Refurbished Galaxy S24 Faces Newer Mid-Range Rivals as Samsung Flagship Ages

At those prices, the S24 competes with brand-new mid-range phones, some of which offer better battery life, newer camera hardware and longer remaining software support. For most people spending $400 to $500, Engadget said a newer phone is the better value. The S24 is still worth considering if it is found for a considerably lower price, particularly for buyers who want a smaller phone with flagship-level performance.

The phone still has several strengths. It has a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it more compact than many newer phones without giving up a smooth screen. The US model uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which Engadget said still has plenty of power for everyday apps and demanding games. It also supports wireless charging and has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. International versions may use the Exynos 2400 CPU, so Engadget advised checking the model carefully before buying.

Its cameras remain capable as well. A 50-megapixel main camera is joined by a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a dedicated 3x telephoto lens. Engadget said that setup gives the S24 an advantage over mid-range phones that rely on cropping the main image when zooming. The cameras are not flawless, however. Engadget's Galaxy S24 review found that low-light photos could look dark and noisy compared with those from competing flagships.

The phone also has substantial software support left. Samsung promised seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending into 2031. Engadget said that gives the S24 several more years of support, although a phone released in 2026 will have even more of its update period ahead of it.

Battery condition is the biggest unknown when buying a used or refurbished S24, according to Engadget. Its 4,000mAh battery performed well when new, lasting about 24.5 hours in the publication's video rundown test. But lithium-ion batteries wear with use, so those results cannot tell a buyer how much capacity remains in a particular second-hand phone. If a buyer can handle the phone before purchase, Engadget suggested visiting Settings > Battery > Battery information to check its health.

A cosmetic grade such as excellent does not necessarily mean the battery has been replaced, Engadget said. Buyers should ask the seller whether the phone has a new battery, what minimum battery health is guaranteed and what the warranty covers. A lower purchase price becomes less attractive if the phone will soon need a battery replacement. Samsung's Certified Re-Newed program removes much of that uncertainty by including a new battery, genuine parts and a one-year manufacturer warranty. However, the certified S24's $519 price is only $80 below the certified refurbished S25's $599 starting price. Engadget said those considering Samsung's official program should compare the two rather than assume the older model is automatically the better deal.

Several alternatives offer different advantages at a similar price point, Engadget said. The Google Pixel 10a starts at $499 and has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, a 5,100mAh battery and seven years of OS and security updates. Engadget's review praised its camera software and bright display, although charging is relatively slow. Its Tensor G4 processor is less powerful than the S24's Snapdragon chip, and it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. For everyday photography and long-term ownership, Engadget called the Pixel a sensible alternative.

The Nothing Phone 4a Pro costs $499 and has a larger 6.83-inch display, an aluminum unibody and a 3.5x periscope telephoto camera. Engadget found its battery life and still photography impressive, but video recording was less convincing. It also lacks wireless charging and receives three years of Android updates and six years of security updates, a shorter commitment than Samsung or Google offers. Engadget said it is worth considering for a larger screen, distinctive design and versatile cameras.

The Samsung Galaxy A37 5G starts at $449.99 and is the most straightforward alternative for someone who wants to stay with Samsung. It has a 6.7-inch OLED display, a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging and six generations of OS upgrades. Engadget's review praised its battery life. Engadget said all these models came out in early 2026, and none is better than the S24 in every respect, but each gives buyers a reason to consider a newer device. Engadget said its recommendations are based on current US pricing, manufacturer specifications and hands-on reviews.