Samsung Galaxy S23 Phantom Black 128GB

The Galaxy S23 is a pocketable powerhouse with a great camera and a 120Hz screen that feels premium. Just don't expect marathon battery life, and play the open-box lottery carefully.

What surprised us is how zippy this phone still feels. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 might not be the newest chip, but it chews through everyday tasks, gaming, and app switching without breaking a sweat. 8GB of RAM keeps things smooth, and the 120Hz display makes scrolling feel instant. Camera performance lands above average in our database, thanks to a solid 50MP main sensor and a real 3x telephoto that most mid-rangers lack. The weak spot? That 3900mAh battery. It's mediocre, barely making it through a full day with heavy use. If you're out late, bring a charger.

Against the Apple iPhone 17, the S23 wins on compact size and price, but Apple's video quality and longer software support tip the scales for content creators. The Google Pixel 10 Pro often costs less and gives you cleaner Android and smarter photo processing, but its processor can't match the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. If sheer speed and a zoom lens matter more than pure camera smarts, the S23 is your pick. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is bigger, flashier, and more rugged, but it feels bulkier and won't run circles around this little Galaxy for everyday tasks.

The price spread here is wild, from $304 to $598 across vendors. If you can grab one under $350, it's a steal for the performance you get. Once you creep above $500, you're competing with brand-new Galaxy S24 deals or even refurbs of the S23+, so shop carefully. The sweet spot is the low end, and some retailers clearly have better pricing.

The Galaxy S23 is still one of the best compact phones you can buy, especially at open-box prices. It packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile triple-camera system into a body that weighs just 168g and slips easily into any pocket. Don't let the 2023 release date fool you. This phone still feels like a flagship for anyone who values one-handed use and doesn't need bleeding-edge specs. The biggest thing to know? At under $350 from some vendors, it's an incredible deal. At $600, you're better off looking at newer models.

If you're clumsy or spend weekends outdoors, skip this. The S23's ruggedness is terrible, and a single drop might ruin your day. Go for something with a more durable build like a Galaxy S23+ with a heavy case, or a dedicated rugged phone if you're really hard on gear. Also, if you absolutely need 256GB or more, the base storage won't cut it, look for the S23 Ultra or a newer model.

If you want a small, powerful Android phone and don't mind a battery that needs daily charging, the open-box Galaxy S23 is a fantastic buy. The cameras are genuinely great for a compact phone, the screen is beautiful, and the performance is still top-notch. Just keep your expectations realistic on battery life, and maybe buy a portable charger. For under $350, it's one of the best little flagships around.