Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Galaxy A26
Starting at
£179.49£299.00 new
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Galaxy A26 vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A26 starts at £179.49, £189.75 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy A26 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
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- Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A26, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen size: 6.7 inch on the Galaxy A26, 6.8 inch on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S23 Ultra have several clear differences that suit different users. The Galaxy A26 is a solid choice for everyday use with a large 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen and 8 GB of RAM, plus options for 128GB or 256GB storage and a microSDXC slot for extra space. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, with a 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and up to 12 GB of RAM, offers more power and a higher resolution display for demanding tasks or viewing media in greater detail. It comes with larger storage options but no microSD slot. Both phones have 5000 mAh batteries and 5G support, but the S23 Ultra's chipset and RAM make it better for heavy multitasking and performance-intensive apps. Choose the Galaxy A26 for everyday use and expandable storage, or the S23 Ultra for premium performance and display quality.
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra price
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Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and the release year, all important for daily reliability. Both phones have the same battery size but differ in software version and year.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S23 Ultra come with a 5000 mAh battery. This capacity suits users who want a full day of typical use without frequent recharging, making either phone capable of lasting through busy days.
Operating System
The Galaxy A26 runs Android without a specified version, which covers everyday app compatibility and security.
Release Year
The Galaxy A26 was released in 2024 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023.
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Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage size. These aspects determine how well each phone handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs.
Chipset and Speed
The Galaxy A26 features an Exynos 1380 chipset built on 5 nm technology, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate app use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on 4 nm technology, designed for high performance, smooth multitasking, and demanding apps.
Memory for Multitasking
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy A26 keeps everyday apps running smoothly and handles multitasking well. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers 12 GB of RAM, which is ideal for users who run many apps simultaneously or use memory-intensive applications.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A26 offers 128GB and 256GB storage options and supports microSDXC cards for extra space, making it flexible for users who want to add storage. The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with larger storage options up to 1TB but does not support microSD cards, which suits users who prefer built-in storage without the need for expansion.
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Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for media, reading, and daily use. Both phones have large screens but differ in resolution and display technology.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy A26 has a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen that is well suited for watching videos and browsing with vibrant colours. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which provides enhanced brightness and colour accuracy for users who prioritise premium display quality.
Resolution Detail
The Galaxy A26 has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, which delivers clear and sharp images for everyday use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, offering more detail and sharper visuals for users who want the best clarity for photos, videos, and text.
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Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra camera
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Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra size and design
Other practical differences include connectivity, physical size, SIM options, and storage expandability, which matter depending on how you use your phone daily.
SIM and Network Compatibility
Both the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S23 Ultra support 5G and come unlocked, giving flexibility with carriers. The Galaxy A26 uses dual physical SIMs, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIMs plus an eSIM, offering more options for managing multiple lines.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A26 includes a microSDXC slot, allowing you to increase storage with a memory card. This is useful if you store many photos, videos, or apps. The Galaxy S23 Ultra does not have a microSD slot, so storage is fixed to the internal capacity you choose.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A26 measures 164 mm in height, 77.5 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in depth, weighing 197 g. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is slightly shorter at 163.4 mm, wider at 78.1 mm, thicker at 8.9 mm, and heavier at 234 g. If you prefer a lighter and slimmer phone, the Galaxy A26 may be more comfortable to carry.
Connector
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers and accessories.
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Galaxy A26 or Galaxy S23 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A26 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £179.49, £189.75 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2031 vs until Feb 2028)
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A26 appreciate its condition and ease of use. Many say it works perfectly and looks like new, with some noting smooth data transfer from Samsung models. Users find the battery life sufficient for daily use, though one customer mentioned longer charging times and difficulty with moisture warnings while charging. Overall, the Galaxy A26 is recommended for those wanting a reliable refurbished phone with a good screen and expandable storage.
Galaxy S23 Ultra customers praise its like-new condition and high performance. Many highlight the phone's speed, excellent camera quality, and pristine screen. Buyers value the premium feel and larger memory options, with some noting it as a significant upgrade from previous phones. The phone suits users looking for a high-end device at a lower price, with smooth multitasking and advanced features in a refurbished model. Some mention minor cosmetic marks easily covered by cases.
Both phones appeal to different types of users: the Galaxy A26 fits well for everyday needs and flexibility with storage, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is preferred by those who want premium performance and display quality in a refurbished phone.
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A26 vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A26, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy A26 is cheaper refurbished, from £179.49 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A26 gets updates until Mar 2031. The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028.
The Galaxy A26 adds a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels), longer software support (until Mar 2031 vs until Feb 2028) and a lighter build (200 g vs 234 g). Refurbished, it costs £189.75 less (from £179.49 vs £369.24).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
