Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out on Display Size: 6.8 in, Display Resolution: 1440 × 3088 px, Display Pixel density: 501 PPI.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 counters with Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 512 GB, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 90%.
- Best value: Samsung Galaxy S26 (from $860) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 are closely matched
$1,199 at launch
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
77
Samsung Galaxy S26
74
Best value: Samsung Galaxy S26 ($860)
Where Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out
- Display Size: 6.8 in
- Display Resolution: 1440 × 3088 px
- Display Pixel density: 501 PPI
Where Samsung Galaxy S26 stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 512 GB
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 90%
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 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an S-Series flagship smartphone from Samsung Electronics, released in February 2023. It features improvements over previous models and includes support for a bundled stylus (1).
Best for photographyBest for productivityBest for flagship users
Pros
- Features a high-resolution main camera of 200 megapixels, which allows for better low-light photos and cropping without loss of resolution (4).
- Supports pressure sensitive stylus use, and the stylus tucks into the phone (2).
- Has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection (2).
- Includes multiple telephoto lenses: 3x, ultra-wide, and a 10x optical telephoto lens (4).
Cons
- The camera array design has visible rings that may collect dust (3).
- The performance of the 10x zoom varies, and close-up images or videos might not be as sharp as anticipated (4).
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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra5,000 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 UltraSamsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is 66 g (40%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy S26.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side