Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: One is good, the other is passable
The Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t a dud even in 2026, but it’s starting to show its age. Other features later introduced by its successors will never reach it. So even though Samsung hasn’t dropped firmware support yet, the phone is, in a sense, stuck in the past.
How does the Galaxy S23 Ultra compare to the brand new Galaxy S26 Ultra? How much of a difference can three years make, and is it worth upgrading now? Let’s try to find out.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: all the improvements you’re missing
The S26 Ultra naturally delivers the best raw performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and an additional 4GB of RAM. But improved performance every year is par for the course.
Beyond raw performance, the S26 Ultra boasts a number of exclusive enhancements. Here are the best features to enjoy if you decide to upgrade:
- Larger (by 0.1 inches) 6.9-inch screen.
- Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with full screen Always showing you wallpapers. It’s a generation-defining feature missing from the S23 Ultra.
- Bright panel up to 2,600 nits peak (up from 1,750 nits).
- Special Privacy Display Feature.
- Advanced camera setup: A 50MP telephoto replaces the 10MP periscope lens.
- 50MP ultrawide camera (up from 12MP).
- Advanced capture tools, including LOG video and horizontal lock.
- Fast charging: 60W wired, 25W wireless.
Asif Shaik – SamMobile
Galaxy S26 Ultra Violet – Source: Asif Shaik – SamMobile
None of these features will come to the S23 Ultra via updates. If they sound appealing, real phone upgrades are the only way to get them.
The S26 Ultra also ships with One UI 8.5 and promises seven OS upgrades. The S23 Ultra has already received three of its four major updates. That is, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers better support for a long time.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: design and build
Both phones support the S Pen and have the same camera cutout, but the designs are different. You might say they follow different design languages.
- The S23 Ultra: Almost perfect rectangle, sharp corners, flat top and bottom edges, rounded sides. It actually still looks like a subtle Galaxy Note. There are no camera housings — just the camera that rings. 8.9mm thick.
- The S26 Ultra: A flat frame with rounded corners. Large camera rings sit atop the Ambient Island. It’s the smallest Ultra phone yet, measuring just 7.9mm. It looks like a modern S-series phone, with an S Pen.
The build quality is solid on both, but the S26 Ultra edges ahead with a strong Armor Aluminum 2 frame and Gorilla Armor 2 anti-reflection protection. The S23 Ultra’s slightly curved edges look classy but are prone to falls.
Asif Shaik – SamMobile
Galaxy S26 Ultra Frame – Source: Asif Shaik – SamMobile
Unless you’re stuck with the sharp corner design of the S23 Ultra with a slightly curved screen, the S26 Ultra is the winner. It uses better materials, is thinner, and has a design language that is very consistent with the rest of the S series.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: should you upgrade?
It’s a close call. The S23 Ultra remains a capable phone with plenty of life left. But the S26 Ultra represents a new generation of Ultra devices, building on the steps taken by the previous two Ultra models towards a more advanced flagship formula.
If any of the S26 Ultra’s special features appeal, an upgrade would make sense — especially if you can’t use Samsung’s trade-in plan. In the US, replacing the S23 Ultra can save you about $400.
Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Galaxy S26 Ultra colors 2 – Source: Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Keep in mind that trade-in prices are dropping fast: The S22 Ultra, one year older than the S23, now fetches just $160 with a trade-in. It’s not a guarantee, but your S23 Ultra might lose the same amount a year from now.
Weigh the S26 Ultra upgrade against the remaining life of your S23 Ultra, consider the trade-in period, and you’ll be that much closer to deciding that 2026 is the year to upgrade your flagship.
