The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra launched in early 2024 as Samsung's first Galaxy AI flagship, and two years later it remains one of the strongest Android phones you can buy — often at a steep discount. With the S25 Ultra now on shelves at full price, the S24 Ultra has quietly slid into the sweet spot: same S Pen, same 200MP camera, same 7-year update commitment, but hundreds of dollars cheaper. In this 2026 review we look at whether the older Ultra is still the smarter buy, comparing specs, real-world performance, price trends, and community feedback so you can decide before pulling the trigger.
Quick Answer: Yes, buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2026 if you want flagship cameras, S Pen, and long update support at a mid-range price. No, skip it if you need the absolute latest Snapdragon 8 Elite performance or Samsung's newest AI features exclusive to the S25 Ultra.
1.1 Core Specs
1.2 What's in the Box
1.3 Technical Highlights
2. Price & Value Analysis
2.1 Current Pricing
The Galaxy S24 Ultra launched at $1,299 for the 256GB model. As of September 2026, open-market pricing has settled around $749-$849 for the 256GB and $849-$949 for the 512GB, depending on retailer and carrier promotions. Refurbished units from certified sellers dip as low as $599. That represents a 35-45% drop from launch — one of the steepest declines in Samsung's Ultra lineup history.
You can compare prices on ShopFox across Amazon, Samsung.com, Best Buy, and carriers in one view to catch the best current deal.
2.2 Is It Worth Buying?
On the value axis, the S24 Ultra scores exceptionally high in 2026. It sits roughly $400-$500 below the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra while sharing 90% of its capabilities. Against competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the S24 Ultra undercuts both by hundreds. Community sentiment on r/GalaxyS24 and mainstream tech YouTube overwhelmingly frames it as the "value flagship of 2026" — the phone to buy if you want Ultra-class hardware without paying flagship-year prices.
Track price drops across every major retailer in one place. Compare the S24 Ultra on ShopFox and set a drop alert before your next paycheck.
3. Real User Experience
3.1 Video Reviews Summary
MKBHD returned to the S24 Ultra in a mid-2026 revisit and highlighted it as "still the best Android camera phone under $900," praising the periscope zoom and titanium build while noting Galaxy AI is now available on more phones, reducing exclusivity. Mrwhosetheboss compared the S24 Ultra head-to-head against the S25 Ultra and concluded that the older model "gives you 95% of the experience for 60% of the money" — with the biggest gap being gaming sustained performance under load.
3.2 What Reddit Users Are Saying
On r/GalaxyS24, long-term owners consistently report that One UI 7 revitalized the phone, calling it "smoother than at launch." A recurring thread in r/Android debates whether to buy the S24 Ultra used at $600 or a new S25 Ultra at $1,299, with the majority recommending the S24 Ultra for anyone not doing heavy on-device AI or 8K editing. A third popular post in r/PickAnAndroidForMe from July 2026 has S24 Ultra as the top recommendation for "best Android under $800 in 2026."
3.3 Key User Feedback Themes
4. Performance & Everyday Use
In daily use during 2026, the S24 Ultra still feels flagship. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy remains one of the fastest chips ever shipped in an Android device, and One UI 7's optimizations trim animation jitter that plagued the initial One UI 6 release. Multi-tasking with S Pen split-screen is fluid, and QHD+ at 120Hz is as sharp as anything on the market. Under sustained load — think 45 minutes of Genshin Impact — the titanium frame gets warm but does not throttle as aggressively as older Ultras. Camera launch is instant, and photo processing is faster than 2024 firmware. Battery life reliably clears a workday for moderate users; heavy gamers should still expect to top up by evening.
The scores below reflect our editorial judgment based on published benchmarks and community feedback, not first-hand lab testing or user ratings.
5. Pros & Cons
- Titanium frame with premium in-hand feel
- 7 years of OS and security updates through 2031
- Bright, anti-reflective 2,600-nit display
- Massive price drop vs launch and vs S25 Ultra
- Integrated S Pen still unique in the flagship space
- Heavy at 232g for one-handed use
- No charger in the box
- Some Galaxy AI features now paywalled or S25-exclusive
6. Best Time to Buy
6.1 Historical Price Trends
The S24 Ultra has followed a predictable curve: minor discounts in mid-2024, a significant drop when the S25 Ultra launched in early 2025, and another leg down as retailers cleared inventory through 2025 holidays. In 2026, prices have stabilized in the $749-$849 band with periodic dips to $699 during major sales events. Certified refurbished stock, when available, hovers near $599 for 256GB.
6.2 Upcoming Sales Events
Expect the sharpest discounts during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (October 2026), Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November 2026), and Samsung's own Discover Samsung Fall Sale. Carrier trade-in offers can drop the net price to $400-$500 with an eligible device. Set a price alert with ShopFox so you get notified the moment it hits your target.
7. Top Alternatives
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Newest ModelThe S25 Ultra adds Snapdragon 8 Elite, a 50MP 3x telephoto, rounded corners, and expanded Galaxy AI features. Worth it only if you need the absolute best performance and don't mind paying $400-$500 more.
View PriceSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Budget UltraThe S23 Ultra keeps the 200MP camera and S Pen but drops to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, curved edges, and only ~4 years of remaining update support. A great pick if you find it under $500.
View PriceGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL
Best AIThe Pixel 9 Pro XL leads on computational photography and Gemini AI integration, with cleaner software than One UI. No S Pen and slightly weaker zoom, but a strong alternative near the same used price band.
How We Researched This Review
This review was assembled by comparing Samsung's published specifications, long-term coverage from major tech publications and YouTube reviewers, and community sentiment across Reddit and dedicated Galaxy forums as of September 2026. We did not conduct first-hand laboratory testing. Editor scores reflect our judgment weighing that research; they are not aggregated user ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, for most buyers. In 2026 the S24 Ultra typically sells for hundreds less than the S25 Ultra while still delivering the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a 200MP camera, S Pen, and seven years of updates through 2031. Only power users doing on-device AI workloads or heavy sustained gaming should consider paying up for the newer S25 Ultra.
How is the battery life on the S24 Ultra in 2026?
The 5,000 mAh battery still delivers a full day of mixed use for most users. Heavy gaming or long 5G streaming sessions can drain it before evening, but One UI 7 has meaningfully improved standby optimization compared with launch firmware. Expect roughly 6-7 hours of screen-on time for typical use in 2026.
Is the S24 Ultra camera still competitive?
Yes. The 200MP main sensor, 5x periscope telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide are still class-leading for zoom photography. The S25 Ultra swaps the 3x telephoto for a 50MP shooter and updates processing, but the S24 Ultra's Space Zoom and long-range detail remain excellent — arguably still the best pure zoom on any smartphone at its price.
Is the S24 Ultra a better value than the S25 Ultra?
In 2026, almost certainly. The S25 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite offers roughly 15-20% faster CPU and adds new AI features, but the S24 Ultra costs $400-$500 less on the open market. Unless you specifically need bleeding-edge performance, the savings on the S24 Ultra outweigh the upgrade.
How long will the S24 Ultra receive updates?
Samsung committed to seven years of OS and security updates at launch, meaning the S24 Ultra is supported through early 2031. That's the same window as the S25 Ultra and matches Google's Pixel support policy, making it one of the longest-lived Android flagships you can buy in 2026.
Should I buy new, refurbished, or used?
Certified refurbished from Samsung or Amazon Renewed offers the best balance of price and safety, often $150-$200 below new retail with a warranty. Buying used from private sellers can save more but carries higher risk on battery health and IMEI status. New units are still worth it during major sales when the discount closes the gap with refurbished.
Conclusion
Two years in, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has aged into something rare: a former flagship that still competes with current-year flagships on every axis except raw silicon speed — and it does so at nearly half the price of the S25 Ultra. If your priorities are camera versatility, S Pen productivity, a stunning display, and long-term software support, the S24 Ultra is the smartest Android buy of 2026 for most shoppers. Only skip it if you specifically need the S25 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite or its exclusive Galaxy AI features. Before you buy, use ShopFox to compare live prices across retailers and stack cashback or coupons where available.
The Verdict
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2026 if you want a flagship experience at a mid-range price. It remains the best-value Ultra Samsung has ever shipped, and the gap to the S25 Ultra rarely justifies the $400-$500 premium for typical users.
View S24 Ultra Price