Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2026?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra still offers useful cameras and an S Pen. Here is when its used price, condition and remaining support make it worth buying.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is old enough to be much cheaper than a new flagship, but still interesting enough to deserve a serious look. Its camera options and built-in S Pen give it more to offer than the word “used” might suggest.
Yes, I would consider buying it in 2026, provided the price leaves a worthwhile saving and the actual phone is in good condition. I would be much less enthusiastic about a unit priced close to a newer Ultra.
| Buying question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | Worth considering when clean and substantially cheaper than a newer Ultra |
| US used reference | About $478 average for unlocked 256GB |
| Rear camera advantage | Separate 3x and 10x optical telephoto cameras |
| Display / pen | 6.8 inches; built-in S Pen |
| Regular security updates | Currently on Samsung’s monthly list |
| Main compromise | Older battery and less remaining support than a new model |
The cameras are still a strong reason to consider it
You get a 200MP main camera alongside separate 3x and 10x optical telephoto cameras. That gives the S23 Ultra a useful range of perspectives for portraits, distant subjects and product details.
The value is in choosing an appropriate lens for the shot. A faraway subject in good light is a different challenge from a moving person indoors, so do not expect every zoom setting to work equally well in every scene.
For a used purchase, test each camera rather than only opening the app once. Check focus near and far, record while walking slowly and listen to the recorded audio. A damaged camera module can turn an attractive offer into an expensive repair.
Compare the hardware in our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specifications page.
The screen and S Pen still give it a purpose
The 6.8-inch display gives you plenty of room for reading, reviewing photos and making edits. The built-in S Pen is also a reason to choose this model if you use handwritten notes or more precise selection on screen.
It is a large phone, so think about comfort as well as features. Try one with a case before buying if you normally prefer compact devices. A bargain is less useful if you dislike carrying it every day.
Inspect the display on plain backgrounds at different brightness levels. Look for burn-in, coloured lines, dead areas and signs of an uneven replacement panel. Test the S Pen across the screen and check that it is included in the sale.
What should you pay in 2026?
The US listings checked for this guide started around $318, while the overall average was about $465. The average for an unlocked 256GB unit was approximately $478. Condition and seller terms can move an individual offer well above or below those figures.
I would use those prices as a starting point for comparison, not a rule that any phone below the average is a good deal. A clean unit with a return window can be worth more than a cheaper one with an unclear repair history.
Compare a newer Ultra at the same storage level before paying. If the gap is small, longer remaining support and a newer battery can justify moving up. If the gap is substantial, the S23 Ultra becomes much more attractive.
Battery condition matters more than the original number
Samsung equipped the S23 Ultra with a 5,000mAh battery and support for 45W wired charging. Several years later, the condition of that battery matters more than the number on the original specification sheet.
Ask about previous repairs and check for unusual heat, abrupt percentage drops and unreliable charging. A short inspection cannot prove perfect battery health, which is why a meaningful return period is useful.
If replacement is likely, get a local quote before buying. Add it to the phone price, along with delivery and tax, so you can compare the real cost with a newer device.
How much software support remains?
The Galaxy S23 series is still on Samsung's monthly security-update list at the time of writing. That makes its position different from the original Galaxy S21, which has left the regular list.
It is nevertheless a 2023 phone, so it does not have the same remaining support runway as a newly launched model. I recommend checking the current update schedule again when you buy, particularly if you plan to keep it for several more years.
For work use, make sure it meets the requirements of your employer's applications. A used flagship should be chosen for the support it still has ahead of it, as well as the features it already offers.
My verdict
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is still worth buying in 2026 when the condition is good and the saving against newer models is meaningful. Its camera range and S Pen give it a clear reason to remain on a budget-conscious flagship shortlist.
My priority would be an unlocked, properly tested unit with a return window. I would pay a little more for that confidence rather than chase the lowest listing.
Your questions answered
Is the Galaxy S23 Ultra suitable for content creation?
It can be, especially if you want several useful camera perspectives at a lower used price. Test the cameras and microphones, and budget for enough storage and reliable audio accessories.
Should I choose the cheapest available unit?
No. Condition, account and network status, repair history and returns matter. Add any likely battery or screen repair before comparing the full cost.
Is a $318 S23 Ultra automatically a bargain?
No. That is a low listing reference, not a promise of an unlocked, fully working unit. Check the screen, camera modules, battery, S Pen and return terms before comparing it with the roughly $478 unlocked 256GB average.