Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S24 Refurbished UK (2026): Which Should You Buy?

If you're shopping for a premium Samsung phone without paying current flagship prices, two models are likely to appear near the top of your shortlist: the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24.

They look remarkably similar, use excellent AMOLED displays, offer powerful performance, include triple rear cameras and support many of the same Samsung software features. That makes the decision harder than simply assuming that the newer Galaxy S24 must be better.

In this detailed Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S24 refurbished UK comparison, we'll look beyond model numbers and compare the differences that actually matter when spending your own money in 2026: price, display quality, performance, cameras, battery life, Galaxy AI, software support, storage, condition and long-term value.

Galaxy S23 vs S24: Specifications at a Glance

1. Price and Refurbished Value

This is arguably the most important part of the comparison.

The Galaxy S24 is newer, so it will normally command a premium over an equivalent Galaxy S23. But refurbished buying changes the equation because you're not simply comparing two RRPs.

You're comparing model, storage, cosmetic grade, battery condition and actual selling price at the same time.

That means a Pristine Galaxy S23 256GB can sometimes be a more attractive purchase than an S24 with less storage or more cosmetic wear.

For many refurbished-phone shoppers, this is where the Galaxy S23 becomes extremely compelling. Its core hardware remains flagship-grade while depreciation has had more time to reduce its price.

Browse refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones at Tech Market →

2. Display: The S24 Has the Advantage

Both phones have excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with smooth refresh rates of up to 120Hz, so neither feels like a budget handset.

The Galaxy S23 uses a compact 6.1-inch display, while the Galaxy S24 increases the screen slightly to 6.2 inches without dramatically increasing the overall size of the phone.

The more meaningful S24 advantage is brightness. Its newer display generation can become substantially brighter under suitable conditions, making outdoor viewing easier in strong daylight.

Which display should you choose?

Choose the S23 if you mainly care about getting an excellent OLED screen at the lowest cost.

Choose the S24 if outdoor visibility and having the newer display technology matter more to you.

The difference is noticeable, but it isn't large enough by itself to make a perfectly good S23 obsolete.

3. Performance: Both Are Still Very Fast

The Galaxy S23 launched with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy platform and remains a very powerful smartphone for everyday use.

Browsing, social media, photography, video streaming, navigation, multitasking and mobile gaming are all comfortably within its capabilities.

The Galaxy S24 moves to a newer processor generation, with exact chipset configuration varying by market. That gives the S24 more processing headroom and makes it the technically faster phone.

However, specifications and real-world buying decisions are not always the same thing.

Someone moving from a much older Galaxy, budget Android phone or mid-range handset is likely to find both phones extremely responsive.

4. Galaxy S23 vs S24 Camera

Camera specifications are one reason buyers should think carefully before paying a large premium for the newer model.

Both standard phones use a triple-camera arrangement built around a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

That means the S24 is not a complete camera-hardware reinvention.

Software processing, image optimisation and the newer processing platform can affect the final result, but the S23 remains a very capable photography phone.

For everyday photography

Both are excellent choices for family photos, holidays, pets, social media and everyday video.

For zoom

Both standard models include a dedicated telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, which is a useful advantage over phones that rely entirely on digital cropping.

Camera verdict

If photography is your only reason for upgrading from S23 to S24, the difference may not justify a large refurbished-price premium.

5. Battery Life: More Than the Capacity Number

The standard Galaxy S23 has a 3,900mAh typical battery, while the S24 increases this slightly to 4,000mAh.

A 100mAh difference alone shouldn't determine which refurbished phone you buy.

Processor efficiency, display behaviour, signal strength, apps, brightness, background activity and—especially with refurbished phones—the condition of the individual battery all affect real-world endurance.

6. Galaxy AI: Don't Buy the S24 for AI Alone

Galaxy AI was a major part of Samsung's original Galaxy S24 launch.

Features associated with Samsung's newer AI experience include tools such as Circle to Search, Live Translate, Photo Assist and other productivity or creative features.

However, this comparison is being made in 2026, not on the S24's original launch day.

Samsung has subsequently expanded Galaxy AI functionality to earlier premium Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S23 series.

So a shopper should not simply assume:

“S24 has AI, S23 doesn't.”

That is no longer an accurate way to compare them.

Specific AI functions can still depend on device, region, software version, Samsung account requirements and service availability, but the S23 has gained access to a substantial selection of Galaxy AI features.

7. Software Updates: This Is the S24's Biggest Advantage

If you plan to keep your next phone for a long time, this section matters more than a small benchmark difference.

Samsung made a major longevity commitment with the Galaxy S24 generation, promising seven generations of operating-system upgrades and seven years of security updates.

That gives the S24 a substantially longer potential software runway than the older S23 generation.

For someone replacing phones every two or three years, that advantage may never become particularly important.

But if you want to buy refurbished today and continue using the same handset deep into the future, the S24 is the safer long-term choice.

8. Storage: 128GB or 256GB?

Storage can change the value equation more than many buyers expect.

For general use, 128GB can be enough for apps, everyday photos, messaging and streaming.

But 256GB becomes increasingly useful if you:

Take lots of photos and video.

Download films, music or podcasts.

Play large mobile games.

Plan to keep the phone for several years.

Prefer keeping files locally rather than relying heavily on cloud storage.

This creates an important refurbished buying scenario:

9. Refurbished Condition Can Matter More Than Model Year

This is where shopping refurbished is different from comparing two brand-new phones.

Suppose your budget gives you a choice between:

A Galaxy S24 in a visibly worn cosmetic grade

or

A Galaxy S23 in Pristine condition with more storage.

The S24 isn't automatically the better purchase.

Think about how much you value appearance, storage and the price difference before prioritising the model number.

Pristine

Best for buyers who want the device to look as close to new as possible, with little to no noticeable cosmetic wear.

Very Good

A strong middle ground for customers who don't mind light cosmetic evidence of previous use in exchange for additional savings.

Good

Best for value-focused buyers who care more about functionality than keeping the phone cosmetically perfect.

Acceptable

Best for buyers prioritising price above appearance and who are comfortable with more obvious signs of previous use.

10. Galaxy S23 vs S24: Who Should Buy Which?

11. Should You Upgrade From a Galaxy S23 to an S24?

For most existing Galaxy S23 owners, probably not solely because the S24 exists.

The S24 has meaningful advantages, particularly its longer support commitment and improved display, but the S23 remains powerful and shares broadly similar core camera hardware.

Because Galaxy AI functionality has also expanded to the S23 generation, AI alone is a weaker reason to make a one-generation upgrade than it appeared at the S24's original launch.

The case for upgrading becomes much stronger if your existing S23 has battery problems, physical damage, insufficient storage or another issue that already makes replacement sensible.

12. Should You Upgrade From an Older Samsung?

This is where both phones become extremely interesting.

If you're coming from a considerably older Galaxy handset or a mid-range Android phone, either model can deliver a major improvement in performance, display smoothness, cameras and overall responsiveness.

The S23 is particularly attractive when your goal is getting a former flagship at a much lower refurbished price.

The S24 makes more sense when you're prepared to spend extra today to maximise the useful lifespan of the device.

13. Is a Refurbished Galaxy S23 Worth Buying in 2026?

Yes—for the right price, the Galaxy S23 remains one of the most compelling refurbished Samsung flagships.

Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy platform remains powerful, the AMOLED 120Hz screen is excellent, its triple-camera system is versatile, it supports 5G and many Galaxy AI capabilities have been added through software updates.

Its biggest weakness against the S24 isn't everyday performance. It is the newer phone's substantially longer software-support runway.

14. Is a Refurbished Galaxy S24 Worth Buying in 2026?

Yes—particularly for buyers who want to keep their next phone for a long time.

The S24 combines flagship performance with an improved display, a slightly larger typical battery and Samsung's much longer software-update commitment.

However, whether it represents better value than an S23 depends heavily on the price difference.

A small premium can be worthwhile. A very large premium makes the S23 considerably more tempting.

15. Our Final Verdict

There is no universal winner in the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S24 comparison because the best refurbished purchase depends on how long you intend to keep the device and how large the price difference is.

For many refurbished buyers, the Galaxy S23 is the value champion. It retains most of the qualities people actually want from a premium Samsung phone without requiring them to pay as much for the newer generation.

But buyers who prioritise longevity should take the S24 seriously. Samsung's extended update commitment fundamentally improves the long-term value proposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 still good in 2026?

Yes. The Galaxy S23 still offers powerful performance, a 120Hz AMOLED display, strong cameras, 5G and support for many modern Samsung software features. Its refurbished price can make it particularly attractive.

Is the Galaxy S24 much better than the S23?

Not in every area. The S24 improves the display, processing generation, battery capacity slightly and—most importantly—software longevity. The basic camera specifications remain very similar.

Does the Galaxy S23 have Galaxy AI?

Yes. Samsung expanded a selection of Galaxy AI features to the S23 series through software updates. Feature availability can vary by software version, model, region and service requirements.

Which has the better camera, S23 or S24?

The S24 benefits from newer processing and software improvements, but the core rear-camera specifications of the standard models are very similar. Both remain strong everyday camera phones.

Which is better value refurbished?

The Galaxy S23 will often provide better performance-per-pound. The Galaxy S24 becomes more attractive when its price premium is small or when long software support is a priority.

Should I buy a refurbished S23 256GB or S24 128GB?

Choose the S23 256GB if additional local storage and value are more important. Choose the S24 128GB if longer software support and newer hardware matter more to you.

Where can I buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy phone in the UK?

Tech Market stocks refurbished Samsung smartphones in different models, storage capacities and condition grades. Devices are professionally checked, with fast UK delivery and a 1-year warranty included.

Product prices, stock, colours and available condition grades can change. Always check the relevant Tech Market product page for current availability and specifications before purchasing.