Samsung Galaxy S24 in 2026: Is It Worth Buying a Previous-Generation Flagship, and Who Is It Best Suited For?Advertisement

There are smartphones that, two years after their release, you don’t even want to consider anymore. Slow performance, mediocre cameras, and a screen that’s hard to read in sunlight. But there are models for which age is hardly an issue. The Samsung Galaxy S24 falls squarely into the latter category. It hasn’t become any less user-friendly just because Samsung has released several new generations in the meantime.

Of course, buying it at any price in 2026 would be a strange decision. But if the difference from newer models is noticeable, the situation changes—especially when you need a compact phone with a good camera, rather than a device for hours of gaming. Let’s take a closer look at what the Samsung S24 that users still like, and which features might start to annoy them just a week after purchase.

Why the Samsung Galaxy S24 Still Deserves Attention

In 2024, the Galaxy S24 delivered everything expected of a compact flagship: a high-quality AMOLED display, IP68 water and dust resistance, three cameras, a powerful processor, and wireless charging. Two years later, these features are still there. What has changed is that there are now more purchasing options, particularly on the secondary market.

Interestingly, many people don’t even use all the features of their phones. They buy a model with plenty of performance to spare, and then mostly read the news, take photos, use banking apps, and watch videos. The Galaxy S24 has more than enough resources for these tasks. The question is really more about how much it costs and what condition a specific device is in.

A compact body—an advantage that’s hard to gauge based on specs

A 6.2-inch screen now seems modest, especially next to large smartphones that barely fit in a pocket. However, spend just a few hours with the Galaxy S24, and it becomes clear why compact models still have their fans.

The phone weighs about 167 grams. It’s comfortable to hold during a call, quick to pull out of your pocket, and easy to use for maps while out for a walk. Even simple one-handed texting doesn’t turn into a finger workout. On the other hand, if you frequently work with spreadsheets or watch TV shows on the go, you might find the screen a bit too small.

The display itself is excellent. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz ensures a smooth user interface, and a peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits makes it easy to read text outdoors. Of course, this is the maximum value under specific conditions, not the constant brightness of the entire panel. But in everyday use, the screen truly remains one of the S24’s strengths.

Exynos 2400: Fast, but with a Mind of Its Own

Ukrainian buyers most often encounter the Samsung Galaxy S24 with the Exynos 2400 processor. There has always been plenty of controversy surrounding Exynos chips, but you shouldn’t judge this processor by its name alone. For everyday tasks, the smartphone performs quickly: the camera launches without a long wait, apps switch seamlessly, and navigation and video calls pose no problems.

It’s a different story with prolonged heavy use. If you play a demanding game on high settings for half an hour, the body can get noticeably warm. The system monitors the temperature, so performance sometimes drops. This may be less noticeable in a cool room than on a hot day.

For those who play only occasionally, this is unlikely to be a problem. But if you’re buying the smartphone primarily for gaming, it makes sense to compare it with newer models. By the way, 8 GB of RAM is enough for everyday multitasking, although modern flagship models offer even more.

Samsung S24 Cameras: Great Photos Without Chasing Megapixels

The back panel features three cameras: a 50 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. These specs may no longer be impressive compared to newer models. However, the number of megapixels alone says little about whether you’ll like the results.

For example, while walking around Lviv, the main camera works well for street photography, and the ultra-wide-angle lens helps you capture an entire building without having to cross the street. The telephoto lens comes in handy when you want to photograph an architectural detail or take a portrait from a comfortable distance.

In the evening, you’ll need to be more careful. Static scenes turn out pretty well, especially with Night Mode. But a child running around the room or a cat that suddenly decides to jump might come out blurry. A lot depends on lighting and movement here. Newer flagship models sometimes handle such situations better, although the Samsung S24 is perfectly adequate for everyday photos.

Battery: Probably the Most Important Consideration Before Buying

The battery capacity is 4,000 mAh. For a compact smartphone, this is an understandable compromise, but it’s noticeable. If you use messaging apps, take photos from time to time, and browse websites, the battery should last until the evening. However, a few hours of navigation, mobile internet use, and video recording noticeably change the picture.

Charging at up to 25 W isn’t exactly record-breaking either. Samsung hasn’t tried to compete with manufacturers that promise a nearly full charge in just a few minutes. Instead, it has retained wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, which allows you to charge compatible accessories.

If you’re buying a used Samsung S24, be sure to ask about the battery’s condition. Two phones from the same model year can perform very differently. One may have mostly sat on a table, while the other was used daily for navigation, gaming, and video recording. That’s why battery test results are more important than pretty photos of the phone’s exterior.

Galaxy AI and Updates: Will Support Last for a Few More Years?

The Galaxy S24 was among the first Samsung smartphones for which artificial intelligence became one of the main features. Circle to Search lets you look up information about objects on the screen, and editing tools help you modify photos. There are also translation and text-processing features.

Not all of these features are equally useful. Some people use image search regularly, while others open the Galaxy AI tools just out of curiosity. Additionally, the availability of certain features depends on language, region, and software version.

The situation is more promising when it comes to support. Samsung has promised the S24 series seven generations of Android updates and seven years of security updates from the date of release. Support is expected to last until 2031. This means that in 2026, the smartphone will still have about five years left in its promised update period. For those who don’t upgrade their phone every year, this is a significant selling point.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S25, or S26: What’s Changed Over Two Generations

The newer models, of course, have been improved. The Galaxy S25 switched to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and now features 12 GB of RAM. The Galaxy S26 features a larger display and a higher-capacity battery. However, the cameras on the base models remain quite similar in terms of key specifications.

To help you navigate the processor names and specs, we’ve compiled the key differences in a table.

The Galaxy S26’s processor depends on the regional version.

If you need a smartphone for work, communication, and photos, the difference between generations won’t necessarily be significant. It’s a different story if you play games often, use resource-intensive apps, or want the longest possible remaining support period. In that case, paying extra for a newer model makes more sense. The current price of each device remains the deciding factor.

128 or 256 GB: there’s a nuance here that’s easy to overlook

You can find the Samsung Galaxy S24 on the market with 128, 256, or 512 GB of storage. At first glance, the difference is obvious: more gigabytes means more space for photos, videos, and apps. But there’s another detail.

The 128 GB version uses UFS 3.1 storage, while the 256 and 512 GB configurations feature the faster UFS 4.0. You’re unlikely to notice a difference during everyday use. However, copying large files or working with large amounts of data may be faster.

If you plan to use the phone for three or four years, I’d recommend going with the 256 GB model. Photos, videos, and apps are gradually taking up more and more space. Plus, the Galaxy S24 doesn’t have a memory card slot, so you won’t be able to expand the built-in storage later on.

Used Samsung S24: What to Look For Beyond the Condition of the Case

The Galaxy S24 can be particularly appealing on the secondhand market. However, there’s one pitfall: a good-looking exterior can easily be mistaken for proof of good technical condition. In reality, a scratch-free smartphone doesn’t necessarily have a healthy battery or a problem-free display.

Before buying, it’s worth checking a few things:

• Battery. Check for signs of heavy wear and tear or excessively fast discharge.
• Screen. Check for burn-in, spots, streaks, and sensor issues.
• Cameras. Are all the modules, autofocus, and image stabilization working properly?
• Connectivity. Are the cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C port working properly?
• Device history. Check for any locks, IMEI issues, or the effects of a botched repair.

You also shouldn’t rely on IP68 protection as a guarantee of water resistance for a used phone. After repairs or prolonged use, the case’s watertightness may have changed. Therefore, there’s definitely no need to test the smartphone with water specifically.

At Breezy, used devices undergo diagnostics using specialized software. Based on their external condition, they are assigned grades of A+, A, B, or C. This allows you to choose a nearly flawless device or save money on a smartphone with noticeable signs of use. The device also comes with a warranty.

Who the Galaxy S24 is best for, and who should look for a different model

The Samsung Galaxy S24 will appeal most to those who don’t want to carry a large smartphone. It’s convenient for everyday communication, working with documents, taking photos, and traveling. A dedicated telephoto lens, a high-quality display, and long-term software support make it more appealing than many simpler devices.

But there are buyers who should think carefully before purchasing. If you constantly play games at maximum settings, spend many hours using navigation apps, or want to charge your phone as quickly as possible, the compact S24 may not meet your expectations.

The easiest way to decide is to consider your own habits. If your current smartphone meets almost all your needs except for processing speed and the camera, the Galaxy S24 could be a welcome upgrade. If poor battery life is your biggest pet peeve, you’re better off looking at models with larger batteries first.

Should you buy a Samsung Galaxy S24 in 2026?

The answer depends not so much on the year of release as on the price and condition of the specific smartphone. The Galaxy S24 has good cameras, a compact body, a high-quality screen, and sufficient performance for most everyday tasks. Its weaknesses are also clear: a 4,000 mAh battery, charging up to 25 W, and potential overheating under prolonged heavy use.

If you’re considering a used model, don’t rush to choose the cheapest option. A tested battery, a functional display, and a warranty may turn out to be more important than saving a few hundred hryvnias. At Breezy, you can find a Samsung S24 that fits your needs based on its technical condition, appearance, and budget.

And here’s another tip: before buying, compare it not only to the Galaxy S25 or S26, but also to your current phone. Perhaps the S24 will provide exactly what you’re missing. Or maybe you’ll realize it’s better to pay a little extra for a different model. Both decisions will be the right ones if they meet your actual needs.

Олена Болган