Samsung Galaxy A26 vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is £271.16 less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S23. It's a split on display: the Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger 6.7" panel, but the Samsung Galaxy S23 is denser at 422 PPI. At just 167g, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more pocket-friendly option. If splashes worry you, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers the stronger seal at IP68.

Expert Rating
3.6
5 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.1"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
385 422
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
5nm Exynos 1280 Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android Android 13
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight
200 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£29.00 upfront) £20.99/mo (£39.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£239.00 £194.99
Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23
Expert Rating 3.6
5 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.1"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 385 422
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset 5nm Exynos 1280 Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android Android 13
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight 200 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £11.95/mo
£29.00 upfront
£20.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
SIM-free £239.00 £194.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S23 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £286.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £194.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is powered by the 5nm Exynos 1280 , while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two — it's 33g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.