Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus stands out on Display Size: 6.6 in, Design & Weight Dimensions: 7.62 × 15.78 × 0.76 cm, Power & Battery Battery capacity: 4,700 mAh.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 counters with Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 512 GB, Display Pixel density: 411 PPI.
- Best value: Samsung Galaxy S26 (from $860) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 are closely matched
$999 at launch
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
77
Samsung Galaxy S26
74
Best value: Samsung Galaxy S26 ($860)
Where Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus stands out
- Display Size: 6.6 in
- Design & Weight Dimensions: 7.62 × 15.78 × 0.76 cm
- Power & Battery Battery capacity: 4,700 mAh
Where Samsung Galaxy S26 stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 512 GB
- Display Pixel density: 411 PPI
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is an older generation flagship smartphone series released in 2023. It features a large display and was known for being relatively comfortable to hold compared to some other models.
Best for general useBest for media consumption
Pros
- Features a dynamic AMOLED display that gets up to 1750 nits of brightness
- Possesses wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities
- Includes a triple camera setup
- Offers 8K video capability on the back camera and 4K at 60fps on both front and back cameras
Cons
- Peak brightness (1750 nits) may be less than newer phones offering up to 3,000 nits
- The device's zoom capability is noted to only do 3x zoom compared to competitors with higher zoom ranges
Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium, compact smartphone running Android 16 with One UI 8.5, tailored for users who prefer a smaller form factor. Depending on the region, it is powered by either the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the 2nm Samsung Exynos 2600 processor. It features a remarkably slim 7.2mm profile, a 167-gram lightweight body, and a 4300 mAh battery.
Best for Gamers who want top-tier processing power in a smaller, highly portable sizeBest for Buyers looking for an ultra-slim, lightweight flagship phone that easily fits in
Pros
- Extremely thin and lightweight design measuring 7.2 mm in depth and weighing 167 grams
- Excellent processing and gaming performance powered by next-generation chipsets
- Equipped with modern Wi-Fi 7 support for fast wireless connectivity
Cons
- Subpar battery endurance that struggles to survive a full day of regular use
- Wired charging speeds are limited to a relatively slow 25W
- Unchanged camera hardware that can struggle when photographing moving subjects
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S26
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus4,700 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S264,300 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Samsung Galaxy S23 PlusSamsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is 29 g (17%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy S26.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side