Should You Upgrade from the Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 3 years apart.
Yes — the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a worthwhile upgrade
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is 3 years newer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and both phones land on almost the same BeastScore (87.8 vs 88.2). The biggest improvements: 15w faster wired charging, 10w faster wireless charging, 0.1" larger screen. Trade-offs to know: shorter optical zoom (−5x), launched $100 more expensive.
What you gain with the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- +15W faster wired charging
- +10W faster wireless charging
- +0.1" larger screen
- +400 nits brighter peak display
- +20 g lighter
What you give up
- −Shorter optical zoom (−5x)
- −Launched $100 more expensive
| Spec | Galaxy S23 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 87.8 | 88.2 | No real change |
| Performance score | 90 | 90 | No real change |
| Camera score | 100 | 100 | No real change |
| Battery score | 86 | 86 | No real change |
| Display score | 88 | 90 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | No real change |
| Wired charging | 45W | 60W | +15W (33%) |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 25W | +10W (67%) |
| Screen size | 6.8" | 6.9" | +0.1" |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 2,200 nits | 2,600 nits | +400 nits (18%) |
| Main camera | 200 MP | 200 MP | No real change |
| Optical zoom | 10x | 5x | −5x (50%) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 234 g | 214 g | −20 g (9%) |
| Launch price | $1,199 | $1,299 | +$100 (8%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Galaxy S23 Ultra is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Yes — the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a worthwhile upgrade. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is 3 years newer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and both phones land on almost the same BeastScore (87.8 vs 88.2). The biggest improvements: 15w faster wired charging, 10w faster wireless charging, 0.1" larger screen. Trade-offs to know: shorter optical zoom (−5x), launched $100 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
15W faster wired charging: 45W on the Galaxy S23 Ultra vs 60W on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a bigger battery than the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
No — both have about the same battery capacity (5,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Galaxy S23 Ultra is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.