Samsung Galaxy S24 Onyx Black 128GB

The Galaxy S24 refurb's display ranks in the 8th percentile, among the worst we've ever tested. Combined with a 4G-only radio, lackluster battery, and camera quality that's bottom-of-the-barrel, it's a tough sell at $426. Only grab it if you prioritize a like-new Samsung at a low cost above all else.

Performance sits in a disappointing 18th percentile. The unknown chip and RAM struggle to keep up with even midrange rivals. In everyday use, you'll notice split-second stutters when switching between apps, and anything more demanding than browsing feels labored. While the Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search run acceptably, the raw power just isn't there. Connectivity is stuck at 4G (11th percentile), so downloads feel glacial next to a Pixel 10 Pro XL or OnePlus 15. This is not a phone for anyone who wants fluid multitasking or future-proof network speeds.

Put the S24 next to the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the differences are stark. The iPhone 17 delivers a display that's literally brightness leagues ahead and a camera system that makes the S24's 11th-percentile shooter feel like a toy. The OnePlus 15 offers similar pricing with 5G and a 120Hz screen. Even the budget-focused Motorola G Stylus beats the S24 in ruggedness and battery endurance, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro outclasses it in every performance metric we track.

At $426, the Galaxy S24 refurb might look like a steal, but our budget score of 10.8/100 tells a different story. For that money you can snag a OnePlus 15 or even a Pixel 10 Pro XL from last year with 5G, far better cameras, and displays that aren't stuck in the dark ages. The price difference between stores for this 4G-only model is negligible, so you're not even getting a deal. Dollar for dollar, this phone gives you very little in 2025.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 SM-S921WZKAXAC lands a total score of 7.8 out of 100 in our database, dragged down by a display that's one of the worst we've tested this year (8th percentile) and camera performance that lags behind most modern phones. At $426 as a refurb, it feels more like a nostalgia trip to 2020 than a smart buy in today's 5G world. The 4.5-star customer rating from 32 buyers masks the hardware shortcomings, because most reviews focus on the near-new condition, not how the phone actually runs.

If you care about getting crisp, bright images on your screen, fast data, or a camera that doesn't disappoint, steer well clear of this S24 variant. The display is one of the dimmest we've seen, the lack of 5G will choke download speeds, and the battery won't make it through a long commute. Even at $426, there are far better options that aren't stuck in 4G limbo.

Unless you absolutely must have a Samsung and refuse to spend more than $430, the Galaxy S24 in this 4G-only trim is a hard pass. The display alone should give you pause, and the lack of 5G means you're buying a phone that's already obsolete for network speeds. The high customer rating masks the fact that most buyers are just happy with the physical condition, not the actual experience of using it.