Samsung Galaxy S24 faces tougher value test as refurbished prices hold up
Engadget says Samsung’s 2024 flagship remains capable, but is difficult to recommend above US$350 as newer phones offer fresher hardware and battery life.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 remains a capable smartphone more than two and a half years after its January 2024 launch, but its value depends heavily on price and condition, according to Engadget.
Renewed, unlocked units can be found for about US$350, while better-condition or higher-storage models may cost more than US$400. Samsung’s certified refurbished S24 starts at US$519, only US$80 below the certified refurbished S25, which weakens the case for buying the older model through Samsung’s official programme.
The S24 still offers features that are not guaranteed on newer mid-range phones. Its 6.2-inch AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate, while the US version uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Wireless charging, IP68 dust and water resistance and a dedicated 3x telephoto camera also remain points in its favour. International buyers should check whether a handset uses the Exynos 2400 chip instead.
Battery condition is the main risk with used and refurbished units. The S24’s 4,000mAh battery lasted about 24.5 hours in Engadget’s video rundown test when new, but that result does not indicate how much capacity remains in a particular second-hand phone. Cosmetic grades do not guarantee battery health, so buyers should ask about replacement history, minimum guaranteed health and warranty coverage.
Samsung has promised seven generations of operating-system upgrades and seven years of security updates, potentially extending support into 2031. Newer phones nevertheless offer more of their support period ahead of them, alongside possible improvements in battery life and camera hardware. Engadget lists the Google Pixel 10a, Nothing Phone 4a Pro, Samsung Galaxy A37 5G and iPhone 17e as alternatives with different strengths.
Engadget’s assessment is that an unlocked S24 may be attractive at around US$300–$350, particularly for buyers who value a compact handset, flagship performance or a telephoto camera. Actual value will vary with battery health, storage, warranty, condition and whether the phone is unlocked.
