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 whether you want a more premium flagship experience or the safety of buying new.

Buy the used Samsung S23 Ultra if:

• You want the best hardware: it has a big 6.8-inch QHD+ display, a premium build, and an S Pen.
• You care about zoom and camera flexibility: the S23 Ultra has dedicated telephoto zoom lenses that the Pixel 8a can’t match.
• You want stronger performance: its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a higher-end chip and is better suited to heavy gaming and demanding use.

Buy the new Pixel 8a if:

• You want peace of mind: you get a brand-new battery, a full warranty, and lower risk of hidden wear or damage.
• You want longer software support: Google has promised 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 8a, which means support should run into 2031 if timelines stay on track.
• You prefer a smaller, easier phone: the 8a is much more compact and lighter than the S23 Ultra.

My quick take:

• Pick the S23 Ultra if you want the better phone on paper and are comfortable buying used.
• Pick the Pixel 8a if you want the safer buy and don’t need the Ultra’s big-screen, zoom, or S Pen extras.

If the used S23 Ultra is in excellent condition and priced well below the Pixel 8a, it can be the better value. If the used unit has battery wear, screen damage, or weak warranty/return protection, the Pixel 8a is the safer choice.

If you buy used, a reputable refurbisher or marketplace with a solid return policy and warranty is ideal; exact coverage varies by seller, so check the listing carefully before buying.