👍 Pros
- Durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back provides robust physical protection.
- The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1750 nits peak brightness offers a vibrant and fluid visual experience.
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while not the newest, still offers strong performance for most applications in 2026.
- Long-term software support with up to Android 17 (One UI 8.5) ensures continued security and feature updates.
- The main camera's 50 MP sensor with OIS and dual pixel PDAF is capable of producing detailed images with good focus.
👎 Cons
- The 1080p display resolution is a noticeable compromise compared to the QHD+ panels common in newer flagships.
- Lack of a microSD card slot limits storage expansion options.
- 8GB of RAM might be a bottleneck for demanding multitasking or future-proof performance in 2026.
- 45W wired charging is slower than many contemporary mid-range and flagship devices.
- The selfie camera, while competent, lacks unique features or higher resolution found in some modern alternatives.
Expert Review & Rating
Market Position in 2026
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ positions itself as a strong contender in the used and refurbished market. Its hardware, while not cutting-edge, still provides a capable experience that can rival many new budget and mid-range devices.
The Compromises
The primary compromise on the Galaxy S23+ is its 1080p display resolution; while vibrant, it lacks the pixel density of newer flagships. The 8GB of RAM, while sufficient for many users, might feel constrained for heavy multitasking or future demanding applications. Additionally, the 45W wired charging is slower than many devices released in the current year, meaning longer charge times. The absence of a microSD card slot is a notable limitation for users who require expandable storage. Finally, the design, while durable, is now two generations old, and some users might prefer a more modern aesthetic.
Performance & Daily Usage
Given the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Galaxy S23+ delivers competent performance for most daily tasks in 2026. UI responsiveness should remain fluid for standard navigation and app usage. For gaming, the Adreno 740 GPU can still handle a wide array of titles at respectable frame rates, though it may not sustain peak performance in the most graphically intensive games over extended periods. Thermal management, based on the 4nm chipset, should be efficient enough to prevent significant throttling during typical use. The 4700 mAh battery capacity, combined with the efficient processor, suggests reliable all-day endurance for average users.
The Best Features
The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a significant asset, offering a bright, color-accurate, and fluid visual experience thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate and 1750 nits peak brightness. This translates to excellent outdoor visibility and smooth interactions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, despite being two years old, provides a robust foundation for application performance and gaming, ensuring the phone remains snappy. The main camera system, with its 50 MP OIS-equipped sensor, 3x optical zoom telephoto, and ultrawide lens, offers considerable versatility and image quality for diverse shooting scenarios. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both sides contributes significantly to the device’s longevity and durability, making it a resilient option for long-term ownership.
Buying Advice
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is a pragmatic choice for users seeking a durable and capable smartphone on the used market in 2026, particularly those prioritizing display quality and camera versatility over cutting-edge processing power. However, users demanding the absolute latest in display resolution, charging speeds, or maximum RAM configurations should explore newer mid-range or flagship alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, for the right user. On the used or refurbished market, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, excellent display, and capable camera system still offer a strong value proposition. It remains a viable option for those seeking a reliable device without the premium price of a new flagship.
Based on its hardware, the 50 MP main sensor with its f/1.8 aperture and 1.0µm pixels, combined with OIS, suggests competent low-light performance for a 2023 device. However, it may not match the advanced computational photography and larger sensors found in 2026's dedicated low-light camera phones, which often feature enhanced noise reduction and light gathering capabilities.