This renewed flagship delivers premium features at a fraction of the cost, making it an outstanding choice for thrifty buyers.
Price vs. rivals
Cheaper
CheaperTypicalPricier
Priced well below typical renewed competitors, reflecting a significant discount compared to similar certified pre-owned Galaxy S23+ units.
Ease of use
Excellent 92/100
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ offers a user-friendly interface and smooth performance, though being renewed may slightly affect initial setup or battery life but overall it's straightforward for most users.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Overview
This Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review gives you the straight answer: at under $300 for a certified renewed unlocked model, it’s absolutely worth it if you want flagship performance, a great camera, and solid battery life without paying full price. Just know you’re getting last year’s design and no S Pen.
Overview of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is a large-screen flagship from early 2023. It solves the problem of wanting premium specs—fast processor, good cameras, long battery—without dropping a grand. The renewed version brings that same hardware at nearly a third of the original cost.
Who’s it really for? Someone who doesn’t need the absolute newest chip or foldable screen. You trade “latest” for “still excellent.” It’s a phone that’ll feel fast for years, especially if you’re coming from something three or four years old.
Key Features of the Galaxy S23 Plus
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy – This is the same chip used in the S23 Ultra. It tears through games like Genshin Impact at high settings and keeps apps open without reloading. No lag, even with 30 tabs in Chrome.
6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – 120Hz refresh rate means scrolling feels like butter. Outdoors in direct sun, you’ll still see clearly. Great for YouTube and reading.
50MP main camera with OIS – Takes sharp, natural-looking photos even in low light. The 3x optical zoom is decent for a non-Ultra model. Selfies are crisp but a touch overprocessed.
4700mAh battery – Expect a full day of heavy use. If you’re mostly on Wi-Fi, you might get a day and a half. Charging is 45W wired (charger sold separately), which is fast but not the fastest out there.
IP68 water and dust resistance – Survives rain, drops in the sink, or a splash at the pool. Not for underwater photography, but peace of mind for everyday accidents.
Unlocked for all US carriers – Pop in a SIM from T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, or any MVNO. No bloatware from a specific carrier. Works with eSIM too.
Fit for You
You want a refurbished phone that can handle the latest games without stuttering. This is one of the best refurbished phone for gaming options under $400.
You take a lot of photos of pets, kids, or night scenes. The main camera handles motion and low light better than most mid-range phones.
You’re switching from an iPhone or an older Android and want a smooth transition. Samsung’s One UI is clean, and the S23 Plus has all the Google apps you need out of the box.
You need a phone that lasts a full day on a single charge, no matter how many YouTube videos or Zoom calls you run.
You want to avoid carrier lock-in and plan to switch networks later. An unlocked model gives you that freedom.
You’re okay with a few tiny scratches on the frame because you’ll slap a case on it anyway. Renewed units often have minor cosmetic marks, but the screen is usually pristine.
Realistic Uses of the Galaxy S23 Plus
Morning commute. You’re watching Netflix on the train. The 120Hz screen makes scrolling through the library smooth, and the battery drops maybe 3% in 30 minutes of video playback. No heat issues, even in a crowded car.
Afternoon photo walk. You snap a few shots of street art and a friend’s dog. The main camera nails exposure and color quickly. Zoom in to 3x and details stay sharp. The ultrawide is fine for landscapes but gets a little soft at the edges.
Gaming session. You fire up Call of Duty Mobile for an hour. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 keeps the frame rate stable, and the phone gets warm, not hot. No throttle or screen dimming. You’ll easily get through three matches without needing a charger.
Late-night browsing. In bed with the lights off, the display’s minimum brightness is low enough not to hurt your eyes. The blue light filter turns on automatically if you set a schedule. It’s comfortable enough to fall asleep reading Reddit.
Living with the S23 Plus
Setup is simple: turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, sign into your Google account. The renewed unit I’m describing (based on typical buyer reports) arrives with a new battery and a clean 90-day warranty. You’ll probably want to check the IMEI on Samsung’s site to confirm the model.
Day to day, the fingerprint reader under the screen is fast but not instant—sometimes it misses if your thumb is slightly wet. Face unlock works but is less secure. You get used to it.
The camera app is straightforward. Open it, tap to focus, slide the zoom. The shutter button doesn’t lag. One minor annoyance: the “Scene Optimizer” sometimes oversaturates greens and blues. You can turn it off in settings if you prefer more neutral tones.
Battery life is where this phone shines. A Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus battery life review often highlights 7–8 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage. I’ve seen owners report getting through a 12-hour day with 20% left. Wireless charging is convenient, though slower than wired. The catch: the renewed version probably won’t include a charger in the box, so budget for one if you don’t have a 45W USB-C brick.
Storage is 256GB, but there’s no microSD slot. That’s the trade-off—you get plenty of space for apps and photos, but if you shoot a lot of 4K video, you might fill it up in a year. Cloud storage or an external drive is your workaround.
The build feels premium. Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back. It’s slippery without a case, and the phantom black shows fingerprints instantly. A thin TPU case solves both issues for $10.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent processor for the price. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still benchmarks near the top of Android phones in 2025. You won’t feel any slowdown for at least two more years.
Very good main camera for a renewed phone. Low-light shots come out clear and detailed, on par with newer mid-rangers like the Pixel 8a.
Long battery life for the size. 4700mAh easily lasts a full day, and the 45W fast charge (if you have the right charger) gets you to 50% in about 25 minutes.
Unlocked and carrier-independent. No bloatware, easy to flip carriers or travel with a local SIM. Works with eSIM.
IP68 water resistance. Not many refurbished phones at this price still carry full dust and water sealing (if the refurbisher respected it).
Cons
Only 60Hz on the 12MP ultrawide camera. Video recording maxes out at 4K60 on the main sensor, but the ultrawide is limited to 4K30. It’s a cut corner you’ll notice if you film wide-angle action shots.
No microSD card slot. 256GB is generous, but once it’s full, you’re stuck. Cloud storage or USB-C drives are your only expansion.
Refurbished condition can vary. Some units arrive with minor scratches on the frame or a slightly worn charging port. Check the seller’s return policy and warranty length before buying.
Software updates are on borrowed time. Samsung promised 4 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the S23 series. It started with Android 13, so you’ll get Android 17 at most. That’s still good, but not the 7 years of the S24.
No charger in the box. It’s standard for renewed units, but a heads-up: you’ll need to buy a 45W PD charger separately for fast charging.
Advantages Over Typical Alternatives
Compared to a new mid-range phone like the Galaxy A54, the S23 Plus offers a much faster processor, a better main camera (especially in low light), and a 120Hz screen. The catch is the shorter software support window and the fact it’s used. But for the same money—$300—you’d get a slower, plasticky A-series phone. The S23 Plus feels premium in hand and performs like a current flagship in most everyday tasks.
Gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 stomps any mid-range chip. If you play Genshin Impact or PUBG, this is the best refurbished phone for gaming under $350.
Build quality. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame beat the plastic backs of budget phones. Dropping it is less likely to break the glass, but a case is still wise.
Camera versatility. A 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto give you options you won’t find on a $300 new phone.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy S23 Plus (Renewed)
Buy it if: You want flagship features on a budget, especially for gaming, photography, and daily use. The renewed price cuts $500–$600 off the original cost, and you still get a phone that feels new.
Buy it if: You need an unlocked phone that works on any US carrier and you don’t want to sign a contract. Pop in a prepaid SIM from Mint or Visible and you’re set.
Buy it if: You’re okay with last year’s design and don’t care about the S24’s Galaxy AI features. The S23 Plus does everything a phone should do without AI gimmicks.
Skip it if: You want the latest software updates for 7 years. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs S24 comparison shows the S24 gets software support until 2031, the S23 Plus until 2028. If you keep phones for 5+ years, consider the S24 (renewed, or new on sale).
Skip it if: You need a microSD slot or a headphone jack. Those are gone on this model. Look at a Sony Xperia or an older Galaxy A series if those matter.
Skip it if: You expect a mint-condition phone without any blemishes. Renewed means “good” condition, not “like new.” Check the seller’s grading (e.g., “Excellent” vs “Good”).
FAQ
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus worth it in 2025?
Yes, especially as a renewed unlocked model. For around $300 you get the same performance, camera, and battery life as a phone that cost $1000 two years ago. Just be aware software updates end sooner than on the S24.
How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus compare to the S24?
The S24 has a slightly faster chip, Galaxy AI features, and seven years of updates versus four. The S23 Plus has a bigger screen (6.6” vs 6.2”) and a larger battery. If you don’t care about AI, the S23 Plus is a better value.
What are the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus unlocked specs?
6.6” 120Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto, 4700mAh battery, IP68, USB-C, no headphone jack, no microSD. Unlocked means it works with any US carrier.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus good for gaming?
Excellent. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 runs all current games at max settings without stutter, and the 120Hz screen makes everything feel responsive. It’s easily the best refurbished phone for gaming near $300.
How is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus camera?
The main camera is very good for a refurbished phone. Expect sharp, well-exposed photos in good light and solid low-light shots with Night mode. The 3x telephoto is useful for portraits. The ultrawide is decent but softer at edges.
What is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus battery life?
Owners typically get 7–9 hours of screen-on time, easily lasting a full day. With heavy gaming, you’ll still get 5–6 hours. 45W charging gets you to 50% in about 25 minutes—if you have the right charger.
Final Verdict on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Buy it if you want a fast, capable phone for under $300 and you’re fine with a slight cosmetic imperfection or two. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review boils down to this: you get 90% of the experience of a current flagship for half the price. The biggest catch is the shorter update timeline, but for most people, that’s a fair trade-off for saving $500.
If you’re a heavy photographer or plan to keep a phone for five years, maybe stretch to an S24. Otherwise, this renewed S23 Plus is a smart, honest buy. Just grab a case and a charger, and you’re set.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs the Competition: Which Refurbished Phone Wins in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, now available renewed for $298.99, is a 2023 flagship with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a proper telephoto camera — all at a price that undercuts most new mid-rangers. Compared to the S24, you lose the newer chip and one year of software updates, but you save roughly half the cost. So if you’re asking is Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus worth it at this price, the answer is a much easier yes. The unlocked specs give you exactly what you’d expect: 8GB RAM, 256GB of storage, a 4700mAh battery, and wireless charging. But the refurbished phone market in 2026 is stacked. Google’s Pixel 7a, OnePlus 11, and iPhone 12 all want a piece of that same $300-ish budget. Here’s how they stack up, and who should actually buy what.
Product
Price Range
Key Strength
Key Weakness
Best For
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus (Renewed)
~$299
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 120Hz display, telephoto camera
Renewed condition varies; updates end after 2027
Gaming, media, flagship features on a budget
Google Pixel 7a (Refurbished)
~$280–$320
Best camera processing, clean Android, updates through 2028
90Hz display, slower Tensor G2, no telephoto
Camera-focused users who want long-term updates
OnePlus 11 (Refurbished)
~$350–$400
80W charging, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 120Hz display
No wireless charging in US, uneven camera
Speed chasers who value ultra-fast charging
iPhone 12 (Refurbished)
~$300–$350
iOS ecosystem, MagSafe, great video
60Hz display, worse battery, no telephoto
iOS loyalists or first-time iPhone buyers
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a takes better photos in tricky light — Google’s computational photography is still the class of the field. But the S23 Plus has a telephoto lens, so you get 3x optical zoom, and the Pixel doesn’t. For daytime shooting, the S23 Plus’s 50MP sensor is perfectly capable. For gaming, it’s not close: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 runs circles around the Tensor G2. If you play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, the Samsung is the obvious pick. On battery, the S23 Plus’s 4700mAh cell easily outlasts the Pixel’s by about two hours of actual screen time. But the Pixel will get Android updates through 2028, while the S23 Plus stops at 2027. If you keep phones for four years, the Pixel has a real edge. If you upgrade every two or three, the Samsung gives you better hardware for the same money.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 is the closest competitor on paper — same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, same 120Hz display, similar triple-camera array. But the OnePlus charges at 80W wired (full in roughly 25 minutes) while the S23 Plus does 45W. That’s a real advantage if you’re always in a hurry. The OnePlus also costs about $50–80 more refurbished. What the S23 Plus gives you back: wireless charging for your desk pad, IP68 water resistance (the OnePlus is IP64 — fine for light rain, not a pool drop), and a more reliable camera system. The OnePlus 11’s ultrawide and selfie cameras are weaker, and its color profile leans too saturated for my taste. For the money, the S23 Plus is the better all-rounder. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus battery life is also noticeably better — the OnePlus drains faster under load despite the bigger charging speed.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs iPhone 12
This one’s simpler than it looks. The iPhone 12 is three years older, has a 60Hz display that feels dated, worse battery life, and no telephoto. It’s thinner and lighter, and the video recording is still strong. But purely on hardware, the S23 Plus demolishes it. Faster screen, longer battery, better zoom, and it’s newer. The iPhone 12 costs about the same used, which means you’re paying for the Apple ecosystem — iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and the general polish of iOS. If that matters to you, nothing else quite replaces it. If it doesn’t, the Samsung gives you more phone for your dollar, and you won’t spend the whole day looking for a charger.
So who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus? If you want the best refurbished phone for gaming under $300, this is it. It handles anything you throw at it, the 120Hz screen is buttery, and the battery lasts a full day without anxiety. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus camera review is straightforward: it’s versatile, consistent, and the telephoto lens is a real bonus at this price. Skip it if you need software updates past 2027 — the Pixel 7a is your better bet. Skip it if you’re tied to iOS, because the iPhone 12 will serve that need better despite weaker hardware. For everyone else, the S23 Plus is the flagship experience on a budget, and that’s a genuinely rare combination.
Ready to decide on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
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