Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Comparison

Comparison of features, performance, design, battery, camera and connectivity between the following smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26. The complete information of specifications to decide which to buy.

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Technical data sheets

Basics

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23
Global · 8GB · 128GB · SM-S911B
View datasheet
vs
Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26
Global · 12GB · 256GB
View datasheet
vs

Score

Ki Cost-effective
Score
8.4 Ki Cost-effective
Score
9.2 Ki Cost-effective
Score
Design and Screen score 7.5Design & Materials 8.2Design & Materials
Performance and Hardware score 7.6Performance & Hardware 8.7Performance & Hardware
Camera score 8.4Camera 8.5Camera
Connectivity score 8.4 Connectivity 8.8 Connectivity
Battery score 5.3 Battery 5.7 Battery

User reviews

User score
9.2
120 reviews
--
4 reviews

Technical specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Specs Samsung Galaxy S23 prices Samsung Galaxy S23
Global · 8GB · 128GB · SM-S911B
stores to buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Global · 12GB · 256GB
Inches 6.1" 6.3"
Resolution FHD+ FHD+
Usable surface 88% useful 90% useful
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Dimensions 70.9 mm
146.3 mm
7.6 mm
71.7 mm
149.6 mm
7.2 mm
Weight 168 g 167 g
Micro SnapD. 8 Gen2
Octa-Core
Exynos 2600
Octa-Core
RAM 8 GB RAM 12 GB RAM
Storage 128 GB 256 GB
AnTuTu 1.752.375
v11
3.145.925
v11
Battery 3900 mAh 4300 mAh
Main Camera 1
50 Mpx · ƒ/1.8
GN5
2 3
1
50 Mpx · ƒ/1.8
GN3
2 3
Selfie Camera SELF 12 Mpx · ƒ/2.2 SELF 12 Mpx · ƒ/2.2
Bands
OS Android 13 Tiramisu Android 16

About this comparison

Samsung is one of the leading smartphone manufacturers in the world, known for its high-quality devices packed with cutting-edge technology. In this article, we will compare two of Samsung's top smartphones – the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Samsung Galaxy S26.

Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a high-end smartphone that was released in February 2023. It comes with a sleek design and premium materials, including aluminium and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The device features a 6.10-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080x2340 (FHD+), a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a maximum brightness of 1200 cd/m². The screen has a contrast ratio of 3000000:1 and supports HDR10+. The usable surface of the phone is 87.6%.

In terms of audio, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is equipped with stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone. The device also features a fingerprint display for added security.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, built on a 4nm process. It comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB (UFS Storage 3.1 or UFS Storage 4.0). The AnTuTu benchmark score for the device is 1456671.

The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy S23 includes a triple camera system with a 50.0MP Samsung GN5 standard lens, a 12.2MP Sony IMX564 wide-angle lens, and a 10.0MP Samsung S5K3K1 telephoto lens. The selfie camera is a 12.0MP Samsung S5K3LU shooter. The device supports optical stabilization (OIS), 4K video recording, 8K video recording, 3x optical zoom, and 30x digital zoom.

Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy S23 include Bluetooth 5.3, dual SIM support, NFC, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), GPS (L1+L5), and eSIM. The device is powered by a 3900mAh battery with 25.0W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy S26

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is another high-end smartphone from Samsung, released in February 2026. Like its predecessor, the S26 features a premium design with aluminum and glass materials. The device sports a slightly larger 6.30-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080x2340 (FHD+) and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The peak brightness of the screen is 2600 cd/m², and it supports HDR10+. The usable surface of the phone is 90.4%.

In terms of audio, the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes with stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio support, and a noise cancellation microphone. The device also features a fingerprint display for security.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Samsung Exynos 2600 processor, built on a 2nm process. It comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB (UFS Storage 4.1). The AnTuTu benchmark score for the device is an impressive 2825000.

The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy S26 is similar to the S23, with a 50.0MP Samsung GN3 standard lens, a 12.2MP Sony IMX564 wide-angle lens, and a 10.0MP Samsung S5K3K1 telephoto lens. The selfie camera is a 12.0MP shooter. The device supports optical stabilization (OIS), 4K video recording, 8K video recording, 10MP telephoto lens with OIS x3, digital zoom up to x30, and an ultra-wide angle with a field of view of 120º.

Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy S26 include Bluetooth 5.4, dual SIM support, NFC, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), GPS (L1+L5), and eSIM. The device is powered by a 4300mAh battery with 25.0W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging.

In conclusion, both the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are high-end smartphones with top-of-the-line features and specifications. While the S26 offers some upgrades over the S23, such as a more powerful processor, more RAM, and improved camera capabilities, the S23 still holds its own with a solid performance and excellent battery life. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices will come down to personal preferences and budget considerations.

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Brand

Brand Samsung Samsung
Aliases SM-S911B SM-S942B

Release Date

Release date February 2023,
3 years ago
February 2026,
4 months ago
State On Sale On Sale
Market Global Global

Design & Materials

Structure

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S26
Size
70.9 mm 146.3 mm 7.6 mm
Print 3D Model
71.7 mm 149.6 mm 7.2 mm
Print 3D Model
Weight 168 g 167 g
Usable surface 88 % 90 %
Materials Glass, Aluminium, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Glass, Aluminium
Resistance IP68 IP68
Colors
Black
White
Pink
Gray
Purple
Green
Beige
Lime
Black
White
Gray
Violet
Cyan
Rose Gold

Screen

Diagonal 6.1" 6.3"
Type AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X +
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Resolution FHD+
1080 x 2340 px
FHD+
1080 x 2340 px
Density 422 Pixels per inch 409 Pixels per inch

Others

Others
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • 48-120 Hz refresh rate
  • Refresh rate 120 Hz
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • Peak brightness - 1750 cd/m²
  • Max brightness HBM - 1200 cd/m²
  • 3000000:1 contrast ratio
  • Always-On Display
  • HDR10+
  • DCI-P3
  • DC dimming
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Frameless
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • 1-120 Hz refresh rate
  • Refresh rate 120 Hz
  • Peak brightness - 2600 cd/m²
  • HDR10+
  • DCI-P3
  • DC dimming
  • 10 Bits panel
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Frameless
  • LTPO (Low Temperature PolySilicon oxide)

User reviews

Is it a drop-resistant and scratch-resistant smartphone?
8.2
--
Do you think it's a nice phone?
9.6
--
Is it comfortable?
9.5
--
Can you see it well in the sunlight?
9.0
--
Number of reviews
120 reviews
--

Performance & Hardware

Processor

Model Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Samsung Exynos 2600
CPU 1x3.2GHz Cortex-X3 + 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 + 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 + 3x2.02 GHz Cortex-A510 2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M
Type Octa-Core Octa-Core
Manufacturing 4 nm 2 nm
64 Bits Yes Yes

Graphics

GPU Qualcomm Adreno 740 GPU Samsung Xclipse 550

RAM

RAM 8 GB 12 GB
Type -- RAM LPDDR5X

Storage

Capacity 128 GB 256 GB
Type UFS Storage 3.1 UFS Storage 4.1
SD Slot No No

Security

Fingerprint Yes, in screen Yes, in screen

Sensors

Sensors
  • Fingerprint
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Compass
  • Gyroscope
  • Barometer
  • Hall
  • Geomagnetic
  • Fingerprint
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Hall
  • Geomagnetic
  • Vibration Motor

Audio

Audio
  • Noise cancellation microphone
  • Stereo Speakers
  • Hi-Res Audio
  • Noise cancellation microphone
  • Stereo Speakers

Others

Notifications LED -- --
Cooling system No Yes
Gaming buttons No No

User reviews

Does it have good sound?
9.0
--
Does it work smoothly in everyday use?
9.6
--
What's your experience been with demanding games?
9.2
--
Number of reviews
120 reviews
--

Camera

Main

No. of cameras Triple rear camera Triple rear camera
1
Camera type

Standard

Standard
Resolution 50 Mpx 50 Mpx
Aperture ƒ/ 1.8 ƒ/ 1.8
Optical zoom -- --
View angle -- --
Sensor Samsung GN5 Samsung GN3
Type ISOCELL ISOCELL
ISO -- --
Pixel size 1.00 µm 1.00 µm
Pixel Binning 1-4 (2x2) 1-4 (2x2)
Sensor size 1/1.57" 1/1.57"
2
Camera type

Wide Angle lens

Wide Angle lens
Resolution
12.2 Mpx
12.2 Mpx
Aperture
ƒ/ 2.2
ƒ/ 2.2
Optical zoom
--
--
View angle
--
--
Sensor
Sony IMX564
Sony IMX564
Type
CMOS
CMOS BSI
Pixel size
1.40 µm
1.40 µm
Pixel Binning
--
--
Sensor size
1/2.55"
1/2.55"
3
Camera type

Telephoto lens

Telephoto lens
Resolution
10 Mpx
10 Mpx
Aperture
ƒ/ 2.4
ƒ/ 2.4
Optical zoom
--
--
View angle
--
--
Sensor
Samsung S5K3K1
Samsung S5K3K1
Type
ISOCELL
CMOS
Pixel size
1.00 µm
1.00 µm
Pixel Binning
--
--
Sensor size
1/3.9"
1/3.9"

Features

Flash LED Dual LED
Optical Stabilisation Yes Yes
Slow Motion Video Yes,
960 fps
Yes,
960 fps
Others
  • Night Mode 2.0
  • 4K Video
  • 8K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Optical zoom
  • Triple camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • UIS
  • Noise reduction
  • Time-Lapse
  • 4K Video
  • 8K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Optical zoom
  • Triple camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Manual focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Laser autofocus (LAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • Night Mode

Selfie

SELF
Camera type

Dedicated

Dedicated
Resolution 12 Mpx 12 Mpx
Aperture ƒ/ 2.2 ƒ/ 2.2
Optical zoom -- --
View angle -- --
Sensor Samsung S5K3LU Unknown
Type ISOCELL CMOS
Pixel size -- 1.12 µm
Pixel Binning -- --
Sensor size -- --
Others
--
--

DxOMark Score

DxOMark Score
133
Mobile
-
Photo
-
Video
--

User reviews

Quality of daytime photos
9.3
--
Quality of nighttime photos
8.3
--
Quality of selfies
8.6
--
Does it have a powerful flash?
8.9
--
Number of reviews
120 reviews
--

Connectivity

Network compatibility

5G
  • n1 (2100)
  • n3 (1800)
  • n5 (850)
  • n7 (2600)
  • n8 (900)
  • n12 (700)
  • n20 (800)
  • n25 (1900)
  • n28b (700)
  • n28a (700)
  • n38 (2600)
  • n40 (2300)
  • n41 (2500)
  • n66 (1700)
  • n75 (1500)
  • n77 (3700)
  • n78 (3500)
  • n1 (2100)
  • n2 (1900 PCS)
  • n3 (1800)
  • n5 (850)
  • n7 (2600)
  • n8 (900)
  • n12 (700)
  • n20 (800)
  • n25 (1900)
  • n26 (850)
  • n28b (700)
  • n28a (700)
  • n38 (2600)
  • n40 (2300)
  • n41 (2500)
  • n66 (1700)
  • n75 (1500)
  • n77 (3700)
  • n78 (3500)
4G LTE
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B12 (700)
  • B13 (700)
  • B17 (700)
  • B18 (800)
  • B19 (800)
  • B20 (800)
  • B25 (1900+)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B32 (1500)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B39 (TDD 1900)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)
  • B66 (1700/2100)
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B12 (700)
  • B13 (700)
  • B17 (700)
  • B18 (800)
  • B19 (800)
  • B20 (800)
  • B25 (1900+)
  • B26 (850)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B32 (1500)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B39 (TDD 1900)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)
  • B66 (1700/2100)
3G
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
2G
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)

SIM card

Dual SIM Dual Sim Dual Standby Dual Sim Dual Standby
Type
  • Nano SIM
  • Nano SIM / eSIM
  • Nano SIM
  • Nano SIM / eSIM

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
  • WiFi 7 (802.11be)
Others
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Wi-Fi Display
  • Wi-Fi MiMO
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Wi-Fi Display
  • Wi-Fi MiMO

Bluetooth

Version Bluetooth 5.3 LE Low energy consumption Bluetooth 5.4 LE Low energy consumption
Others
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile)
  • DIP (Device ID Profile)
  • HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
  • HID (Human Interface Profile)
  • HSP (Headset Profile)
  • LE (Low Energy)
  • MAP (Message Access Profile)
  • PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile)
  • OPP (Object Push Profile)
  • PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile)
  • ANT+
  • APT-x
  • LDAC
  • SBC
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • LE (Low Energy)
  • APT-x
  • LDAC
  • SBC
  • AAC

Navigation

Navigation
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • Galileo
  • GPS (L1+L5)
  • GLONASS (L1)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a)
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • QZSS
  • Galileo
  • GPS (L1+L5)
  • BeiDou (B1)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a)
  • BeiDou (B2)
  • NavIC System
  • QZSS (L1 + L5)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b)

USB

USB
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB On-The-Go (OTG)
  • USB Type C
  • USB Host 3.1
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB On-The-Go (OTG)
  • USB Type C
  • USB Host 3.2

SAR

European measurement

The European Union sets a limit of 2 W/kg averaged over 10 grams of tissue.

-- --
American measurement

The FCC limit is 1.6 W/kg measured in a volume of 1 gram of tissue

-- --

Others

Others
  • NFC
  • Computer sync
  • OTA sync
  • Tethering.
  • VoLTE
  • VoWiFi
  • eSIM
  • NFC
  • Computer sync
  • OTA sync
  • Tethering.
  • VoLTE
  • eSIM
  • NFC eSE
  • Satellite SOS connectivity

User reviews

Does it have good coverage for calls?
9.2
--
Quality of the GPS
9.4
--
And the WiFi?
9.6
--
Number of reviews
120 reviews
--

Battery

Battery

Capacity
3900 mAh
4300 mAh
Type Li-Ion Si-Carbon Li-Ion
Fast charge Yes,
25.0W
Yes,
25.0W
Others
  • Bypass Charging
  • Wireless charging
  • Reverse charging
  • Non-removable
  • Bypass Charging
  • Wireless charging
  • Reverse charging
  • Non-removable

User reviews

How long does the battery last?
  • 6%
    Less than half day
  • 30%
    Less than a day
  • 40%
    One day
  • 23%
    More than one day
  • 1%
    Two days or more
--
Number of reviews
120 reviews
--

Software

Software

Operating System
  • Android 13
    Android 13 Tiramisu, 3 years ago
  • Android 16
    Android 16 , 1 year ago
Google Services With Google Mobile Services With Google Mobile Services

User reviews

Did it come with preinstalled applications?
  • 11%
    It comes with a clean operating system
  • 83%
    It has preinstalled apps but they don't bother me
  • 6%
    It has preinstalled apps that I can't uninstall
--
Do you regularly receive updates?
  • 0%
    Never
  • 3%
    Once a year
  • 35%
    Every six months
  • 63%
    Every two months or less
--
Number of reviews
120 reviews
--