Galaxy S24 & Pixel 9 after two years
After two years, a Galaxy S24 or Pixel 9 may start to show signs of regular use.
The battery may not last as long as it used to, charging may become unreliable, or the phone may feel slower than when it was new.
That doesn't mean the phone is broken beyond repair.
At JD Phones, we regularly see Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 devices that are two years old.
Quite often, the phone itself is still in good condition. It may just need a new battery, a charging repair or a screen replacement.
Before investing in a new phone, it's worth checking what the actual issue is.
The Most Common Galaxy S24 & Pixel 9 Problems
- Battery degradation – Galaxy S24: very common; Pixel 9: very common; usually fixable: yes
- USB-C charging faults – Galaxy S24: common; Pixel 9: common; usually fixable: usually
- Screen damage – Galaxy S24: common; Pixel 9: common; usually fixable: yes
- Slower performance – Galaxy S24: often software-related; Pixel 9: often software-related; usually fixable: depends
- Camera problems – Galaxy S24: occasional; Pixel 9: occasional; usually fixable: depends
- Overheating – Galaxy S24: occasional; Pixel 9: occasional; usually fixable: depends
A phone with a single faulty part is often worth repairing. Things become more complicated when the screen, frame, battery or internal parts are damaged.
Battery Life: The Issues Most Owners Notice
Battery wear is usually the first thing people notice after two years. Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 use lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries gradually lose capacity with each charge cycle. Heat and heavy daily use can also speed up this wear. The Galaxy S24 has a 4,000mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 has a 4,700mAh battery.
However, real-world battery life depends on how the phone is used.
If you notice:
- Battery life is worse than before
- The percentage drops quickly
- The phone turns off unexpectedly
- The phone gets warm during light use
- You need to charge it several times a day
You may want to check the battery, before replacing the battery, check if the issue could be due to weak signal, background apps, high screen brightness or a software problem. Typical battery replacement cost: £45–£70. The final cost depends on the model, replacement part and warranty.
USB-C Charging Issues
Charging issues can be frustrating because they often start with small signs.
Sometimes, the cable needs to be held at a certain angle. Charging may stop and start. In some cases, the phone may charge with one cable but not another.
Before booking a repair, try a different good-quality cable and charger.
Then check the USB-C port. Dust and lint can build up in the port over time.
Once the buildup is enough, the cable may not sit properly against the charging contacts. A gentle clean can sometimes help.
If the phone still has charging problems with different cables and chargers, the port or charging circuit may need repair.
Typical charging repair cost: £35–£60. The actual cost depends on what is wrong and the type of repair needed.
Screen & Touch Issues
A cracked screen is an easy issue to spot. Both phones have high-quality OLED displays, but neither is completely protected from a hard drop.
Common screen issues include:
- Cracked glass
- Black or dead spots
- Flickering
- Lines across the display
- Unresponsive touch
- Display problems after a drop
A small crack doesn't always mean you need to replace the screen immediately if the display and touch are still working. However, a damaged screen can worsen over time, especially after another impact. If the touch screen behaves oddly without visible damage, try removing the case and screen protector for a moment. A poorly fitting protector can sometimes interfere with the phone's ability to respond to touch. Typical screen replacement cost: £120–£220. The price will depend on the phone model and the type of screen being replaced.
Pixel 9 Camera Problems
The Pixel 9 is often chosen for its camera features, making camera issues especially frustrating.
You might notice that photos suddenly appear blurry, the autofocus keeps adjusting, the Camera app crashes, or the camera won't open at all. If this started right after dropping the phone, it's likely that something inside has been damaged.
The camera module or one of its connections might need to be checked. If there's no visible physical damage, it's worth checking the software first.
Try restarting the phone, installing any available updates, and clearing the Camera app cache. Sometimes the issue is easier to fix than it first seems.
If the camera is still acting strangely after that, a proper diagnosis can help determine whether the problem is related to hardware.
Why Does My Phone Feel Slower After Two Years?
A Galaxy S24 or Pixel 9 should not suddenly become slow just because it has been in use for two years.
Before assuming there's a hardware issue, check some basic factors. A nearly full storage space can affect everyday performance.
Apps running in the background can also use more resources than expected.
Try the following:
- Check how much storage is available
- Look at battery and background app usage
- Install any pending software updates
- Restart the phone
- Remove apps you no longer use
- Back up your data and consider a factory reset if the problem continues
If the phone is slow and also getting unusually hot, or acting strangely, it's worth having it checked.
Galaxy S24 vs Pixel 9: Which Is More Worth Repairing?
There is not a significant difference in whether these phones are worth repairing after two years. The nature of the fault is more important than the model itself.
- Battery replacement – Galaxy S24: usually worthwhile; Pixel 9: usually worthwhile
- Charging fault – Galaxy S24: usually worthwhile; Pixel 9: usually worthwhile
- Cracked screen – Galaxy S24: compare cost with phone value; Pixel 9: compare cost with phone value
- Software slowdown – Galaxy S24: troubleshoot first; Pixel 9: troubleshoot first
- Several major faults – Galaxy S24: replacement may make more sense; Pixel 9: replacement may make more sense
For example, spending around £50 on a battery replacement can be a good investment if the rest of the phone is working properly. But a much larger repair cost is a different calculation.
Repair or Replace?
If the phone is in good condition and has only one main issue, repairing it is usually a good first step.
However, replacement may be more appealing when several expensive problems occur together.
A badly bent frame, serious liquid damage, or damage affecting multiple internal parts can make the repair not worth the cost.
One useful way to decide is to consider the phone's current second-hand value.
If the repair costs about half the price of a similar used phone or more, take some time to consider your options. That 50% figure is just a rough guide.
Someone who intends to keep their S24 or Pixel 9 for another couple of years may be perfectly happy paying for a repair. The sensible first step is to get a proper diagnosis. This will help you make the decision based on the actual fault and the repair cost.
Galaxy S24 & Pixel 9 Repairs at JD Phones
JD Phones offers repairs for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Heaton. We also provide UK-wide mail-in repair services.
We begin with a diagnostic to identify the fault before starting any repair work. This is important because some symptoms can point to the wrong component. All our repairs come with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor, subject to our standard terms. If your Galaxy S24 or Pixel 9 has a battery, charging, screen, camera, or performance issue, contact JD Phones for a diagnosis and a clear repair quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is a two-year-old Galaxy S24 still worth repairing?
Usually, yes. If the phone is otherwise in good condition, fixing the battery, charging issue, or screen can be significantly cheaper than buying a new flagship phone.
Will my Pixel 9 need a new battery after two years?
Not necessarily. Some batteries can still work well after two years, while others may have lost a lot of their capacity. How well the battery performs is better indicated by things like battery life, unexpected shutdowns, and quick drops in the charge percentage, rather than just how old the phone is.
Why is my Galaxy S24 charging slowly?
Start by trying a different cable and charger. Also, check the USB-C port for any dust or lint. If the problem continues, the port or the charging circuit may need to be checked by a professional.
Should I repair my Pixel 9 or upgrade?
If the phone only has one repairable issue and the rest of it is working fine, it might be worth repairing. However, if multiple expensive parts are damaged, it's a good idea to compare the repair cost with the current value of the phone before deciding whether to repair or upgrade.
Repair decisions are easier with the right diagnosis
The right repair starts with a clear diagnosis. If your device is cracked, draining quickly, not charging, overheating, water damaged, or simply unreliable, JD Phones can inspect it, explain your options, and help you choose the repair that makes sense.