The Samsung Galaxy S24 launched in early 2024 as a compact flagship, but more than two years later, the phone faces a very different market. Newer Galaxy models have arrived, while Android manufacturers continue to push better batteries, faster processors and longer-lasting hardware. Still, the S24 remains an interesting option because of its compact design, flagship-level features and unusually long software-support commitment. Samsung Galaxy S24 2026 remains relevant, but whether it makes sense to buy one now depends heavily on the price. Galaxy S24 worth buying is therefore less about whether the phone is still capable and more about whether the deal is good enough.
The Galaxy S24 Is Still a Capable Phone
There is little doubt that the Galaxy S24 remains powerful enough for everyday use.
Its compact 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate, while the phone combines a flagship processor with 8GB of RAM. Depending on the market, the S24 uses either Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Samsung's Exynos 2400.
In practical use, that means the phone can still handle common tasks comfortably, including social media, photography, video streaming, productivity apps and demanding games.
The S24 also has a premium design that has aged relatively well. Its smaller body and 168-gram weight make it considerably easier to handle than many modern phones that have moved toward larger screens and heavier batteries.
That compact size remains one of the S24's biggest selling points.
Seven Years of Software Support Changes the Equation
One of the strongest reasons to consider a Galaxy S24 in 2026 is Samsung's software-support policy.
Samsung promised up to seven years of operating-system and security updates for the S24 series. Since the phone launched with Android 14, the commitment potentially takes support into 2031.
That is important for buyers considering an older flagship.
Normally, buying a two-year-old Android phone can mean accepting a much shorter remaining software lifespan. The Galaxy S24 is different because Samsung significantly extended its support period starting with this generation.
As a result, an S24 purchased in 2026 can still have several years of official software support ahead of it.
Of course, software support does not automatically mean the phone will feel identical to a brand-new Galaxy model. Newer hardware will continue receiving features designed specifically around newer processors and components.
The Camera System Still Has Plenty to Offer
The Galaxy S24 also remains competitive as a camera phone.
Its rear setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. That gives it more flexibility than many newer mid-range smartphones that may have high-resolution main cameras but lack a dedicated telephoto lens.
Samsung's image processing remains one of the phone's strengths. Photos generally have the bright, processed look associated with Galaxy devices, while the dedicated telephoto camera provides useful flexibility for portraits and distant subjects.
However, newer flagships have continued to improve computational photography, low-light performance and video processing.
If camera performance is the main reason for buying a phone in 2026, the S24 should therefore be compared directly with newer alternatives rather than judged only against phones from 2024.
Battery Life Is the Main Weakness
The biggest concern with the regular Galaxy S24 is its battery.
The phone has a 4,000mAh battery, which is relatively modest compared with many current Android phones. Larger devices and newer mid-range models can offer substantially bigger batteries.
For light and moderate users, the S24 can still provide a full day depending on usage. Heavy gaming, extensive camera use, navigation or high mobile-data usage can put more pressure on the battery.
This becomes especially important when buying a used S24.
A phone that has been heavily used for two years may have noticeably less battery capacity than a new unit. Buyers should therefore pay close attention to battery condition when considering second-hand devices.
Storage Matters More Than You Might Expect
The base S24 configuration is another area buyers should consider carefully.
Some 128GB versions use UFS 3.1 storage, while the 256GB model uses faster UFS 4.0 storage. Community discussions also frequently point out the distinction between the two storage configurations.
For most people, 128GB can still be enough if photos and videos are regularly backed up to cloud storage.
However, creators, gamers and people who keep large amounts of media on their phones should strongly consider 256GB.
The additional capacity can also make the phone more comfortable to keep for several years.
What About the Price in 2026?
This is where the decision becomes much more interesting.
Current Indonesian listings vary considerably. Search results show new or officially warranted Galaxy S24 256GB units listed around the Rp9.5 million–Rp12.5 million range, while some used 256GB listings appear below Rp8 million. Samsung Galaxy S24 5G 256GB Garansi Resmi SEIN
These prices can change quickly, especially across marketplaces and depending on warranty status, storage capacity and seller reputation.
The used market can make the S24 much more attractive. A clean 256GB unit with good battery health and complete accessories can offer flagship hardware at a considerably lower price than a current flagship.
At around Rp10 million or more, however, the calculation becomes harder because newer phones may provide better battery life and longer remaining hardware relevance.
The S24 vs Newer Mid-Range Phones
One of the biggest challenges facing the Galaxy S24 in 2026 is not necessarily newer flagship phones.
It is newer mid-range phones.
Modern mid-range devices have become surprisingly capable. Some offer larger batteries, newer processors, higher charging speeds and longer support periods at prices that can overlap with discounted older flagships.
Recent analysis of the S24 market has similarly noted that refurbished S24 models can become difficult to justify when their prices approach newer mid-range phones.
The S24 still has advantages, particularly its compact flagship design, telephoto camera, premium materials and Samsung's broader flagship feature set.
But buyers should compare specifications rather than assuming that an older flagship automatically beats a newer mid-range phone.
Who Should Still Buy the Galaxy S24?
The S24 makes the most sense for a few specific types of buyers.
Buyers Who Want a Compact Phone
The regular S24 is relatively small by modern flagship standards. If you dislike huge phones, this alone can make the device attractive.
Buyers Who Want Samsung's Flagship Features
The S24 provides features that are not always available on cheaper Galaxy models, including a versatile camera system, premium display and flagship processor.
Buyers Finding a Good Used Deal
A properly priced second-hand S24 can be significantly more interesting than a new unit at a high price.
The key is checking battery health, display condition, cameras, charging port, IMEI status, warranty and whether the phone has been repaired.
Who Should Skip It?
The S24 becomes less attractive if battery life is your highest priority.
Users who spend many hours gaming, recording video or using mobile data may prefer a newer phone with a larger battery.
It is also harder to justify when the S24 costs close to a current-generation Galaxy model or another new flagship.
In those situations, paying more for newer hardware can provide better long-term value.
Buying a Used Galaxy S24: What to Check
If you decide to buy a second-hand unit, do not focus only on the asking price.
Check these points before paying:
- Battery condition — heavy battery degradation can turn a cheap phone into an expensive replacement project.
- Display — check for burn-in, dead pixels, scratches and unusual color changes.
- Cameras — test every lens, autofocus and video recording.
- USB-C port — make sure charging and data transfer work properly.
- IMEI and network status — verify that the phone is legitimate and usable with local networks.
- Samsung account — make sure the previous owner's account has been removed.
- Repair history — ask whether the display, battery or motherboard has been replaced.
- Storage capacity — confirm whether the phone is 128GB or 256GB before purchasing.
A slightly more expensive unit with a clean history can be preferable to a suspiciously cheap phone.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is not obsolete in 2026. Its flagship processor, excellent display, versatile cameras, compact design and seven-year software-support commitment mean it still has plenty of life left.
The real question is price.
A reasonably priced Galaxy S24, particularly a clean 256GB used unit, can still make sense for someone who wants a compact Samsung flagship without paying current flagship prices. But if the price approaches newer Galaxy models or capable new mid-range phones, the S24 becomes harder to justify.
In short, the Galaxy S24 can still be a good buy in 2026 — but only when the price reflects its age and the condition of the specific unit.
