Our Top Picks
- Best Compact: S24 Base – Still the king of small Android phones in 2026, offering a premium feel that fits perfectly in one hand.
- Best Value: S24 Plus – With a larger battery and QHD+ display, this model is the sweet spot for those who want flagship features without the Ultra price tag.
- Best Powerhouse: S24 Ultra – The 2024 bestseller remains a productivity beast thanks to its integrated S Pen and superior titanium build.
The Galaxy S24 remains a strong value in 2026, offering premium build quality and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip at a significantly lower price point than the S26. This s24 review finds that while newer models have moved to higher RAM standards, the S24 still provides a flagship experience that comfortably outperforms most modern mid-range alternatives in daily tasks.
Hardware Durability: Two Years of Daily Wear
Two years into its lifecycle, the physical resilience of the Galaxy S24 series has become its unsung hero. When I first reviewed these devices in early 2024, the shift toward a completely flat-edge design felt like a minor aesthetic pivot. Today, looking at dozens of long-term units, that choice has paid dividends in durability. The Aluminum frame on the base and Plus models has held up remarkably well against the "pocket sand" of daily life, though the Titanium frame of the Ultra remains the gold standard for scratch resistance.
The LTPO AMOLED display continues to be a highlight in 2026. Even with the S26 pushing higher refresh tech, the 2600-nit peak brightness of the S24 series remains perfectly legible under the harsh midday sun. Perhaps more impressively, the Gorilla Armor used on the Ultra has lived up to its marketing hype; two years later, micro-scratches are significantly less prevalent on these panels compared to the standard glass used on competing 2024 flagships.
One area where we see some age is the vapor chamber cooling. While it was top-of-the-line at launch, the more intensive apps of 2026 can cause the base S24 to run noticeably warm during extended 5G use. However, for the average user, the build quality and durability remain top-tier, making it a very reliable refurbished flagship for those looking to save money.
Comparison: Samsung S24 (2024) vs. Samsung S26 (2026)
| Feature | Galaxy S24 (2024) | Galaxy S26 (2026) | 2026 Value Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | S24 is still snappy for 95% of tasks |
| RAM | 8GB (Base) / 12GB (Ultra) | 12GB (Base) / 16GB (Ultra) | S24 Base shows minor AI bottlenecking |
| Display Brightness | 2600 nits | 3000+ nits | S24 is still excellent outdoors |
| Main Camera | 50MP / 200MP | 50MP / 200MP | Sensors are similar; S26 has better ISP |
| Software Support | Until 2031 | Until 2033 | S24 still has 5 years of life left |
| Current Market Price | ~$350 - $550 (Refurbished) | $799 - $1,199 (New) | S24 offers incredible price-to-performance |
Performance & AI: The 8GB RAM Bottleneck
When we discuss if the is galaxy s24 still worth buying in 2026, we have to talk about performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was a powerhouse at launch, and it remains incredibly capable today. Most apps launch instantly, and the energy efficiency of the 4nm process means the phone doesn't chug through battery life during routine scrolling.
However, the "AI Revolution" of the last two years has put a spotlight on RAM management. In 2024, 8GB of RAM felt sufficient. In 2026, with modern Galaxy AI features running more complex local processing, the base S24 can occasionally feel the squeeze. You might notice the phone closing background apps more aggressively than the newer S26, or a slight delay when triggering Circle to Search while multiple Chrome tabs are open.
Mobile gaming stability remains a strong point for the series. Even with modern titles, the S24 maintains a high frame rate, though you'll want to keep an eye on the thermals during long sessions. For those who prioritize pure speed, the S24 Ultra's 12GB of RAM still feels like plenty, handling 2026-era multitasking with ease. If you are a heavy user, the S24 Plus or Ultra is the better long-term bet to avoid any potential bottlenecking.
Camera Performance After 2 Years
The samsung s24 review camera conversation has evolved significantly since launch. In 2024, the primary complaints were about Samsung's aggressive over-processing and oversaturated colors. Two years later, through multiple One UI updates, the processing has matured. The images coming off the 50MP main sensor today feel more natural and balanced than they did on day one.
In terms of hardware, the galaxy s24 camera performance after 2 years is surprisingly competitive. While the S26 has introduced fancy new high-resolution ultrawide sensors, the S24’s main sensor still captures excellent detail and dynamic range. It is more than enough for social media, travel photography, and even professional-lite work.
However, we should address the galaxy s24 reviews and complaints regarding the zoom lens on the smaller models. The 10MP 3x telephoto was already getting old in 2024, and by 2026, it feels distinctly "mid-range" compared to the periscope lenses found on newer devices. If you do a lot of long-distance photography, the S24 Ultra's 50MP 5x zoom is still the one to get—it remains one of the best zoom systems ever put in a smartphone.
Battery Health & The 2031 Promise
One of the biggest concerns with a two-year-old device is longevity. In long-term usage reviews from early 2026, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 5,000mAh battery was reported to maintain roughly 12 to 14 hours of active use per charge after two years of daily operation. My own testing of the base S24 shows that samsung s24 battery health and longevity 2026 is generally holding around 88% of its original capacity for most users. This translates to a full day of "normal" use, but heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger by 7 PM.
The real "killer feature" of the S24 in 2026 isn't the hardware, but the seven years of Android OS and security updates that Samsung committed to at launch. This means the samsung s24 software support schedule 2031 is a reality. While a budget phone from 2026 might be at the end of its life in two years, the S24 will still be getting official security patches and new versions of One UI for another five years.
This long-term commitment is why the S24 Ultra was the best-selling Android flagship in 2024 and remains a popular choice on the secondary market today. You aren't just buying old hardware; you are buying a supported platform.
Software Support Countdown
- Current Year: 2026
- Launch Year: 2024
- Final OS Update: 2031 (Android 21)
- Years of Support Remaining: 5 Years
- Verdict: Still a safer investment than most new mid-range phones.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy One in 2026?
The Galaxy S24 is a masterclass in why buying a two-year-old flagship is often smarter than buying a brand-new mid-range phone. You get better screen technology, superior build materials like titanium and Gorilla Armor, and a processor that still wipes the floor with modern budget chips.
While the galaxy s24 reviews and complaints two years later often mention the 8GB RAM limit on the base model, it’s a small price to pay for the overall polish of the experience. If you can find a refurbished S24 Plus or Ultra at today’s prices, you’re getting a device that will remain modern and secure well into the next decade.
FAQ
Is the Samsung S24 a good phone?
Yes, it remains an excellent choice in 2026. It offers a premium high-refresh-rate display, a powerful processor that handles modern apps with ease, and a build quality that feels significantly more expensive than modern mid-range alternatives. Its compact size also makes it one of the few high-performance small phones left on the market.
Is the S24 worth it?
The S24 is absolutely worth it, especially if you are looking at refurbished or discounted units. When compared to a new mid-range phone at the same price, the S24 offers a better camera, faster wireless charging, and much longer software support, lasting until 2031. It provides a level of polish that budget-friendly new releases simply cannot match.
What are the disadvantages of S24?
The primary disadvantages include the 8GB of RAM on the base model, which can struggle with heavy multitasking in 2026, and the 25W charging speed which feels quite slow compared to modern competitors. Additionally, the camera processing can still be hit-or-miss in challenging lighting compared to the newer S26 series.
What are the S24's biggest drawbacks?
The biggest drawbacks are the aging telephoto hardware on the non-Ultra models and the lack of Qi2 magnetic charging, which became standard on later models. For power users, the 8GB RAM bottleneck is the most noticeable daily friction point when using the latest Galaxy AI features.
