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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
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?
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?
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…
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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.
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