Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S23 continues to be one of the best-value Android smartphones you can buy in 2026. Released in 2023, it introduced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, an improved 50MP camera, a brighter Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and significantly better battery life than previous Galaxy models. Even three years later, it still delivers flagship-level performance for everyday use.
Unlike many older Samsung phones, the Galaxy S23 continues to receive the latest software updates. It supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and continues to receive Samsung security updates, making it a smart choice for buyers who want a phone that will remain secure and up to date for years to come.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models start at around $210+ in 2026, about the same price as last year. We don't expect prices to fall much further because the Galaxy S23 is approaching its price floor while demand remains strong.
In this guide, we'll explain why the Galaxy S23 is one of the best Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones to buy in 2026, compare it with the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 FE, and help you decide which model offers the best value for your budget.
Quick Verdict
| Category |
Verdict |
| Overall Recommendation |
✅ Highly Recommended |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price |
Starts at around $210+ |
| Latest Android Version |
Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) |
| Security Updates |
Continues to receive updates |
| You May Also Like |
Galaxy S23 FE ($190+); Galaxy S24 FE ($240+) |
We highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy S23 in 2026. At around $210+, it delivers flagship performance, an outstanding camera system, a beautiful 120Hz AMOLED display, and continued support for One UI 9 (Android 17). Since prices have remained stable over the past year, we don't expect the Galaxy S23 to become significantly cheaper anytime soon.
If you're looking to save a little money, the Galaxy S23 FE, starting at around $190+, is an excellent budget alternative. It offers many of the same core features at a slightly lower price, although it uses older hardware and isn't quite as refined as the Galaxy S23.
If you can spend about $30 more, the Galaxy S24 FE, starting at around $240+, offers a newer processor, longer software support, and additional Galaxy AI features. However, for most buyers, the Galaxy S23 provides the best balance of price, performance, and long-term value among Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S23 in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has reached an ideal balance of price, performance, and long-term software support in 2026. It delivers true flagship performance in a compact and premium design, while costing significantly less than newer Galaxy models. For most buyers looking for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, the Galaxy S23 is one of the smartest purchases available today.
Unlike older Galaxy flagships that have reached the end of their Android upgrade cycle, the Galaxy S23 continues to receive Samsung software updates. Combined with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, excellent camera system, and premium build quality, it remains a phone that should comfortably last for years.
Whether you're upgrading from an older Galaxy S series phone or switching from another Android device, the Galaxy S23 offers flagship features without paying flagship prices.
Price and Availability
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models start at around $210+ in 2026, almost identical to their starting price in 2025.
We don't expect prices to fall much further. The Galaxy S23 has likely reached its price floor, meaning future price declines will probably be gradual. At just over $200, it delivers flagship hardware that would have cost hundreds more only a few years ago.
For buyers looking for the best balance between affordability and long-term value, now is an excellent time to buy a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23.
Software Support
One of the Galaxy S23's biggest advantages is its continued software support.
The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and continues to receive Samsung security updates. This means you'll continue getting new Android features, security improvements, and compatibility with the latest apps for years to come.
Compared with older Galaxy flagships like the Galaxy S22, S21, or S10, the Galaxy S23 offers much greater peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Chipset and Performance
The Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor worldwide, paired with 8GB of RAM. It remains one of the fastest Android smartphones available in 2026.
Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, editing photos, gaming, or multitasking between apps, the Galaxy S23 handles everything effortlessly. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is also much more power efficient than previous Snapdragon flagship chips, resulting in cooler operation and longer battery life.
For most users, there's little reason to spend significantly more on a newer flagship simply for additional performance.
Display
The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Full HD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and scrolling feels incredibly smooth.
Despite its compact size, the display is bright enough for comfortable outdoor use and provides an excellent viewing experience for movies, games, and social media. It's one of the best displays you'll find in a phone at this price point.
Camera
The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. It consistently captures sharp, colorful photos with excellent dynamic range and reliable autofocus.
Samsung also continues to improve image quality through software updates, while Galaxy AI features make editing photos easier than ever. For most users, the Galaxy S23 delivers flagship-level photography that remains competitive with much newer smartphones.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the Galaxy S23's biggest improvements over earlier Galaxy models. Its 3,900mAh battery works together with the highly efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor to provide reliable all-day battery life for most users.
The phone also supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare, making it convenient whether you're charging at home, at work, or on the go.
Design
The Galaxy S23 combines flagship performance with a compact design that's becoming increasingly rare among premium smartphones. Its Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and IP68 water resistance give it a premium feel while remaining comfortable to use with one hand.
If you prefer a smaller flagship phone without sacrificing performance or camera quality, the Galaxy S23 remains one of the best options you can buy in 2026.
You May Also Like: Galaxy S23 FE
If you're looking to save a little money, the Galaxy S23 FE is an excellent alternative to the Galaxy S23. Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 FE models start at around $190+ in 2026, making them only about $20 less than the Galaxy S23.
Although the Galaxy S23 FE shares many features with the Galaxy S23, including a 120Hz AMOLED display, triple-camera system, wireless charging, and Galaxy AI support, it uses an older processor and has a larger, slightly less premium design. Still, it remains one of the best budget-friendly Samsung phones available.
For buyers on a tight budget, the Galaxy S23 FE offers outstanding value. However, if you can spend another $20, we believe the Galaxy S23 is well worth the extra cost.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 FE Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy S23 |
Galaxy S23 FE |
| Release Year |
2023 |
2023 |
| Certified Used Price (2026) |
$210+ |
$190+ |
| Software Support |
Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) |
Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Octa-core |
| RAM |
8GB |
8GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB |
128GB / 256GB |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.1-inch |
6.4-inch |
| Resolution |
2340 × 1080 |
2340 × 1080 |
| Refresh Rate |
Adaptive 48–120Hz |
Adaptive 60–120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Up to 1,750 nits |
Up to 1,450 nits |
| Main Camera |
50MP |
50MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Camera |
10MP (3x Optical) |
8MP (3x Optical) |
| Front Camera |
12MP |
10MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
3,900mAh |
4,500mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
25W |
| Wireless Charging |
15W |
15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| 5G |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6E |
Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth |
5.3 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
Yes |
Yes |
Key Differences
Price
The Galaxy S23 FE saves you only about $20 compared to the Galaxy S23. While it's the more affordable option, the price difference is relatively small considering the improvements you get with the Galaxy S23.
Performance
The Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor is significantly faster and more power efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 found in the Galaxy S23 FE. Apps load faster, games perform better, and the phone stays cooler during demanding tasks.
Display
The Galaxy S23 FE offers a larger 6.4-inch display, which some users may prefer for watching videos and gaming. However, the Galaxy S23 features a brighter screen with a wider adaptive refresh rate, making it feel smoother while improving battery efficiency.
Camera
Both phones feature excellent triple-camera systems with a 50MP main camera. However, the Galaxy S23 uses newer image processing and higher-quality telephoto and selfie cameras, producing sharper photos, better portraits, and improved low-light performance.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S23 FE has a larger 4,500mAh battery, but the Galaxy S23's much more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor helps narrow the real-world battery difference. Both phones easily last a full day for most users.
Which One Should You Buy?
If saving every dollar matters, the Galaxy S23 FE remains an excellent choice at around $190+. However, since the Galaxy S23 costs only about $20 more, we believe it's the better overall value. Its faster flagship processor, brighter display, improved cameras, and more premium design make it well worth the small price difference.
You May Also Like: Galaxy S24 FE
If your budget allows, the Galaxy S24 FE is an excellent upgrade over the Galaxy S23. Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S24 FE models have recently dropped to around $240+ in 2026, only about $30 more than the Galaxy S23.
Although the Galaxy S23 remains one of the best-value Samsung phones you can buy, the Galaxy S24 FE offers one major advantage: significantly longer software support. Samsung has committed to seven years of Android OS and security updates for the Galaxy S24 FE, making it one of the longest-supported Android phones available.
If you typically keep your phone for several years, spending an extra $30 is an easy decision. The Galaxy S24 FE should remain supported well after the Galaxy S23 reaches the end of its software lifecycle, making it the better long-term investment.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S24 FE Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy S23 |
Galaxy S24 FE |
| Release Year |
2023 |
2024 |
| Certified Used Price (2026) |
$210+ |
$240+ |
| Software Support |
Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) with 5 years support |
Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) with 7 years support |
| End of Support |
2028 |
2031 |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
Exynos 2400e |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Deca-core |
| RAM |
8GB |
8GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB |
128GB / 256GB |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.1-inch |
6.7-inch |
| Resolution |
2340 × 1080 |
2340 × 1080 |
| Refresh Rate |
Adaptive 48–120Hz |
Adaptive 60–120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Up to 1,750 nits |
Up to 1,900 nits |
| Main Camera |
50MP |
50MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Camera |
10MP (3x Optical) |
8MP (3x Optical) |
| Front Camera |
12MP |
10MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
3,900mAh |
4,700mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
25W |
| Wireless Charging |
15W |
15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| 5G |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6E |
Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth |
5.3 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
Yes |
Yes |
Key Differences
Software Support
This is the Galaxy S24 FE's biggest advantage. While both phones support One UI 9 (Android 17), the Galaxy S24 FE is part of Samsung's seven-year software support program. In other words, Galaxy S24 FE will continue receiving Android OS upgrades and security updates until 2031, while Galaxy S23 ends in 2028. It makes S24 FE a much better choice if you plan to keep your phone for a long time.
Performance
Both phones deliver excellent everyday performance. The Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy remains one of Samsung's best flagship processors, while the Galaxy S24 FE's Exynos 2400e provides fast performance and improved AI capabilities. Most users won't notice a significant difference during everyday use.
Display
The Galaxy S24 FE features a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that's ideal for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking. The Galaxy S23 offers a more compact 6.1-inch display that's easier to use with one hand and fits more comfortably in a pocket.
Camera
Both phones capture excellent photos with similar camera hardware. Image quality is very close in most situations, and both support Samsung's latest Galaxy AI photography features. For everyday photography, either phone is an excellent choice.
Battery Life
With its larger 4,700mAh battery, the Galaxy S24 FE generally lasts longer than the Galaxy S23. Combined with its newer hardware, it's the better option for users who prioritize battery life.
Galaxy AI
Both phones support Galaxy AI features such as Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, and AI-powered photo editing. However, thanks to its much longer software support, the Galaxy S24 FE is expected to receive Galaxy AI improvements for many more years.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Galaxy S23 remains one of the best values in Samsung's lineup, offering flagship performance at around $210+. However, if your budget allows spending another $30, we recommend the Galaxy S24 FE. Its seven years of software support, larger display, longer battery life, and newer hardware make it the better long-term investment for most buyers.
Conclusion
Yes! Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 is worth buying in 2026.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has become one of the best-value Android smartphones you can buy in 2026. It delivers flagship performance, an outstanding camera system, a premium compact design, and continued support for One UI 9 (Android 17). At around $210+, it offers an excellent balance of performance, software support, and affordability.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 prices have remained relatively stable compared to last year. Since the phone is approaching its price floor, we don't expect prices to drop significantly in the near future. If you've been waiting to buy one, now is a great time.
If you're on a tighter budget, the Galaxy S23 FE, starting at around $190+, remains a solid alternative.
However, if your budget allows spending another $30, we recommend considering the Galaxy S24 FE. Its seven years of software support, larger display, longer battery life, and newer hardware make it the better long-term investment.
If you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone, UpTrade makes it easy to compare prices from trusted sellers so you can find the best deal with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Galaxy S23 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 is one of the best Certified Used and Refurbished Samsung phones you can buy in 2026. It offers flagship performance, supports One UI 9 (Android 17), and continues to receive Samsung security updates.
2. Does the Galaxy S23 support One UI 9 (Android 17)?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and continues to receive Android OS upgrades and security updates.
3. How much does a Certified Used Galaxy S23 cost in 2026?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models start at around $210+ in 2026. Prices have remained relatively stable compared to last year.
4. Will the Galaxy S23 price drop further?
Probably not by much. The Galaxy S23 appears to be approaching its price floor, so we expect future price declines to be gradual rather than significant.
5. Is the Galaxy S23 FE a better value than the Galaxy S23?
The Galaxy S23 FE is a great budget option, but it costs only about $20 less than the Galaxy S23. For most buyers, the Galaxy S23 is worth the small price difference because it offers a faster flagship processor, brighter display, and a more premium design.
6. Is the Galaxy S24 FE worth paying more for?
Yes. For about $30 more than the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S24 FE offers seven years of software support, a larger display, longer battery life, and newer hardware. It's an excellent long-term investment if your budget allows.
7. Is the Galaxy S23 camera still good in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S23's 50MP triple-camera system continues to produce excellent photos and videos. It remains one of the best camera phones available at its price point.
8. How long will the Galaxy S23 be supported?
The Galaxy S23 continues to receive Android OS upgrades and Samsung security updates. It still has several years of software support remaining, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
9. Should I buy a Certified Used Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S24 FE?
If you're looking for the best value, the Galaxy S23 is an excellent choice. However, if your budget allows spending another $30, we recommend the Galaxy S24 FE because its seven years of software support make it the better long-term investment.
10. What is the best Certified Used Samsung phone to buy in 2026?
The Galaxy S23 is one of the best overall values because it combines flagship performance with an affordable price. If long-term software support is your highest priority, the Galaxy S24 FE is another excellent choice.
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