Based on our overall comparison score, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra rates higher at 86/100 versus 75/100 for Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus — a 11-point lead. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Updated Jul 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score
For most buyers the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the better pick — it scores 79/100 to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 65, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus instead if design & weight and miscellaneous matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus overall by 14 points (79 vs 65 out of 100).
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 16 GB (100% more), Storage capacity: 1,024 GB (300% more), Rear camera (megapixels): 200 MP (300% more).
- Best value: Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus (from $999) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads overall
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
79
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
65
Why it stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 16 GB (100% more)
- Storage capacity: 1,024 GB (300% more)
- Rear camera (megapixels): 200 MP (300% more)
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 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a flagship smartphone engineered for high-end productivity and premium performance. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) processor and comes equipped with an integrated S Pen stylus. Key features include a robust 5000 mAh battery, fast 60W wired charging, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Best for Mobile productivity and document editing with an integrated stylusBest for High-performance tasks and gaming that demand the latest hardware
Pros
- Equipped with the top-tier 3 nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
- Built-in S Pen stylus enables precise drawing and handwriting input
- Supports faster 60W wired and 25W wireless charging compared to standard models
- Generous internal storage options scaling up to 1TB
Cons
- High premium pricing makes it a very expensive investment
- Heavy slate design weighing in at 214 grams
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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra2,627,986
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus1,234,077
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 S26 Ultra5,000 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 S26 UltraSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is 18 g (9%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.
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 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 86/100 for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and 75/100 for Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.
At launch, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus was the more affordable option ($999) versus Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1300). Weigh that against the overall scores (86/100 vs 75/100) 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.
If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (86/100) edges out Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus (75/100). But if Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.
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