Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Still Worth Buying in 2026?

Three years ago, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra launched as one of Samsung’s most powerful flagships, but with newer Galaxy S models and AI-focused features on the market, many buyers are asking the same question in 2026: is the Galaxy S23 Ultra still worth buying?

The short answer is yes; for the right person who are willing to sacrifice today’s technology for a device that can still handle some tasks. The long answer depends on performance needs, camera expectations, software support, and current pricing.

Performance in 2026: Still Flagship-Level

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a chipset that has aged extremely well. Even in 2026, it handles multitasking, gaming, photo editing, and AI-powered features without slowdowns.

For everyday use and even demanding apps, performance remains smooth. Unless you specifically need the latest on-device AI acceleration found in newer flagships, the S23 Ultra still feels fast and responsive.

Display Quality Remains Top-Tier

Samsung’s 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate is still among the best you can buy. Brightness, color accuracy, and sharpness remain excellent by 2026 standards.

The large screen also pairs perfectly with the S Pen, making the S23 Ultra ideal for note-taking, productivity, and media consumption.

Camera System: Still Excellent

The 200MP main camera continues to deliver detailed photos, strong dynamic range, and reliable low-light performance. While newer models offer improved AI processing, the S23 Ultra still produces flagship-quality images and videos.

The dual telephoto setup remains a standout feature, especially for zoom photography, which many newer phones still struggle to match.

S Pen and Productivity Advantage

One area where the Galaxy S23 Ultra continues to shine is productivity. The built-in S Pen offers features that no standard Galaxy S model provides.

From quick notes and document markup to precise photo editing and remote camera controls, the S Pen keeps the S23 Ultra uniquely useful even years after launch.

Software Support in 2026

Samsung committed to long-term software updates for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. In 2026, it still receives major Android updates and regular security patches.

This makes it a safer buy compared to older flagships that are nearing the end of their support cycle.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5,000mAh battery still delivers all-day usage for most users. While charging speeds are no longer cutting-edge, they remain practical for daily use.

Battery health depends on previous usage, so buying new or lightly used units is recommended.

FAQ

Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra still get updates in 2026?
Yes. It continues to receive major Android updates and security patches.

Is the camera still competitive in 2026?
Yes. While newer phones improve on AI processing, the S23 Ultra’s hardware remains excellent.

Is it good for gaming in 2026?
Yes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still handles modern games smoothly.

Should I buy it refurbished?
Refurbished units can be a great deal, but check battery health and warranty coverage.

Conclusion

So, is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra still worth buying in 2026? Absolutely—if you can get it at the right price. It still offers flagship performance, a top-tier display, excellent cameras, S Pen support, and solid software support.

For buyers who want premium Samsung features without paying full flagship prices, the Galaxy S23 Ultra remains one of the smartest choices in 2026.