The Samsung Galaxy S24 is currently one of the most searched tech topics in India this week. Why? Because the “Republic Day Sale 2026” on Flipkart and Amazon has turned this premium flagship into a mid-range price warrior.
For the first time, the Galaxy S24 (base variant) has dipped to a price point that directly challenges the iPhone 15 and OnePlus 13R. With the new Galaxy S26 series rumors heating up for a February/March launch, Samsung is aggressively clearing stock of its reliable 2024-25 flagship.
Here is a complete expert breakdown of the new price, the latest software updates, and whether you should buy the Galaxy S24 in January 2026.
Why is it Trending Now? (The Republic Day Deal)
Usually sold for over ₹60,000, the Galaxy S24 has seen a massive price correction during the current sale season.
- Current Sale Price: The 8GB/128GB variant is listed around ₹40,999 on major platforms.
- Bank Offers: Using select credit cards (ICICI, SBI, or HDFC), buyers can get an additional instant discount, bringing the effective price down to approximately ₹38,000 – ₹39,000.
- Exchange Bonuses: There are aggressive exchange offers where you can get up to ₹5,000 extra off if you trade in an old premium phone.
This pricing makes it the cheapest flagship entry point into the Galaxy AI ecosystem right now.
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Latest Updates: January 2026 Security Patch
It is not just about the price. Samsung has just rolled out a fresh software update for the S24 series in India this week (January 22-24, 2026).
- What’s New: The update brings the January 2026 Security Patch, fixing over 55 security vulnerabilities.
- App Improvements: New versions of the Samsung Phone, Messages, and Gallery Editor apps are also being pushed, offering smoother performance and bug fixes.
- Future Proof: Remember, the S24 comes with 7 years of OS updates, meaning this phone will remain fresh and secure until 2031.
Performance in 2026: Does it Still Hold Up?
Two years after its global debut, is the S24 still fast?
- Processor: The Indian unit runs on the Exynos 2400 chipset. While not as hyped as Snapdragon, it handles heavy multitasking, AI features, and games like BGMI (at 60fps) without major heating issues in 2026.
- Compact King: It remains one of the few true “compact” flagships with a 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen. It fits perfectly in one hand.
- Galaxy AI: All the premium AI features—Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Photo Assist—work flawlessly on this device, just like they do on the Ultra models.
Comparison: Buy S24 or Wait for S26?
With leaks suggesting the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch is just around the corner (likely February 2026), many buyers are confused.
| Feature | Galaxy S24 (Current Deal) | Galaxy S26 (Upcoming) |
| Price | approx. ₹39,000 | Exp. ₹75,000+ |
| Design | Compact, Triple Camera | Similar design, slightly thinner bezels |
| Processor | Exynos 2400 | Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 5) |
| AI Features | Fully Supported | Might have exclusive new AI tricks |
| Verdict | Best Value | Best Performance |
Expert Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- YES, Buy it if: You want a premium flagship experience for under ₹40,000. The camera quality (especially video), software support, and build quality are far superior to “flagship killers” in this price range.
- NO, Skip it if: You are a hardcore gamer who needs the absolute fastest Snapdragon chip (wait for the S25/S26 or look at iQOO/OnePlus) or if you need a massive battery (the S24 battery is decent but small at 4000mAh).
What Happens Next?
The Republic Day sales usually end by January 26 or 27. After this, prices are expected to rise back to the ₹50,000 range until the official launch of the next Galaxy series. If you are on the fence, now is the time to act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current price of Samsung Galaxy S24 in the Republic Day Sale?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is selling for approximately ₹40,999, with bank offers potentially bringing it under ₹40,000.
2. Does the Indian Galaxy S24 use Snapdragon or Exynos?
The standard Galaxy S24 sold in India comes with the Exynos 2400 processor. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is exclusive to the S24 Ultra variant in India.
3. Will the Galaxy S24 get Android 16?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 is promised 7 years of Android updates. It will easily get Android 16, 17, and beyond, staying updated until 2031.
4. Is the Galaxy S24 battery good for a full day?
It features a 4,000 mAh battery. For moderate users, it lasts a full day (about 5-6 hours screen-on time). Heavy gamers might need to charge it by evening.
5. Does it support Galaxy AI features?
Yes, the S24 fully supports all Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Generative Edit for photos.
