After upgrading from the Samsung A54 5G to the Samsung S24+, I can confidently say this is a leap forward in both performance and experience. Having used the A54 5G for some time, the jump to the S24+ felt substantial and rewarding. Here’s a breakdown of the key upgrades and improvements that made the difference for me, along with my trusted choice of protection—the Spigen Armour case.

Design & Display

The S24+ immediately impresses with its sleek, premium design. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back provide a more luxurious feel than the plastic back of the A54 5G, while the aluminium frame adds extra durability. It’s slightly larger than the A54 5G, but still incredibly comfortable to hold.

The display is a standout feature: a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and an even brighter 1750 nits peak brightness. This is a marked improvement over the A54’s Super AMOLED display, which, while good, didn’t offer the same level of clarity, especially outdoors in bright light. The smoother scrolling and improved colour accuracy of the S24+ are instantly noticeable.

Performance

The performance difference between the two phones is night and day. The S24+ runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, compared to the Exynos 1380 in the A54 5G. In daily tasks, the speed boost is significant—apps open faster, multitasking is seamless, and even heavier apps like Pokémon GO run noticeably smoother, which is crucial for me as a Level 41 player! The 8GB of RAM feels more than adequate, handling anything I throw at it with ease.

The A54 5G was no slouch in general use, but it did occasionally lag during more intensive operations or when switching between multiple apps. The S24+ simply powers through, making it a joy to use.

Camera

As someone who loves capturing photos, the camera upgrade is a big win. The S24+ features a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The A54’s 50MP camera was solid, but the additional telephoto lens on the S24+ brings extra versatility for capturing distant subjects without losing detail. The night mode and portrait mode also show clear improvements, with sharper images and better low-light performance.

For someone who’s constantly photographing everything from events to landscapes, this is an ideal setup. Whether it’s a family gathering or an Irish countryside sunset or rise as below, the results are sharp, vibrant, and true to life.

Battery Life & Charging

The 4700mAh battery in the S24+ is comparable to the 5000mAh of the A54 5G, but the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip means I’m getting slightly better battery life, even with heavier use. Samsung’s 45W fast charging is a plus, cutting down recharge time significantly compared to the A54’s 25W charging. It’s a small but appreciated time saver when you need a quick boost.

Software & Features

Both phones run One UI, but the S24+ benefits from newer features like DeX mode, allowing me to connect to a monitor and use the phone as a desktop-like experience. It’s not something I used on the A54 5G, as it lacks the capability, but I’m finding it useful now for certain work tasks. The fingerprint sensor on the S24+ is also faster and more responsive.

Spigen Armour Case

As with every phone since my Huawei P20 Pro in 2018, I’ve paired the S24+ with a Spigen Armour case. Spigen has become my go-to brand for reliable, rugged protection, and the case for the S24+ is no exception. The matte black finish adds a stylish, understated look, while the tactile buttons and precise cutouts ensure that the case doesn’t interfere with usability.

One of the reasons I keep returning to Spigen is its excellent drop protection. Over the years, this case has saved my phones from countless drops and accidents, with no damage to the devices themselves. My mother’s Huawei P20 Pro, still encased in a Spigen Armour, is in near-perfect condition after years of use, which speaks volumes about its durability.

For the S24+, the case fits snugly without adding bulk, and I feel confident that the phone is well-protected from drops, scratches, and day-to-day wear. The raised lip around the screen and camera offers extra peace of mind, especially when placing the phone on rough surfaces.

Conclusion

The upgrade from the Samsung A54 5G to the Samsung S24+ has been a fantastic decision. The improvements in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and design all make the S24+ feel like a significant leap forward. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a multitasker, or simply someone who wants a high-performance device, the S24+ delivers.

And with the trusty Spigen Armour case on it’s back, I know my investment is well-protected for the long haul. If you’re considering an upgrade, especially from a mid-range device like the A54 5G, the S24+ is absolutely worth it!