Whatever your lifestyle or budget, Samsung has a range of phones to suit what you’re looking for. The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus tout solid performance, good cameras, and long-lasting batteries. If you want a more premium camera – and have some extra cash to spend – consider the high-end Galaxy S25 Ultra. For an innovative design, you can opt for Samsung’s most expensive foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, or even the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge. And for a more budget-friendly option, Samsung’s Galaxy A15, A26, A36, or A56 might be suitable. Our overview can help you find the phone that best suits your needs.
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What is the best Samsung phone?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – priced at $1,300 – is loaded with features that, for most people, are more than necessary. For the rest of us, the $800 Galaxy S25 stands out among its Galaxy counterparts. It has the same Snapdragon custom chip and RAM as the S25 Ultra, runs the same version of Android, and costs $500 less.
The Galaxy S25 features a highly capable triple rear camera setup, versatile for capturing both bright outdoor scenes and candid moments indoors in mixed lighting. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ideal for Android fans who value fast performance, versatile cameras, and a spacious, bright screen.
How to choose the right Samsung phone for you
Deciding which Samsung phone is best for you depends on what you want in a phone and how much you’re willing to spend. If you want the largest screen available on a standard Samsung phone, enjoy taking notes with a stylus, and need a camera with a significantly closer zoom, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the right choice. You’ll also have to spend $1,300 unless you strike a trade-in deal.
Those who don’t need a stylus, prefer a more compact phone, and still want a good camera should consider the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25 Plus. If you just want the essentials, like a spacious screen, 5G, and a decent camera, consider the Galaxy S24 FE. Those looking for the flashiest tech on the market – and also have deep pockets – should consider the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, or even the slightly cheaper Z Fold 7 FE.
Finding the best Samsung phone will ultimately come down to your preferences. Choosing from so many options can be overwhelming, so here’s how to decide which Samsung phone is best for you. Refer to our phone buying guide for more tips on how to choose the right device.
Best Samsung Phones in 2026
Benefits
- Best screen on any phone
- Versatile cameras
- Most powerful phone I’ve tested
- Good battery life
Disadvantages
- Price of $1,300
- The design is almost too minimal
- AI features are hit or miss
- The S25/S25 Plus have similar features and cost less
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has plenty of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which are unreliable. Fortunately, Samsung gets a lot of other stuff out of the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a high-resolution ultra-wide camera, and some capable pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone, including that anti-glare screen), but also some of its worst parts, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs diminish on any of these fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year’s S24 Ultra, might be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.
Why we love it
The reason the Ultra is preferred over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is seriously the best I’ve seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a cut above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features, such as the ability to record in Log format, bring the Ultra closer to the iPhone than ever before in terms of professional video capture.
Who is it best for
If you own a Galaxy S22 Ultra or earlier, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It’s harder to make this point for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone’s battery is low or they can get an incredible discount, should otherwise pass on this one. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don’t need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.
Who shouldn’t have met
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price tag. The standard Galaxy S25 has the same features, power and longevity, and costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.
Benefits
- The camera always provides good images
- Impressive battery life
- More AI features seem handy
Disadvantages
- Several nifty AI features
- Few changes compared to the S24
The biggest flexibility of the Galaxy S25 that I noticed during testing is that it shares many of the same attributes as its more expensive counterparts, the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra – but it does it for several hundred dollars less. You’ll find features like the AI Select tool, Audio Eraser, and deeper Gemini integration in all of Samsung’s S25 devices, along with a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM – making the smallest phone in the bunch still feel pretty powerful.
And while the Galaxy S25 may look incredibly similar to the S24 and share many of the same specs, consistency isn’t so bad when it means there’s still a good camera and great battery life. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 review.
Why we love it
Having a basic phone, like the Galaxy S25, that offers many of the same benefits as more expensive models is a huge advantage in my opinion. And considering the remarkable processing power, exceptional camera, and seamless AI integration in the Galaxy S25 lineup, it’s great to be able to get all of these premium features for $800.
Who is it best for?
If you insist on buying a flagship device, the Galaxy S25 will not disappoint you. but if you have a device that’s two years old or older, you might be enticed to take advantage of all the latest Galaxy AI and Gemini features built-in. Now, $800 isn’t pocket change, and there are certainly other options for those who want to be more budget-conscious, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, the base S25 can be a great all-around choice.
Who shouldn’t have it
You probably don’t need to upgrade if you’re using last year’s S24.
Benefits
- 4.2mm slim design
- 200 megapixel main camera
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Sustainable construction
Disadvantages
- Steep $2,000 price tag
- Same 4,400 mAh battery as last year’s Fold
- 25-watt wired charging
With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has finally fixed some of the key issues with its previous book-style foldables. The incredibly thin build and wider 6.5-inch cover screen feel like a standard phone when closed, and that wider 8-inch inner screen is ideal for multitasking, with the ability to run up to three apps simultaneously. Perhaps most notably, the camera gets a major upgrade with the addition of a 200-megapixel main camera, which takes photos on par with the high-end S25 Ultra.
Overall, it’s a great choice if you want a larger, tablet-like screen without the bulk or compromise on camera quality.
Why we love it
The Z Fold 7 does a solid job of combining what’s great about standard slate phones and what’s great about foldables. It feels wonderfully normal to hold once closed, thanks to its sleek design and lightweight construction. It also packs great cameras and has a large main screen that’s 11% larger than last year’s Z Fold 6.
Fortunately, a thinner build doesn’t force the battery to take a hit; the Z Fold 7 retains the same 4,400mAh battery as last year’s foldable. This is nothing compared to the batteries of Chinese competitors, but at least it is not a downgrade. The Z Fold 7 also packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to power the many AI features you’ll integrate, from Galaxy AI photo and audio editing tools to Gemini Live and Google’s Circle to Search. The phone also supports seven years of software and security updates.
Who is it best for?
If you’re tired of standard slate phones and want something a little more exciting, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a great choice. The slim design and wider cover screen make it feel as normal as possible when closed, with the added benefit of an expansive main screen, ideal for multitasking and watching videos. The cameras are also impressive for such a thin foldable.
Who shouldn’t have it
The Z Fold 7’s $2,000 price tag is perhaps its biggest caveat. Plus, if you don’t need a bigger screen, it might not be worth it. Ironically, the cover screen is so convenient that you’ll rarely need to open the phone – unless you’re watching movies or eff multitask, in which case a phone like the Galaxy S25 Ultra might be better suited.
Benefits
- The 6.9-inch screen is immersive, with beautiful colors and contrast
- The 4.1-inch screen is incredible
- It’s durable and survived a fall on concrete
- One UI 8 (Android 16) works wonderfully
- $1,100 is still a lot, but Samsung gives the phone more value than the Flip 6
Disadvantages
- Heats up when recording videos and gaming
- Battery life is the same as the Flip 6 despite a bigger battery
- Cover Screen Software Has Room to Grow
When I got my hands on Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was pleased to discover that it had a smaller fold, larger screen cover, slimmer design, and bigger battery compared to last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 6. But while testing the new flip phone, I was fascinated by its interior screen. At 6.9 inches, it’s the largest screen of any Samsung phone except the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has an 8-inch foldable screen.
The Z Flip 7’s large screen size makes content more immersive and colors more beautiful and vivid. This led to epic sessions on TikTok and Instagram, watching widescreen films such as A Working Man and Back to the Future, as well as jumping between two apps stacked vertically on the screen thanks to One UI 8’s 90:10 splitting tool.
Every time I open the Flip 7, I’m always stunned by how such a large screen can unfold from something the size of a makeup compact. And when closed, there’s a 4.1-inch cover display that’s fantastic in its own way, with clever new animations when you record a video, charge the phone or take a selfie, all making efficient use of the extra display space. In terms of features, however, the cover display’s software is about the same as the Flip 6’s 3.4-inch one.
The Flip 7 impressed me in almost every area except one: its battery life. It has a larger battery than the Flip 6, but it doesn’t last longer in daily use. This always got me through a day on a single charge, often with 15-20% left, but there were also a few days where I needed a top-up in the early evening.
Why we love it
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the most fully realized version of Samsung’s flip phone ideal since the launch of the original Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. The Flip 7’s appeal is simple: It’s a thin phone with a big, bold screen that folds in half into a square the size of a coaster. The larger cover screen and inner screen make content more immersive. Its design is slim (for a foldable clamshell) and comfortable to hold. Plus, you get twice the storage space this year than last year.
Who is it best for
If you’ve been tempted by a clamshell foldable model, you should definitely consider the Flip 7. If you own a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or earlier, the Flip 7 will be an upgrade in every way. It’s harder to make the same recommendation to Flip 5 owners, unless your phone is showing its age. And if you own a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can leave this one aside unless you really want those bigger screens.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you spend a lot of time in dirt or sand, this phone is not for you.
Benefits
- Excellent software support and security
- 25-watt wired charging
- Eye-catching light blue color option
Disadvantages
- Slow performance
- Single audio speaker
- Poor photography
Editor’s Note: Samsung also released the Galaxy A17.
Samsung’s $200 Galaxy A15 5G is an easy choice for someone looking to buy a phone that will last for years. Samsung provides it with four years of software updates and five years of security support, which is unprecedented in this price range. Additionally, the phone supports 25W wired charging which, in my testing, was able to charge half of its large 5,000mAh battery in 30 minutes. I also love the eye-catching light blue option.
A $200 phone has to make compromises. The Galaxy A15 5G feels slow compared to competing phones like Motorola’s $200 Moto G 5G, and as an entertainment machine it falls short with its single audio speaker that gets blocked by accident when you hold the phone sideways for games and videos. Photography, which is generally a weak point of phones in this price range, is also mixed with decent photography in outdoor environments while struggling to photograph dimly lit spaces. Read our full Samsung Galaxy A15 5G review.
Why we love it
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a solid, functional choice when all you want is a stable phone. The A15’s photo processing is decent for a phone in this price range. The photos I took outdoors are vibrant, with enough detail that I’d be happy to post them on social media. In a good way, the battery drains slowly and recharges quite quickly thanks to its 25-watt wired charging.
Who is it best for
If you’re looking for a low-cost phone that will be easy and safe to use for years to come, the A15 is an easy choice.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you don’t mind needing a new phone in two or three years, the $200 Moto G 5G and $160 TCL 50 XL have nicer displays that look smoother at their 120Hz refresh rates.
Benefits
- Super-fast charging
- Nice big screen
- 7 years of OS and security upgrades
- Excellent performance with games, movies and animations
Disadvantages
- Battery life is one day, similar to the base S25
- Similar specs to the S25 at a higher price
- Competing phones at the same price have better cameras
If you like the base Galaxy S25 but would prefer to have a larger screen and higher battery capacity – without completely upgrading to the Ultra – the S25 Plus may be the phone for you. The entire S25 line shares many features, from AI capabilities to processing power to memory, so the Plus may be a viable choice if you’re looking for something in between.
That said, the Plus’s minimal improvements over the base S25 may not justify the $200 price difference. But if a bigger phone is nicer to hold and you’d rather have a 4,900 mAh battery (compared to the S25’s 4,000 mAh), then that $1,000 starting price could ultimately be worth every penny. Read CNET’s full Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review.
Why we love it
While the base S25 ticks all the key boxes, the S25 Plus may just seem like a more comfortable device to use, especially if you’re another member of the larger hands club. As well as sharing many of the same features as the more expensive S25 Ultra, the S25 Plus has a higher battery capacity than the base model – although in CNET’s testing there were no major differences in the real-world performance of the two batteries. Still, sometimes you just want to live a little larger, and this phone may be the perfect solution.
Who is it best for
If you like having a larger screen for watching movies or playing games, the S25 Plus may be a great choice. While the S25 Ultra might be a top choice for someone who wants both a bigger phone and the most premium features, the S25 Plus can be that Goldilocks device that hits you right in the middle — without you having to spend $1,300 for the Ultra.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you want the best in cameras, don’t buy the S25 Plus. For $1,000, phones like the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro have better cameras. Or if you can afford a $1,300 phone, check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra which has an incredible set of lenses.
Benefits
- Lightweight design
- 200 megapixel main camera
- Durable titanium frame and Gorilla Glass front and back
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- 12 GB of RAM
Disadvantages
- Poor battery life
- Wired charging of just 25 watts
- A high price
- Just two rear cameras
The Galaxy S25 Edge is a unique offering – one that doesn’t necessarily address most people’s top priorities, like longer battery life and affordability, and yet it still presents an attractive option with its slim frame and lightweight body. Fortunately, it doesn’t reduce features and capabilities too much; it has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and the same 200-megapixel main camera you’ll find on the high-end S25 Ultra (although there’s no telephoto lens).
The main sacrifice is battery life, as the S25 Edge has a 3,900mAh battery, the lowest amount in the S25 series. It also only supports 25-watt wired charging. But it still offers enough juice to get you through the day, even if you’re a notorious heavy phone user. Plus, using something so remarkably lightweight feels like such a breath of fresh air that you might not mind compromising. Read our full Galaxy S25 Edge review.
Why we love it
The S25 Edge is surprisingly pleasant to use and hold, considering its lightweight design (it weighs 163 grams) and generous 6.7-inch screen. And despite its thinner frame, it feels surprisingly sturdy, thanks to its Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 display and Victus 2 stand. That means you don’t feel like it’s going to break in your pocket – and you’ll barely feel it in there.
Who is it best for?
If you want a phone that’s lightweight and can fit easily in your pocket, without compromising too much on features, the S25 Edge is a great option. Plus, if you’re looking for a new form factor but aren’t interested in venturing into foldable territory, this unique phone is a solid — and more familiar — choice.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the S25 Edge might not appeal to you. Additionally, if battery life is your top priority, the S25 Edge leaves something to be desired, since it only lasts about 24 hours before needing a recharge.
Comparison of the best Samsung phones
| SamsungGalaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, technology, resolution, refresh rate | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2340 x 1080 pixels; Adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120 x 1,440 ft xels; Adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3120 x 1440 pixels; Adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz | 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED screen; 120Hz refresh rate | Coverage: 6.5-inch AMOLED, 2520 x 1080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate; Internal: 8-inch AMOLED, 2184 x 1968p, 1-120Hz refresh rate | Coverage: 4.1-inch AMOLED, 948 x 1048p, 120Hz refresh rate; Internal: 6.9-inch AMOLED, 2520 x 1080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 416 dpi | 509 dpi | 501 dpi | 548 dpi | Coverage: 422 ppi; Internal: 368 ppi | Coverage: 342 ppi; Internal: 397 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 inches. | 6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 inches. | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches. | 2.98 x 6.23 x 0.23 inches | Open: 5.63 x 6.24 x 0.17 inches; Closed: 2.87 x 6.24 x 0.35 inches | Open: 2.96 x 6.56 x 0.26 inches; Closed: 2.96 x 3.37 x 0.26 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm | 75.6 x 158.2 x 5.8 mm | Open: 143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2 mm; Closed: 72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9 mm | Open: 75.2 x 166.7 x 6.5mm; Closed: 75.2 x 85.5 x 13.7 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 162 g (5.71 ounces) | 190 g (6.70 ounces) | 218 g (7.69 ounces) | 163 g (5.75 ounces) | 215 g (7.58 ounces) | 188 g (6.63 ounces) |
| Mobile software | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 16 | Android 16 |
| Camera | 50 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (3x telephoto) | 50 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (3x telephoto) | 200 megapixels (wide), 50 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (3x telephoto), 50 megapixels (5x telephoto) | 200 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultra-wide) | 200 megapixels (main), 12 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (telephoto), 10 megapixels (cover screen, selfie) | 50 megapixels (main), 12 megapixels (ultrawide) |
| Front camera | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels | 10 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
| Video capture | 8K | 8K | 8K | 8K at 30fps | 4K at 60fps | |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Samsung Exynos 2500 |
| RAM + storage | 12 GB RAM + 128 GB, 256 GB | 12 GB RAM + 256 GB, 512 GB | 12 GB RAM + 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 12 GB RAM + 256 GB, 512 GB | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 1TB | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | None | No | No | None |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 4,900mAh | 5000mAh | 3,900mAh | 4,400mAh | 4,300mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display | Under display | Yes | Yes | |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Special Features | Maximum brightness of 2,600 nits; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (millimeter waves); IP68 water and dust resistance; Wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); AI Galaxy; Wi-Fi 7 | Maximum brightness of 2,600 nits; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (millimeter waves); IP68 water and dust resistance; Wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); AI Galaxy; Wi-Fi 7; ultra-wideband | Titanium frame, 2600 nits peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (millimeter waves); IP68 water and dust resistance; Wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; Built-in S pen; UWB to find other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); AI Galaxy; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor protective glass; ultra-wideband | IP88 Rating, 5G, One UI 7, 25 Watt Wired Charging, 15 Watt Wireless Charging, Galaxy AI, Gemini, Circle to Search, Wi-Fi 7. | One UI 8, 25W wired charging speed, Qi wireless charging, 2,600 nits max brightness, Galaxy AI, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, IP48 water resistance | One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25W wired charging, Qi wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AI |
| The American price starts at | $800 (128 GB) | $1,000 (256 GB) | $1,300 (256 GB) | $1,100 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Price in UK starts at | £799 (128GB) | £999 (256GB) | £1,249 (256GB) | £1,799 | £1,049 | |
| Price in Australia starts at | AU$1,399 (256 GB) | AU$1,699 (256 GB) | AU$2,149 (256 GB) | AU$2,899 | AU$1,799 |
In July 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to our list.
Get more for less with cheap phones: For a fraction of the price, you can get a solid phone that does almost everything a more expensive flagship phone can. The Galaxy S24 FE packs a good camera and costs just $650 before discounts or trade-in offers.
Test your phone: It’s worth going to a store and trying out a phone before shelling out hundreds of dollars to get it.
Find peace of mind with a case: You’ve spent all this time choosing a phone, now protect it from damage with a case.
Get ready for Cyber Monday sales: Holidays usually bring big discounts and sales, even on phones.
We test the battery, screen, performance, cameras and more on every phone we review.
Lisa Eadiciccio/CNETWe test each phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our results in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates or to compare with new phones from competitors like Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Photography
Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, which is why we take photos and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting levels. We’re trying out all the new camera modes like 4K 120fps slow-motion video that debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max or AI cropping and we’re focusing on the Motorola Razr Plus (2024).
Battery life
Battery tests are performed in different ways. We evaluate how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and rate its performance during more focused sessions of video calling, media streaming, and gaming. We also do a video playback test, which is not always included in the initial review and is added later in an update.
Performance
We perform CPU-intensive tasks like editing photos, exporting videos, and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to warrant an upgrade from older models.
We use benchmarking apps to measure performance, as well as our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Of particular note is the appearance of the graphics and animations. Are they smooth? Or are they late or stuttering? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how quickly the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Learn more: How we test phones
The Galaxy S24 FE does a decent job taking photos, but the more expensive Galaxy S24 uses its more powerful processor to improve them.
Numi Prasarn/CNETSamsung $650 Galaxy S24 FE is so comfortable to use that at times our reviewer, Mike Sorrentino, felt like he was testing a scaled-down version of the $1,000 Galaxy S24 Plus. The S24 FE’s large 6.7-inch 120Hz refresh rate display allowed me to easily stream shows, play games, and make video calls throughout the day. And it includes almost all the software goodies of the more expensive Galaxy S24 line. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review.
Why buy a Samsung phone over other Android phones?
Which phone is right for you depends on various factors, such as your budget, your current phone, and whether you have other mobile accessories from the same company, such as headphones or smartwatches. Many people prefer to stick with phones from the same company because the experience is more consistent and there is less of a learning curve when moving to a new device.
The same goes for Samsung; the company’s One UI software (its customized version of Android) is available in its line of phones. Samsung’s One UI 6 introduced a more customizable lock screen and the ability to answer a phone call via text message instead of speaking.
Consistency aside, there are some advantages to choosing a Samsung phone over devices from other Android phone manufacturers. Samsung generally excels when it comes to display quality and brightness, and usually has plenty of choices in terms of size and price. Samsung phones generally offer decent battery life – especially mid-sized and large phones – and the cameras are generally among the best, especially on the Galaxy S25 line. Samsung also offers seven years of Android version updates for most of its new smartphones, which is longer support than even Google provides for its Pixel phones.
Google Pixel devices also have great cameras as well as specific software features that you can’t get anywhere else. The OnePlus 13 is also cheaper than the regular-priced Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra with no trade-in and offers faster charging speeds. This might be a better choice for those who want to pay a little less but still want a giant 6.82-inch screen and a triple rear camera.
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Which Samsung phone series is better, Galaxy A, S or Z?
Samsung’s Galaxy A and S families serve different purposes, so whichever one suits you comes will depend on your needs and your budget. The Galaxy A line is Samsung’s mid-budget line, and it’s the best choice if you’re looking for a phone under $500 without a trade-in deal. These phones usually offer basic features like a big screen, big battery, and multiple cameras at a lower price.
You also get what you pay for; Samsung’s cheapest phones have very limited storage space and lower-quality cameras than the most expensive models, and they sometimes struggle to juggle multiple tasks. More expensive phones like the Galaxy A35 5G offer almost everything most people want in a basic phone, although you’ll still have to compromise on camera quality and overall performance.
The Galaxy S series, on the other hand, is Samsung’s flagship smartphone line. Galaxy S phones typically include the best technology Samsung has to offer and features you’d expect on any high-end phone, like a premium design, 5G support, displays with high refresh rates, and multiple high-end cameras. The biggest updates launched with the Galaxy S25 line, for example, included a move to a 200-megapixel main camera on the Ultra and bigger batteries for the smaller models. You’ll need to be prepared to pay hundreds of dollars more than you would for a Galaxy A series phone in most cases.
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