They are closely matched: Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 80/100 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are closely matched overall (within 1 points).
- Samsung Galaxy S26 stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 512 GB, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 90%.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra counters with Display Size: 6.8 in, Display Resolution: 1440 × 3088 px, Display Pixel density: 501 PPI.
Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are closely matched
Samsung Galaxy S26
78
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
78
Where Samsung Galaxy S26 stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 512 GB
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 90%
Where Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out
- Display Size: 6.8 in
- Display Resolution: 1440 × 3088 px
- Display Pixel density: 501 PPI
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, scoring 77 on our site, remains an outstanding option for productivity and photography enthusiasts with its integrated S Pen and robust 5000 mAh battery. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S26, which scores 74, offers the advantage of a more modern chipset in a lighter, more pocketable body. The S23 Ultra is the better fit for power users who want an expansive 6.8-inch display and advanced 200 MP quad-cameras, whereas the S26 is ideal for those prioritizing ease of one-handed use and newer hardware longevity.
- Camera and Zoom
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra wins in camera versatility, featuring a high-resolution 200 MP main sensor and a periscope telephoto lens that offers superior long-range zoom capabilities.
- Productivity and Input
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear winner for mobile productivity, offering an integrated S Pen stylus and a large 6.8-inch LTPO display.
- Portability and Longevity
- The Galaxy S26 wins for daily comfort and future-proofing, providing a much lighter, more compact build and a newer processor designed for longer software support.
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 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an S-Series flagship smartphone from Samsung Electronics, released in February 2023. It features improvements over previous models and includes support for a bundled stylus (1).
Best for photographyBest for productivityBest for flagship users
Pros
- Features a high-resolution main camera of 200 megapixels, which allows for better low-light photos and cropping without loss of resolution (4).
- Supports pressure sensitive stylus use, and the stylus tucks into the phone (2).
- Has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection (2).
- Includes multiple telephoto lenses: 3x, ultra-wide, and a 10x optical telephoto lens (4).
Cons
- The camera array design has visible rings that may collect dust (3).
- The performance of the 10x zoom varies, and close-up images or videos might not be as sharp as anticipated (4).
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 Ultra
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Samsung Galaxy S263,700,000
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra1,287,951
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 Ultra5,000 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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is 66 g (40%) 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 Ultra comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra.
At launch, Samsung Galaxy S26 was the more affordable option ($860) versus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ($1199). 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 Ultra (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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