Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $799 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 66/100 (a 8-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3900); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,656,761); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the stronger camera (146 vs 133).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Samsung Galaxy S23 better?
- Better display (82/100 vs 81/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1656761
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 2004
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 5311
- Bigger battery: 4000 vs 3900 mAh
- Lighter: 162g vs 168g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 75/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 67/100)
- Longer battery life (31/100 vs 29/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 83/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 8 points higher (74/100 vs 66/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 75/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 67/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S23 — 46/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 75/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (82/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (77/100 vs 67/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 are nearly equal (31/100 vs 29/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 83/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1656761 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2004 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 5311 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.1" AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3900 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 133 | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1750 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 157.8×76.2×7.6 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 168 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S23
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 6.1" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 3900 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S23 by 41.4% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $0. Same launch price.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 75/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (82/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (77/100 vs 67/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 are nearly equal (31/100 vs 29/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 83/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the Samsung Galaxy S23 by just 8 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a MobileRank rating of 66/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 67/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 75/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.