Which old Samsung Galaxy phones are still worth buying? Here are your options

When you think of Android OEMs, there’s a good chance that Samsung would be near the top of that mental list. The Korean firm has made some of the best Android phones, with the latest Galaxy S24 series setting the benchmark for others to follow. But what if you don’t have the capital to purchase the latest flagships but want a device that’ll still provide near-flagship caliber performance? Let’s turn back the clock and look at some old Samsung phones still worth their salt and your cash.

Why you should consider an old Samsung phone

We understand the allure of buying the latest flagship phones. You may be a power user craving the latest chipsets, camera hardware, and software support or want the latest and greatest available. However, buying the newest device available doesn’t always make sense financially. For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is $1,299 — $100 pricier than its predecessor, and you’ll need much more to snag a Galaxy Z Fold 6. You can, however, skirt these pricing penalties by considering a phone just a few months older in some cases. In others, phones with a few years under their belt are even better deals.

As the law of diminishing returns hits modern technology, we’ve seen more recent Samsung flagships take an iterative upgrade approach over sweeping, meaningful changes. For instance, beyond chipset, durability, and selfie camera upgrades, there aren’t many big-ticket changes between the S22 and S23. The S24 makes even more minor changes to this formula. This means that opting for a slightly older phone affords you several great features that many of Samsung’s current flagships boast.

Of course, like buying a used car, buying an old phone comes with fine print. Software support becomes a concern the older the device is. Samsung has promised that new flagship phones from the Galaxy S22 series will be supported for at least five years with four major Android releases, but some phones, like the Galaxy S10 series, have already seen their last update. You may get a surprise patch occasionally but remember that Samsung no longer supports many older devices.

Secondhand products are generally risky buys, as you’re relying on the original owner to be a careful user. These devices may have hidden issues or more noticeable aesthetic problems, which you won’t have to worry about with brand new devices. Additionally, if you damage your discontinued device in any way, there may no longer be a reliable stock of replacement components.

Ultimately, we think the risks are worth it. Some older Samsung phones can still afford users excellent value, especially considering many flagships from just a few years ago are now priced on par with new mid-range devices.

The best old Samsung phones worth buying in 2024

Samsung Galaxy S23 series

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series might be the latest hotness, but the 2023 headliners offer exceptional value and an almost identical user experience. The Samsung Galaxy S23 series remains less than recently celebrated their first birthday, so plenty of time remains in their usable lives. Samsung’s five-year update policy means they’ll be minty-fresh until 2028 and potentially beyond.

In terms of hardware, these phones more than still hold up. Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra remains one of the best camera phones we’ve ever reviewed, sporting a 200MP primary sensor and a 10MP telephoto with a massive 6.8-inch display, the pacey Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy SoC, and a 5,000mAh battery. Add on the S Pen and excellent build quality, and you have a useful, hardy device that’s also cheaper than its replacement.

Unlike the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S23 Plus, and the Galaxy S23 use Snapdragon chipsets worldwide — the same silicon as their big sibling, the Ultra. We labeled the Galaxy S23 Plus as the “Goldilocks” phone in the lineup, and it’s no less true a year later. It might have a weaker camera setup than the Ultra, but it’s easier to hold and pocket and offers excellent battery life.

The base Galaxy S23 offers a smaller battery and display but offers much of what its Plus sibling sells.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is one of the best examples of an older Samsung phone worth buying. We had very few issues with the device when it launched in early 2022. The phone certainly lacked the drama of the Galaxy S22 Ultra but included a specs sheet that offered great value for the cash it demanded.

The 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen is particularly impressive, yielding a pleasing color profile right out of the box. It’s bright, too, with our reviewer Eric Zeman stating it’s one of the brightest phone screens he has ever used. The panel helps accentuate the snaps garnered by the reliable 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto camera array.

All three Galaxy S22 series models are worth buying in 2024, but the Plus offers the best value. At some retailers, you can find it for as low as $400 — slightly pricier than the Google Pixel 6a. For that price, especially considering its pending years of software support, it’s among the best old Samsung phones you can buy in 2024.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

You might be eyeing the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Galaxy Z Fold 6 as your first foldable phone, but don’t rule out 2022’s model. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is still worth consideration, mainly thanks to Samsung’s light upgrade touch. Arguably, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers much of the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 but at a lower price.

While the Galaxy Z Fold 4 does have a slightly older chipset, an older version of Gorilla Glass on the cover screen, and a slightly bulkier design than its newer sibling, these upgrades are negligible in our book, especially when you can now find it for much less than its $1,799 launch price.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Our readers voted 2021’s Galaxy S21 Ultra as the Android phone of that year, and that’s no surprise. Two years later, the giant device is still an impressive piece of kit and falls well within Samsung’s five-year software update program. It’s among the best old flagship phones to buy.

Unlike older Samsung flagships, the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s battery life is one of its more impressive features. We garnered up to two days on a single charge during our review, which is impressive for its 6.8-inch screen and Snapdragon 888. This is one of the first Samsung phones not to feature a charging brick in the box, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re buying the phone pre-owned.

Why is it still worth buying? Well, one of our biggest issues at launch was its price. The Galaxy S21 Ultra once retailed for $1,199. You can now find it for as low as $370 at some retailers. In essence, it’s now competing against the Google Pixel 6a and the Galaxy A53. Yes, the latter will include longer software support, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra makes sense for those craving a kitchen sink-packing handset that does almost everything well.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

For a more modern solution that now plays in the budget space, consider the Galaxy S20 FE. The “Fan Edition” models were created to plug the niche between the premium Galaxy S line and the mid-range A series. Age has been kind to the phone’s price.

The Galaxy S20 FE shades some of the Galaxy S20 Plus’ specs, including the generous 4,500mAh battery and 6.5-inch AMOLED screen. Beyond these, the device was nothing spectacular and Samsung made plenty of sacrifices for its lower retail price.

In 2024, the two-year-old phone languishes behind the Galaxy S21 FE in terms of performance and software support. However, for as low as $165 as an Amazon Renewed product, the Galaxy S20 FE is still worth considering over a brand new Galaxy A15 5G or older OnePlus Nord N300.

Samsung Galaxy S10

Arriving over four years ago, the Galaxy S10 plays second fiddle to the premium Plus model. The phone may seem a curious inclusion as its lengthy update support period just ended. However, we think the Galaxy S10 still has a niche appeal that would make the perfect backup phone.

With a 19:9 aspect ratio and 6.1-inch display, it’s still one of the smaller, more pocket-friendly modern phones Samsung produced. It includes plenty of design quirks, from the horizontal camera bar at the rear, special edition candy colorways, and that camera cutout at the top-right of the screen. You also get a headphone jack and useful reverse charging functionality.

Since launch, the Galaxy S10 has been swamped by more modern competition and even modern mid-range phones, but we’ve found it for as low as $145 on eBay. You could get a Motorola G Power (2022) at that price, which may only beat the Galaxy S10 on battery endurance.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

OK, hear us out. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is the oldest phone on this list. Launched in 2018, this was the last fully-featured Note with a microSD card slot and headphone jack. Yes, it’s decidedly dated and no longer garners software support from Samsung. However, the Note 9 may still make sense for some seeking a large phone with oodles of storage for media consumption, content creation, or writers.

At the time of our review, we couldn’t get enough of its large AMOLED screen with improved S Pen smarts, and the generous internal storage options. Five years later, the chipset is starting to show its age, and its camera performance can’t stack up against modern Samsung models. However, we’d caution against nixing it from your shopping list.

Sure, it might only have collector’s appeal in 2024, but with the 512GB storage model going for as low as $250, it might be the perfect option for mass-storage media lovers. Pair it with a microSD card to store everything you could ever want.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung has steadily improved its foldable platform since the original Galaxy Fold, but its sequel may be the one to consider. When the Galaxy Z Fold 2 launched in 2020, we called out its steep asking price. However, this is no longer an issue — you can find it for around $280 on sites like eBay. For that money, it makes this the best old Samsung foldable phone you can buy.

For the price, you get a Snapdragon 865 Plus, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage in a phone that includes a much larger screen if required. Lumping in the 7.6-inch foldable display makes this a great dedicated game emulation station or cross-continental travelers.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a prime example of how shopping for an old Samsung phone makes plenty of financial sense. You can’t find a like-for-like alternative in this category and at this price. However, considering the nature of its design, think twice before buying a secondhand foldable phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

We wouldn’t call the Galaxy Z Flip 3 an old Samsung flip phone, but it’s not the new wine it once was. Still, considering its price used, it’s well worth a punt if you like a particularly compact form factor.

There’s not much you’re missing out on going with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 instead of the Flip 4. The former packs a 6.7-inch AMOLED main screen, up to 256GB of internal storage, the Snapdragon 888 SoC, and a pair of reliable 12MP primary cameras. Battery life could be better, but the phone remains a solid package.

Now, for the price. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 launched at a lofty $999, but we’ve found it for as low as $270 on eBay. For that price, you can snag a Motorola G Stylus (2022) and a Google Pixel 6a if you get lucky or can stretch your budget. But can you find another flip phone worth buying at this price in 2024? Not likely.

Should you buy these other old Samsung phones?

We listed the best old Samsung phones worth buying in 2024, but there are plenty of other devices you may be considering. Here’s what you need to know about each:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (Check pricing): The Galaxy Z Fold 5 isn’t really an “old Samsung phone.” After all, you’re still getting a great foldable experience that includes stronger glass, a refined design, and flagship internals. However, you can find it on sale more often since the Z Fold 6 made its bow.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (Check pricing): After a flip phone? Although the Galaxy Z Flip 6 may pack a longer support window, the Z Flip 5 is still as capable (and cheaper) as ever.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Check pricing): Samsung’s previous generation FE still has its place in 2024, packing a capable set of specs wrapped in a flagship-like body with a generous update promise.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 (Check pricing): 2022’s flip phone still has plenty to offer. You’ll lose out on a much larger outer screen, but you benefit from plenty of remaining software support and a lower price.
• Samsung Galaxy S22 (Check pricing): The more compact Galaxy S22 model is worth buying in 2024 thanks to its compact size, still-fresh Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and four pending years of software support.
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (Check pricing): Last year’s Samsung flagship remains one of the best Samsung phones you can buy, even in 2024. It includes Note-inspired styling with an embedded S Pen, great performance, and a versatile camera setup. However, even used models demands a high price.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Check pricing): You’ll find minor upgrades to the chipset, camera performance, and design with the Galaxy S21 FE over the S20 FE. You can find it for around $230 on retailer sites. At this price, it’s worth considering if you value an additional year of software support.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 (Check pricing): We’re not crazy about its styling, but you can find pre-owned Galaxy S21 models within the $200-300 bracket, making the compact flagship a capable old Samsung phone to buy in 2024, and one that gives newer mid-range Samsung phones a run for their money.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (Check pricing): Samsung’s recent iterative upgrade philosophy is apparent with the Galaxy S21 Plus. Considering that the Galaxy S22 Plus makes for a much better buy in 2024, we recommend opting for that phone instead.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus (Check pricing): Now three generations old, the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus are no longer worth buying when considering the Galaxy S22 lineup.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (Check pricing): The S20 Ultra launched at $1,149, making it one of the more expensive flagships you could buy in 2020. In 2024, the 128GB storage model can be had for around $300 renewed. That’s still pricey, considering the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a more rounded device for a few bucks more.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series (Check pricing): The last Samsung Galaxy Note line will have some collector’s appeal, but is it worth buying in 2024? In reality, the Galaxy S21 Ultra makes more sense thanks to its more modern hardware and longer software support period.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series (Check pricing): The standard Note 10 can be had for under $200 if you’re lucky, and that’s an excellent price for a phone with a stylus in 2024.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (Check pricing): We don’t recommend buying the Galaxy Note 8 in 2024. Sure, it makes for a fun artifact, but its chipset, battery life, and camera performance all fall short compared to modern rivals.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (Check pricing): If you’re looking for a more recent foldable phone that doesn’t demand four figures, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a good device to buy if you have around $900 in your back pocket. We’d wait for it to drop in price before pouncing, though.
• Samsung Galaxy Fold (Check pricing): Samsung’s original foldable phone had many first-edition problems. We don’t recommend buying it as a serious daily driver in 2024.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip (Check pricing): Like the Galaxy Fold, Samsung’s first foldable flip phone is best admired from afar. There are better options in 2024.
• Samsung Galaxy S9 (Check pricing): No longer supported by Samsung, the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus are not worth buying in 2024, even if you can find it for around $100 on eBay.
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (Check pricing): The Galaxy S8 is only officially upgradable to Android 9. The six-year-old phone will likely struggle against most mid-range devices on processing power and battery life stakes. We don’t recommend buying it in 2024.
• Samsung Galaxy A02S (Check pricing): Available for around $70, the A02S is still worth buying in 2024 if you can live without a fingerprint sensor and processing power.
• Samsung Galaxy A03S (Check pricing): The A03S adds a fingerprint reader and a little more RAM to Samsung’s budget line for around $120. It’s an excellent entry-level phone worth buying in 2024, provided you keep your expectations in check.
• Samsung Galaxy A13 (Check pricing): Launched in 2022, the 6.6-inch quad-camera phone is still worth buying in 2024, even though the Galaxy A14 is now available.
• Samsung Galaxy A23 (Check pricing): Priced at $299, an old Samsung phone (like the Galaxy S20 FE) might be worth considering instead of the Galaxy A23 in 2024.
• Samsung Galaxy A53 (Check pricing): The Galaxy A53 is still an excellent mid-range phone. However, with its price hovering around the $350 mark, it may be worth considering a slightly older Samsung flagship or the ever-reliable Google Pixel 6a instead.