8.1GetLow score
Is the Galaxy S23 worth buying?
A compact 2023 flagship with excellent cameras and a slightly bigger battery than the S22 it replaced.
Best bits
- Compact, pocketable 6.1-inch size
- Fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip
- Genuine 3x optical zoom camera
- Premium IP68 build with long updates
Watch-outs
- 3900mAh battery is still only average
- 25W charging is slow by 2026 standards
- No expandable storage
- Small screen won't suit media lovers
2026 buyer guide
Samsung Galaxy S23 in 2026
The Galaxy S23 keeps the pocketable size but upgrades to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a larger battery, making it a strong compact refurbished pick.
Live price position Judge the Galaxy S23 by today's whole-contract price
GetLow currently checks 13 Galaxy S23 contract offers across 1 retailer and 2 networks. The market starts at £15.00 a month, £9.00 upfront and £553.16 in total after currently stated promotional savings.
Those headline floors can come from different deals. Keep monthly price, upfront cost, data, storage, term and condition tied to one listing before deciding which offer is genuinely cheapest.
Monthly pricesFrom £15.00
Upfront pricesFrom £9.00
Total contract costFrom £553.16
Current conditionEvery current offer is listed as refurbished, so compare the stated condition, warranty and total cost.
Live model price comparison How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 price compare with nearby phones?
This table uses the reviewed phone plus up to four nearby alternatives by current lowest total contract cost. Monthly price, data, total cost and condition remain attached to the same cheapest-total listing for each phone.
Read each difference against the bold Galaxy S23 baseline. A cheaper row shows the whole-contract saving; a dearer row shows the additional amount currently needed to step up.
Build your own phone comparison Select any three phones and compare them side by side
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is selected first. Change any selector to compare it with two other current phones from Samsung, or with the wider market when fewer than three Samsung models are available.
Every price card keeps monthly cost, upfront payment, total cost, data, contract length and condition attached to the same live listing. The specification table then shows the hardware differences that may justify paying more.
Flagship power in a small body
At 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm and 168g the Galaxy S23 is refreshingly compact in a world of giant phones, with a premium glass and aluminium build and IP68 protection. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X runs at 120Hz and looks superb.
Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip with 8GB of RAM keeps everything fast, and the phone's long update commitment makes a refurbished S23 a smart, future-proof buy.
Strong cameras, a slightly bigger battery
The camera trio — a 50MP main, a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 12MP ultrawide, plus a 12MP selfie — beats most mid-range phones, especially for zoomed shots and portraits.
The 3900mAh battery is a small step up from the S22 and comfortably lasts a day of moderate use, though heavy users may still want a top-up. Charging is a modest 25W wired and 15W wireless.
Who should buy it on contract?
The Galaxy S23 is for anyone who wants flagship cameras and a genuinely compact phone without the latest price. Bought refurbished or Like New on a UK contract it is excellent value; compare total cost on GetLow.
New and refurbished buying checks Protect the saving before you order
Every current offer is listed as refurbished, so compare the stated condition, warranty and total cost. A low price is only good value when the condition, storage, warranty, returns terms and battery policy suit what you expect to receive.
Use total contract cost after any stated code as the first comparison, then check data and storage on the same basis. Availability can change as retailers update stock.
- Confirm whether the selected listing is new or refurbished.
- Check the exact storage and colour before leaving GetLow.
- Read the warranty, returns and refurbished battery terms.
- Compare the total contract cost rather than monthly price alone.
Who it suits
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 right for you?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
Buy it if you want a compact flagship with a 3x zoom camera at a bargain refurbished price.
Choose another phone if
Skip it if you want a big screen or the longest battery life.
Colours and images
Galaxy S23 is available in Cream. Pick the colour you can live with for the full contract, not just the launch-week favourite.
Phantom Black
Phantom Black gives the Galaxy S23 a different feel without changing the deal comparison underneath.
Which storage should you buy?
Samsung Galaxy S23 storage options include 128GB. The live cards show capacities currently found in GetLow deals. Start with the smallest suitable option for lighter use, then step up if you keep lots of photos, video, games or offline apps.
128GBAvailable from £15.00/mo
Full Galaxy S23 specs
These are the buyer-facing specs that matter most when comparing contract deals.
| Display | 6.1 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2340 |
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| Refresh rate | Up to 120Hz |
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| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
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| Rear camera | 50MP wide + 10MP telephoto (3x) + 12MP ultrawide |
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| Front camera | 12MP |
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| Operating system | Android (One UI) |
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| Storage | 128GB |
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| Colours | Cream |
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| Battery | 3,900mAh battery |
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| Charging | 25W wired / 15W wireless |
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| Size | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
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| Weight | 168g |
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| Durability | IP68 |
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Specifications come from GetLow catalogue and retailer data. Contract prices and availability are checked from current in-stock GetLow listings.
Keep comparing
Related Samsung phone guides
Galaxy S23 FAQs
Is the Galaxy S23 still getting updates in 2026?
Yes. Samsung's long update promise means the S23 stays secure and supported for years, so a refurbished model is viable well beyond a 24-month contract.
How big is the Galaxy S23?
It has a compact 6.1-inch screen and weighs just 168g — genuinely pocketable and easy to use one-handed, unlike most modern flagships.
Does the S23 have a zoom camera?
Yes, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, alongside a 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide — a strong camera system for its size.
How is the battery life?
The 3900mAh battery comfortably lasts a day of moderate use. Charging is a modest 25W wired and 15W wireless.
Does it support UK 5G?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 works on all major UK 5G networks for the fastest available data.
The verdict
The Galaxy S23 is a rare compact flagship: fast, well-built and armed with a proper 3x zoom camera, in a body that fits your hand. The battery and charging are its compromises, but bought refurbished it is superb value. Compare it on GetLow by total contract cost.
Ready to compare the Galaxy S23?See monthly price, upfront cost, storage, data and total contract cost in one place.
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