Samsung Galaxy S24 in 2026: A Clear-Eyed Review and Buying Guide
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 still worth buying in 2026? A detailed, unbiased review covering performance, cameras, battery, software support, and the few deals left.
Where the Galaxy S24 stands in 2026
With the Galaxy S26 series announced and inbound, the Galaxy S24 family is entering its final retail phase. New, carrier-locked inventory is limited, and many retailers have shifted attention to S25 and S26 models. That scarcity has made straight price cuts harder to find, but it has also nudged some carriers and refurbishers to offer targeted incentives. If you want a powerful compact flagship at a lower entry cost, the Galaxy S24 remains relevant, provided you can locate stock in the configuration you want.
Design and display quality
The lineup keeps Samsung’s squared-off aesthetic with polished aluminum frames on the S24 and S24 Plus and a titanium frame on the S24 Ultra. All three phones are sturdy and pocketable for their class, with IP68 water and dust resistance. Displays are a highlight. The S24 uses a 6.2-inch 120Hz FHD+ OLED, the S24 Plus steps up to a 6.7-inch 120Hz QHD+ OLED, and the S24 Ultra tops out at 6.8 inches with 120Hz QHD+. Peak brightness is high enough for comfortable outdoor use, and color accuracy remains excellent across modes. Colors launched in yellow, violet, gray, and black at most retailers, while Samsung direct offered additional exclusive hues; availability today varies by region and remaining stock.
Performance, software, and AI features
US models ship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, and performance is still top-tier in 2026. The S24 runs 8GB of RAM with 128GB or 256GB of storage, the S24 Plus carries 12GB with 256GB or 512GB, and the Ultra offers 12GB with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Gaming, multitasking, and thermals hold up well, and the phones were among the first to emphasize on-device generative features. Live Translate for calls, Chat Assist, Note Assist, and image editing tools work quickly, many even without a data connection. Crucially, Samsung committed to seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 series, extending support through 2031. That makes the lineup a safer long-term purchase than many alternatives at similar prices.
Cameras and video
The S24 and S24 Plus share a capable triple system: a 50MP main wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto, plus a 12MP selfie camera. Detail, color balance, and HDR consistency are strong, and Samsung’s computational tuning has reduced oversaturation seen on older models. The S24 Ultra separates itself with a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x tele, and a 50MP 5x telephoto that replaces the prior generation’s 10x module but delivers sharper 5x–10x results through higher-resolution cropping. Video stabilization remains excellent, 4K at 60fps is clean across lenses, and 8K is available on the Ultra for niche cases. Low-light quality is competitive, particularly on the Ultra, where the larger main sensor and improved processing produce less noise and better contrast.
Battery life and charging
Samsung improved efficiency across the board versus the S23 generation. Typical capacities are 4,000mAh for the S24, 4,900mAh for the S24 Plus, and 5,000mAh for the S24 Ultra. Real-world endurance remains a strong suit: the S24 makes it through a full day, the Plus regularly stretches into a second morning, and the Ultra is the most dependable road warrior of the trio. Charging speeds are unchanged from launch—up to 25W on the S24 and up to 45W on the S24 Plus and Ultra with compatible chargers—plus 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless power sharing. While not class-leading in wattage, the combination of efficiency and steady thermals keeps battery health stable over time.
Pricing, availability, and the last remaining deals
Original US launch pricing was $799 for the Galaxy S24, $999 for the S24 Plus, and $1,299 for the S24 Ultra, with periodic promotions cycling throughout 2024 and 2025. As of March 2026, remaining new stock is limited, and discounts depend on carrier and channel. One major US carrier continues to promote the S24 line with around $200 off when ordering online and adding a new line on an eligible plan, and switching incentives can reach several hundred dollars in bill credits for those porting in numbers from competing networks. Trade-in values vary by device condition but remain the most reliable path to a meaningful discount. If you are open to refurbished, pricing on unlocked models has become more attractive; for example, a refurbished S24 Ultra with 512GB of storage can dip to roughly the mid-$600 range depending on seller grading and warranty. As always, promotions change quickly, so verify the fine print, required plans, and any contract terms before you commit.
For buyers choosing between generations, the Galaxy S25 series narrows the price gap with fresher silicon and longer runway, while S26 preorders often bundle generous credits. If you can secure a substantial discount on the S24 or find a certified-refurbished unit in excellent condition, the value proposition strengthens considerably. Prioritize the S24 Plus for its sharper QHD+ display and larger battery if you want balanced performance without the Ultra’s size, and pick the Ultra if you rely on telephoto reach, S Pen support, and the most robust camera package. If you prefer the smallest footprint and the lowest cost of entry, the base S24 remains the most compact premium Android option of its era, provided the storage and color you want are still available.
