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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAmazon’s July 2024 Prime Day promotion cut the unlocked 256GB Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to approximately $974–$975, versus a listed price of about $1,299.99. That was roughly $325 off and was described by deal trackers as the lowest Amazon price they had recorded at the time. The promotion has expired; the “12 hours left” wording referred to a temporary countdown during Prime Day, not an offer still available today.
What the Prime Day deal actually included
| Detail | Verified information |
|---|---|
| Event | U.S. Amazon Prime Day, July 16–17, 2024 |
| Phone | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Storage primarily covered | 256GB |
| Condition | New, unlocked retail model as described in deal coverage; the exact listing still needed checking |
| Sale price | Approximately $974–$975 |
| Reference price | Approximately $1,299.99 |
| Approximate reduction | About $325, or roughly 25% |
| Color | Not consistently identified in the July reports; the discounted color had to be confirmed on Amazon |
| Prime requirement | Not conclusively established for the July listing; some Prime Day coverage described member pricing |
| Status | Expired |
Tom’s Guide displayed $974, while Engadget and other coverage displayed $975. That small difference is consistent with rounding, price refresh timing, or how the listing displayed its price—not two materially different phone promotions. The July deal was reported by Tom’s Guide, Engadget, and TechRadar.
What “12 hours left” meant
The countdown was promotional language attached to the final part of the July 2024 event. Contemporary reports were published on July 16 and July 17, but the available evidence does not independently establish the exact moment at which the Amazon page showed 12 hours remaining. It should therefore be read as a time-stamped snapshot, not a standing deadline.
Was it really a record-low price?
Deal publications called approximately $974–$975 a record-low, lowest-ever, or lowest price they had seen for the unlocked 256GB Galaxy S24 Ultra on Amazon. Those are contemporaneous tracking claims, not proof that no retailer, carrier, trade-in offer, refurbished listing, coupon, or international seller ever beat it.
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#1 Best Overall
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
A later Amazon Prime Big Deal Days promotion on October 8, 2024, put a specified 256GB Titanium Yellow configuration at about $997–$997.48. A 512GB Titanium Violet model was reported at about $1,065. That later price was higher than July’s cash price, while applying to different dates and configurations. See the October reports from TechRadar, Android Authority, and Tom’s Guide.
Which phone did buyers receive?
The S24 Ultra was Samsung’s 2024 premium Android flagship. Samsung’s official product page identifies the model’s large high-resolution display, integrated S Pen, multi-camera system with long-range zoom, U.S. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, Galaxy AI features, 5,000mAh battery, and extended software-support positioning: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Rank #2
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Those features explain why a sub-$1,000 cash price was notable. The phone combined stylus input, flagship performance, a premium display, and advanced camera hardware in an unlocked handset. It was also several months old by Prime Day, so “flagship” did not mean it was Samsung’s newest Ultra generation.
Why the discount could be worthwhile
- A reduction of about $325 materially lowered the upfront cost of a top-tier phone.
- The S Pen and long-range camera system are uncommon among premium Android alternatives.
- An unlocked handset can avoid a carrier installment commitment, provided the exact listing was the U.S. unlocked model.
- At roughly $975, the phone competed more directly with newer devices that lacked the Ultra’s stylus or camera reach.
Why the headline price was not automatically the best value
- Samsung and carriers may have offered greater effective savings through trade-in credits, financing, accessories, or storage upgrades.
- Amazon prices can differ by storage, color, seller, fulfillment method, and condition.
- A “renewed,” open-box, international, or carrier-locked listing is not equivalent to a new unlocked U.S. phone.
- Sales tax increases the final checkout total and varies by state and locality.
- By 2026, the S24 Ultra is an older flagship; a newer Galaxy Ultra may be preferable if its premium is modest.
Amazon checks to make before buying a similar listing
- Confirm that the listing says unlocked and is the U.S. model.
- Match the displayed price to the intended storage capacity, especially 256GB versus 512GB.
- Check which color carries the promotional price.
- Verify whether the seller is Amazon or a reputable authorized seller and whether fulfillment is by Amazon.
- Ensure the condition is new, not renewed or open-box.
- Read whether Prime membership is required; the July requirement was not consistently confirmed in available reports.
- Look for a coupon checkbox or limited-time-deal label that must be activated manually.
- Review the product’s return policy and warranty terms.
- Confirm compatibility with your carrier’s bands and activation requirements.
- Recheck the final checkout total, including tax, before submitting payment.
How the reported prices changed
| Date | Reported price | Configuration and context |
|---|---|---|
| July 16–17, 2024 | Approximately $974–$975 | Unlocked 256GB Galaxy S24 Ultra during U.S. Prime Day |
| October 8, 2024 | Approximately $997–$997.48 | Specific 256GB configuration, including Titanium Yellow in one report |
| October 8, 2024 | Approximately $1,065 | 512GB Titanium Violet in one report |
| Latest verified status | No current price established | The July Prime Day promotion has expired |
Who should have bought it when it was live?
Buy immediately if
- The live listing is the unlocked U.S. model at roughly $975.
- You want the S Pen, large display, premium cameras, and top-tier performance.
- You are paying cash and do not have a substantially better trade-in or carrier offer.
Compare alternatives first if
- You have a recent phone eligible for a large trade-in credit.
- You need 512GB or more.
- You prefer a smaller or lighter device.
- You do not need a stylus or extreme camera zoom.
- You are open to a Galaxy S24, S24+, certified refurbished phone, or a newer model.
Alternatives worth checking
The standard Galaxy S24 or S24+ can cost less if you do not need the Ultra’s S Pen, largest display, or most advanced camera system; July coverage reported lower prices for those models. Samsung’s direct store may produce better value through trade-in, financing, student, employer, or other promotions. A carrier deal can also beat the cash discount for customers willing to use installments and meet eligibility rules. Certified refurbished devices may be cheaper, but battery health, warranty, condition, and returns require separate verification.
Rank #3
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
You can inspect current Amazon listings at Amazon and Samsung’s direct offers at Samsung.com. Those pages are live destinations, not evidence that the old Prime Day price has returned.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line
At approximately $974–$975, the July 2024 Prime Day price was an excellent cash deal for the unlocked 256GB Galaxy S24 Ultra and roughly $325 below its listed price. It was not necessarily the best total value for shoppers with strong trade-in or carrier incentives, and the original “12 hours left” countdown is no longer actionable. Treat the promotion as historical unless a current listing independently shows the same configuration and price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Rank #4
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
