Looking for a powerful and feature-packed Samsung smartphone but want to avoid the high price tag of the newest Galaxy models? Then you should consider a “gently used” flagship Galaxy phone from the recent years!
These pre-owned devices offer incredible value that often exceeds the performance and features of current mid-range smartphones all at a fraction of their cost.
Here are the top 5 best old Samsung flagship phones you should consider buying in 2024, instead of recently released mid-range phones.
1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Released February 2021):
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is notable for its premium build quality, featuring an aluminum frame and matte finish. Its 6.8-inch display offers sharp visuals with a 1440p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Equipped with the Snapdragon 888 processor and 12GB of RAM, it delivers smooth performance across various tasks, including gaming.
The camera setup, comprising a 108MP primary sensor, excels in capturing detailed shots. Despite its age, the S21 Ultra remains competitive, particularly for users prioritizing display quality and camera performance.
Why you should consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2024?
- Design: Beautiful design with an aluminum frame, matte finish, and IP68 dust and water resistance. It’s comfortable to hold compared to newer, boxier models.
- Display: Large 6.8-inch 1440p AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a clear and responsive experience.
- Performance: Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor paired with 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and handling demanding games like PUBG and Call of Duty.
- Cameras: Versatile quad-camera system featuring a 108MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP front-facing camera capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Battery Life: 5,000mAh battery delivers a full day of use on a single charge and supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Software: Currently on Android 14 with guaranteed updates until at least 2025, ensuring continued security and access to new features.
- Price: You can find the S21 Ultra for around $370, offering incredible value for its features and performance.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Released August 2020):
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra appeals to users with its stainless steel frame and IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display provides an immersive viewing experience, albeit lacking in high refresh rate capabilities.
Powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset, it delivers reliable performance, although its gaming prowess may fall short compared to newer models. The inclusion of the S Pen enhances productivity, making it a preferred choice for professionals and creatives alike.
Why you should consider the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in 2024?
- Design: Stainless steel frame with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, featuring a boxy design that might not be as comfortable in hand compared to the S21 Ultra. Includes a built-in S Pen stylus for taking notes, drawing, and precise interactions.
- Display: Massive 6.9-inch 1440p AMOLED display with excellent color reproduction and brightness. However, it only offers a 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel less smooth compared to newer phones.
- Performance: Still very capable with the Snapdragon 865+ processor and 12GB of RAM, handling most daily tasks and games smoothly.
- Cameras: Powerful camera system with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP front-facing camera, but lacks the zoom capabilities of the S21 Ultra.
- Battery Life: 4,500mAh battery provides good day-long use and supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Software: Currently on Android 13 with no further major updates planned, but still receives security patches.
- Price: You can find the Note 20 Ultra for around $300, making it a good option if you need the S Pen and expandable storage (via microSD card) but can live without the latest software updates.
3. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Released January 2022):
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers a compelling blend of affordability and features. Its plastic back maintains a premium feel, complemented by an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. With a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers vibrant visuals suitable for multimedia consumption.
Powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor and 6GB of RAM, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks. While its camera system may not match flagship standards, it remains capable of capturing decent photos and videos.
Why you should consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE in 2024?
- Design: Features an aluminum frame with a plastic back that still feels premium. It boasts an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and a relatively slim and lightweight design compared to other entries.
- Display: Beautiful 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering a vibrant viewing experience.
- Performance: Equipped with the Snapdragon 888 processor and 6GB of RAM, providing excellent performance for daily tasks and most games, though demanding titles might require lower settings.
- Cameras: Triple-camera system with a 12MP main sensor, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. While not the most advanced camera system on this list, it still captures decent photos and videos in good lighting conditions.
- Battery Life: 4,500mAh battery supports a full day of use and offers 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Software: Currently on Android 14 and guaranteed updates until at least 2026, making it a future-proof option.
- Price: Remarkably budget-friendly at around $200, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a powerful and feature-rich phone at an unbeatable price.
4. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus (Released August 2019):
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, despite its age, retains its appeal with a sleek design and the inclusion of the S Pen. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display offers crisp visuals, although lacking in high refresh rate capabilities.
Powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset, it provides reliable performance for most tasks, albeit with some limitations in gaming. The expandable storage option and versatile camera system contribute to its appeal, making it a viable choice for users on a budget.
Why you should consider the Samsung Galaxy 10 Plus in 2024?
- Design: Aluminum frame with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. Features a distinctive “Aura Glow” color option and a boxy design that might not be as comfortable to hold as newer phones.
- Display: Large 6.8-inch 1440p AMOLED display with vibrant colors and excellent brightness. However, it lacks the high refresh rate technology of newer models.
- Performance: Still delivers good performance with the Snapdragon 855 processor and 12GB of RAM, handling most daily tasks and games adequately.
- Cameras: Capable camera system with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, a 16MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP front-facing camera. While not on par with newer flagships, it can still capture decent photos in good lighting.
- Battery Life: 4,300mAh battery provides decent day-long use and supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Software: Currently on Android 12 with no further major updates planned, but still receives security patches.
- Price: You can find the Note 10 Plus for around $250. While the lack of software updates is a concern, it remains a good option if you prioritize a large display, the S Pen, and expandable storage via a microSD card slot, and you can find it at a significantly lower price than newer models.
5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus (Released February 2022):
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus offers a balance of premium features and affordability. With an aluminum frame and matte finish, it exudes elegance while maintaining a comfortable grip. Its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals, complemented by a high peak brightness for outdoor visibility.
Powered by the Snapdragon HN1 chipset and 8GB of RAM, it offers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. The standout feature lies in its impressive camera system, capable of capturing detailed shots.
Why you should consider the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus in 2024?
- Design: Beautiful design with an aluminum frame, matte finish, and IP68 dust and water resistance. It’s comfortable to hold and boasts a slimmer profile than the S21 Ultra.
- Display: Bright and vibrant 6.6-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a responsive and enjoyable viewing experience.
- Performance: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor paired with 8GB of RAM ensures smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and running demanding applications.
- Cameras: Versatile triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Battery Life: 4,500mAh battery offers good day-long use and supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Software: Currently on Android 14 with guaranteed updates until at least 2027, making it a secure and future-proof option.
- Price: You can find the S22 Plus for around $350 to $380, offering a good balance between price, performance, and features.
Conclusion
Older Samsung flagship phones are a good options for consumers looking for a balance between performance and affordability in 2024. Whether it’s the premium design of the S21 Ultra or the productivity-focused Note 20 Ultra, each device offers distinct advantages worth considering.
With enduring build quality, reliable performance, and competitive features, these older models remain compelling choices in today’s smartphone landscape. Therefore, for those in the market for a new device, evaluating these old Samsung flagships alongside newer alternatives may lead to a more informed decision.
Remember, choosing the best phone depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider the features most important to you, compare different models, and read reviews before making your final decision.
