Is Galaxy S24 Worth Buying in 2026
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the best Android smartphones you can buy in 2026. Released in 2024, it combines flagship performance, a premium compact design, a beautiful Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and an excellent triple-camera system. More importantly, it's the first Galaxy S series to receive Samsung's seven years of Android OS and security updates, making it an outstanding long-term investment.
Unlike older Galaxy flagships that are approaching the end of their software support, the Galaxy S24 continues to support One UI 9 (Android 17) and has many years of updates remaining. That means you'll continue receiving new Android features, Galaxy AI improvements, and security updates well into the next decade.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 models start at around $300+ in 2026. While it costs more than older Galaxy flagships, the combination of flagship hardware and industry-leading software support makes it one of the smartest smartphone purchases you can make today.
In this guide, we'll explain why we highly recommend the Galaxy S24 in 2026, compare it with the Galaxy S24 FE, and help you decide which model offers the better value for your budget.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Overall Recommendation | ✅ Highly Recommended |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price | Starts at around $300+ |
| Latest Android Version | Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) |
| Software Support | Seven years of Android OS and security updates until 2031 |
| You May Also Like | Galaxy S24 FE starting at $240+ |
We highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy S24 in 2026. It delivers flagship performance, an outstanding camera system, a premium compact design, and support for One UI 9 (Android 17). Combined with Samsung's seven-year software support commitment, it's one of the best long-term smartphone investments available.
If you're looking to save money, the Galaxy S24 FE, starting at around $240+, is also an excellent choice. It offers the same seven-year software support, Galaxy AI features, and many of the same core capabilities while costing about $60 less.
For buyers who prefer a compact flagship phone with premium hardware, we recommend the Galaxy S24. If your priority is maximizing value while keeping nearly all of the same long-term software benefits, the Galaxy S24 FE is hard to beat. Either way, both models are among the best Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones you can buy in 2026.
7 Years of Software Support Commitment
One of the biggest reasons we highly recommend the Galaxy S24 is Samsung's commitment to seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. This is a major milestone for Samsung and one of the longest software support policies available for any Android smartphone.
The Galaxy S24 is the first Galaxy S series to receive this extended support commitment. It currently supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and is expected to continue receiving major Android updates and security patches through 2031. That means you can confidently keep the phone for many years without worrying about missing important features or security improvements.
Long-term software support is becoming one of the most important factors when buying a smartphone. New Android versions bring new features, better privacy protections, improved app compatibility, and performance enhancements. Regular security updates also help protect your personal information from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Compared to older Galaxy phones that have already reached the end of their software lifecycle, the Galaxy S24 offers significantly better long-term value. Even if it costs a little more today, the ability to safely use the phone for several additional years makes it a smarter investment.
For buyers shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, the Galaxy S24's seven-year software support is one of its biggest advantages. It gives you flagship performance today while helping ensure your phone remains modern, secure, and fully supported well into the future.
Samsung Galaxy S24 in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S24 continues to be one of the best flagship smartphones available in 2026. It combines premium hardware, excellent cameras, a compact design, and industry-leading software support at a price that's much lower than when it was first released. For buyers looking for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, the Galaxy S24 offers an outstanding balance of performance, longevity, and value.
What truly sets the Galaxy S24 apart is Samsung's commitment to seven years of Android OS and security updates. Unlike older Galaxy models that are nearing the end of their software lifecycle, the Galaxy S24 will continue receiving new features and security improvements for many years, making it one of the safest long-term smartphone purchases available today.
If you plan to keep your next phone for four years or longer, the Galaxy S24 is an easy recommendation.
Price and Availability
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 models start at around $300+ in 2026. While that's more expensive than older Galaxy models like the Galaxy S23, you're paying for newer hardware and, more importantly, significantly longer software support.
As Samsung's first Galaxy S series with seven years of Android OS and security updates, demand for the Galaxy S24 has remained strong. We expect prices to gradually decline over time, but buyers who value long-term ownership don't need to wait for a lower price. The Galaxy S24 already offers excellent value at around $300.
Software Support
The Galaxy S24's biggest advantage is its software support.
It supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and is the first Galaxy S series to receive Samsung's commitment of seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. This means the Galaxy S24 should continue receiving major Android updates and security patches through 2031.
For buyers planning to keep their phone for several years, this extended software support makes the Galaxy S24 one of the smartest Android smartphones available.
Chipset and Performance
The Galaxy S24 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor in the United States, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency. Whether you're multitasking, editing photos, gaming, or using Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy S24 handles everything with ease.
Compared to previous Galaxy models, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers faster AI processing, improved graphics performance, and better power efficiency, helping the phone stay fast while extending battery life.
Display
The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Full HD+ resolution, an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and an impressive peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits.
The display is bright enough to remain easily visible even in direct sunlight, while the smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and animations feel incredibly responsive. If you prefer compact flagship phones, the Galaxy S24 offers one of the best displays in its class.
Camera
The Galaxy S24 includes a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. It consistently produces sharp photos, excellent dynamic range, natural colors, and strong low-light performance.
Samsung also continues improving image quality through Galaxy AI features, making photo editing easier and enhancing everyday photography. For most users, the Galaxy S24 delivers flagship-level camera performance that rivals much more expensive smartphones.
Battery Life
Battery life is another major strength of the Galaxy S24. Its 4,000mAh battery, combined with the highly efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, easily provides all-day battery life for most users.
The phone also supports 25W fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare, giving you flexible charging options whether you're at home, in the office, or traveling.
Design
One of the Galaxy S24's biggest advantages is its compact flagship design. While many premium smartphones continue to grow larger, the Galaxy S24 offers flagship performance in a phone that's comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand.
Its Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and IP68 water resistance provide premium durability without sacrificing portability. If you prefer smaller smartphones without compromising on performance, the Galaxy S24 remains one of the best choices available in 2026.
You May Also Like: Galaxy S24 FE
If you're looking to save some money, the Galaxy S24 FE is an excellent alternative to the Galaxy S24. Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 FE models start at around $240+ in 2026, making them about $60 less than the Galaxy S24.
The biggest surprise is that the Galaxy S24 FE also benefits from Samsung's seven years of Android OS and security updates. That means you'll receive the same long-term software support as the Galaxy S24 while paying significantly less.
Although the Galaxy S24 remains the more premium phone, the Galaxy S24 FE delivers outstanding value. Unless you specifically want a smaller flagship design or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, the Galaxy S24 FE is one of the best bargains in Samsung's Certified Used and Refurbished lineup.
Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S24 FE Specs Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S24 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Certified Used Price (2026) | $300+ | $240+ |
| Software Support | Seven years of Android OS and security updates | Seven years of Android OS and security updates |
| Latest Android Version | One UI 9 (Android 17) | One UI 9 (Android 17) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (U.S.) | Exynos 2400e |
| CPU | Octa-core | Deca-core |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size | 6.2-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Resolution | 2340 × 1080 | 2340 × 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz | Adaptive 60–120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 2,600 nits | Up to 1,900 nits |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 10MP (3x Optical) | 8MP (3x Optical) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity | 4,000mAh | 4,700mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Galaxy AI | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences
Price
The Galaxy S24 FE starts at around $240+, saving you approximately $60 compared to the Galaxy S24. For buyers looking to maximize value, that's a meaningful price difference.
Software Support
There's no winner here. Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 FE receive Samsung's industry-leading seven years of Android OS and security updates. No matter which model you choose, you can expect many years of software support.
Performance
The Galaxy S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor delivers faster CPU, GPU, and AI performance than the Galaxy S24 FE's Exynos 2400e. Heavy gamers and power users will appreciate the additional performance, but for everyday tasks, both phones feel exceptionally fast.
Display
The Galaxy S24 features a brighter display with a peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits and a compact 6.2-inch size that's easy to use with one hand. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger 6.7-inch display that's better suited for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking.
Camera
Both phones capture excellent photos using similar 50MP main cameras. The Galaxy S24 has a slight advantage with its higher-quality telephoto and selfie cameras, but the difference is relatively small for everyday photography.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S24 FE's larger 4,700mAh battery gives it an advantage in battery life. If you regularly spend long days away from a charger, the extra battery capacity may be worth considering.
Which One Should You Buy?
Both phones are excellent choices. If you prefer a compact flagship with Samsung's fastest processor, brighter display, and more premium hardware, the Galaxy S24 is worth the extra money. However, if you're looking for the best overall value, the Galaxy S24 FE is difficult to beat. For about $60 less, you still get seven years of software support, Galaxy AI features, a larger display, longer battery life, and flagship-level performance. For budget-conscious buyers, the Galaxy S24 FE is one of the smartest Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones to buy in 2026.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the easiest smartphones to recommend in 2026. It combines flagship performance, an excellent camera system, a bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a premium compact design, and support for One UI 9 (Android 17). Most importantly, it's the first Galaxy S series to receive Samsung's commitment of seven years of Android OS and security updates, making it an outstanding long-term investment.
At around $300+, the Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 costs more than older Galaxy models, but the additional years of software support make it well worth the price. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, it's one of the smartest Android phones you can buy.
If you're looking to save money, the Galaxy S24 FE, starting at around $240+, is also an excellent choice. It offers the same seven years of software support, Galaxy AI features, and outstanding everyday performance while costing about $60 less. For buyers on a tighter budget, it's one of the best values in Samsung's Certified Used and Refurbished lineup.
If you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, UpTrade makes it easy to compare prices from trusted sellers so you can find the best deal with confidence.
- Compare Certified Used & Refurbished Galaxy S24 Prices
- Compare Certified Used & Refurbished Galaxy S24 FE Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Galaxy S24 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S24 is one of the best Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones you can buy in 2026. It offers flagship performance, supports One UI 9 (Android 17), and comes with Samsung's seven years of Android OS and security updates.
2. Does the Galaxy S24 support One UI 9 (Android 17)?
Yes. The Galaxy S24 supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and continues to receive Android OS upgrades and security updates.
3. How much does a Certified Used Galaxy S24 cost in 2026?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 models start at around $300+ in 2026.
4. How long will the Galaxy S24 be supported?
The Galaxy S24 is the first Galaxy S series to receive Samsung's commitment of seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. It is expected to continue receiving software updates through 2031.
5. Is the Galaxy S24 FE a better value than the Galaxy S24?
The Galaxy S24 FE is an excellent value because it costs about $60 less while offering the same seven years of software support. However, the Galaxy S24 features a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, a brighter display, and a more premium compact design.
6. Is the Galaxy S24 camera still good in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S24's triple-camera system continues to capture excellent photos and videos. Combined with Samsung's Galaxy AI features, it remains one of the best camera phones in its price range.
7. Is the Galaxy S24 good for long-term use?
Yes. Thanks to Samsung's seven years of Android OS and security updates, the Galaxy S24 is one of the best smartphones for long-term ownership.
8. Should I buy a Certified Used Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S24 FE?
Both are excellent choices. Choose the Galaxy S24 if you want a compact flagship with Samsung's fastest processor and premium hardware. Choose the Galaxy S24 FE if you want to save about $60 while still receiving seven years of software support.
9. Is the Galaxy S24 worth paying more than the Galaxy S23?
Yes. The Galaxy S24 offers significantly longer software support, a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, and improved Galaxy AI features. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, it's worth the additional cost.
10. What is the best Certified Used Samsung phone to buy in 2026?
The Galaxy S24 is one of the best overall choices because it combines flagship performance with Samsung's seven years of software support. If you're looking for the best value, the Galaxy S24 FE is another outstanding option.
