The Samsung Galaxy S24 launched on January 29, 2024

Samsung announced the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra on January 17, 2024, at its Unpacked event in San Francisco. Pre-orders opened when ready after the announcement, and the phones became available for purchase on January 29, 2024. All three models released on the same day across most major carriers and retailers in the United States and internationally.

The S24 line replaced the S23 series, which had launched in February 2023. Samsung typically releases new flagship phones in January or February each year, and the S24 followed that pattern. The company made the S24 available through its own website, carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others), and retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart.

Key Takeaways

  • The Samsung Galaxy S24 became available for purchase on January 29, 2024, about 12 days after Samsung's official announcement.
  • Pre-orders for the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra started when ready after the January 17 announcement and ran until the release date.
  • All three S24 models launched simultaneously across carriers, retailers, and Samsung's direct sales channels.
  • The S24 succeeded the S23 series and marked Samsung's shift toward integrating AI features as a core part of the phone's design.

Pre-order timing and early access

Samsung opened pre-orders on January 17, 2024, the same day it announced the phones. Customers who pre-ordered received their devices on or shortly after January 29. Pre-ordering gave buyers a 12-day window to find a unit before general availability, which mattered because certain storage configurations and colors sold out quickly in the first weeks.

Samsung offered pre-order incentives including trade-in credits and bundled accessories. Carrier pre-orders also began on January 17, so customers could reserve through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or other providers at the same time as Samsung's direct channel. Some carriers offered additional discounts or device credits for pre-orders placed during that first week.

Availability across carriers and retailers

The S24 launched with full availability across all major U.S. carriers. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and smaller carriers like US Cellular and Boost Mobile all carried the phone on January 29. Unlocked versions sold directly through Samsung and through retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart, giving buyers multiple paths to purchase.

Stock levels varied by model and configuration. The base S24 remained in stock more consistently than the S24 Ultra, which faced longer wait times in the first month. Certain colors, particularly the Onyx and Marble finishes, sold out faster than others. By mid-February, most configurations were available with standard shipping, though some premium colors still had delays.

What changed from the S23 to the S24

The S24 introduced Samsung's Galaxy AI features, which included on-device processing for tasks like photo editing, call transcription, and message summarization. The processor upgraded from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (in the S23) to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering faster performance and better power efficiency. The camera system remained largely the same, with a 50-megapixel main sensor on the base model.

Battery capacity stayed similar to the S23, but the improved processor meant longer battery life in real use. The S24 also introduced Samsung's Circle to Search feature, which let users search the web by circling objects on the screen. These software and hardware improvements positioned the S24 as a more AI-focused phone compared to its predecessor.

Pricing at launch

The Samsung Galaxy S24 started at $799 for the 256GB base model. The S24+ began at $899, and the S24 Ultra started at $1,299. These prices matched the S23 launch prices, so Samsung did not raise costs despite adding new features. Storage options included 256GB and 512GB across all models, with the S24 Ultra also offering 1TB.

Carriers offered various discounts and trade-in credits at launch. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each ran promotions that could reduce the effective price by $200 to $400 depending on the trade-in value of an older phone. These deals were common at launch and continued through the first few months of availability.

Regional release differences

The S24 launched on January 29, 2024, in the United States, Europe, and most major markets simultaneously. Some regions received the phone a few days earlier or later depending on local carrier schedules and regulatory approvals. India, for example, received the S24 on the same date as the U.S., while some Southeast Asian markets had slight delays.

Samsung's global supply chain meant that the S24 was available in most developed markets within the first week of January 29. Emerging markets sometimes saw delayed availability, but the phone reached most countries by early February 2024. Pricing varied by region due to local taxes and import duties, but the base model typically cost between $750 and $850 in most Western markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a Samsung Galaxy S24 now?

Yes. The S24 remains available through Samsung, carriers, and retailers, though it is no longer the newest flagship model. Prices may have dropped since launch, and carrier promotions change regularly. Stock is generally available for all storage options and colors, though some older finishes may be harder to find.

What is the difference between the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra?

The S24 has a 6.1-inch screen and a 50-megapixel main camera. The S24+ offers a 6.7-inch screen and the same camera. The S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch screen, a 200-megapixel main camera, and a periscope zoom lens. All three share the same processor and Galaxy AI features, but the Ultra has more advanced photography tools and a stylus.

Did the S24 price drop after launch?

Yes, carrier promotions and trade-in credits reduced the effective price within weeks of launch. The base retail price stayed at $799, but customers could often get $200 to $400 off through carrier deals or by trading in an older phone. Prices on the secondary market also dropped over time as newer models approached release.

Is the S24 worth buying now, or should I wait for the S25?

The S24 is a capable phone that will receive software updates for years. If you need a phone now, the S24 offers good performance and features. Samsung typically announces new flagships in January, so waiting means a longer delay. The choice depends on whether your current phone meets your needs or if you want the latest hardware.