Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S23 Plus, the Galaxy S26 is three years of updates on from it. The S23+ 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4700mAh against 4300mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.3", while the S26 has the sharper one at 409 PPI. The S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 195g. Coming from the S23+ 5G, the S26 is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
The S26 is the cheaper one to own: around £660 over a typical contract, £66 less than the S23+ 5G.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.6" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 390 | 409 |
| 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 | 4,700 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £319.99 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £659.96 over the life of the deal from £26.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £319.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 28g 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.