Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: There's three years between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy S26, so the Galaxy S26 is ahead on most things. Storage goes higher on the S26, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 209g. Coming from the S23 FE, the S26 is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £210 SIM-free.
11 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.6 11 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 403 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2200 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 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 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 209 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £209.99 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 403 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200, 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 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 42g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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.