Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Should you upgrade?

Published: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:45 am

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: A Preliminary Comparison

As anticipation builds for the next generation of Samsung's flagship phone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, consumers are left to ponder whether an upgrade is warranted. This article provides a preliminary overview of the rumored specifications and features, comparing them to the existing Galaxy S23 Ultra.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in February 2023, offered a starting price of $1,199. While new models are scarce, refurbished options are available. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch around the end of February or early March, with a potential starting price of $1,299, though this is subject to change.

Rumors suggest the S26 Ultra will feature a slightly larger 6.9-inch AMOLED display with the same QHD resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate as its predecessor. Design changes are anticipated, potentially including a sleeker profile and a return to rounded corners. The camera bump is also expected to be updated.

Performance is a key area of improvement. The S26 Ultra is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, promising enhanced performance, AI capabilities, and camera processing. An increase in RAM from 12GB to 16GB is also anticipated. However, Samsung may use its own Exynos 2600 chip in some regions.

Camera upgrades are expected, with the S26 Ultra potentially retaining the 200MP main camera with a larger aperture for improved low-light performance. The secondary telephoto lens may see a resolution boost, while the ultrawide and main telephoto lenses may retain their current resolution.

Battery life is expected to remain at 5,000 mAh, but the S26 Ultra may offer faster 60W charging. Software and AI capabilities are also set to be enhanced, with potential integration of Perplexity AI and exclusive features. Satellite messaging capabilities may also be added in the U.S.

BNN's Perspective:

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra promises incremental improvements across the board, particularly in performance and camera capabilities. While the S23 Ultra remains a capable device, the advancements in the S26 Ultra may justify the upgrade for those seeking the latest technology. However, the decision ultimately depends on individual needs and budget.

Keywords: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, smartphone, upgrade, specs, release date, price, design, display, performance, camera, battery life, charging, AI, software, Snapdragon, Exynos

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