Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy S26 FE is four years of updates on from it. The S23 Ultra 5G has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and storage goes higher on the S23 Ultra 5G, up to 512GB against 256GB. The S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 385, and the S26 FE is the lighter phone at 193g against 233g. Coming from the S23 Ultra 5G, the S26 FE is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
The S26 FE is the cheaper one to own: around £566 over a typical contract, £187 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
12 reviews 3.8
9 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 17 February 2023 | 1 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 12 reviews |
3.8 9 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3080 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 500 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 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/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 | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£309.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.99 | £629.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 40g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.