Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; estimated prices are $1199 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 75/100 vs 49/100 (a 26-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,515,964 vs 1,681,378); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera (157 vs 140); the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably lighter (214g vs 234g).
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Cheaper: $1199 vs $1299
- Better value for money (27/100 vs 20/100)
- Higher AnTuTu: 3515964 vs 1681378
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 2004
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 5311
- Faster charging: 60W vs 45W
- Lighter: 214g vs 234g
- Higher performance (84/100 vs 29/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 73/100)
- Longer battery life (51/100 vs 42/100)
- Better design/ergonomics (32/100 vs 7/100)
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 26 points higher (75/100 vs 49/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (84/100 vs 29/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 73/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (84/100 vs 29/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 73/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (51/100 vs 42/100). In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (32/100 vs 7/100). In the "value for money" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a bit better (27/100 vs 20/100).
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1681378 | 3515964 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2004 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 5311 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1440x3088 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 45W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 140 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 200 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1750 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78.1×8.9 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 234 g | 214 g | |
| Price | $1199 | $1299 |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Main: 200MP
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1440x3088
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
We compared Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra by 52.2% in our overall performance rating.
Price difference: $100. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper by $100.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (84/100 vs 29/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 73/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (51/100 vs 42/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (32/100 vs 7/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a bit better (27/100 vs 20/100).
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra by 26 points (75/100 vs 49/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 49/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 75/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 73/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (84/100 vs 29/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a better fit for everyday use. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts.