Review · Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S24 Review (2026): Discounted to Become the Best Compact Android
Runner-up Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. With the S25 launched, the S24 is now $599–$699 — strongest compact Android value in 2026. Galaxy AI fully supported, 5+ years of updates remaining.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- Runner-up Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 awards
- Now $599–$699 (down from $799 launch)
- Galaxy AI fully supported via OS updates
- Five+ years of Samsung updates remaining
Cons
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US) trails 8 Elite
- 4,000 mAh battery — average for size
- Camera trails Pixel 8a on computational photography
- Camera bump unchanged from S22-era
Why it placed at MKBHD's 2024 awards
Runner-up Best Small Phone — recognized for being the right size (6.2 inches), having 7 years of update commitment, and supporting Galaxy AI. Two years on, all three still apply, and the discount makes it more compelling than the original $799 launch price did.
Display & build
6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X at 120Hz. Aluminum frame, IP68. Compact and one-hand-friendly — the smallest current Samsung flagship.
Performance
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US variant) + 8GB RAM. Functionally indistinguishable from the S25 for everyday use. Galaxy AI runs natively.
Camera
Triple camera: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto. Better than the iPhone 16's dual-camera setup at this price tier. Samsung's processing trails Pixel on stills consistency but matches on video.
Battery & software
4,000 mAh battery. Real-world: 6–7 hours of screen-on time. 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. One UI 7 → 8 has rolled out cleanly.
Verdict · 4.0 / 5
Buy the Galaxy S24 at $599–$699 if you want a compact Android flagship and don't want to spend $1,099 on the S25 Edge. Runner-up at MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone with 5+ years of updates remaining. The strongest compact Android value in 2026.
🛒 Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — at $599–$699 it's the strongest compact Android value. Runner-up at MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone with 5+ years of updates and Galaxy AI fully supported.
Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 16 — which to buy?
S24 has 3x telephoto camera (vs iPhone 16's no telephoto) and the same 7-year update commitment. iPhone 16 has Apple Intelligence and tighter Apple-ecosystem integration. Pick on platform preference.
Does the Galaxy S24 get Galaxy AI?
Yes — fully supported via OS updates. Same Galaxy AI feature set as the S25 in everyday use.
How we rate
Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.