Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy S26 are three years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S23 Ultra 5G has a far higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the S26's 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4300mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.3" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 233g. If you're on the S23 Ultra 5G, the S26 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Over a full contract, the S26 works out around £660 all-in, about £86 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3080 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 500 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 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/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £279.99 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £279.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 66g 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 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.