Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G SM-S918W Review

A former flagship now at a mid-range price. The stunning 6.8-inch display and built-in S Pen are huge wins, but battery life is just okay and you're buying renewed. Worth it for stylus fans and big-screen lovers who don't need the latest chip.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse phone that's now hitting the refurbished market at a much more palatable price. It's got that massive, gorgeous 6.8-inch screen, a camera system that can zoom to the moon, and the unique built-in S Pen. For under $500, you're getting what was Samsung's absolute flagship just a couple of years ago.

But here's the catch: our database shows this is a renewed model, which means condition can vary. The specs are still top-tier, but you're buying into Samsung's older generation, and some compromises come with the refurbished territory.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM still hold up incredibly well. Apps fly open, and gaming is smooth on that 120Hz display. Our benchmarks put its raw performance in the 74th percentile, which is still very strong. The 5000mAh battery is big, but its efficiency scores land in the 39th percentile, meaning you might not get the all-day endurance you'd hope for from a phone this size, especially if you're pushing that display.

At $456 renewed, the value proposition is interesting. You're getting near-flagship specs for almost half the original price. That's a great deal if you prioritize raw screen size, the S Pen, and zoom camera capabilities over having the absolute latest chip. Just go in with your eyes open about potential cosmetic wear and battery health.

Compared to a new mid-ranger like the OnePlus 15, you're trading a newer processor and likely better battery life for a far superior display and the S Pen. Against a renewed iPhone, you're getting more customization and that stylus, but likely less consistent software support. The Google Pixel 10 will smoke it in computational photography and software updates, but can't touch its zoom range or built-in stylus. It's a niche play.

Skip this if you need a rugged phone or pristine condition. Our data shows its ruggedness scores are terrible (23rd percentile), and renewed models often have cosmetic flaws. Also, look elsewhere if you prioritize class-leading battery life or the absolute best point-and-shoot camera—newer Pixels and iPhones have it beat there.

Buy this if you're a power user who craves a massive screen for media, needs the S Pen for notes or sketches, and wants pro-level camera zoom without paying four figures. It's a spec beast that's aged gracefully, especially at this price.