Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 still worth buying?

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 arrived in January 2024 as an $800 flagship. More than two and a half years later, it’s still a capable phone, but the price of a refurbished model may make it difficult to recommend. Renewed and unlocked units are available for around $350, while better condition or higher stock listings can exceed $400. Samsung’s certified “renewed” S24 starts at $519.

This puts the S24 in competition with brand new mid-range phones, some of which offer better battery life, newer camera hardware, and longer software support. For most people spending between $400 and $500, a newer phone is the best value. The S24 is still worth considering if you find it at a considerably lower price, especially if you want a smaller phone with flagship-level performance.

The S24 has a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it more compact than many newer phones without sacrificing a smooth display. The US model uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which still has enough power for everyday applications and demanding games. It also supports wireless charging and has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. International versions may use the Exynos 2400 processor, so check the model carefully before purchasing.

Its cameras also remain efficient. The 50-megapixel main camera is joined by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide and a dedicated 3x telephoto lens. This setup gives the S24 an advantage over mid-range phones that rely on cropping the main image when zooming. The cameras are not perfect, however. Our review of the Galaxy S24 found that low-light photos could appear dark and noisy compared to those of competing flagships.

The phone also has a substantial amount of software support. Samsung has promised seven generations of operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending through 2031. That gives the S24 several more years of support, although a phone released in 2026 will have even more of an update period ahead of it.

Battery condition is the biggest unknown when purchasing a used or refurbished S24. Its 4,000 mAh battery performed well when new, lasting about 24.5 hours in our video test. But lithium-ion batteries wear out with use, so our results can’t tell you how much remaining capacity a particular used phone has. If you are able to handle a phone before purchasing it, visit Settings > Battery > Battery Information to check his health.

A cosmetic rating such as “excellent” does not necessarily mean the battery has been replaced. Ask the seller if the phone has a new battery, what minimum battery health is guaranteed, and what the warranty covers. A lower purchase price becomes less attractive if the phone needs battery replacement soon.

Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program eliminates much of that uncertainty by including a new battery, original parts, and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, the $519 price of the Certified S24 is only $80 less than the $599 starting price of the Certified Refurbished S25. Those considering Samsung’s official program should compare the two, rather than assuming the older model is automatically the better deal.

Several alternatives offer different benefits at a similar price. Our recommendations are based on current U.S. prices, manufacturer specifications, and our hands-on reviews. None are better than the S24 in every way, but each gives you a reason to consider a newer device. All these models were released in early 2026.

Google Pixel 10a: Starting at $499, the Pixel 10a is a well-rounded choice for anyone wanting a new Android phone. It has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, a 5,100mAh battery, and seven years of OS and security updates. Our review praised the camera software and bright screen, although loading is relatively slow. Its Tensor G4 processor is less powerful than the S24’s Snapdragon chip and it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. However, for everyday photography and long-term ownership, the Pixel is a sensible alternative.

Nothing from the 4a Pro phone: Nothing’s $499 mid-range phone features a larger 6.83-inch screen, an aluminum unibody, and a 3.5x periscope telephoto lens. We found the battery life and photography impressive, but the video recording was less convincing. It also lacks wireless charging and receives three years of Android updates and six years of security updates, a shorter commitment than that offered by Samsung or Google. It’s worth considering if you want a larger screen, distinctive design, and versatile cameras.

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G: The A37 starts at $449.99 and is the simplest alternative for someone who wants to stick with Samsung. It features a 6.7-inch OLED display, 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, and six generations of OS upgrades. Our review praised its battery life and screen, while noting that it’s not the fastest phone in its class. The A37’s mid-range processor, 6GB of RAM in the base model, and lack of a telephoto lens mean the S24 still has advantages for gaming and photography. The newer model makes more sense if you want a larger Samsung phone with a fresh battery and a long support period.

iPhone 17e: If you’re ready to upgrade to iOS and can spend $599, the iPhone 17e is another option. It has an A19 processor, 256GB of base storage, and MagSafe charging. Its single rear camera and 60Hz display are compromises compared to the S24, so it’s not an upgrade in any respect. However, it offers newer hardware and more storage for those who plan to keep their phone for several years. As our iPhone 15 value comparison explains, an older phone becomes harder to justify when its price gets closer to that of a newer entry-level model.

Finding an unlocked S24 for around $300 to $350 can be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you prefer its compact size, flagship processor, or telephoto lens. This is a judgment based on price rather than a guarantee that each listing is a good deal. Battery, storage capacity, and warranty all affect the actual value of the phone.

Before purchasing, ask for the battery replacement history and check its condition via Samsung Member Battery Diagnostics if you can inspect the device. Confirm it’s unlocked and test the screen, cameras, charging port, and cellular connection while the return window is still open.

If the seller can’t provide reliable battery information or a reasonable return policy, paying more for a properly refurbished device or choosing a new phone is probably the safest purchase.