Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Series UK: Buy S23, Plus & Ultra

If you want a compact one-handed flagship, buy the refurbished Galaxy S23. If you want a bigger screen and battery without paying for a stylus you won't use, buy the Galaxy S23+. If you shoot a lot of photos, take notes with a pen, or want the longest zoom available in this range, buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra. All three share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, so none of them feel slow next to each other — the differences that matter are screen size, battery, camera hardware, and whether you get an S Pen. The Tech Gadgets sells all three, fully refurbished and unlocked, across four condition grades, with a 12-month warranty and 30-day UK returns.

Shop Refurbished Galaxy S23 Series

Storage, colour and condition availability change as stock moves — the options above reflect what's currently listed. Check each product page for live stock and current pricing before ordering.

Refurbished Galaxy S23 Series Comparison

Samsung specifies the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 "for Galaxy" chipset across all three models worldwide, including UK units — unlike some earlier Galaxy S generations, there was no regional Exynos/Snapdragon split for the S23 series. All three also carry an IP68 water and dust resistance rating and launched running One UI 5.1 on Android 13.

The Tech Gadgets Galaxy S23 Buyer Match

• Choose the Galaxy S23 if you want the smallest, lightest phone in the range, mainly use one hand, and don't need a huge battery or telephoto zoom.
• Choose the Galaxy S23+ if you want a bigger 6.6" screen and noticeably longer battery life than the S23, but don't need the S Pen or the Ultra's extra zoom lens.
• Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want the built-in S Pen, the longest zoom range, the highest-resolution camera, and the largest battery — and don't mind paying more and carrying a bigger phone.

Which Refurbished Galaxy S23 Should You Buy?

For most buyers replacing an older phone, the standard Galaxy S23 is the easiest recommendation — it runs the same chipset as its larger siblings, so nothing about day-to-day speed is compromised, and its smaller size makes it easier to use one-handed and pocket comfortably. If you regularly stream video, game, or take a lot of photos and want a bigger canvas and more battery to match, step up to the Galaxy S23+. If photography, note-taking, or long-range zoom are non-negotiable, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the only phone in this range built for that — its 200MP camera, dual telephoto lenses and built-in S Pen aren't available on the other two models at any price.

Galaxy S23: Compact Flagship

Samsung specifies a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, built into a flat-edge aluminium frame. Inside, every Galaxy S23 sold worldwide — including UK units — runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset. The rear camera system is a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and 12MP ultrawide triple setup, backed by a 3,900mAh battery with 25W wired charging. The phone carries an IP68 rating and launched on One UI 5.1.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists the Galaxy S23 in Phantom Black, Cream, Graphite, Green, Lavender and Lime, across 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage, in Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair condition grades — all sold unlocked. View the current Galaxy S23 listing and price →

Galaxy S23+: The Balanced Choice

Samsung specifies a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also at 120Hz adaptive refresh with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, in the same flat-edge aluminium design language as the standard S23. The camera system is identical to the S23's: 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical), and 12MP ultrawide. The meaningful upgrade over the standard S23 is battery and charging — Samsung specifies a 4,700mAh cell with 45W wired fast charging, nearly double the S23's charging speed. Like the rest of the range it carries IP68 protection and shipped on One UI 5.1.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists the Galaxy S23+ in Green, Lime, Lavender, Cream, Phantom Black and Graphite, across 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage, in Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair condition grades, sold unlocked. View the current Galaxy S23+ listing and price →

Galaxy S23 Ultra: The Flagship With S Pen

Samsung specifies a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 120Hz adaptive refresh with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, built on an Armor Aluminum frame — not titanium, which Samsung introduced later with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The S23 Ultra is the only phone in this range with a built-in S Pen silo, and its Bluetooth-enabled Air Actions remote-control gestures carried over unchanged from the S22 Ultra — Samsung didn't remove S Pen Bluetooth features until the Galaxy S25 Ultra, two generations later, so this detail doesn't affect the S23 Ultra.

The rear camera is a four-lens system: a 200MP wide sensor, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom, backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging — the largest cell and highest-resolution camera in the S23 range. IP68-rated, and launched on One UI 5.1.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists the Galaxy S23 Ultra in Cream, Lime, Lavender, Phantom Black, Red, Graphite, Green and Sky Blue, across 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage (no 128GB tier is offered on this model), in Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair condition grades, sold unlocked. Whether the S Pen and original box contents are included with a specific unit is not confirmed on the product page — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if this matters to you. View the current Galaxy S23 Ultra listing and price →

Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus: Which Should You Buy?

The core difference is screen and battery. Samsung specifies a 6.1" display and 3,900mAh battery with 25W charging on the S23, versus a 6.6" display and 4,700mAh battery with 45W charging on the S23+ — roughly 20% more battery capacity and nearly double the charging speed for the larger phone. Camera hardware, chipset, refresh rate and build material are otherwise identical between the two. If pocketability and one-handed use matter more to you than screen size and battery runtime, buy the Galaxy S23. If you want more screen for video and browsing and don't want to think about charging as often, buy the Galaxy S23+.

Galaxy S23 Plus vs S23 Ultra: Which Should You Buy?

The S23+ and S23 Ultra are closer in screen size (6.6" vs 6.8") than either is to the standard S23, but the Ultra pulls ahead on camera and productivity hardware: a 200MP main sensor versus the S23+'s 50MP, a second telephoto lens giving 10x optical zoom versus the S23+'s single 3x lens, a larger 5,000mAh battery, and the built-in S Pen the S23+ doesn't have at all. If you don't take a lot of zoomed-in photos and have no interest in a stylus, the Galaxy S23+ gets you a very similar-sized phone for typically less than the Ultra. If camera range or the S Pen are important to you, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the only phone in this range that offers them.

Is the Galaxy S23 Ultra Worth the Extra Cost?

It depends entirely on whether you'll use what the Ultra adds. The jump from a single 50MP/10MP/12MP triple camera on the S23 and S23+ to a 200MP quad camera with dual telephoto lenses on the Ultra is a genuine, usable difference for anyone who photographs regularly, especially at a distance — the 10x periscope lens has no equivalent on the other two models. The built-in S Pen is similarly a feature you either use constantly or never touch. If neither photography range nor stylus input change how you'd actually use the phone day to day, the extra outlay over a Galaxy S23+ mainly buys a bigger battery and a slightly larger screen — worth comparing current prices on both listings before deciding.

Which Galaxy S23 Has the Best Camera?

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the most capable camera system in this range by a clear margin. Samsung specifies a 200MP main wide sensor on the Ultra versus 50MP on the standard S23 and S23+, and — more significantly for everyday use — a dual telephoto setup giving both 3x and 10x optical zoom, where the S23 and S23+ share a single 3x telephoto lens and no ultra-long-range option. The S23 and S23+ use the identical 50MP wide + 10MP telephoto (3x) + 12MP ultrawide triple camera and share the same image-processing pipeline, so there's no camera difference between those two models — only the Ultra pulls ahead.

Which Galaxy S23 Storage Size Should You Buy?

Confirmed storage tiers per model: the Galaxy S23 and S23+ are both offered in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; the Galaxy S23 Ultra is offered in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, with no 128GB option. Use this as a rough guide:

• 128GB (S23 / S23+ only): Fine for light users who stream rather than store — mostly messaging, browsing, social apps and a modest photo library.
• 256GB: A sensible middle ground for most buyers, with room for a larger photo and app library without regularly managing storage.
• 512GB: Suits heavier media users, anyone who records a lot of video, or keeps a large offline music or app library.
• 1TB (S23 Ultra only): Aimed at buyers who shoot extensively with the Ultra's 200MP camera or record a lot of 8K video, where file sizes add up quickly.

What Does Refurbished Mean at The Tech Gadgets?

Every Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra sold by The Tech Gadgets is a refurbished device, not new. Each unit is functionally tested before dispatch and sold unlocked across the four condition grades described below, backed by a 12-month warranty and 30-day UK returns. None of these listings are new-in-box Samsung stock — they are pre-owned devices that have been inspected, tested and graded before resale.

Refurbished Galaxy S23 Conditions Explained

The Tech Gadgets grades its refurbished Galaxy S23 phones into four tiers: Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair. In general terms, higher grades reflect fewer visible cosmetic marks, while lower grades may show more signs of previous use. The exact cosmetic criteria that separate each grade — for example, precisely what counts as a mark that drops a unit from Excellent to Very Good — are not published on the product pages. If the cosmetic condition of a specific grade matters to your decision, contact The Tech Gadgets at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444 before ordering rather than assuming.

Are These Galaxy S23 Phones Unlocked?

Yes. Every Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra sold by The Tech Gadgets is factory unlocked and sold SIM-free, compatible with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other UK and international networks. You won't need to request an unlock code or contact a previous network before using the phone on a new SIM.

What Comes With a Refurbished Galaxy S23?

Exact box contents are not confirmed on the product pages for any of the three models. Historically, Samsung shipped the S23 series without a charging brick in the box (only a USB-C cable), but what a specific refurbished unit includes — cable, SIM tool, original retail box, and on the Ultra, the S Pen — is not published and can vary by unit. Confirm exact contents with The Tech Gadgets at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444 before ordering if this affects your purchase decision.

What Battery Health Should You Expect?

Battery health percentage is not published per listing for any of the three models. The Tech Gadgets' 12-month warranty explicitly excludes battery issues, so a battery health figure is not guaranteed as part of your purchase. If a minimum battery health percentage matters to you, ask The Tech Gadgets to confirm the figure for your specific unit before you order, rather than assuming a number.

Is a Refurbished Galaxy S23 Still Worth Buying?

The Galaxy S23 series launched in February 2023 and is now an older generation next to Samsung's current lineup, so it's worth going in with clear expectations rather than treating it as a current flagship. On software, Samsung's own support documentation confirms the S23 series is eligible for four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates in total — meaning security patches are scheduled to continue through roughly 2028. On hardware, the hardware itself hasn't changed since launch: the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, displays and camera systems that made these phones flagships in 2023 are still genuinely capable today. Whether it's "worth it" mostly comes down to price relative to a newer Galaxy S24 or S25 series phone — worth comparing directly before you decide.

Why Buy a Refurbished Galaxy S23 Instead of New?

The most obvious reason is price — refurbished flagship phones are typically available for meaningfully less than an equivalent device bought new, though The Tech Gadgets doesn't publish a fixed saving percentage, and the actual gap depends on condition grade, storage and current pricing at the time you buy. Beyond price, buying refurbished from The Tech Gadgets gets you a functionally tested, unlocked device backed by a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns — the same core buyer protections you'd expect from a new purchase, on a phone that's already had its early-life reliability issues (if any) surfaced and resolved during refurbishment.

How Much Does a Refurbished Galaxy S23 Cost?

Pricing varies by model, storage and condition grade, and changes over time, so rather than quoting figures that may be out of date by the time you read this, check the live price on each product page:

• Galaxy S23 — check current price
• Galaxy S23+ — check current price
• Galaxy S23 Ultra — check current price

As a general pattern across this range, the standard S23 is the cheapest entry point, the S23+ sits above it, and the S23 Ultra — with its larger storage tiers and more advanced camera hardware — carries the highest price of the three, with 1TB Ultra units priced above the smaller storage tiers on the same model.

Where to Buy a Refurbished Galaxy S23 in the UK

Before buying a refurbished Galaxy S23 anywhere in the UK, check that the seller offers a written warranty period, a clear returns window, confirms the phone is unlocked, and states a defined condition-grading system rather than a vague "used" listing. The Tech Gadgets meets all four:

• Retailer: The Tech Gadgets, 01 Broughton Lane, Manchester, M8 9TY
• Warranty: 12 months, covering manufacturing defects and functional faults (battery issues, physical damage, water damage and electrical/short-circuit damage are excluded)
• Returns: 30 days from delivery — contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back
• Dispatch: Same-day dispatch on orders placed Monday to Friday before 3pm
• Contact: info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444

What to Check Before Buying

The Tech Gadgets Refurbished Galaxy S23 Buying Check:

1. Confirm which model you actually need — S23, S23+ or S23 Ultra — using the buyer match above.
2. Pick your storage tier based on how you actually use photos, video and apps, not just the largest number available.
3. Choose a condition grade that matches your tolerance for cosmetic wear — and ask The Tech Gadgets to clarify grading criteria if it's unclear.
4. If buying the S23 Ultra, confirm whether the S Pen is included with your specific unit before ordering.
5. Ask about battery health for your specific unit if a minimum percentage matters to you — it isn't published by grade.
6. Confirm exact box contents (cable, box, SIM tool) before ordering if that affects your decision.
7. Check current live pricing on the product page rather than relying on a screenshot or third-party listing.
8. Note the 12-month warranty exclusions (battery, physical damage, water damage, electrical/short-circuit damage) so you know what isn't covered.
9. Keep the 30-day return window in mind and contact The Tech Gadgets first if you need to send the phone back.
10. Verify the phone is unlocked for your network if you're switching from a locked device — every unit here already is, but confirm your own SIM compatibility.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Refurbished Galaxy S23

1. Assuming the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a titanium frame — it doesn't. Samsung used Armor Aluminum on the S23 Ultra; titanium didn't arrive until the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
2. Assuming the standard S23 or S23+ comes with an S Pen — only the S23 Ultra has a built-in S Pen silo.
3. Assuming a specific S23 Ultra unit includes the S Pen in the box without checking — it's not confirmed on the product page.
4. Confusing the S23 and S23+ cameras as different — Samsung specifies an identical 50MP/10MP/12MP triple system on both.
5. Assuming all three models offer 128GB storage — the S23 Ultra doesn't; it starts at 256GB.
6. Assuming a "Fair" or "Very Good" grade means the phone is damaged or faulty — these are cosmetic condition tiers, not functional ratings; every unit is functionally tested before dispatch.
7. Expecting a guaranteed battery health percentage — none is published, and the warranty excludes battery issues.
8. Assuming the phone will arrive locked to a UK network — every unit sold here is unlocked.
9. Assuming a charging brick is included in the box — Samsung's own S23-series retail packaging dropped the charging adapter, and exact contents of a specific refurbished unit aren't published.
10. Buying on price alone without checking the warranty terms and what's excluded from cover.
11. Sending a phone back for return without contacting The Tech Gadgets first, which is required within the 30-day window.
12. Assuming the S23 series still gets unlimited future software updates — Samsung's own policy caps it at four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches.
13. Comparing S23-series prices against the newer Galaxy S24 or S25 series without checking the spec differences first, since the gap in price may or may not reflect a proportional gap in features.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra?

Screen size (6.1" / 6.6" / 6.8"), battery capacity (3,900mAh / 4,700mAh / 5,000mAh), and camera hardware — the S23 and S23+ share an identical triple camera, while the Ultra has a more advanced 200MP quad camera with dual telephoto lenses and a built-in S Pen the other two don't have.

Is the Galaxy S23 Ultra's frame titanium?

No. Samsung specifies an Armor Aluminum frame for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung introduced titanium frames starting with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, one generation later.

Does the Galaxy S23 or S23+ have an S Pen?

No. Only the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a built-in S Pen silo. The standard S23 and S23+ don't support S Pen input at all.

Did Samsung remove S Pen Bluetooth features on the S23 Ultra?

No. The S23 Ultra's S Pen retains the same Bluetooth-enabled Air Actions gestures as the S22 Ultra. Samsung didn't drop S Pen Bluetooth features until the Galaxy S25 Ultra, two generations later.

What chipset does the Galaxy S23 series use?

Samsung specifies the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset across the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra worldwide, including UK units — there was no regional Exynos version of the S23 series.

Is the Galaxy S23 Ultra's camera really 200MP?

Yes. Samsung specifies a 200MP main wide sensor on the S23 Ultra, alongside a 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical) and 10MP periscope telephoto (10x optical) lens.

What storage sizes are available on each Galaxy S23 model?

The Galaxy S23 and S23+ are offered in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is offered in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, with no 128GB option.

Are these Galaxy S23 phones unlocked?

Yes, every Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra sold by The Tech Gadgets is factory unlocked and works with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other UK or international SIMs.

Is a refurbished Galaxy S23 new or used?

It's refurbished, not new. Each unit is a previously owned device that has been functionally tested and cosmetically graded before resale.

What condition grades does The Tech Gadgets use?

Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair. Exact cosmetic criteria for each grade are not published — contact The Tech Gadgets if this matters to your decision.

What warranty comes with a refurbished Galaxy S23?

A 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults. Battery issues, physical damage, water damage and electrical/short-circuit damage are excluded.

What is the return policy?

30 days from delivery. Contact The Tech Gadgets before sending the phone back.

Does the Galaxy S23 series support 5G?

Yes, all three models support 5G alongside 4G, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Is the Galaxy S23 series waterproof?

All three models carry an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, Samsung's highest consumer rating, though this refers to resistance under specific lab conditions rather than a guarantee against all water damage — and The Tech Gadgets' warranty explicitly excludes water damage.

How long will the Galaxy S23 series receive software updates?

Samsung's own support documentation states the S23 series is eligible for four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates in total, extending security support to roughly 2028.

Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra come with the S Pen included?

The S23 Ultra has a built-in S Pen silo, but whether the S Pen is included with a specific refurbished unit is not confirmed on the product page — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering.

What's the battery health on a refurbished Galaxy S23?

Not published per listing. The 12-month warranty excludes battery issues, so ask The Tech Gadgets to confirm battery health for your specific unit if this matters to you.

How fast does each Galaxy S23 model charge?

Samsung specifies 25W wired charging on the S23, and 45W wired charging on both the S23+ and S23 Ultra.

Should I buy a Galaxy S23 or wait for a newer Galaxy S24 or S25?

That depends on budget and how much the newer camera, software and (on the S24/S25 Ultra) titanium-frame improvements matter to you. Compare The Tech Gadgets' refurbished Galaxy S24 series guide and refurbished Galaxy S25 series guide against current S23 pricing before deciding.

Was there a Galaxy S23 FE?

Samsung released a Galaxy S23 FE as a separate, later mid-range device rather than as part of the original three-model S23 flagship launch. The Tech Gadgets' Galaxy S23-series range covers the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra only.

Final Word: Which Refurbished Galaxy S23 Should You Buy?

Start with the standard Galaxy S23 if compact size is your priority, move up to the Galaxy S23+ for a bigger screen and battery at a similar size to the Ultra, or go straight for the Galaxy S23 Ultra if the S Pen and long-range camera are must-haves. Browse the full range in the refurbished Samsung phones collection, or see everything The Tech Gadgets stocks in mobile phones. If you're comparing generations, read our guides to the refurbished Galaxy S24 series and refurbished Galaxy S25 series, or the refurbished iPhone 15 series, refurbished iPhone 13 series and refurbished OnePlus 12/13 guides. Before ordering, check the warranty policy and refund policy, or get in touch via the contact page, email info@thetechgadgets.co.uk, or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444.