Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S23 Plus, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is three years of updates on from it. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and the S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.6" and sharper at 498 PPI. The S26 Ultra goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23+ 5G tops out at 512GB, and the S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 214g. If you're on the S23+ 5G, the S26 Ultra is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
The S23+ 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £725 over a typical contract, £215 less than the S26 Ultra.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.6" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 390 | 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 | 4,700 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 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/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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 195 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 |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £319.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper on contract at £725.46 over the life of the deal from £57.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.