Is a Renewed Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Worth It in 2026? Honest Review
The Galaxy S24 Ultra was Samsung's top phone in 2024, and newer Ultra models have launched since. That's exactly why it's interesting now. Our morning price check shows a renewed, unlocked S24 Ultra (512GB, Titanium Black) at $610.48 on Amazon. That's down from $624.99 yesterday and $629.99 when we last tracked it, and the listing is flagged as a limited-time deal. For a flagship with a built-in S Pen and a 5x zoom camera, that's a lot of phone for the money. But "renewed" is doing a lot of work in that sentence, so here's an honest look at whether it's worth it in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G, 512GB, Unlocked (Renewed)
Price when checked (Oct 15, 2026): $610.48 — down $19.51 from our last check, sold by a third-party seller (Ecobuyphone) with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Check price on AmazonWhat you still get in 2026
The hardware has aged well. You get a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an anti-reflective glass coating that makes it easy to read outdoors. It has a titanium frame and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a chip that still handles games, 4K video and heavy multitasking without strain. The 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day for most people. The S Pen lives inside the phone, which no other mainstream flagship offers.
The camera system is still a highlight: a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 50MP 5x telephoto. Daylight photos are sharp, and the 5x lens is great for concerts and kids' sports. Newer phones process low light a little better, but you'd have to compare them side by side to notice.
Software support is the big reason to buy
Samsung promised the S24 series seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates from launch in early 2024. That means this phone should keep getting updates into the early 2030s, far longer than most people keep a phone. It's the main reason a renewed S24 Ultra makes more sense than an older budget phone: you're not buying something that will lose support in a year or two. It also includes Samsung's Galaxy AI features, like Circle to Search, Live Translate and photo editing tools. Check Samsung's current terms if those matter to you, as the company has hinted some AI features could change over time.
The renewed part: what to watch for
Renewed doesn't mean new. On Amazon, a renewed phone is inspected and tested by the seller, and it's covered by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee: you can get a replacement or refund within 90 days if it doesn't work as expected. A few practical tips:
- Check the battery early. Amazon requires renewed phones to have more than 80% of their original battery capacity, but 81% and 100% feel very different. Check battery health in Settings in the first week and return the phone if it disappoints.
- Expect light cosmetic wear. Small scuffs on the frame are normal. Screen burn-in is not, so open a full-screen gray image and look closely.
- Check the seller. This listing is sold by a third party, not Amazon. The listing averages 4.1 stars from about 800 ratings, which is decent for a renewed phone but not perfect.
- No charger in the box. Plan on buying one (see below).
How it compares to a renewed iPhone 15 Pro
If you're platform-flexible, the closest rival at this price is a renewed iPhone 15 Pro (256GB) at $594.30 today. It's smaller and lighter, has a great 3x camera, and Apple's updates are excellent. The S24 Ultra counters with double the storage (512GB vs 256GB), a bigger, brighter screen, the 5x zoom and the S Pen. If you already use a Mac, AirPods or an Apple Watch, the iPhone is the easier pick. If you want the biggest screen and the most camera reach for the money, the Samsung wins.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 256GB, Unlocked (Renewed)
Price when checked (Oct 15, 2026): $594.30 — down $5.65 from our last check, sold by a third-party seller with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Check price on AmazonAccessories worth adding
Since there's no charger in the box, the Anker 65W 3-port USB-C charger is a smart add-on at $29.99 today, down $6 from our last check. It can charge your phone, earbuds and a laptop from one plug. For Samsung's fastest 45W "Super Fast Charging 2.0," you need a charger that supports USB PD PPS at 45W, so check the spec sheet if top speed matters to you. Our best USB-C chargers for travel guide covers more options. If you want a matching watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm) pairs perfectly, but at $267.13 today it isn't on sale. Read our Galaxy Watch 7 review before you buy.
Anker 65W 3-Port USB-C Charger (Foldable)
Price when checked (Oct 15, 2026): $29.99 — down $6.01 from our last check, sold by AnkerDirect
Check price on AmazonPros and cons at a glance
- Flagship hardware for $610.48 with 512GB of storage
- Updates promised into the early 2030s
- 200MP main camera plus 3x and 5x zoom
- Built-in S Pen and a bright, anti-reflective screen
- 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee
- Renewed: battery health and cosmetic condition vary
- Sold by a third party, not Amazon
- Large and heavy for one-handed use
- No charger included
- Newer models have slightly better low-light processing
The verdict: is it worth it?
Yes, for the right buyer. At $610.48, the renewed Galaxy S24 Ultra gives you a top-tier camera, the S Pen and years of software updates for a fraction of a new Ultra's price. The trade-off is the renewed lottery. Buy it, check the battery and screen in the first week, and use the 90-day guarantee if anything is off. For more phone and gadget drops, see our weekly deals and best tech deals under $50. Renewed prices move fast, so check the current price before you buy.