I replaced my Galaxy S23 with the S26 Ultra, and these 3 things made it worth it
New phone, who's this?
Fewer and fewer people are upgrading to new phones every year, and honestly, I get it. I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S23 since October 2023, and it’s been a rock-solid experience. I’ve rarely felt it slow down, and while there are occasional hiccups, it’s not nearly enough to make me dislike the phone. Recently, though, I got a chance to try the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and with the Samsung store offering a solid trade-in for my Galaxy S23, I finally decided to upgrade after nearly 2.5 years. I’ve been using the Galaxy S26 Ultra for the past couple of weeks, and there are three major changes that have made the switch feel completely worth it.
First and foremost, the camera system on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a significant upgrade from the S23. The new phone boasts a 200MP primary sensor, which captures stunningly detailed images. The improved low-light performance is particularly noticeable, with the S26 Ultra producing sharper and more vibrant photos even in dim settings. The telephoto capabilities have also been enhanced, allowing for clearer and more precise zooming. The additional camera modes, such as the night mode and portrait mode, have been refined, making it easier to take professional-looking photos without much effort. The video recording features have also been upgraded, with the S26 Ultra supporting 8K resolution and improved stabilization, resulting in smoother and more vibrant videos.
Another major improvement is the display. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a larger, 6.8-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X screen compared to the 6.1-inch display of the S23. The increased screen size, combined with a higher resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, makes for a more immersive viewing experience. The brightness and color accuracy have also been improved, with the new display offering 100% sRGB color accuracy and a peak brightness of 1750 nits. This makes it easier to use the phone in bright sunlight or watch videos and play games in detail. The adaptive refresh rate, which can go up to 120 Hz, further enhances the smoothness of scrolling and gaming, providing a more responsive and enjoyable user experience.
The final key upgrade that made the switch worthwhile is the battery life and charging speed. The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery compared to the 3900 mAh battery of the S23. This increase in capacity translates to longer usage times, with the new phone lasting a full day even with heavy usage. Additionally, the S26 Ultra supports fast charging at 45W, which allows for rapid charging and wireless charging at 25W. This means that I can quickly recharge my phone or even use it wirelessly while on the go, without worrying about running out of power. The improved battery management features also ensure that the battery degrades more slowly over time, providing long-term benefits.
In conclusion, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers significant improvements over the S23 in terms of camera capabilities, display quality, and battery life. While the S23 served me well for nearly two and a half years, the enhancements in these areas have made the switch to the S26 Ultra feel like a worthwhile upgrade. The Samsung trade-in offer further sweetened the deal, allowing me to upgrade without breaking the bank. For anyone considering an upgrade, these three factors—camera, display, and battery—should be high on the list of priorities when evaluating a new phone.
