Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: You'll pay £307.84 less overall on contract with the Samsung Galaxy S23 than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. On the screen front, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ pulls ahead with 6.7" and 513 PPI. You'll barely notice the Samsung Galaxy S23 in your pocket at 167g. For those who prefer to buy upfront, the Samsung Galaxy S23 starts from £194.99 unlocked.
11 reviews 4.0
9 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S23
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Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.0 9 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 513 |
| 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) |
| 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 | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP 68 |
| Contracts |
£20.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£609.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £194.99 | £989.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
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 £557.96 over the life of the deal from £20.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 422, 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 £194.99.
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 — it's 23g 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 S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.
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.