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Yes—the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is still a good phone in 2026 if you want a large, smooth display, flexible three-camera setup, and strong battery endurance, and you find one in good condition at a sensible price. It is an older flagship rather than a current-generation model, so the right choice depends on the specific listing, the phone’s remaining support, and whether its FHD+ screen and 3x optical zoom meet your needs.
What the Galaxy S23+ offers
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S23+ in 2023. Its core appeal is a large 6.6-inch screen, flagship-era processing hardware, a versatile rear-camera trio, and a 4,700mAh typical-capacity battery. The published specifications are useful for judging fit, but they do not substitute for testing a particular used or refurbished handset.
| Feature | Galaxy S23+ specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive 48–120Hz refresh rate. Samsung notes that the diagonal is measured across the rounded corners, so the usable display area is smaller. Samsung specifications |
| Processor and memory | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and 8GB memory. Samsung specifications |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Samsung specifications |
| Front camera | 12MP selfie camera. Samsung specifications |
| Battery capacity | 4,700mAh typical; Samsung lists 4,563mAh as the rated minimum. Actual battery life varies with network, usage, and other factors. Samsung specifications |
| Wired charging | Up to 45W, with USB PD 3.0/PPS support. A charger’s advertised wattage alone does not establish the phone’s charging speed. GSMArena battery and charging review |
| Water and dust resistance | IP68 under Samsung’s test conditions; this is not a promise that the phone is waterproof. Samsung specifications |
Is its display and performance still good?
Large and fluid, but not QHD+
The S23+ is well suited to reading, video, and everyday browsing if you value a large screen and smooth scrolling. Its adaptive refresh specification runs from 48Hz to 120Hz. The important compromise is resolution: the panel is FHD+, not QHD+. Buyers who specifically want a higher-resolution display should compare verified specifications or view alternatives in person.
Flagship-era hardware
Samsung specifies the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and 8GB of memory. Those are flagship-era components, but specifications alone do not establish how a particular handset performs today. Storage configuration, software, battery condition, and the demands of your apps also matter; verify the exact variant in the offer.
#1 Best Overall
- Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display with adaptive 48–120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness high enough for strong outdoor visibility — giving you vibrant, crisp visuals and smooth motion while staying compact.
How good are the S23+ cameras?
The main camera is joined by an ultrawide and a 3x optical telephoto, giving you distinct framing options without relying only on digital cropping. That makes the setup more flexible than a phone with a single rear camera. The telephoto is a 3x system, however—not the more distant zoom system found on the S23 Ultra. GSMArena described the rear-camera arrangement as substantially familiar from the preceding generation, so the S23+ is not a major rear-camera hardware redesign over the S22+. GSMArena camera review
How long does the battery last?
Battery endurance is one of the S23+’s best-supported strengths, although results from a new review unit should not be treated as a forecast for an older phone. In a 2023 test, GSMArena recorded a 111-hour, 34-minute endurance rating using a daily cycle of one hour of calls, one hour of web browsing, and one hour of video playback. That is a controlled review metric—not guaranteed screen-on time or a promise of several days for every user. A battery that has aged may perform differently. GSMArena battery and charging review
Rank #2
- 6.4 FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Infinity-O Display (2400x1080), 403ppi, HDR10+ certified, 120Hz refresh rate
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 5G (4 nm), Octa-core, 4500mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto) 3x optical zoom + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.4 (wide), Under Display Fingerprint
- 3G: 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/29/25/26/28/38/39/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: N41(2500),N66(AWS-3),N71(600),N78(3500),N260(39GHz),N261(28GHz) (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- Fully Unlocked Version. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
What to know about charging
The phone supports up to 45W wired charging using USB PD 3.0/PPS. GSMArena’s charging results found that a higher charger wattage did not translate into a proportional improvement in its particular measurements. Use a reputable compatible charger that supports the required PD/PPS behavior, and do not assume the phone will charge at maximum speed with any high-wattage adapter. Check whether the seller includes a charger rather than assuming one is in the box.
Is the Galaxy S23+ still getting updates?
Samsung’s published commitment for the S23+ is four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This is a finite support policy, not indefinite coverage. Samsung Galaxy S23+ Product Environmental Report
Rank #3
- Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display with adaptive 48–120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness high enough for strong outdoor visibility — giving you vibrant, crisp visuals and smooth motion while staying compact.
Samsung’s US update record for model SM-S916U lists Android 16, build S916USQS8FZI1, released September 28, 2026, with a September 5, 2026 security patch. Samsung’s international SM-S916B record also lists an Android 16 update on September 28 with that patch date. These records apply to the listed model pages; update timing can vary by model, carrier, and country. Samsung US SM-S916U update record · Samsung international SM-S916B update record
To check a handset, open Settings > Software update and select Download and install. Confirm its exact model and region as well: a record for one variant does not establish that every S23+ received the same update on the same date.
Rank #4
- It offers a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive 48-120 Hz refresh rate plus up to ~ 1750 nits peak brightness and “Vision Booster,” meaning the screen stays bright and viewable even in strong sunlight — great if you use your phone outdoors a lot.
Who should buy the Galaxy S23+?
- Consider it if a large, high-refresh display, a dedicated 3x optical telephoto, and strong battery potential matter more to you than having the newest model.
- Compare alternatives if you require a QHD+ display, longer remaining support, or greater optical zoom reach than 3x.
- Be cautious with older stock if the seller cannot clearly establish the exact model, condition, return terms, or battery condition. A favorable original review cannot verify a particular secondhand unit.
What to check before buying one in 2026
There is no single sensible price without knowing the country, seller, storage, condition, and warranty. Compare the actual offer with alternatives available to you rather than relying on the S23+’s launch price or a generic price estimate.
Recommended Free Tools
- Confirm model and network compatibility. Check the regional model number and confirm that it supports your carrier’s network in your country.
- Inspect condition and battery evidence. Ask for documented battery-health information if available, examine the phone’s condition, and check whether the listing explains repairs or replaced parts.
- Verify storage and included items. Make sure the storage capacity suits you and check whether a charger or other accessories are actually included.
- Read the return and warranty terms. Understand how long you have to inspect the phone and what recourse applies if it does not match the listing.
- Check update status on the handset. Use Settings > Software update > Download and install, and match the model to the relevant regional update record.
Does IP68 mean the S23+ is waterproof?
No. Samsung specifies IP68 and describes the test limit as fresh water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. Samsung does not advise beach or pool use; if the phone contacts residue, rinse it off and dry it. Water resistance is not a guarantee against damage in every situation. Samsung specifications
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display with adaptive 48–120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness high enough for strong outdoor visibility — giving you vibrant, crisp visuals and smooth motion while staying compact.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
