When Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 in early 2023, it set a new standard for compact flagship smartphones. Featuring the ultra-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and a refined Gorilla Glass Victus 2 design, the S23 combined performance, durability, and elegance in a perfectly sized package.
Now in 2025, the Galaxy S23 continues to shine as one of the best flagship phones you can buy — especially in the Certified Used and Refurbished market. Thanks to Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support, the S23 currently runs One UI 8 (based on Android 16) and is expected to receive One UI 9 (Android 17) in the near future. Beyond that, it will continue getting monthly security updates through 2027, followed by quarterly patches into 2028 or longer, making it one of the most future-proof Android phones available today.
For users who value premium performance, longevity, and a compact flagship form factor, the Galaxy S23 remains an outstanding choice in 2025 — delivering the same core experience as newer models, but for a fraction of the cost.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models now start around $200+, a significant drop from its original $799 launch price. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 FE — released later in 2023 — starts around $150+, but the gap narrows to roughly $20 when comparing Excellent condition units.
At this small difference, the standard Galaxy S23 is clearly the better buy. It offers a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a brighter 1750-nit display, and premium Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build quality — features the S23 FE can’t quite match. Both run the same One UI 8 (Android 16) software, but the S23 is expected to receive one extra major upgrade to One UI 9 (Android 17), giving it longer lifespan and higher resale value.
If you’re shopping for a compact, powerful, and long-lasting flagship under $250, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23 offers unbeatable value in 2025.
| Category | Details |
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | Announced: February 1, 2023 Released: February 17, 2023 |
| Body | Dimensions: 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm Weight: 168 g Build: Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front & back) SIM: Nano-SIM + eSIM / Dual SIM (varies by region) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display | Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1750 nits peak Size: 6.1 inches (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (~425 ppi density) Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Platform | OS: Android 13 (launch), upgradable to One UI 8 (Android 16) Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm, overclocked) CPU: Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) GPU: Adreno 740 (overclocked) |
| Memory | Internal: 128GB / 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, 8GB RAM Card slot: No |
| Main Camera (Triple) | 50 MP (wide, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS) 10 MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom, OIS) 12 MP (ultrawide, 120° FOV) Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR10+ |
| Front Camera | 12 MP (Dual Pixel AF, f/2.2), 4K@60fps video |
| Sound | Stereo speakers (Tuned by AKG), no 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS (dual-band), USB-C 3.2 |
| Battery | Li-Ion 3900 mAh (non-removable) 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Other Features | Samsung DeX & Wireless DeX, Samsung Pay, UWB support, Circle to Search |
| Colors | Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite |
| Starting Price (2025) | Certified Used / Refurbished from $200+ |
Source: Samsung & GSMArena
At the heart of the Galaxy S23 is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm’s flagship chip. Even in 2025, this processor delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. Built on a 4nm process, it runs cooler and faster than the previous Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the Galaxy S22, while consuming less power.
Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and multitasking are incredibly smooth, and the phone easily handles high-end gaming and 4K video editing. The Adreno 740 GPU supports advanced rendering techniques and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, giving console-like visuals in mobile games.
The inclusion of UFS 4.0 storage also improves app loading speeds and data transfers, making the Galaxy S23 feel snappier and more responsive than almost any other phone in its price range.
Samsung continues to set the bar for Android longevity. The Galaxy S23 currently runs One UI 8 (based on Android 16) and is guaranteed to receive One UI 9 (Android 17) in the near future — its final major upgrade. After that, Samsung will continue providing monthly security updates through 2027, followed by quarterly patches through at least 2028.
This long-term software commitment ensures that even buyers in 2025 can confidently expect several years of secure and stable use. One UI 8 also introduces improved personalization, better multitasking, and more advanced AI-based camera and battery optimizations — giving the S23 a user experience that feels current and polished.
The Galaxy S23’s 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains one of the best panels in any smartphone. With FHD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and 1750 nits peak brightness, it’s bright, vivid, and silky smooth in all conditions. HDR10+ and Vision Booster technology enhance contrast and visibility outdoors, while color accuracy is near perfect.
Whether you’re streaming movies, gaming, or scrolling through photos, the S23’s display outperforms nearly every device under $250 — and still rivals newer flagships in 2025.
Despite being two years old, the Galaxy S23’s camera system remains outstanding. The 50MP wide sensor delivers detailed, color-accurate photos with excellent dynamic range, while the 10MP 3x telephoto lens produces crisp zoom shots without loss of quality. The 12MP ultrawide camera captures expansive landscapes and group photos with minimal distortion.
In low light, Samsung’s advanced image processing and Nightography mode produce bright, noise-free images with realistic tones. Video quality is also superb — the S23 supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with HDR10+ recording and outstanding stabilization. The 12MP selfie camera offers sharp, natural portraits with accurate skin tones and fast autofocus.
For photography enthusiasts or casual users alike, the S23’s camera setup still feels modern and powerful in 2025.
The Galaxy S23 is powered by a 3900 mAh battery, which may seem modest on paper but performs impressively thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Most users can expect a full day of mixed use — around 7–8 hours of screen-on time.
Charging is fast and flexible: 25W wired charging delivers 50% in about 30 minutes, while 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging provide convenience for accessories like Galaxy Buds or smartwatches.
Battery health on Certified Used and Refurbished models remains strong when purchased from verified sellers, making it a dependable everyday performer.
In everyday use, the Galaxy S23 feels like a 2025 flagship — smooth, compact, and reliable. The combination of premium build quality, compact 6.1-inch form factor, and consistent performance make it ideal for users who want flagship power without the bulk of larger phones.
From photography to productivity, the S23 handles everything effortlessly. Its ergonomic size, fast performance, and years of software support ensure it remains one of the best all-around smartphones you can buy — especially at its current Certified Used and Refurbished price around $200+.
When it comes to choosing between the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 FE in 2025, the decision mainly comes down to performance, build quality, and budget. Both phones run One UI 8 (Android 16) and share many design similarities — but the S23 edges ahead in areas that matter most for long-term use and performance stability.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models now start around $200+, while the Galaxy S23 FE begins around $150+. However, when comparing units in Excellent condition, the price gap narrows to about $20 — making the S23 the smarter buy overall.
Here’s a closer look at how the two stack up:
| Feature | Galaxy S23 | Galaxy S23 FE |
| Launch Year | 2023 (February) | 2023 (October) |
| Chipset (U.S.) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm, overclocked) | Exynos 2200 (Europe) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (U.S.) |
| Display | 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits peak | 6.4" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1450 nits peak |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1080 × 2340) | FHD+ (1080 × 2340) |
| Build Material | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front & back), Armor Aluminum frame | Gorilla Glass 5 (front & back), Aluminum frame |
| Main Camera Setup | 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3× telephoto | 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP 3× telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP (Dual Pixel AF, 4K@60fps) | 10MP (Dual Pixel AF, 4K@60fps) |
| Battery | 3900 mAh, 25W wired / 15W wireless | 4500 mAh, 25W wired / 15W wireless |
| Performance | Faster, cooler, and more efficient | Slightly slower and less efficient |
| Software Support | One UI 8 (Android 16), upgradeable to One UI 9 (Android 17), monthly updates through 2027 | One UI 8 (Android 16), upgradeable to One UI 9 (Android 17), monthly updates through 2027 |
| Weight | 168 g | 209 g |
| Starting Price (2025) | $200+ | $150+ |
Performance:
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the S23 is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the S23 FE. It offers faster graphics, better heat control, and smoother multitasking — especially noticeable in gaming and photo editing.
Build Quality:
The S23’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum frame give it a premium, flagship-level durability that the FE version lacks. The S23 FE’s Gorilla Glass 5 design feels sturdy but doesn’t match the same level of scratch and drop protection.
Display and Size:
The S23 FE has a slightly larger 6.4-inch display, which some users may prefer for media consumption, but it’s dimmer (1450 nits vs. 1750 nits) and less color-accurate. The S23’s compact 6.1-inch screen is brighter, more vibrant, and easier to handle one-handed.
Camera:
Both phones share a 50MP main sensor, but the S23’s telephoto lens (10MP 3× optical zoom) produces sharper zoom shots compared to the S23 FE’s 8MP version. The S23 also has a superior 12MP selfie camera capable of higher-quality video recording.
Battery:
The S23 FE offers a larger 4500 mAh battery, giving it a slight edge in endurance — typically 30–45 minutes more screen-on time than the standard S23. However, the S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip compensates with better power efficiency.
Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 FE are excellent choices in 2025, but the S23’s superior processor, build quality, camera, and display make it the better long-term investment. Given the small price gap of about $20 between Excellent condition units, the Galaxy S23 is clearly the smarter and more future-proof buy.
If battery life and screen size are your top priorities, the S23 FE remains a solid alternative — but for flagship-grade power and refinement, go with the Galaxy S23.
Yes — the Galaxy S23 remains one of the best-value flagship smartphones you can buy in 2025. With Certified Used and Refurbished models starting around $200+, it delivers top-tier performance, beautiful design, and long-term software support that rivals much newer phones.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, the S23 still feels fast, efficient, and responsive — capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and creative workloads with ease. Its 6.1-inch AMOLED display is crisp and bright, the cameras are excellent for photography and video, and its compact size makes it one of the few truly one-handed flagship phones on the market.
Running One UI 8 (Android 16) with an expected upgrade to One UI 9 (Android 17), the Galaxy S23 will continue to receive monthly updates through 2027 and quarterly patches through 2028 or longer, ensuring years of reliable performance and security.
If you have the budget flexibility, the Galaxy S24 (starting around $270+) adds a brighter display, slightly faster performance, and Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features with seven years of software support — making it a great long-term investment.
However, if you want to stay under $250, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23 still offers the best blend of flagship performance, compact design, and excellent value in 2025.
Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models start around $200+, depending on storage size and condition.
Yes. It runs One UI 8 (Android 16) and will receive One UI 9 (Android 17) in 2026. Samsung will continue monthly security updates through 2027 and quarterly patches through at least 2028.
The Galaxy S23 was released in February 2023, making it two years old in 2025 — but it still performs like a current-generation flagship.
The S23 is the better choice overall, offering a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, brighter display, improved camera system, and premium Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build. The S23 FE is more affordable and has a larger battery but uses older hardware.
Samsung guarantees four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning full support through at least 2028.
The Galaxy S24 offers a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, brighter 2600-nit display, longer seven-year update policy, and Galaxy AI features. However, it starts at $270+, roughly $70 more than the S23. If your budget allows, it’s worth upgrading — but the S23 still delivers nearly identical real-world performance for less.
Yes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides console-level performance and excellent thermal efficiency, easily handling demanding titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile.
The S23 is faster, runs cooler, and has improved battery life and camera processing. It also receives updates two years longer than the S22, making it the better long-term buy.
The 3,900mAh battery lasts about 7–8 hours of screen-on time with typical daily use. It supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Yes. It’s IP68-rated, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, water damage is not covered under warranty.
Absolutely. The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23 remains one of the best Android flagships under $250 — delivering premium build quality, flagship cameras, powerful performance, and years of software support, making it a top-tier value choice in 2025.
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