity. The phone feels remarkably well-balanced for its scale, which is probably why it doesn't feel like it's constantly trying to flip out of your hand, even if it is a struggle to reach the top notification shade with one hand.
Comparing the Footprint to Other Giants
People always ask how it compares to the iPhone 15 or 16 Pro Max. The iPhone is technically a tiny bit shorter and narrower, but it has more rounded corners. The S24 Ultra is a literal rectangle. Those 90-degree corners are the biggest factor in how the Samsung S24 Ultra size impacts your daily life. They dig into your palm. If you don't use a case, you'll feel it within five minutes of texting.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Slightly more "pocketable" due to the curves.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Feels much narrower and easier to grip.
- S24 Plus: The "sweet spot" for most people who want a big screen without the wrist fatigue.
The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is the star of the show. It’s huge. It’s also incredibly bright, hitting 2,600 nits. But that size comes at a cost: the "one-handed mode" isn't just a gimmick here; it's a survival tool. You basically have to enable the gesture to shrink the screen down if you’re trying to use this while holding a coffee or a subway pole.
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Why the Flat Screen Changes Everything
For years, Samsung fans begged for a flat screen. The curves looked cool, sure, but they were a nightmare for screen protectors and caused weird color shifts at the edges. With the S24 Ultra, Samsung finally listened. But here’s the thing—the curve actually helped the ergonomics. By flattening the screen, Samsung widened the bezels slightly, and the "reachability" factor took a hit.
You get more usable surface area. The S Pen feels much more natural because you can write right up to the edge without the tip slipping. If you're an artist or someone who signs a lot of PDFs, you'll love this. If you're someone with small hands who just wanted a premium phone, you might find yourself reconsidering.
The sheer Samsung S24 Ultra size dictates how you dress. I’m not joking. If you wear slim-fit jeans, this phone is going to create a very visible "tech brick" silhouette on your thigh. It sticks out of shallow pockets. In some gym shorts, the weight is enough to actually pull the waistband down if you aren't careful. It’s a lifestyle adjustment.
Screen-to-Body Ratio and the Bezels
Samsung managed to get the bezels almost perfectly symmetrical this year. It looks stunning. But when you’re looking at a screen this big, you start to notice things like the punch-hole camera more—or maybe less, because there’s so much other screen to look at? It’s a toss-up.
The Gorilla Armor glass is a massive deal here too. It reduces reflections by about 75%. This actually makes the screen feel "deeper" and more immersive, which somehow makes the 6.8-inch panel feel even larger than it is. It’s like looking into a window rather than at a piece of glass.
Practicality vs. Power: The Big Phone Dilemma
Why do we put up with this? Why carry a device that’s basically a small tablet? It’s about the "Ultra" experience. You can't fit a 5,000 mAh battery, a massive vapor chamber for cooling, and a 200MP camera system into a small body. Physics is a jerk like that.
If you game, the Samsung S24 Ultra size is your best friend. Playing Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile on this is incredible. You have enough room for your thumbs without blocking the entire UI. For productivity, having two apps open in split-screen is actually viable. You can have a YouTube video on the top half and a browser on the bottom, and both are still perfectly readable. You can't do that comfortably on a standard S24.
- Pros of the size: Unbeatable media consumption, best-in-class S Pen experience, massive battery life, and superior thermal management.
- Cons of the size: Hard to use one-handed, heavy in the pocket, "pointy" corners, and requires deep pockets (literally and figuratively).
Does a Case Make it Worse?
Yes and no. A case adds bulk, which sounds like the last thing this phone needs. However, a good case—especially one with slightly rounded edges—can actually make the S24 Ultra more comfortable to hold. It softens those sharp titanium corners.
I’ve tried the official Samsung Silicone case, and it adds about 2mm to the width. That doesn't sound like much, but in the world of ergonomics, 2mm is the difference between "I can reach that" and "I need to use my other hand." If you go for a rugged case like an OtterBox, you are essentially carrying a brick. Just be prepared for that.
The Verdict on Pocketability
If you are a woman or anyone who wears clothes with smaller-than-average pockets, the Samsung S24 Ultra size is a genuine hurdle. It’s not just about the width; it’s the height. It peeks out of back pockets, making it an easy target for pickpockets or just accidental drops.
But for power users? It’s the gold standard. There is a certain "command center" feeling you get when you whip this thing out. It feels substantial. It feels like a tool.
If you're unsure, go to a store. Don't just look at it on a display stand. Pick it up. Try to type a one-handed text message. If your thumb starts to ache after thirty seconds, you might want to look at the S24 Plus. It has almost the same screen size (6.7 inches) but in a much more manageable, rounded body.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Buyers
Before you drop $1,300 on this monster, do these three things:
- Check your current phone's width. If your current phone is under 75mm wide, the jump to the S24 Ultra’s 79mm (plus a case) will be a massive shock to your muscle memory.
- Test the S Pen. If you don't see yourself using the stylus at least once a day, you are carrying around extra weight and sharp corners for a feature you don't need.
- Buy a "grippy" case. If you decide to go Ultra, avoid "slick" hard plastic cases. You want something with texture on the sides to help you maintain a hold without having to squeeze so hard.
- Consider a PopSocket or Phone Ring. I know, they aren't the most "aesthetic" accessories, but for a phone this wide, they are game-changers for preventing hand cramps.