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If you want to stay with Samsung, the Galaxy S26 is the simplest move from a base Galaxy S23. If longer battery life or a 5x telephoto camera matters more, consider the Google Pixel 10. Neither cited comparison directly tests these phones against the S23, so choose based on the improvements you want rather than assuming every newer flagship is a meaningful upgrade.
Start with what you want to improve
Before choosing a replacement, identify what frustrates you about the S23. A larger battery, more distant zoom, faster performance, a different screen size, longer software support, or a move to iOS can point to different phones. If the S23 still meets your needs, the available comparisons do not establish that you need to upgrade now.
- Want a familiar Samsung experience? The Galaxy S26 is the continuity pick.
- Want longer tested battery life or more telephoto reach? The Pixel 10 is the clearest alternative in the available comparison.
- Want iOS or Apple services? The iPhone 17 is a possible platform switch, but the available evidence does not support a detailed S23-to-iPhone upgrade verdict.
Galaxy S26 vs. Pixel 10 at a glance
The following specifications and test results are reported by Tom’s Guide; they are not a direct comparison with the Galaxy S23. Battery figures are from Tom’s Guide’s test, not a guarantee of everyday runtime.
| What matters | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Google Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch AMOLED, 120Hz (Tom’s Guide) | 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED, 120Hz (Tom’s Guide, March 14, 2026 comparison) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy or Exynos 2600, depending on region (Tom’s Guide) | Tensor G5 (Tom’s Guide, March 14, 2026 comparison) |
| Memory and storage | 12GB RAM; 256GB or 512GB (Tom’s Guide) | 12GB RAM; 128GB or 256GB (Tom’s Guide, March 14, 2026 comparison) |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto (Tom’s Guide) | 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto (Tom’s Guide, March 14, 2026 comparison) |
| Battery capacity | 4,300 mAh (Tom’s Guide comparison) | 4,970 mAh (Tom’s Guide comparison) |
| Battery test | 11 hours 28 minutes in Tom’s Guide’s test | 13 hours 21 minutes in Tom’s Guide’s test |
| Charging | 25W wired; 15W wireless (Tom’s Guide) | Not stated in the cited comparison |
| Software support | Seven years of Android OS and security updates, according to Tom’s Guide’s comparison; confirm terms for your market and model | Seven years of Android OS and security updates, according to Tom’s Guide’s comparison; Pixel updates arrive sooner, according to the same comparison. Confirm terms for your market and model. |
| Publication-time US price | $899 starting price in Tom’s Guide’s Samsung guide; time-sensitive and should be checked before purchase | $799 for 128GB and $899 for 256GB in Tom’s Guide’s March 14, 2026 comparison; historical publication-time US prices, not a current quote |
Choose the Galaxy S26 for Samsung continuity
The S26 is the more straightforward choice if you want to keep Samsung’s software and familiar Galaxy setup while moving to a newer compact flagship. Tom’s Guide lists a 6.3-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display, 12GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB and 512GB. Its processor differs by region: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy or Exynos 2600.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
Camera expectations deserve care. Tom’s Guide says the S26 camera hardware is unchanged from the previous generation. Its rear system comprises a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto, with a 12MP front camera. That makes it a familiar all-purpose setup, not evidence of a major camera-hardware leap over recent Samsung flagships.
In Tom’s Guide’s S26–Pixel 10 comparison, the S26 performed better and produced stronger low-light results. Those are that outlet’s findings, not a guarantee for every scene or a direct S23 comparison. Tom Pritchard, UK Phones Editor at Tom’s Guide, summarized his view: “If you want the best possible photos in all conditions, opt for the Galaxy S26.” Treat that as an editorial judgment rather than a promise of results.
Rank #2
- 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 1900nits Peak brightness, 1080x2340px, 4700mAh Battery, Android 14, One UI 6.1
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Exynos 2400e (4nm), 10-core CPU, Xclipse 940 GPU, Bluetooth 5.3
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto), 3x Optical Zoom, Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.4
- CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
- US Model. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Choose the Pixel 10 for battery endurance and 5x zoom
The Pixel 10 is the stronger fit if you want to try Google’s Android experience or value a longer telephoto reach. Its 5x telephoto camera reaches farther on paper than the S26’s 3x telephoto. The longer focal length may be useful for distant subjects, though the cited comparison does not establish that every photo will be better.
Battery results favor the Pixel in Tom’s Guide’s test: 13 hours 21 minutes, compared with 11 hours 28 minutes for the S26. This is one publisher’s measured result under its test conditions; your runtime will depend on how you use the phone. Tom’s Guide also found the two phones’ image quality broadly comparable in ordinary conditions, while giving the S26 the low-light and performance advantages.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
Tom’s Guide’s comparison reports seven years of Android OS and security updates for both phones and says Pixel owners receive Android updates sooner. Check the update terms and rollout timing for the exact model and market you are considering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Consider iPhone 17 only if you want to switch platforms
Apple confirms the iPhone 17 as a current model on its official product page. It may suit you if your goal is to move to iOS or use Apple services. The available comparison evidence does not establish its battery life, camera advantage, or upgrade value against the S23, so those are points to verify for your needs rather than assume.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Rank #4
- Width: 2.78 inches; Length: 5.79 inches; Height: 0.30 inches
Check these details before you buy
- Exact model and region: The S26’s chipset varies by market. Confirm which version is sold where you live.
- Storage tier: Compare like-for-like capacity and the price you can actually buy locally; the cited US prices are publication-time figures, not current quotes.
- Carrier and unlocked compatibility: Check network bands, eSIM or SIM requirements, and carrier support for the specific regional model.
- Support terms: Confirm the update commitment for your market and model, as well as how quickly updates reach your device.
- Your S23’s current condition: If it still performs well and its battery and cameras suit you, an upgrade is optional; the cited sources do not demonstrate a universal need to replace it.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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