BeastCompare

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S26 Ultra edges ahead with a BeastScore of 88.2/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2023

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra
88/ 100
Launch price$1,199
Samsung · 2026

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Galaxy S26 Ultra
88/ 100
Launch price$1,299
Head-to-head

Galaxy S26 Ultra wins 2 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
0 wins
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S26 Ultra
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S23 UltraGalaxy S26 Ultra
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    90
    90
  • CameraTie
    100
    100
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    60
    60
  • BatteryTie
    86
    86
  • DisplayGalaxy S26 Ultra
    88
    90
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S26 Ultra
    88
    100
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueTie
    55
    55
Key differences
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra charges faster60W vs 45W
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen6.9" vs 6.8"
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra is lighter214 g vs 234 g
  • Galaxy S23 Ultra launched cheaper$1,199 vs $1,299
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has newer Bluetooth6 vs 5.3
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the faster chipSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6E
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($1,199 vs $1,299)
  • ✓200 MP main camera
  • ✓6.8" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra
  • ✓20 g lighter (214 g vs 234 g), easier to hold
  • ✓200 MP main camera
  • ✓6.9" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S23 UltraGalaxy S26 Ultra
1. Display & Screen🏆 Galaxy S26 Ultra Wins Display
Screen typeDynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Privacy Display)
Screen Size6.8"6.9"
Resolution & Density3088x1440 (500 ppi)3120x1440 (501 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz adaptive
Brightness2,200 nits peak2,600 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsAdreno 740Adreno 840
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 16
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage256GB / 512GB / 1024GB256GB / 512GB / 1024GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera200 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Samsung HP2200 MP, f/1.4, OIS, Samsung HP2
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (10x optical zoom), f/4.9, OIS10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS + 50 MP (5x optical zoom), f/2.9, OIS
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.250 MP, f/2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S26 Ultra Lightest Chassis
Dimensions163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight234 g214 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Wired Fast Charging45W wired fast charging60W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless charging25W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 7
Bluetooth5.36.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$1,199$1,299
Our verdict

Galaxy S26 Ultra wins — BeastScore 88.2/100

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (60W vs 45W) and bigger screen (6.9" vs 6.8"). The Galaxy S23 Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its lower launch price ($1,199 vs $1,299).

Buy Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want

Lower launch price: $1,199 vs $1,299

Buy Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want

Faster wired charging: 60W vs 45W · Optical telephoto zoom (2 telephoto lenses)

Upgrade guideOwn the Galaxy S23 Ultra? Is upgrading to the Galaxy S26 Ultra worth it?
Read the verdict →

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (60W vs 45W) and bigger screen (6.9" vs 6.8"). The Galaxy S23 Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its lower launch price ($1,199 vs $1,299). BeastScore: Galaxy S23 Ultra 87.8/100, Galaxy S26 Ultra 88.2/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display and 5000 mAh battery. Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch display and 5000 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra compare for speed?

Galaxy S23 Ultra scores 90/100 for performance; Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 90/100.

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