Is The Samsung Galaxy S8 Still Worth It In 2024 Or Should I Just Get An S4

The smartphone market moves fast. What was cutting-edge five years ago can feel archaic today. The Samsung Galaxy S8, released in 2017, was a landmark device—its sleek design, edge-to-edge display, and solid performance made it a favorite. But in 2024, is it still a viable option? And if not, does reverting to something even older, like the Galaxy S4 from 2013, make any sense? The short answer: no. The long answer requires a closer look at real-world usability, software support, hardware limitations, and what you actually need from a phone today.

Performance and Hardware: A Five-Year Gap Matters

The Galaxy S8 launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895 in some regions), 4GB of RAM, and storage options up to 64GB. At the time, this configuration handled multitasking, gaming, and media consumption with ease. Fast forward to 2024, and while the S8 might still boot apps and browse the web, its performance lags significantly behind modern expectations.

In contrast, the Galaxy S4 featured either a Snapdragon 600 or Exynos 5 Octa, paired with 2GB of RAM. By today’s standards, that hardware struggles to run even lightweight apps smoothly. Basic functions like switching between Chrome tabs or loading maps can take several seconds. The S4’s 1080p display also lacks the color accuracy and brightness of the S8’s Super AMOLED panel.

Tip: If you’re considering a secondhand phone, always test app responsiveness and background task handling before purchasing.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Samsung Galaxy S4
Release Year	2017	2013
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895	Snapdragon 600 / Exynos 5 Octa
RAM	4GB	2GB
Display	5.8\" Quad HD+ Super AMOLED	5.0\" Full HD Super AMOLED
Battery	3000 mAh	2600 mAh
Software Support (Last Update)	Android 9 (Pie), Security Patches Ended	Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop), No Updates

Software and Security: Why Age Is a Dealbreaker

Hardware isn’t everything. Software support is critical, especially in 2024. The Galaxy S8 received updates up to Android 9 and its last security patch was issued in early 2021. Since then, it has been exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities. Using it for banking, social media, or email increases your risk of malware or data theft.

The S4 never made it past Android 5.0.1. Most modern apps—including Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram—no longer support such outdated operating systems. Even if you sideload them, functionality breaks down quickly. App crashes, login failures, and missing features are common.

“Phones without regular security updates are essentially open doors for digital threats. In 2024, running Android 5 or 9 is like driving a car with no airbags.” — David Lin, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileShield Labs

Real-World Usability in 2024

Let’s consider daily tasks: checking email, using ride-sharing apps, streaming music, taking photos, and video calls. The S8 handles most of these, albeit slowly. Camera quality remains decent in daylight but suffers in low light due to aging sensors and lack of computational photography. Battery life has degraded for most units—original batteries are now seven years old, and replacements are hard to find.

The S4 falters across the board. Its camera produces soft, oversaturated images. Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, and autofocus is sluggish. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are outdated, leading to connection drops. GPS lock times are painfully slow. Even basic navigation feels frustrating.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Experience

Maria, a college student on a tight budget, bought a used Galaxy S4 in early 2023 for $30. She wanted a simple phone for texts and calls. Within two weeks, she realized she couldn’t use her university’s learning app—it required Android 8 or higher. She switched to a browser version, but pages loaded slowly and crashed often. After a month, she upgraded to a budget Android 12 device for $120, which solved all her issues. “I thought saving $90 was smart,” she said. “But I wasted more time fighting the phone than I saved.”

What Should You Get Instead?

If you're looking at the S8 or S4, budget is likely a concern. But instead of choosing between two obsolete devices, consider current entry-level smartphones that offer far better value.

• Motorola Moto G Power (2023): $179, Android 13, 3-day battery life, reliable performance.
• Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: $199, 90Hz display, 5G support, 3 years of OS updates.
• Google Pixel 6a (refurbished): Around $250, clean Android, excellent camera, guaranteed security patches until 2026.

These phones run modern operating systems, support current apps, receive security updates, and include features like facial recognition, faster charging, and improved cameras. For less than the cost of a used S8 in poor condition, you gain years of usable life.

Step-by-Step Guide: Upgrading Smart on a Budget

1. Assess your needs: Do you need 5G, a good camera, or long battery life?
2. Set a realistic budget: Aim for $150–$250 for the best balance of price and longevity.
3. Check refurbished programs: Sites like Swappa, Amazon Renewed, or manufacturer-certified outlets offer tested devices with warranties.
4. Avoid phones older than 2020: Anything earlier likely lacks update support and modern app compatibility.
5. Verify software version: Ensure the phone runs Android 11 or higher and has recent security patches.

Tip: Always factory reset a secondhand phone and check its IMEI status to avoid blacklisted or stolen devices.

FAQ

Can I still use WhatsApp on a Galaxy S8?

Yes, WhatsApp currently supports Android 5.0 and up, so the S8 can run it. However, performance may be slow, and future updates could drop support for Android 9, making it unusable by late 2025.

Is the Galaxy S4 good for emergencies only?

Even as a backup phone, the S4 is problematic. It won’t support modern emergency location services accurately, and many carriers are phasing out 3G, which the S4 relies on. It may not even connect to networks in some areas.

Will the S8 get any more updates?

No. Samsung ended both OS and security updates for the S8 in 2021. No further patches are planned, leaving it vulnerable to known exploits.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S8 was a great phone in its time, but in 2024, it’s no longer a practical choice. While it outperforms the S4 by a wide margin, both devices fall short in security, software support, and day-to-day reliability. Opting for either means accepting constant app crashes, security risks, and limited functionality. Today’s affordable smartphones offer dramatically better experiences for only slightly more money. Investing in a modern budget device ensures you stay connected safely and efficiently for years to come.

🚀 Don’t let nostalgia override necessity. Explore certified refurbished models or current budget phones—your productivity, privacy, and peace of mind will thank you.