Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
The S23 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £556 over a typical contract, £280 less than the S26+.
13 reviews 4.0
15 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 17 February 2023 | 11 March 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.2 13 reviews |
4.0 15 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) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 4,900 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 | 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
£19.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£579.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £209.00 | £814.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Samsung Galaxy S23
£20.99 a month, £19 upfront.
Monthly payment will increase to £22.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £24.59 on 1 April 2028.
Use code: SPOOKY10 (£10 off)
Samsung Galaxy S26+
£11.95 a month, £579 upfront.
No mid-contract price increases.
Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)
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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 £555.96 over the life of the deal from £20.99 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 6.7" 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 £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: 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.