Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy S26 FE are four years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S23+ 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S26 FE. Coming from the S23+ 5G, the S26 FE is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Over a full contract, the S26 FE works out around £566 all-in, about £167 less than the S23+ 5G.
12 reviews 3.8
9 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 17 February 2023 | 1 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.1 12 reviews |
3.8 9 reviews |
| Screen | 6.6" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 390 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 17 |
| 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 | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams | 193 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 |
£11.95/mo
£309.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £269.99 | £629.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £565.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £309.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", both screens are similarly sharp at around 390 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £269.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (195 grams vs 193 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
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 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.