Engadget has assessed whether Samsung's Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024 at $800, remains a sensible purchase now that it is only available second-hand or refurbished. The review concludes that while the phone is still capable, current refurbished pricing puts it in direct competition with newer mid-range handsets that often offer better battery life, updated cameras and longer remaining software support, making it a weaker value proposition for most buyers unless found at a significantly reduced price.

The S24 retains strong core specs, including a 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and a triple camera system with a dedicated 3x telephoto lens, though low-light photos lag behind current flagships. Samsung's software support runs to 2031, but battery health is the main risk with used units, since wear cannot be judged from original test results; Samsung's own certified refurbished version costs $519 with a new battery and warranty, only $80 less than a certified refurbished Galaxy S25. The article also flags 2026 alternatives such as the $499 Google Pixel 10a as offering comparable or better value for similar money.