Samsung Galaxy S24: a compact phone with long support, but slow charging
Released 2024 · 22 sources analyzed · Also known as: S24, Samsung S24
What the Samsung Galaxy S24 offers in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in 2024, remains a compelling option in 2026, particularly for those seeking a compact flagship. It stands out due to its pocketable design and Samsung's extensive seven-year software support, offering long-term reliability. The primary trade-off involves its 25W charging speed and 8GB of RAM, which are starting to feel dated compared to newer market offerings.
Samsung Galaxy S24
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S24 remains an excellent purchase in 2026, primarily due to its rare compact form factor and Samsung's unprecedented seven-year software support. While the 25W charging and 8GB of RAM are starting to feel dated, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance and stunning 2600-nit display keep it competitive with newer mid-range releases. It is the ideal choice for users who prioritize a pocketable design and long-term reliability over cutting-edge charging speeds. We highly recommend it as a high-value flagship that balances premium build quality with a mature, AI-enhanced software experience.
Pros
- The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a class leader in the compact segment, offering a peak brightness of 2600 nits that ensures perfect visibility even under direct 2026 sunlight. Its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate provides buttery-smooth animations while intelligently scaling down to save power during static tasks.
- Samsung’s industry-leading commitment to seven years of OS and security updates ensures this device remains modern and secure until 2031. This long-term support significantly enhances the phone's resale value and makes it a sustainable choice for users who prefer not to upgrade every two years.
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset provides elite-tier performance with a high clock speed of 3.3 GHz, handling intensive 2026 mobile games and multitasking with ease. Even the Exynos 2400 variant has seen significant optimization, narrowing the performance gap through successive software patches.
- The triple-camera array remains highly versatile for social media and everyday photography, anchored by a 50MP main sensor with OIS that captures vibrant, detailed images. The inclusion of a dedicated 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom provides a clear advantage over many mid-range competitors that rely on digital cropping.
- Galaxy AI integration offers genuine utility through features like Circle to Search and real-time translation, which have become more refined and integrated into the One UI ecosystem by 2026. These tools leverage the NPU to simplify complex tasks, making the smartphone experience more intuitive for power users.
Cons
- The 25W wired charging speed is significantly behind 2026 industry standards, where many competitors now offer 65W to 100W solutions. This results in much longer wait times at the outlet, which can be a frustration for users accustomed to the rapid top-offs found on Chinese flagship alternatives.
- The base model's 8GB of RAM is increasingly becoming a bottleneck for heavy multitasking and advanced AI processing as apps grow more resource-intensive. While sufficient for general use, it lacks the future-proofing found in the 12GB or 16GB configurations offered by rival brands in the same price bracket.
- The 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide sensors are beginning to show their age, particularly the lack of autofocus on the ultrawide which prevents it from doubling as a macro lens. While the main sensor is excellent, these secondary lenses lack the high-resolution detail found on newer 'Ultra' or Pro-level competitors.
Common Issues Reported
Sources
Should you buy it? Depends who you are.
A flat yes/no/maybe by buyer profile, instead of one universal verdict.
- Prioritizes long-term software support✓Yes
Seven years of updates make the Samsung Galaxy S24 a smart choice for longevity.
- Needs the fastest charging available✕No
The 25W charging speed is far too slow compared to current market standards.
- Heavy multitasker with many apps?Maybe
The 8GB of RAM might become a bottleneck for intensive use over time.
- Wants a compact, premium Android phone✓Yes
Its small size and high-quality display are unmatched in the Android flagship space.
The Samsung Galaxy S24's long-term value
The Samsung Galaxy S24 presents a clear trade-off between its compact form factor and long-term software support against its slower charging and base RAM configuration. It is an ideal choice for users who prioritize a pocketable design and extended software updates over current charging speeds. The device is well-suited for individuals who value a premium build, a stunning display, and a mature, AI-enhanced software experience that will remain current until 2031. However, users accustomed to rapid charging or those requiring more than 8GB of RAM for intensive multitasking might find it lacking compared to newer mid-range releases. Despite its 2024 release, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance and 2600-nit display keep the Samsung Galaxy S24 competitive, making it a high-value flagship for its target audience. Those who frequently push their devices with the most resource-intensive applications or demand the absolute fastest charging available in 2026 might consider alternatives.
Where reviewers don't agree
Specific points where independent reviewers reached different conclusions.
Exynos 2400 performance
Supportive viewSome reviews note the Exynos 2400 variant has seen significant optimization, narrowing the performance gap with the Snapdragon version.
Critical viewUsers in Exynos regions frequently report higher thermal output and faster battery drain during 5G usage.
Where this lands: The Exynos 2400 is better, but it still has efficiency issues for some users.
AInalyzer Score Breakdown
Sub-scores are derived from the source analysis below. See our scoring methodology.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers excellent performance, but the 8GB RAM can bottleneck heavy multitasking.
Seven years of updates and a class-leading display make the Samsung Galaxy S24 a strong long-term investment.
Known issues like grainy screens and 'green line' failures affect some Samsung Galaxy S24 units, impacting reliability.
The AI features deliver on their promise, but charging speeds and secondary cameras fall short of current expectations.
How the Samsung Galaxy S24 differs from the Samsung Galaxy S25
The Samsung Galaxy S24 still holds up well against the newer S25, largely due to its identical seven-year software commitment. You're giving up potentially faster charging and a more optimized ultrawide camera on the S25. For most users, the S24 remains a solid choice without needing to upgrade.
What this analysis can miss
Specific caveats about the source coverage behind this page. Worth knowing before you act on the verdict.
Most reviews focus on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 version; the Exynos 2400 variant's full performance differences aren't always deeply explored.
Long-term reliability data for the 'green line' display issue is still emerging, as not all affected units have failed yet.
Battery drain figures are often based on Wi-Fi usage; 5G impact, especially on Exynos, needs more consistent testing across reviews.
What reviewers actually say
Themes synthesised across 22 sources — agreement % shows how aligned reviewers were on each point.
- Display qualityPositive95%
The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is widely praised for its brightness and smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Software supportPositive100%
Reviewers universally highlight the seven years of OS and security updates as a major selling point for the Samsung Galaxy S24.
- Charging speedNegative90%
The 25W wired charging is considered significantly slow compared to competitors in 2026.
- Camera versatilityMixed80%
The 50MP main sensor is good, but the older 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide sensors are showing their age.
- Galaxy AI featuresPositive85%
Features like Circle to Search and real-time translation are seen as genuinely useful additions to the user experience.
Secondary cameras are not just 'aging'
While most reviews call the secondary cameras 'aging,' the lack of ultrawide autofocus is a functional limitation, not just a resolution issue. It prevents macro photography entirely. This makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 less versatile than many mid-range phones that include this feature, not just 'Ultra' models. It's a bigger drawback than simply having lower megapixels.
Samsung Galaxy S24: Common Questions
What makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 a good purchase in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a strong purchase in 2026 due to its rare compact form factor and Samsung's commitment to seven years of software support, ensuring long-term reliability. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance and 2600-nit display also keep it competitive with newer mid-range devices, offering a premium experience.
Are there any significant drawbacks to the Samsung Galaxy S24's hardware?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24's 25W wired charging speed is notably slower than 2026 industry standards, which can lead to longer charging times. the base model's 8GB of RAM may become a bottleneck for heavy multitasking and advanced AI processing as apps become more resource-intensive.
How do the cameras on the Samsung Galaxy S24 perform in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S24's triple-camera array remains versatile for everyday photography, with its 50MP main sensor capturing vibrant, detailed images. However, the 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide sensors are beginning to show their age, particularly the ultrawide's lack of autofocus, which limits its utility as a macro lens.
What known display issues should I be aware of with the Samsung Galaxy S24?
Some Samsung Galaxy S24 units have reported a 'grainy screen' texture when viewing dark content at low brightness levels, which is a hardware characteristic. A subset of users has also documented a 'green line' hardware failure on the AMOLED panel, an industry-wide issue that may require a screen replacement.