Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Over a full contract, the S23 5G works out around £544 all-in, about £56 less than the S26.
11 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£20.00/mo
£179.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £209.00 | £645.05 |
| Prices updated 16 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £544.00 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (167 grams vs 167 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.