Should I buy a used Samsung S23 Ultra or a new Pixel 8a?

Choosing between a used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and a new Google Pixel 8a mostly comes down to flagship hardware vs. new-device peace of mind.

Pick the used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want:

• A much more premium phone overall: bigger 6.8-inch display, built-in S Pen, and better multitasking features.
• Stronger battery and faster charging: the S23 Ultra has a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging, which is faster than the Pixel 8a.
• More zoom flexibility: it has a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto system, including 10x optical zoom.

Pick the new Pixel 8a if you want:

• A fresh battery and warranty: buying new is safer than buying used, especially for battery health.
• Longer software support: the Pixel 8a is the better bet if you care about getting updates for longer.
• A smaller, easier-to-hold phone: the 6.1-inch size is much easier to use one-handed.

My short take

• Choose the S23 Ultra if the used price is good and you want the best hardware value.
• Choose the Pixel 8a if you want lower risk, newer software support, and a phone that’s simpler to live with.

If you do buy the S23 Ultra used, make sure it’s from a reputable seller and check battery health, screen condition, and return policy before keeping it.