Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: The Refurb Buyer’s Dream?

Why you can trust this Samsung S23 Ultra review 

We know that when it comes to tech, trust is everything. You can rest assured that we don’t mess around at Back Market. 

You can trust our review because our analysis of the Samsung S23 Ultra has been informed by real customers and is backed by expert refurbishers who know these phones and the brand's offerings inside out. Every Samsung S23 Ultra sold with us is verified since it goes through exhaustive testing and quality checks. 

When you purchase a refurbished unit from us, you can trust that the device has been fully vetted. You won’t need to resort to guesswork. We clearly indicate on our marketplace the condition of a Samsung S23 Ultra based on its cosmetics. Regardless of how it looks on the outside, though, the inside is guaranteed to perform as it should. 

We don’t lie, and we assuredly don’t deceive, so what you see is what you get with professionally refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultras sold by our team.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs

The Samsung S23 Ultra specs include a 6.8-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 200MP main camera, 5,000mAh battery, and up to 1TB of storage—making it a powerhouse device built for multitasking, mobile photography, and all-day performance.

Here's a detailed breakdown:

• Display: A massive 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Translation? It's ultra-bright, ultra-vibrant, and ultra-crisp, making it perfect for streaming, scrolling, or showing off vacation pics in direct sunlight.

• Processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the US—a custom-tuned powerhouse built for speed, efficiency, and serious multitasking. This beast handles gaming, video editing, and app-juggling without breaking a (metaphorical) sweat.

• Memory and storage: Up to 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. No microSD slot here, but with a terabyte in your pocket, you're basically carrying a portable hard drive.

• Cameras: The headline-grabber is the 200MP wide-angle lens (yes, 200), joined by a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 10MP 10x periscope telephoto lens. Zoom like a boss and capture stunning detail from just about any distance. The front camera is a 12MP stunner for clean, sharp selfies and video chats.

• Battery: A hefty 5,000mAh battery keeps the phone running all day (and then some). With 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare for reverse charging, staying juiced up is never an issue.

• Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance means this phone can handle splashes, spills, and dust storms. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects the front and back.

• S Pen: Built-in stylus support with Bluetooth connectivity, perfect for note-taking, sketching, or precise navigation.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra pros & cons

Depending on who you speak to, most people will agree that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra feels worthy of its hefty price tag. However, as with any other phone on the market, it has its fair share of positives and negatives. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of each to give you a brief overview before we dive into the nitty-gritty details.

A look at the Galaxy S23 Ultra's biggest strengths and a few small trade-offs.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features and benefits

At its release, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was practically peerless. Of course, since then, it's been somewhat outclassed by new generations - S24 Ultra, S25Ultra and lately S26 Ultra- , but this doesn’t mean it can’t still hang with the big boys in the Android world. In fact, it might not lose its place any time soon, considering its impressive features and benefits for users. 

You’ll see why we say this below, where we get to the review portion of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review. So buckle up and ready yourself to learn why this maximalist device was enjoying victory laps when it was first released and is still in the race today. 

Software

The Samsung S23 Ultra runs One UI 5.1 (upgradable to One UI 6 and beyond), which is a meaningful but incremental upgrade from the One UI 4 found on the S22 Ultra. One UI 5.1 brings greater flexibility in setting up modes and routines, streamlined quick settings (yes, two full pages of toggles by default), and access to Samsung's ecosystem of apps including the web browser, app store, and Bixby virtual assistant.

The S23 Ultra is guaranteed four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, which means it will receive Android updates through 2027 and security patches through 2028. That's exceptional longevity for an Android device.

One UI 5.1 adds custom modes, routines, and faster settings access—meaning you can automate tasks like enabling Do Not Disturb when you arrive at work or switching to high-performance mode when gaming.

The maximalist approach extends to the software experience: Samsung packs in tons of features, toggles, and customization options. This might not appeal to minimalists who prefer stock Android, but with a little app organization and settings tweaks, the S23 Ultra's software becomes incredibly powerful and tailored to your workflow.

Performance and processor

The Samsung S23 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm's flagship chipset that runs faster and more efficiently than the standard 8 Gen 2.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy means minimal to no lag when gaming, multitasking, or running demanding apps like video editors or 3D modeling tools. Switching between apps feels nearly instantaneous. The 12GB of RAM means you can keep 20+ apps open in the background without slowdowns—perfect for power users and multitaskers.

The chipset also runs cooler than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the S22 series. Even during extended gaming sessions or large file downloads, the phone only experiences a minimal increase in temperature, thanks to the improved vapor chamber cooling system.

One Reddit user summed it up perfectly:

“In a world where tech seems to go stale in months, and other companies are unveiling the world's first 3nm processors, the S23 Ultra still manages to be relevant.”

Yes… It’s that good.

The S23 Ultra is a gaming powerhouse, handling demanding titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Diablo Immortal at max settings with consistent 60 FPS.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's Adreno 740 GPU delivers desktop-level graphics performance, while the vapor chamber cooling system ensures the phone stays comfortable to hold even during hour-long gaming sessions. Heat management is exceptional—unlike previous Samsung flagships, the S23 Ultra doesn't throttle performance when it gets warm.

The 120Hz display makes gameplay feel incredibly smooth, with near-instant touch response. The large 6.8-inch screen gives you plenty of real estate for on-screen controls without obstructing your view.

Battery drain during gaming is reasonable: expect around 4-5 hours of continuous gameplay at high settings before needing a charge. The 45W fast charging gets you back to 50% in about 25 minutes.

For mobile gamers who want a phone that doubles as a productivity powerhouse, the S23 Ultra is hard to beat.

Design and display

The Samsung S23 Ultra's design is premium, durable, and unmistakably flagship. Some describe it as bulky, but it doesn't feel awkward in hand. Samsung refined the design compared to the S22 Ultra, with slightly flatter side rails and less pronounced curves at the edges. This makes the phone feel more stable and secure when holding it—less likely to slip out of your fingers.

This design refinement is especially convenient considering the phone includes a built-in S Pen stylus that slots neatly into the bottom of the device when not in use. Writing or sketching on the display with the S Pen feels natural and responsive, with virtually no lag.

The trade-off is a slightly boxier aesthetic compared to the curvier S21 or S22 lines. But that's a small price to pay for improved ergonomics.

The 6.8-inch 1440p LTPO AMOLED display is one of the best on any smartphone. It boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on what you're doing—saving battery when reading text, ramping up when scrolling or gaming.

A Business Insider article called the S23 Ultra "a big-screen phone that's overkill in all the right ways."

The display supports HDR10+, reaches peak brightness of 1,750 nits, and offers stunning color accuracy whether you're editing photos, watching Netflix, or doom-scrolling Reddit.

The S23 Ultra is available in Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender. (Pro tip: if you choose the cream color, embrace the 80s chic aesthetic—it's actually quite beautiful.)

Battery life is staggering. The 5,000mAh cell can last 2-3 days on moderate use. One Reddit user reported:

"The battery life is staggering—I can get nearly 3 days of lighter use, and with short bursts of charging in the car, I only have to charge overnight once a week. Performance, display, calls, everything else has been flawless."

Durability features:

• IP68 water and dust resistance (survives submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes)

• Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back

• Armor aluminum frame

• Built to last years, not months

Camera

If there's one standout feature that defines the S23 Ultra, it's the quad-lens camera system anchored by a groundbreaking 200MP main sensor.

The 200MP sensor delivers exceptional photo and video quality across diverse lighting conditions—from bright daylight to dimly lit restaurants. The sensor uses pixel-binning technology to combine data from multiple pixels, resulting in sharp, detailed 12MP or 50MP photos with excellent dynamic range.

• Portrait photography

The S23 Ultra excels at portrait shots, with natural-looking background blur (bokeh) and accurate edge detection. The 3x telephoto lens is ideal for flattering portraits—it compresses facial features slightly, mimicking the look of professional portrait lenses.

Skin tones are accurate without over-smoothing or artificial beautification. You can adjust the level of background blur before or after taking the shot.

• Zoom capabilities

The real magic happens when you zoom. The S23 Ultra offers:

• 3x optical zoom (10MP telephoto lens)

• 10x optical zoom (10MP periscope telephoto lens)

• Up to 100x digital zoom (Space Zoom)

The 10x optical zoom is shockingly good—you can capture details like individual feathers on a bird from 30 feet away, or read text on a sign across the street. Image quality remains sharp and detailed up to 30x zoom. Beyond that, it becomes more of a novelty (though still fun for spying on distant objects).

• Low-light and Nightography

Samsung's Nightography mode allows you to capture vibrant, detailed images even in near darkness. The large sensor size and advanced image processing reduce noise and enhance colors without making photos look artificial.

Night mode works automatically when lighting is poor, stacking multiple exposures to create a single well-lit image. The results rival dedicated night photography from competitors like the iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro.

• Video recording

The S23 Ultra records 8K video at 30 FPS and 4K video at 60 FPS, with exceptional stabilization. The Super Steady mode uses both optical and electronic stabilization to smooth out shaky footage—great for vlogging or action shots.

You can switch between lenses while recording, and the autofocus is fast and accurate.

• Front camera

The 12MP front camera captures crystal-clear selfies with accurate color reproduction. It supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS, making it excellent for video calls or front-facing vlogs.

• The one weak spot: Ultrawide camera

The 12MP ultrawide camera is decent but not exceptional. Some users report over-saturation and over-sharpening, which can make photos look slightly artificial. One Reddit user noted:

"I eyed the S23 Ultra heavily before making my recent purchase decision, but I just couldn't get around the photo qualities, especially all that over-sharpening. Also not thrilled with the oversaturation, either."

That said, the ultrawide is still highly usable for landscapes, group photos, and architecture shots.

Is the S23 Ultra still worth it in 2026?

Yes—the Samsung S23 Ultra is absolutely worth buying in 2026, especially if you choose a refurbished model.

Despite being over two years old, the S23 Ultra remains a top-tier flagship. Here's why it's still relevant:

1. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still one of the fastest mobile processors available. It outperforms many 2024 mid-range and even some flagship chips. You won't notice meaningful performance differences compared to the S24 Ultra in day-to-day use.

2. The camera system holds up exceptionally well. The 200MP sensor and 10x optical zoom are features that most 2026 phones still can't match. The S24 Ultra improved slightly in low-light processing, but the S23 Ultra's camera is 95% as good at a fraction of the price.

3. Software support extends through 2027 (OS updates) and 2028 (security patches). You're guaranteed years of updates, making the S23 Ultra a safe long-term investment.

4. Battery life is stellar. The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts 2+ days on moderate use, outlasting many newer phones.

5. The price drops dramatically when buying refurbished. A refurbished S23 Ultra costs around $375-$600 depending on condition and storage—compared to $1,200+ new or $1,400+ for the S24 Ultra.

The verdict: If you want flagship performance, a pro-grade camera, and all-day battery life without paying flagship prices, the refurbished S23 Ultra is one of the smartest phone purchases you can make in 2026.

S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: How do they compare?

Wondering how the S23 Ultra stacks up against its predecessor and successor? Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.

Key takeaways:

• S22 Ultra → S23 Ultra: The biggest upgrade is the processor (8 Gen 1 to 8 Gen 2), which dramatically improves performance and efficiency. The camera jumps from 108MP to 200MP, delivering noticeably better detail and dynamic range.

• S23 Ultra → S24 Ultra: The improvements are incremental. The S24 Ultra has a slightly faster processor, 7 years of OS updates (vs 4), and modestly better AI features. But the real-world performance gap is minimal. For most users, the S23 Ultra offers 95% of the S24 Ultra's capabilities at 50-60% of the price when bought refurbished.

Bottom line: If you're upgrading from an S22 Ultra, the S23 Ultra is a worthwhile jump. If you're deciding between the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra, go with the refurbished S23 Ultra—it's the smarter financial and environmental choice.

For more guidance on choosing the right Samsung device, check out our guide to the best Samsung phones.

Shopping tips for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

If you’ve decided to shop for a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, it's a good call even in 2026. Considering all of the bells and whistles you've learned about above, this phone still packs a serious punch. 

However, before you hastily hit buy on the first one you find — we know you’re eager to get your hands on one — it's essential to remember a few shopping tips. Below, our team at Back Market has shared a few great tips to ensure you get the best deal without buyer's remorse:

• Go refurbished: It might seem like a no-brainer, but buying refurbished is your best bet. If you shop with us at Back Market, you can often enjoy savings on a Samsung S23 Ultra that go up to 50% off the price of new. You’ll skip over the retail markup and get a legit device since ours come cleaned, tested, and covered by a one-year warranty. 

• Double-check included accessories: If you’re going to buy new, it's a good idea to check that your Samsung S23 Ultra comes with all of its promised accessories. Unfortunately, many sellers will sell these devices sans stylus or charger, so be sure you know what's included up front before paying. 

• Skip overly hyped shopping days: We don’t even need to say it, but we will. Shopping events like Back Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t all they seem to be. Sometimes, stores raise prices just before these events to make deals seem more attractive. It's not allowed, but it happens. So, if you can, don't wait around for big sales days. Instead, buy refurbished with Back Market, where there are guaranteed deals year-round. 

These are only a few shopping tips you can keep in mind when getting ready to buy a new, used, or refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. But even keeping only these in mind can save you money.

Why choose refurbished 

When you choose to buy refurbished, you are, of course, getting a deal, considering prices are usually significantly reduced, but this isn’t the only benefit. By purchasing a professionally refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, you’re also doing your part for the environment. 

At Back Market, we care about the planet — after all, we need it to survive. Our refurbished tech helps to reduce e-waste and resource depletion, and by buying from us, you’re helping with this, too. 

You also get a professionally tested, cleaned, and restored device with our stamp of approval for premium functionality that comes with a guarantee and a warranty.

For more information on the benefits of buying refurbished vs. new, check out our guide: New vs. Refurbished.

Trade in your old tech and choose a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Our trade-in program isn’t only for the penny pinchers; it's for everyone who wants to benefit from cashback that can be used towards a new refurbished device like a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Back Market’s trade-in program is simple and easy to complete. 

We offer real-time pricing and free shipping, which also helps to offset costs. So, speak to us to learn more about it and how to use your cash or credit towards newer tech that you’ll enjoy. 

Prices of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Final thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is still one of the best phones on the market. It might not be everyone's cup of tea with its newer design, quirky colors, and somewhat disappointing software upgrade, but its camera, display, battery life, and performance are showstoppers. 

So, if you’re considering this device and are ready to hit “buy”, have a look at the Back Market marketplace. We offer quite a few of these for varying prices that might suit your pocket.