Under ₹40,000, the best second hand Samsung for most people is the Galaxy S23 — a compact flagship with a 3x zoom camera and Samsung's long update promise. For the longest software support, choose the Galaxy S24+; for zoom and the S Pen, the Galaxy S21 Ultra; and for the lowest price, the Galaxy S22 or S21.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: Galaxy S23, from ₹30,350 — compact, 3x telephoto, updates promised until about 2028.
- Longest support: Galaxy S24+, from ₹39,400 — Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 series.
- Best zoom: Galaxy S21 Ultra, from ₹34,800 — 3x and 10x telephoto lenses and S Pen support.
- Software support counts from the phone's launch, not from when you buy it — newer models stay updated longer.
- Prices are WorthyTen's in-stock prices on 26 October 2026 and change with stock.
Quick Comparison
| Galaxy | Screen | Rear cameras | Software support (Samsung's promise) | WorthyTen from* |
| S24+ | 6.7" | Wide + ultra wide + 3x telephoto | 7 OS upgrades, 7 years of security updates | ₹39,400 |
| S23 | 6.1" | Wide + ultra wide + 3x telephoto | 4 OS upgrades, 5 years of security updates | ₹30,350 |
| S23+ | 6.6" | Wide + ultra wide + 3x telephoto | 4 OS upgrades, 5 years of security updates | ₹33,300 |
| S21 Ultra | 6.8" | Wide + ultra wide + 3x and 10x telephoto | Older — check Samsung's list | ₹34,800 |
| S22 | 6.1" | Wide + ultra wide + 3x telephoto | 4 OS upgrades, 5 years of security updates (from 2022) | ₹22,800 |
| Z Flip 4 | 6.7" foldable | Wide + ultra wide | 4 OS upgrades, 5 years of security updates (from 2022) | ₹28,900 |
| S21 | 6.2" | Wide + ultra wide + telephoto | Older — check Samsung's list | ₹20,950 |
1. Best Overall: Galaxy S23
The Galaxy S23 is a compact 6.1-inch flagship with a triple camera including a 3x telephoto. Samsung's support page promises four Android version upgrades and five years of security updates for the S23 series, counted from its 2023 launch (Samsung). The larger S23+ (from ₹33,300) adds a 6.6-inch screen and a bigger battery.
Skip it if you want the biggest screen for video — look at the S23+ or S24+.
WorthyTen: from ₹30,350 (128 GB); Grades A, B and C in stock.
2. Longest Software Support: Galaxy S24+
The Galaxy S24+ is the newest Samsung in this budget. Samsung announced seven generations of Android upgrades and seven years of security updates for the S24 series (9to5Google), so it should stay supported longer than anything else here. It has a 6.7-inch display, 12 GB of RAM and a 3x telephoto camera.
Skip it if you want the lowest price — it is at the top of this budget.
WorthyTen: from ₹39,400 (256 GB); Grades A, B and C in stock.
3. Best Zoom Camera: Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has two telephoto lenses — 3x and 10x optical — and a 108 MP main camera, plus a 6.8-inch screen and S Pen support (the pen is sold separately). For distant subjects, it still out-zooms every other phone in this guide.
Skip it if long software support matters — it is one of the oldest phones here (2021), so check its update status on Samsung's list.
WorthyTen: from ₹34,800 (12 GB + 128 GB); Grades A, B and C in stock.
4. Best Value: Galaxy S22
The Galaxy S22 gives you a compact flagship with a 3x telephoto for well under ₹25,000. Its battery is smaller than the S23's, so it suits lighter users. The S22+ (from ₹26,050) has a larger screen and battery.
Skip it if you are a heavy user — the S23 lasts longer between charges.
WorthyTen: from ₹22,800 (128 GB); Grades A, B and C in stock.
5. Best Foldable: Galaxy Z Flip 4
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 folds to pocket size and opens to a 6.7-inch screen, with a small cover screen for notifications and selfies. Every foldable we sell goes through the same full functional test, including the inner display.
Skip it if you want a zoom lens — the Flip has wide and ultra-wide cameras only.
WorthyTen: from ₹28,900 (128 GB); Grades A, B and C in stock.
On a Tighter Budget: Galaxy S21 or S21+
The Galaxy S21 (from ₹20,950) and S21+ (from ₹21,650) are the most affordable flagships here. They are older, so check their security-update status before buying. See every model under ₹30,000 on our second hand Samsung phones under ₹30,000 page.
How to Choose
- Prefer newer models for software support. Samsung's promises count from launch, so an S24+ will be supported for years longer than an S21.
- Decide if you need zoom. The S21 Ultra, S22, S23 and S24+ all have telephoto lenses; the Z Flip 4 does not.
- Pick the grade. Grade C looks worn but works exactly like Grade A. On 26 October 2026, a Galaxy S23 (128 GB) was ₹33,000 in Grade A and ₹30,350 in Grade C. See what the grades mean.
What WorthyTen Checks
Every phone is tested for the display, touch, cameras, speakers, microphones, charging and network, and checked to be free of any Google or Samsung account lock. Every grade carries a 1-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy S23 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. It is compact, has a 3x telephoto camera, and Samsung's support page promises security updates for five years from its 2023 launch.
S23 or S21 Ultra — which is better?
The S23 is newer and smaller with longer software support; the S21 Ultra has a bigger screen, a 10x zoom lens and S Pen support. Choose the S21 Ultra only if zoom or the S Pen matters to you.
How long will a second hand Samsung get updates?
It depends on the model's launch date and Samsung's promise for that series. Check the current status on Samsung's security updates list.
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