Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our Verdict: There's three years between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy S26+, so the Galaxy S26+ is ahead on most things. The S23 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the S26+'s 50MP, and the S26+ is the lighter phone at 190g against 233g. The S26+ is the better phone; upgrade from the S23 Ultra 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
The S23 Ultra 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £746 over a typical contract, £119 less than the S26+.
10 reviews 3.9
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
3.9 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3080 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 500 | 513 |
| 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 | 4,900 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 | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP 68 |
| Contracts |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.95 | £799.00 |
| 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 S23 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £745.50 over the life of the deal from £59.00 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 500, 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 £349.95.
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 43g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.
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.