Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Over a full contract, the S23 5G works out around £544 all-in, about £396 less than the S26 Ultra.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £239.00 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 47g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.