When the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra first launched, it was positioned as one of the most advanced smartphones ever made – packed with cutting edge AI, a powerhouse processor and one of the best mobile cameras on the market.
Fast forward to today, and the S24 Ultra hasn’t faded into irrelevance. It’s become one of the smartest flagship buys you can make refurbished.
For buyers who want top-tier performance without spending £1,000 or more, this is where it stands out. You’re getting a device that holds its own with the latest releases, but at a far more accessible price point.
A big part of that value comes down to longevity. Samsung has committed to seven years of software and security updates, meaning it’s a phone built to last well into the future.
And then there’s the AI.
Features like Circle to Search, live translation and AI-powered photo editing are genuinely useful tools that can save time and simplify everyday tasks.
Buying refurbished from a trusted retailer like 4gadgets makes it an even smarter choice. You get:
- Premium hardware for less
- Professionally tested and graded devices
- Warranty-backed peace of mind
So, is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth it in 2026? Let’s take a closer look.
When Did the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Come Out?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was released in January 2024, making it a relatively recent flagship – not an ageing device by any stretch.
In fact, it’s still early in its lifecycle. Samsung has committed to an impressive seven years of software and security updates, meaning the S24 Ultra is supported through to around 2031. That’s longer than many newer smartphones on the market.
You’re not buying ‘old tech’ – you’re buying a device that’s still part of the current generation.
Performance-wise, the S24 Ultra continues to hold its own against newer releases, thanks to its high-end chipset, advanced AI capabilities and premium build quality. The only real difference today is the price – and that’s where refurbished becomes a smart move.
If anything, buying now puts you in a stronger position: you get flagship-level performance and long-term support, without paying launch-day premiums.
So, you’re not falling behind – you’re buying smarter.
How Big is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch display, making it one of the larger smartphones on the market. Ideal if you prefer more screen space for everyday use.
That size makes a real difference for:
- Streaming films and shows with a more immersive feel
- Gaming, where extra screen space improves visibility and control
- Productivity, especially when multitasking or using the S Pen
Samsung has also refined the design with a flat display, which many users find more practical than the curved screens on older Ultra models, particularly for typing, note-taking and durability.
Is the S24 Ultra Display OLED?
The S24 Ultra uses Samsung’s premium Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and it’s one of the best screens you’ll find on any smartphone.
Key display features include:
- QHD+ resolution for sharp, detailed visuals
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for ultra-smooth scrolling and gameplay
- Exceptional brightness, making it easy to use outdoors
This means vibrant colours, deep blacks and a screen that looks just as impressive whether you’re watching Netflix, editing photos or browsing on a sunny day.
Key Specs That Still Make the S24 Ultra a Flagship
The Samsung S24 Ultra is still firmly in flagship territory. Here’s what you’re getting:
| Feature | Specification | What It Means For You |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Ultra-fast performance for gaming, AI features and multitasking |
| RAM | 12GB | Smooth, lag-free experience across apps and heavy usage |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | Plenty of space for apps, photos and videos without needing expansion |
| Main Camera | 200MP | Exceptional detail, powerful zoom and AI-enhanced photography |
| Build | Titanium frame | Stronger, lighter and more premium feel in hand |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | Reliable all-day battery life, even with demanding use |
The key takeaway? This isn’t a phone that feels premium, it is premium. Many newer devices are still trying to match this level of performance and build quality.
Is the Samsung S24 Ultra Waterproof?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is water-resistant, with an IP68 rating.
This means it’s designed to withstand submersion up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
That level of protection is more than enough for everyday situations. You don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain, accidental spills or splashes around sinks or puddles.
However, it’s important to set clear expectations. While the S24 Ultra is highly durable, it’s not designed for swimming or prolonged water exposure. Saltwater, chlorine and repeated submersion can still cause damage over time.
Does the Samsung S24 Ultra Have an SD Card Slot?
The Samsung S24 Ultra does not have an SD card slot.
Like most modern flagship smartphones, Samsung has moved away from expandable storage in its premium devices. While this might be a drawback for some users, there’s a practical reason behind the shift: faster, more reliable internal storage and a more streamlined design.
The S24 Ultra comes with generous built-in storage options:
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
That’s more than enough space for thousands of photos, 4K videos, apps and files without needing to manage external storage.
You also have the option to use cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive or Samsung Cloud to back up photos and free up space when needed.
How to Use AI on the Samsung S24 Ultra
One of the biggest reasons the S24 Ultra still feels ahead of the curve is its built-in AI features. These aren’t just gimmicks – they’re useful tools that can save you time and reduce friction in everyday tasks.
Circle to Search
Circle to Search lets you instantly look up anything on your screen without switching apps.
Here’s how to use it:
- Press and hold the home button (or navigation bar)
- Your screen will pause and highlight
- Circle, tap or scribble over anything you want to search
- Results appear instantly at the bottom of your screen
It’s fast, intuitive and, once you start using it, it’s hard to go back.
You can use it for:
- Shopping: see something you like on Instagram or a website? Circle it to find where to buy it
- Identifying landmarks: travelling or scrolling? Instantly learn more about buildings or locations
- Quick research: highlight text, products or images without copying and pasting
It removes the need to jump between apps, making your phone feel faster, smarter and more seamless to use.
Photo Assist
Photo Assist turns everyday photos into polished images with minimal effort – no editing skills required.
Here’s what it can do:
- Move or remove objects from your photos
- Automatically fill in backgrounds using AI
- Improve composition by repositioning subjects for a better shot
All of this happens in just a few taps, directly in your gallery.
It really shines for:
- Social media photos: clean up distractions before posting
- Travel shots: remove crowds or reposition subjects for a better frame
- Fixing imperfect images: rescue photos that didn’t quite turn out right
It’s the kind of feature you don’t realise you need until you start using it regularly.
Live Translate & Note Assist
Samsung’s AI also helps with communication and productivity:
- Live Translate: get real-time translations during phone calls, making it easier to speak with people in different languages.
- Note Assist: automatically summarises long notes, helping you quickly pull-out key points.
These features are useful if you:
- Travel frequently
- Work across languages
- Take lots of notes or meetings
Camera Performance: Does It Still Compete?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra still delivers flagship-level camera performance.
At the heart of the system is a 200MP main sensor, capable of capturing incredible levels of detail. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits or everyday moments, images come out sharp, vibrant and highly refined.
Where the S24 Ultra really stands out is its zoom capability:
- 5x optical zoom for crisp, true-to-life close-ups
- Up to 100x Space Zoom for extreme long-distance shots
This is still one of the most versatile zoom systems on any smartphone, and something many newer devices still struggle to match.
On top of that, Samsung’s AI-enhanced photography helps optimise your shots automatically. From improving lighting and colour to enhancing clarity in low-light conditions, it works quietly in the background to deliver consistently strong results.
Battery Life and Everyday Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is built to keep up with usage. It packs a 5,000mAh battery, which comfortably delivers all-day battery life for most users. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, working or using AI features, you won’t be constantly reaching for a charger.
A big part of this comes down to efficiency. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is designed to manage energy intelligently, helping extend battery life even under heavier workloads.
In everyday use, the S24 Ultra handles everything you throw at it with ease:
- Multitasking: smooth switching between apps with no slowdowns
- Gaming: consistent performance without major drops or overheating
- AI features: fast, responsive and integrated seamlessly into daily use
The overall experience feels fast, fluid and reliable. This is a phone that keeps up with you, not the other way around.
Why Buying the S24 Ultra Refurbished is a Smart Move
Buying refurbished isn’t about settling for less; it’s about getting more for your money. And with a device like the S24 Ultra, the value proposition becomes stronger.
Flagship Performance Without the Flagship Price
The biggest advantage is simple: you save money without sacrificing performance.
The S24 Ultra was built as a premium, top-tier device – and it still performs like one. By choosing refurbished, you avoid the steep launch price while still getting:
- Elite-level processing power
- One of the best smartphone cameras available
- A premium design and build quality
Built to Last
One of the standout reasons to choose the S24 Ultra is its longevity.
Samsung’s commitment to seven years of software and security updates, makes it one of the longest-supported Android phones ever released. That means:
- Continued access to new features
- Ongoing security protection
- A device that stays relevant for years
It’s a phone that you can confidently use well into the future.
4gadgets Quality & Peace of Mind
Where you buy refurbished matters and that’s where 4gadgets makes the difference.
Every device is:
- Professionally tested and fully functional
- Clearly graded, so you know exactly what condition to expect
- Backed by a warranty for added reassurance
On top of that, buying refurbished is also an eco-friendly choice, helping reduce electronic waste and extend the life of high-quality tech.
Is the Samsung S24 Ultra Worth It? Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is worth it, especially if you’re buying refurbished.
This is still a true flagship device, and it continues to deliver where it matters most. What makes it even more compelling is how well it suits different types of users:
- Power users: still offers elite-level performance and multitasking
- Content creators: advanced camera system and AI editing tools
- Professionals: S Pen functionality and productivity features
- Everyday users: reliable, long-lasting and easy to live with
The key shift is value. Buying refurbished means you’re getting all of this flagship performance at a significantly lower price.
Why pay full price for flagship performance when you don’t have to?