Flagship phones age better than people expect. The Samsung Galaxy S23+ launched as a premium device, and in 2026 a renewed unit of the same phone offers the bulk of that flagship experience at a price that fits a mid range budget. This particular listing is the US version in green with 256GB of storage, and it is a renewed unit intended for the AT&T network. I used the S23+ as my daily phone for two weeks, testing the display, battery, cameras, performance, and the realities of buying a renewed device. This review covers whether the S23+ still deserves attention in a market crowded with newer models.
Before the details, the standard disclosure. This article contains affiliate links, and if you buy through one of them cosmoniq.com earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. That commission never changes what I test or what I recommend.
Design and Build
The Galaxy S23+ keeps the refined design language that defined this generation of Samsung phones. The flat aluminum frame meets two panels of Gorilla Glass, and the green color of this unit is subtle and classy, catching light without shouting. The phone is large at 6.6 inches, but the slim bezels keep the body manageable, and the rounded corners make it comfortable to hold for long stretches.
The renewed unit I received was in clean condition. There were a few very light marks around the USB port that suggested previous use, but the screen, back panel, and frame were free of scratches, and the phone arrived with a fresh screen protector applied. Renewed condition varies by unit, so buyers should expect cosmetic variation, but the core hardware in my unit was solid.
The physical controls follow Samsung convention: volume rocker and power button on the right edge, USB-C on the bottom, and a clean unmarked back panel. The phone supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, and the frame houses the full camera array that dominates this generation. Everything is IP68 water resistant, which means a drop in a puddle is recoverable, and the renewed unit retained that rating on the exterior, though renewed phones should not be trusted as fully sealed as new units.
Key Features
The display is the first thing you notice. The 6.6 inch Dynamic AMOLED panel runs at 120Hz, and in daily use it is bright, sharp, and smooth. Scrolling feels effortless, outdoor visibility is excellent, and the adaptive refresh rate keeps the experience fluid while managing power.
Under the hood sits the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the flagship chip of this generation. Two years on, it still handles demanding games, multitasking, and photo editing without breaking a sweat. Apps open instantly, background tasks stay alive, and there is none of the lag that plagues budget phones. For a renewed device, performance is a genuine strength rather than a compromise.
The camera system is the other headline feature. The 50 megapixel main sensor produces detailed, well exposed photos, the 12 megapixel ultrawide adds flexibility, and the 10 megapixel telephoto offers a 3x optical zoom. Night photography benefits from the larger sensor, and the front camera is strong for video calls and selfies. None of this is the latest generation, but the S23+ camera still ranks above most mid range phones sold today.
Real-World Performance
My two week test covered a typical mix of work, media, and photography. The screen was a constant pleasure, and the 120Hz panel made even mundane tasks feel responsive. Watching video on the AMOLED display is excellent, and the stereo speakers added enough volume and clarity that I rarely reached for headphones at home.
The battery held up impressively. The 4700mAh cell inside the S23+ routinely carried me through a full day of mixed use, and on lighter days I finished the evening with more than 30 percent remaining. Charging at 45 watts when wired and 15 watts wirelessly is not the fastest in 2026, but it is quick enough for most routines, and the phone charged from empty to full in about an hour with the right adapter.
Photography was the daily highlight. The main camera delivered crisp, colorful shots in daylight, and the telephoto lens captured details at distance that mid range phones cannot touch. Night mode surprised me with clean low light photos, and portrait mode produced natural background blur. The renewed unit's camera hardware showed no degradation in my testing, which is the key question for any refurbished phone.
The one caveat is the carrier situation. This unit is the AT&T version, which means it is carrier oriented rather than fully Unlocked. I was able to use it on an AT&T line without issue, but buyers on other carriers should confirm compatibility before purchase, because the AT&T version may not support every network cleanly. Renewed phones also carry the usual refurbishment caveats, so checking the return window and testing the unit early is wise. I would also add that buying renewed means accepting that you are not the first owner, which is a small mental adjustment for some people, but the savings can be substantial when a phone of this caliber is involved.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance still feels flagship fast
- Strong camera system with 3x telephoto
- Reliable all day battery life
- 256GB of storage in a comfortable size
- Renewed price undercuts current mid range phones
Cons:
- AT&T oriented, so carrier compatibility needs checking
- Renewed condition varies between units
- Charging speeds trail 2026 flagships
- No expandable storage slot
How It Compares
I compared the renewed S23+ against its newer sibling, the S23, and the larger S23 Ultra to show where each fits in 2026.
| Feature | S23+ (Renewed) | S23 | S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.6 inch 120Hz | 6.1 inch 120Hz | 6.8 inch 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Battery | 4700mAh | 3900mAh | 5000mAh |
| Telephoto | 3x zoom | 3x zoom | Up to 10x optical |
| Stylus | No | No | Built in S Pen |
| Price point | Mid range | Lower | Premium |
The S23 is smaller and cheaper, but its 3900mAh battery is noticeably weaker. The S23 Ultra adds the S Pen and a far more powerful zoom, but it costs significantly more and its size is not for everyone. The S23+ sits in the middle as the best balance of screen, battery, and price, which makes the renewed version an especially attractive value. For most people the S23+ covers everything a phone needs, and it saves money that can go elsewhere.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the renewed S23+ if you want a big, bright display and all day battery without paying flagship prices, if you are happy on the AT&T network, if you take photos seriously but do not need the Ultra's zoom, or if you want a large phone that still fits in one hand.
Skip it if you need an unlocked phone for any carrier, if a compact device is more important than battery life, or if you must have the latest camera hardware and charging speed. For anyone comfortable with the carrier and the renewed condition, this is a lot of phone for the money. You can check the current price of the Galaxy S23+ on Amazon when you are ready.
How We Test
I used the renewed S23+ as my primary phone for two weeks, covering calls, messaging, web browsing, streaming, gaming, and daily photography. I measured battery life across mixed days, tested the display indoors and in direct sunlight, and verified the camera across daylight, night, and portrait scenarios.
I did not benchmark the processor with synthetic tools, and battery results depend on apps, brightness, and usage, so your results may vary. Renewed unit condition also varies between sellers, so I recommend testing yours within the return window. I did verify that the phone took a full charge cycle, held it through a weekend of light use, and never warned about storage, which gave me confidence in the specific unit I received. For independent analysis of the S23+ when it launched, The Verge reviewed the Galaxy S23+ in detail. The Galaxy S23+ renewed listing on Amazon shows the current price and condition grading.
Samsung Galaxy S23+: Questions People Ask
Is this Galaxy S23+ unlocked or locked to AT&T?
This listing is the AT&T version, so the phone is intended for use on the AT&T network, and you should confirm your carrier compatibility before purchase.
What does renewed mean for condition?
Renewed phones are inspected, cleaned, and tested by the seller, and this unit arrived with light cosmetic wear but full function in every feature we checked.
Does the renewed phone come with a warranty?
Renewed listings typically include a limited warranty from the seller, and the specific coverage and return window are shown on the Amazon listing page.
How is the battery on a renewed unit?
Battery condition varies by unit, but ours held a full day of mixed use, and we recommend testing battery health within the return window.
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