Surprising photo reveals Samsung’s CEO doesn’t use a Galaxy S24 Ultra! I think I know exactly why... (2024)

Google’s SVP of Platforms & Devices and Samsung’s CEO recently got together for lunch, dinner, or what might be a very specific type of breakfast.

Unsurprisingly, Rick Osterloh (Google’s SVP) looks thrilled to be sitting across Samsung Mobile’s main man TM Roh.

Apparently, the primary topic of their discussion was Samsung and Google’s AI collaboration, which allows Samsung’s flagship phones (Galaxy S24, S23, S22 series) to take advantage of Google’s vast Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence resources. And who knows what Google gets in return… (perhaps cheaper Tensor chips).

But as a true smartphone nerd, my eyes quickly focused on the phones sitting on the table, and I was rather surprised to see the Galaxy S24 Ultra (considered by many to be the best phone available on the market is nowhere to be seen.

So… what’s with that?

Samsung’s CEO might not be the biggest Galaxy S24 Ultra fan, hints dinner photo taken by Google SVP


Surprising photo reveals Samsung’s CEO doesn’t use a Galaxy S24 Ultra! I think I know exactly why... (1)

Samsung’s CEO is using what looks like a Galaxy S24/S24+ instead of a Galaxy S24 Ultra. Is it because he dislikes the bulky shape of the company’s most premium phone? I know I do…


Had a terrific conversation with TM (Roh) and Samsung’s leadership. Our partnership has never been stronger. I'm thrilled about our collaboration on AI and the many opportunities ahead for both companies.

Rick Osterloh, SVP, Platforms & Devices, Google


To be clear, yes… I’ll most definitely be making a few assumptions here as the photo we see doesn’t make all things clear - both literally and figuratively. Of course, you’re welcome to tell me what you see down in the comments…

That being said, what I see is a purple Galaxy S24/S24+, which seems to belong to Samsung’s CEO. For the record, I also noticed a white Galaxy S24/S24+ sitting in the far right corner, which belongs to a mystery guest at the not-so-last supper.

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But it’s TM Roh’s purple Galaxy S24/24+ that quickly sparked a bunch of conspiracy theories on tech Twitter, and I’m willing to join in…

“Why isn’t TM Roh using Samsung’s best, most premium flagship phone - the Galaxy S24 Ultra?” It’s quite unlikely that he’s “testing” the company’s more affordable flagships - they’ve been out for a while now.

Sure, the Galaxy S24 Ultra costs $1,300, or a whopping $500 extra compared to the more affordable Galaxy S24, but TM Roh is probably able to afford the splurge. Oh, and… HE’S SAMSUNG’S smartphone CEO guy…

See, as somebody who finds my Galaxy S24 Ultra to be uncomfortable to use with one hand, I won’t be surprised if Mr. Roh feels the same way. So, I guess that’s the “conspiracy theory” I’m going with…

Come to think about it, there really shouldn't be any other reason Samsung’s CEO wouldn't choose to daily drive the company’s best phone. In the end, the S24 Ultra trumps the vanilla Galaxy S24 models in every single way - particularly in the display, battery and camera departments.

Is it alarming if Samsung’s CEO doesn’t use the company’s most premium flagship phone?


Surprising photo reveals Samsung’s CEO doesn’t use a Galaxy S24 Ultra! I think I know exactly why... (2)

In an interview with major tech YouTuber, Sundar Pichai said he tests many phones - even the iPhone. However, he carries a Pixel 8 Pro in his pocket (not pictured here).

Now, is it a big deal that Samsung’s CEO isn’t using the Galaxy S24 Ultra (for one reason or another)? Speaking from my POV, not really…

That said, I do find it a little bit ironic, or perhaps even controversial that Samsung decided to convert the most premium “S” flagship into a bulkier Galaxy “Note” with an S Pen, and now even Samsung’s own boss could be avoiding this awesome phone.

In other words, Samsung markets the Galaxy S24 Ultra as the best Samsung phone, but the current form-factor of the device seems to make it unappealing for certain types of people - unless price is an issue, of course.

And while I’ve written my fair share of stories criticizing how big, bulky, and uncomfortable the Galaxy S23 and S24 Ultra feel to me, seeing that Samsung’s CEO might be avoiding the company’s best phone (likely) for the same reason I do… hits a little differently.

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra too “Galaxy Note” to go mainstream, and become universally loved?

Surprising photo reveals Samsung’s CEO doesn’t use a Galaxy S24 Ultra! I think I know exactly why... (3)

Google's premium Pixel 8 Pro is round and curvy, and it feels great! Should Samsung take a page out of Google's Notebook?


This begs the question… Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra too “Galaxy Note” to go mainstream? It’s certainly a reason this phone stays and will stay out of my pocket. And Mr. Roh’s too.

Here's a confession… As an iPhone user who has the chance to test phones like the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra, I love the AI capabilities of Samsung’s new flagships, and find a few of them to be game-changing. In fact, if I wasn’t immersed into Apple’s wider ecosystem, I probably would’ve given the Galaxy S24 a shot for that reason alone!

But one thing’s for sure… Even if I made the switch to a Samsung flagship, I would’ve gone with the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S24+ - just like Samsung’s CEO. And that’s despite the noticeably superior display, endurance, and camera system of the square-ish Ultra model. Which (in an ideal world) is a compromise I wouldn’t like to make…

Is the form-factor holding the Galaxy S24 Ultra back from becoming more popular, and should Samsung put an end to the “Ultra compromise” with a new, more ergonomic design? I sure know one man who can make that happen…

Martin FilipovMobile Tech Editorial Content Creator

Martin, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, brings a unique blend of humor and insight to his work. His fascination with smartphones began with a Galaxy Young and evolved through a series of trades and upgrades, making him a self-proclaimed smartphone nerd. Martin's content often combines current analysis of market trends with historical references and future predictions. Whether it's a deep dive into technical issues or a first-person commentary on industry events, Martin's articles are designed to inform and engage. His critical perspective is driven by genuine curiosity and a desire to keep readers informed, not by any corporate sponsorship.

Surprising photo reveals Samsung’s CEO doesn’t use a Galaxy S24 Ultra! I think I know exactly why... (2024)

FAQs

What's wrong with the S24 Ultra camera? ›

Reports of Galaxy S24 Ultra camera issues are piling up

As TechRadar pointed out, Android users have been reporting that there are white balance and overexposure problems, "abnormal" red colors showing up in camera, and degradation issues with telephoto imagery.

Is it worth to upgrade from S23 Ultra to S24 Ultra? ›

As said before, upgrade is not a matter of need, but want. I am sure both phone will be quite technologically adequate for a few years to come. Agree, S23 Ultra is still a fantastic phone and one that's overcome all it's little bugs etc. The S24 Ultra is Aesthetically beautiful though.

Why are my S24 Ultra pictures blurry? ›

Understanding the Potential Causes: Software problems: Software updates or glitches can sometimes impact camera performance. Lens smudges: Oils and smudges on the camera lens are a common cause of blurry photos. Dirty protective covers: Ensure the camera isn't obscured by a grimy or ill-fitting lens cover.

Why is the S24 Ultra overheating? ›

Exposing your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to hot environments, like direct sunlight or a hot car, can push it beyond its thermal limits and cause it to overheat. Like us, the Galaxy S24 Ultra likes to have a comfort zone, so keeping it at a cool room temperature is critical for optimal performance.

What is the controversy with Samsung S23 Ultra camera? ›

The S23 Ultra's "moon gate" controversy has stirred quite a controversy among smartphone enthusiasts. There is a distinction between completely faking raw data from a sensor and using AI to enhance or add details. Having said that, smartphone makers aren't new to the concept of using AI to enhance or beautify photos.

Is Samsung S24 Ultra waterproof? ›

The Galaxy S24 / Galaxy S24+ / Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated IP68, using the Ingress Protection rating system. The dust rating is 6 (highest level of protection), and the water resistance rating is 8 (water-resistant up to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes).

Which is better, S24 Ultra or S23 Ultra? ›

Performance is practically the same across both phones even though the S24 Ultra has a newer chipset. Although, the S24 Ultra has definitely gotten warmer performing the same tasks (even with a larger vapor chamber) and with an occasional app crash or glitch here and there that wasn't present on the S23 Ultra.

What is the major difference between S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra? ›

While the Galaxy S23 Ultra's power stemmed from the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 processor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra steps it up with the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 processor for Galaxy, offering desktop-level functionality and advanced AI – perfect for next generation interactions.

How to take the best photos on S24 Ultra? ›

How to get the best possible camera photo quality from your S23/...
  1. Download "Snapseed" app (free, on Play Store)
  2. Open your Camera app, switch to Pro Mode.
  3. Go to camera Settings > Advanced picture options > Pro Mode > Set "RAW" only.
  4. Back in camera, in Pro Mode, shoot something.
Feb 5, 2024

Does the S24 Ultra have night vision? ›

Please Note: Night Mode is available on Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, S24, S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S22 Ultra, S22+, S22, S21 Ultra, S21 FE, S21+, S21, S20 FE, S20, S10, Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold3, Z Fold2, Z Fold, Z Flip5, Z Flip4, Z Flip3, Z Flip, Note20, Note10, A55, A35, A54, A34, A14, A72, A53, A52s, A52, A42, A33, A32, A23 ...

Does the Samsung S24 Ultra have heating issues? ›

Am not a cover person, i use the phone without any cover. But it gets really hot really quick and its not normal at all. The biggest issue around it is that it drains my battery so much, its insane. From my experience it's not normal.

Is the Samsung S24 heating issue? ›

Samsung S24 exynos version is heating a lot, while charging or while using social media apps only, what the hell samsung, Phones at this price you are giving exynos instead of samsung and you cant evern optimise heating. Do not buy S24 if samsung is not fixing this heating issue.

When did the S24 Ultra come out? ›

Samsung unveiled its latest lineup of flagship phones, the Galaxy S24 series, during the company's Unpacked event on January 17 and released the phones on January 31. Samsung's new lineup includes the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Does the S23 Ultra have a better camera? ›

The main sensor for the S23 is a 50MP 1/1.56”sensor, whereas the S23 Ultra's is 200MP and slightly larger at 1/1.3”. Although both have very high resolution sensors, the standard output for images is 12MP thanks to pixel binning.

Does S22 Ultra have camera issues? ›

The Samsung S22 Ultra, hailed as a top-tier smartphone, falls short in its camera capabilities. Touted for excellence, it disappoints with photo quality that fails to meet the mark. Shockingly, the pictures are marred by graininess and blur, a significant letdown from a brand celebrated for its camera technology.

How good will the S23 ultra camera be? ›

The Galaxy S23 Ultra gives you an ultrawide start at 13mm, moves on to a 23mm main camera that can also deliver a 2x mode (46mm?), then onto a 69mm 3x camera, and all the way to 230mm with the unique 10x camera. It's an unmatched range of zoom for a smartphone.

Will the S23 ultra have a better camera than the S22 ultra? ›

The headline difference between these two phones relates to their camera systems. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S23 Ultra with a brand new 200MP sensor, which is purportedly an upgrade on the Galaxy S22 Ultra's already-impressive 108MP sensor.

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