I have been an iPhone user for years but now am considering switching to Samsung after hearing positive feedback about their devices. Currently using an iPhone 7, I need a new phone primarily because their old one can no longer support certain apps. I am looking for a phone that can handle basic tasks and have specific size requirements, preferring dimensions similar to the iPhone 7 (H- 5.4in, W- 2.6in, D- .28in). The Galaxy S24, with slightly larger dimensions (H- 5.8in, W- 2.8in, D- .3in), meets this size criterion.
I want a phone that will last at least 8-10 years before requiring an upgrade, ideally even longer, as I dislike the idea of purchasing a new phone annually. I am budget-conscious, unwilling to pay $1,000 for a phone, and are looking to take advantage of sales, like the 25% off during Prime Day. Additionally, while not a primary concern, they are intrigued by the positive reviews regarding the S Pen and would appreciate a phone that accommodates it while still fitting their size requirements.
Given these criteria, I seek recommendations on whether to purchase the Galaxy S24 while it’s on sale or if there are older, more affordable models that would suit their needs.
The S24 is a solid option and your best bet for longevity, meeting all your criteria except for the S Pen. It’s designed to last up to seven years, extending to 2030.
S Pens are typically found in the more expensive Ultra models. However, there are universal styluses available that work well with touchscreens and offer more features than a standard stylus, often using Bluetooth connectivity.
The S23 is another option that meets all your requirements. It’s slightly smaller, measuring just 0.1 inches less, and is expected to last six years, potentially until 2029.
I also appreciate the size of the S24 and prefer not to go for a larger model.
Samsung phones offer seven years of updates, which is a positive feature in today’s climate of cybercrime. However, batteries usually degrade over time, so I’m unsure if a 10-year lifespan is realistic.
If you keep an eye on sites like Slick Deals, you might find a better discount than 25% off the S24. Still, that deal isn’t bad. It’s a tough choice to make.
I have the S24 (US version with a Snapdragon chipset) and I really like the size. However, the downside of the smaller size is the reduced battery capacity, which I’m not impressed with. If you’re a light user, it shouldn’t be an issue, but for moderate users, it may not last a full day. I charged it to 100% about eight hours ago, and after less than an hour of screen time, I’ve already used 30% of the battery. No apps are running in the background, and my two puzzle apps are showing less than 5%, with the others at 0.2% or less.
Aside from the battery, it’s a decent phone. It’s expected to receive OS and security updates for seven years. I also considered the S23 series, but those only provide four OS updates and five years of security updates, so keep that in mind when looking at older models.
8-10 years? Hahaha! No one can predict how quickly technology will advance, so those timelines are uncertain. I own the S24, and while I can say it will last, I expect it might become laggy in the future due to its 8GB of RAM (which is sufficient for now).