The short answer
Yes, if you want genuine Samsung flagship quality without paying current-generation prices — the S23 range delivers strong performance and, on the Ultra specifically, S Pen support at a meaningfully lower cost than the newer S24.
What the S23 range still gets right
A genuinely capable Snapdragon chip. The S23 range runs a Snapdragon chip specifically optimised for Samsung, delivering smooth day-to-day performance that remains comfortable for the vast majority of everyday tasks — browsing, messaging, social media, and casual gaming all run well.
A strong, well-regarded camera system. The S23 range was considered genuinely excellent for photography at launch, and that quality holds up well against newer phones for typical everyday photo-taking.
S Pen support on the Ultra. The S23 Ultra includes Samsung's built-in stylus, a genuine productivity feature no iPhone offers at any price, useful for quick notes, sketches, and precise photo editing.
What you're giving up compared to the S24
A less efficient chip than the S24's. The S24 generation brought genuinely improved processing efficiency and more capable on-device AI features for tasks like text summarisation and photo editing — real, if incremental, improvements over the S23.
Marginally less refined low-light camera processing. The S24's camera software improvements are noticeable specifically in challenging lighting conditions — for typical daylight photography, the gap is considerably smaller.
Who it's genuinely right for
Anyone who wants genuine Samsung flagship quality — strong camera, premium build, and on the Ultra, S Pen support — without paying for the newest generation's specific chip and AI improvements. It's also a strong pick for anyone specifically wanting the S Pen at the most accessible price point Samsung's Ultra line currently offers.
Who should consider the S24 instead
If on-device AI features and the newest possible camera processing genuinely matter to you, it's worth checking the current live price gap to the S24 before committing to the S23 — the difference is sometimes smaller than expected, particularly on the standard and Plus models.
Compare live Galaxy S23 and S24 prices →
Software support
Samsung's typical support pattern for its recent flagships suggests continued updates for several more years on the S23 range — a reasonable runway for a refurbished purchase, though naturally shorter than what the newer S24 generation offers.
Understanding storage across the S23 range
Every model in this range is available across multiple storage tiers. 128GB comfortably suits most everyday use. 256GB is worth the modest premium if you take a lot of photos or video, particularly relevant on the Ultra given its more capable camera system generates larger files. Given this generation is now well-established in the refurbished market, storage tier availability tends to be genuinely good across all three models.
How the S23 compares to iPhone at a similar price
For anyone genuinely undecided between platforms, it's worth a direct comparison at this price point. A similarly-priced refurbished iPhone from around the same era typically offers stronger video consistency and tighter software-hardware integration, while the S23 brings the S Pen (on the Ultra) and a genuinely wider range of customisation options. Neither is objectively better — the right choice depends on whether you're already invested in one ecosystem or specifically want features unique to Samsung's approach.
Is the S23 a sensible choice for someone new to Samsung?
Yes, genuinely — Samsung's One UI interface is well-refined by this generation, and the S23 range offers a comprehensive, polished experience that doesn't require you to be an existing Samsung user to appreciate. If you're switching from iPhone or trying Android for the first time, the S23 is a reasonable, capable starting point that won't feel like a compromise.
GadgetRank verdict
Buy it if: you want genuine Samsung flagship quality, or S Pen support on the Ultra specifically, without paying current-generation prices.
Compare against the S24 first if: on-device AI features or the newest camera processing specifically matter to you — the price gap may be smaller than assumed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy S23 still a good phone in 2026?
Yes, genuinely — it remains capable for the vast majority of everyday use, with a camera system that continues to hold up well against newer phones.
What's the real difference between the S23 and S24?
The S24 brought a more efficient chip, improved low-light camera processing, and expanded on-device AI features — genuine, if incremental, improvements rather than a fundamental change.
Is the S23 Ultra worth it just for the S Pen?
If you can see yourself genuinely using a stylus for notes, sketches, or precise editing, yes — it's a real, daily-use feature no iPhone offers, and the S23 Ultra is one of the more accessible ways to get it.
How long will the S23 range keep receiving software updates?
Samsung's typical support window suggests continued updates for several more years, though this is naturally shorter than the newer S24's remaining runway.
All prices above are live and checked daily — compare every Galaxy S23 and S24 model to see today's actual figures.
Related reading: Best Samsung Phone Under £300 UK 2026 · Galaxy S24 Deals UK 2026 · Best Samsung Phone 2026 · Compare all refurbished phones · Condition grades explained
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