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If you want to keep Samsung’s compact flagship experience, the Galaxy S26 is the simplest upgrade path. If longer battery life, a 5x zoom camera, or Google’s software appeal more, consider the Pixel 10. Neither phone has been directly tested against the Galaxy S23 in the sources cited here, so choose based on the specific change you want rather than assuming either is a universal upgrade.
Start with what you want to improve
Before replacing a Galaxy S23, identify the shortcoming that matters most. The evidence available supports two Android choices with different strengths: the Galaxy S26 for continuity, performance and Samsung’s compact flagship format, and the Pixel 10 for longer battery endurance in one reviewer’s test and a longer-reach telephoto camera. If the S23 still meets your needs, the cited comparisons do not establish that every owner needs to upgrade now.
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- Want to stay with Samsung: The S26 is the natural shortlist choice, with familiar Galaxy software and a 6.3-inch display.
- Want more zoom reach or battery endurance: The Pixel 10 has a 5x telephoto camera and lasted longer in Tom’s Guide’s battery test.
- Want to switch to iOS: The iPhone 17 is a possible option if you already prefer Apple’s platform or services, but the available evidence does not support a direct value or camera comparison with the S23.
Galaxy S26 vs. Pixel 10: the evidence-backed shortlist
These specifications and comparisons come from Tom’s Guide; its findings are reviewer results, not guarantees for every user. The prices below are historical US figures reported at publication or in the accessed guide, not confirmed current prices.
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| Factor | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Google Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor and memory | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy or Exynos 2600, depending on region; 12GB RAM | Tensor G5; 12GB RAM |
| Storage options | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto | 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery capacity | 4,300 mAh | 4,970 mAh |
| Tom’s Guide battery-test result | 11 hours 28 minutes | 13 hours 21 minutes |
| Charging listed | 25W wired; 15W wireless | Not stated in the cited comparison |
| Starting price reported | $899 in the US context of Tom’s Guide’s accessed guide | $799 for 128GB and $899 for 256GB in the US at Tom’s Guide’s March 14, 2026 publication time |
| Software support reported | Seven years of Android OS and security updates | Seven years of Android OS and security updates; Tom’s Guide says Pixel owners receive Android updates sooner |
Sources: Tom’s Guide’s Galaxy S26 guide and Tom’s Guide’s Galaxy S26 vs. Pixel 10 comparison. Prices, update terms and regional availability can change; check the exact model and market before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Choose the Galaxy S26 for Samsung continuity
The S26 is the clearest fit if you want a newer Samsung flagship without changing platforms. Tom’s Guide lists a 6.3-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, 12GB of RAM and either Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy or Exynos 2600, depending on region. That processor split means performance may vary by market; confirm which version is sold where you live.
Its rear cameras are a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide and 10MP 3x telephoto system. Tom’s Guide says the camera hardware is unchanged from the previous generation, so do not treat it as a major camera-hardware leap over recent Samsung flagships. In the outlet’s comparison with the Pixel 10, image quality was broadly comparable in ordinary conditions, while the S26 performed better in low light and delivered stronger performance. These are Tom’s Guide’s findings, not a direct S23 comparison or a promise about every shooting situation.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Tom’s Guide lists the S26 at $899 to start in its US-context guide. That figure is market- and time-sensitive; verify current local pricing, storage and carrier compatibility before deciding.
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The Pixel 10 is the more distinct Android alternative if you want a longer telephoto reach or are drawn to Google’s software. Its 10.8MP telephoto camera offers 5x zoom, compared with the S26’s 10MP 3x telephoto. The larger stated battery capacity is not itself a guarantee of longer personal runtime, but Tom’s Guide’s test also favored the Pixel: it recorded 13 hours 21 minutes for the Pixel 10 and 11 hours 28 minutes for the S26. Those are results from that outlet’s test, not universal real-world battery-life figures.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
In the same comparison, Tom’s Guide found the S26 stronger for performance and low-light photography, and the Pixel 10 longer-lasting in its battery test. The better fit therefore depends on whether you value those strengths more than Samsung continuity. Tom’s Guide reported US publication-time prices of $799 for the Pixel 10 with 128GB and $899 with 256GB on March 14, 2026; check current pricing rather than assuming those amounts still apply.
Consider iPhone 17 only if you want to change platforms
Apple’s official product page confirms the iPhone 17, making it a possible choice for someone already interested in iOS or Apple services. The available material does not establish a directly comparable S23-to-iPhone 17 upgrade in battery life, camera quality or value, so those points should not be assumed. Switching also means moving from Android to iOS; weigh that platform change against any Apple services or devices you already use.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Apple’s product information: iPhone 17.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check these details before ordering
- Match the phone to your priority. Decide whether you chiefly want Samsung continuity, a longer telephoto reach, battery endurance, or a change to iOS.
- Compare the same storage tier. The S26 starts at 256GB in the cited specifications, while the Pixel 10 offers 128GB and 256GB options. Compare like-for-like capacity and current local prices.
- Confirm the exact regional version. Samsung’s listed processor varies by region. Check the model, carrier compatibility and local update terms with the seller or manufacturer.
- Review support and update cadence for your market. Tom’s Guide reports seven years of Android OS and security updates for both Android phones and says Pixel owners receive Android updates sooner. Confirm the applicable commitment and rollout details for the exact model and region.
- Use your S23 as the baseline. Think about what it fails to do for you today; the cited sources do not provide a direct S23-versus-S26 or S23-versus-Pixel 10 test.
How much weight to give owner anecdotes
A Reddit thread titled “Ex-S23 users, what phone did you move to, and is it better?” can offer individual experiences, but it is anecdotal rather than a survey or controlled comparison. Treat personal reports as prompts for questions about your own use, not as proof that a particular phone will perform better for you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Discussion: Reddit’s S23-upgrade thread.
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.
