The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a capable device in 2026, but its age is beginning to show. While Samsung continues to provide firmware support, certain advancements introduced in newer models are unattainable for the S23 Ultra. The question for many owners is whether the leap to the Galaxy S26 Ultra – and the features it brings – is worth the upgrade.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra: A Three-Year Evolution
Three years in smartphone technology represent a significant jump. The Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers improved raw performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and an additional 4GB of RAM. Although, the upgrades extend far beyond mere speed increases.
Key Upgrades in the S26 Ultra
- Display Size: A slightly larger 6.9-inch screen (compared to the S23 Ultra’s 6.8-inch display).
- Display Technology: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with full-screen Always on Display wallpapers – a feature not available on the S23 Ultra.
- Brightness: A peak brightness of 2,600 nits, significantly brighter than the S23 Ultra’s 1,750 nits.
- Privacy: An exclusive Privacy Display feature.
- Camera Enhancements: A 50MP telephoto lens replaces the S23 Ultra’s 10MP periscope lens, alongside a 50MP ultrawide camera (up from 12MP).
- Photography Tools: Advanced features like LOG video recording and Horizontal Lock.
- Charging Speed: Faster charging capabilities with 60W wired and 25W wireless charging.
These features are exclusive to the S26 Ultra and won’t be retrofitted to the S23 Ultra through software updates. If these improvements appeal to you, a hardware upgrade is the only path forward.
Design and Build Quality: A Modern Aesthetic
While both phones support the S Pen, their designs differ significantly. The S23 Ultra maintains a more rectangular form factor with sharper corners, resembling a modern Galaxy Note. The S26 Ultra adopts a flatter frame with rounded corners and features an Ambient Island housing the camera rings.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra: Sharp corners, flat top and bottom edges, rounded sides, 8.9mm thick.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Flatter frame, rounded corners, 7.9mm thick – the thinnest Ultra model to date.
The S26 Ultra utilizes a stronger Armor Aluminum 2 frame and Gorilla Armor 2 glass for enhanced durability and scratch resistance. The S23 Ultra’s curved edges, while aesthetically pleasing, are more susceptible to damage from drops.
Software Support and Longevity
The Galaxy S26 Ultra ships with One UI 8.5 and is promised seven years of OS upgrades. The S23 Ultra has already received three of its expected four major updates, meaning the S26 Ultra offers a longer software support lifecycle.
Should You Upgrade?
The decision to upgrade isn’t straightforward. The S23 Ultra remains a highly functional device. However, the S26 Ultra represents a significant step forward in Samsung’s Ultra line, building upon the advancements of its predecessors.
If the exclusive features of the S26 Ultra resonate with you, upgrading could be worthwhile, especially when factoring in potential trade-in savings. Samsung’s trade-in program currently offers around $400 off the S26 Ultra when trading in an S23 Ultra. However, trade-in values depreciate quickly – the S22 Ultra now fetches only $160 in trade-in credit.
Carefully weigh the benefits of the S26 Ultra against the remaining lifespan of your S23 Ultra, and consider the timing of potential trade-ins to make an informed decision.
Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Galaxy S26 Ultra colors 2 – Source: Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
