They are closely matched: Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 80/100 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus scores 79/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus overall by 5 points (83 vs 78 out of 100).
- Samsung Galaxy S26 stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 512 GB, Display Pixel density: 411 PPI.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads overall
Samsung Galaxy S26
83
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
78
Why it stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 512 GB
- Display Pixel density: 411 PPI
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
In this comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus leads with an overall site score of 77, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 remains a competitive option with a score of 74. The Galaxy S23 Plus excels as a thoroughly verified flagship, offering robust hardware such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor and a starting storage of 256 GB. The Galaxy S26 represents a newer generation in the smartphone lineup, making it attractive for those who prefer more recent device cycles. Ultimately, the S23 Plus is ideal for users seeking a proven, high-performing device with generous base storage, whereas the S26 serves those wanting a later-generation entry.
- Hardware and Performance
- The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers reliable high performance with its specialized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor and 8 GB of RAM. Detailed performance metrics for the Galaxy S26 are not available in the current sources, though it maintains a solid rating of 74.
- Storage Capacity
- The Galaxy S23 Plus offers spacious internal storage options of either 256 GB or 512 GB. Specific storage limits for the Galaxy S26 are not documented in the provided sources, giving the S23 Plus a clearer advantage in confirmed high-capacity configurations.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium, compact smartphone running Android 16 with One UI 8.5, tailored for users who prefer a smaller form factor. Depending on the region, it is powered by either the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the 2nm Samsung Exynos 2600 processor. It features a remarkably slim 7.2mm profile, a 167-gram lightweight body, and a 4300 mAh battery.
Best for Gamers who want top-tier processing power in a smaller, highly portable sizeBest for Buyers looking for an ultra-slim, lightweight flagship phone that easily fits in
Pros
- Extremely thin and lightweight design measuring 7.2 mm in depth and weighing 167 grams
- Excellent processing and gaming performance powered by next-generation chipsets
- Equipped with modern Wi-Fi 7 support for fast wireless connectivity
Cons
- Subpar battery endurance that struggles to survive a full day of regular use
- Wired charging speeds are limited to a relatively slow 25W
- Unchanged camera hardware that can struggle when photographing moving subjects
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is an older generation flagship smartphone series released in 2023. It features a large display and was known for being relatively comfortable to hold compared to some other models.
Best for general useBest for media consumption
Pros
- Features a dynamic AMOLED display that gets up to 1750 nits of brightness
- Possesses wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities
- Includes a triple camera setup
- Offers 8K video capability on the back camera and 4K at 60fps on both front and back cameras
Cons
- Peak brightness (1750 nits) may be less than newer phones offering up to 3,000 nits
- The device's zoom capability is noted to only do 3x zoom compared to competitors with higher zoom ranges
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Samsung Galaxy S263,700,000
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus1,223,018
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Samsung Galaxy S264,300 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus4,700 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Samsung Galaxy S26Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is 29 g (17%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy S26.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 80/100 for Samsung Galaxy S26 and 79/100 for Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.
At launch, Samsung Galaxy S26 was the more affordable option ($860) versus Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus ($999). Weigh that against the overall scores (80/100 vs 79/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Samsung Galaxy S26 (80/100) and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus (79/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.
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