Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Compare Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung…

Samsung

Galaxy S26

$790

9categories won

5 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra claims the overall win over the Samsung Galaxy S26, delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. For battery longevity and charging speed, the Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the lead, while the Galaxy S26 is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S26 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryGalaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra wins on endurance with 5,000 mAh and 45W fast charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy S26

Galaxy S26 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 and 12GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra wins photography with 200MP main imaging and 10x dedicated optical zoom.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S26

Galaxy S26 wins on budget and value at $790 compared to $1199.

Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S26: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
Screen size	6.8"	6.3"
Resolution	1440 x 3088Winner	1080 x 2340
Pixel density	501 ppiWinner	409 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1750 nits	2600 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600
Process node	4 nm	2 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	1,520,000	3,064,672Winner
Geekbench multi	5340	10824Winner
Maximum RAM	12 GB	12 GB
Maximum storage	1TBWinner	512GB

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
Main sensor	200 MPWinner	50 MP
Rear cameras	4Winner	3
Optical zoom	10xWinner	3x
Ultrawide	12 MP	12 MP
Selfie camera	12 MP	12 MP
Max video	8K at 30fps / 4K at 60fps	8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
Capacity	5,000 mAhWinner	4,300 mAh
Wired charging	45 WWinner	25 W
Wireless charging	15 W	15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
Weight	234 g	167 gWinner
Thickness	8.9 mm	7.2 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Armor Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
Operating system	Android 13	Android 16
OS updates	4 years	7 yearsWinner
Security updates	5 years	7 yearsWinner

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26
Specification	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S26
5G	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)
Storage expansion	None	None
3.5mm jack	No	No
Launch price	$1,199	$790Winner