The Samsung Galaxy S24 (SM-S921BZVCMEA, SM-S921B/DS) in Cobalt Violet arrived on my desk promising a significant upgrade. This Middle East version, boasting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, immediately caught my eye with its sleek design and impressive specifications. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.

Right off the bat, the vibrant Cobalt Violet color is eye-catching. The in-hand feel is premium, thanks to the build quality. The 6.2-inch screen is a joy to use, with the 120Hz refresh rate making everything feel incredibly smooth. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures snappy performance, even under heavy multitasking. The dual SIM capability is a welcome addition for those who juggle personal and work numbers. The inclusion of emergency satellite texting via 3GPP is a truly standout safety feature.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 truly delivers. I haven’t experienced a single instance of lag or slowdown, even while running multiple demanding apps simultaneously. Gaming performance is excellent, with high frame rates and smooth gameplay. The 5000 mAh battery easily lasted a full day, even with extensive use, although heavy gaming sessions did impact battery life more noticeably. Charging via Type-C is quick and convenient.

Samsung’s AI-optimized camera system is a real highlight. Photos taken in various lighting conditions, particularly in low light, are remarkably detailed and clear. The improvements in night mode and Nightography zoom are easily noticeable, producing brighter, sharper nighttime photos. The triple-lens primary camera system offers versatility, allowing for excellent wide-angle shots and impressive close-ups.

Pros:

• Stunning Cobalt Violet design and premium build quality
• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
• Excellent camera system with enhanced night mode and zoom capabilities
• Smooth 120Hz display
• Long-lasting battery
• Dual SIM support
• Emergency satellite texting

Cons:

• Battery life can be impacted by heavy gaming
• Some users may find the screen size a bit smaller compared to ultra models

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S24 (SM-S921BZVCMEA, SM-S921B/DS) Middle East version is a fantastic phone. Its blend of powerful performance, exceptional camera capabilities, and sleek design makes it a strong contender in its class. The addition of emergency satellite texting is a significant bonus. While battery life under extreme use could be better, it’s a minor drawback compared to the many strengths. I would wholeheartedly recommend this phone to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile Android device.