Galaxy S23 or S24: is the newer generation worth it?

Two directly consecutive smartphone generations are almost never worlds apart. That applies here too: anyone moving from the S23 to the S24 gets no fundamentally different device, but a further development. The interesting question is therefore not which model is better, but whether the difference reaches you in everyday use.

What typically changes between neighbouring generations

• Chip: More performance, which is barely noticeable day to day because both generations run every normal app smoothly. It becomes relevant with demanding games and video editing.
• Display: Usually a little brighter. That mainly shows outdoors in direct sunlight.
• Software features: The biggest difference of recent years. New image editing and assistance features arrive on the newer model first.
• Update period: The point that counts most in the long run, more on that in a moment.

Check the actual spec sheets of both models at the manufacturer before you decide. What we are giving you here is the decision framework.

The point that really counts: the update period

Samsung states long update periods for its flagships, and that period runs from the market launch of the model in question. The older generation therefore always has one year less ahead of it. If you want to keep your phone for four or five years, that is a genuine argument for the newer one. If you change every two to three years anyway, it makes no difference.

Why refurbished shifts the maths

Bought new, the price difference between two generations is modest, and many people then reach for the newer one. Refurbished, the picture changes: depreciation is at its steepest in the first year for smartphones, so there is often a clear gap between a refurbished S23 and a refurbished S24. For that money you also get a very good case, a screen protector and a fresh battery, and you end up with a device that feels practically the same in daily use.

You can see current availability and prices in our Samsung Galaxy range. With us, every device is tested with the PhoneCheck diagnosis, and there is more on that in PhoneCheck explained.

How to decide

Take the S24 if you want to keep the device as long as possible, want to use the newest software features or take a lot of photos outdoors.

Take the S23 if you are watching the price, will change in two to three years anyway and your usage consists of communication, navigation, photos and streaming. That is the case for most people.

Conclusion

The honest advice is this: buy the older generation refurbished and put the difference into accessories, or simply keep it. The one reason that reliably speaks for the newer model is a long planned period of use. And if you want to hand over your current device, you can trade it in and have it credited directly.