Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: There's three years between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so the Galaxy S26 Ultra is ahead on most things. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and there's more battery in the S26 Ultra, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.4" and sharper at 498 PPI, and the S26 Ultra goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. The S26 Ultra is the better phone; upgrade from the S23 FE if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £210 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.6 11 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 403 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2200 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 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 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 209 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £209.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200, 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 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 5g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, 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 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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.