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Best Samsung Phones

Updated October 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Feature-Filled

After testing the S24 Ultra for several weeks, our analysis found it to be a powerful and durable smartphone with a larger and sharper screen than the competition. We loved its premium titanium build, useful integrated S Pen stylus and capable cameras. It's the phone to buy if you want the latest and greatest.

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Feature-Filled
Bottom Line

After testing the S24 Ultra for several weeks, our analysis found it to be a powerful and durable smartphone with a larger and sharper screen than the competition. We loved its premium titanium build, useful integrated S Pen stylus and capable cameras. It's the phone to buy if you want the latest and greatest.

Pros

Our tests found the S24 Ultra can last close to 3 days on a single charge. The smartphone packs an improved 50MP sensor that delivers superior image quality. It offers extensive AI features for image and video editing, such as converting any video into a 120-fps slow-motion video. Its processor is incredibly capable even for demanding graphic-intensive games.

Cons

We felt it was uncomfortable to hold one-handed for extended periods and wished it supported the latest more-stable Qi2 wireless charging standard.

Samsung Galaxy A15
Samsung
Galaxy A15
Excellent Value

Samsung's entry into the budget phone landscape offers more than enough.

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Excellent Value
Bottom Line

Samsung's entry into the budget phone landscape offers more than enough.

Pros

It comes with just 128 GB of storage space, but you can expand that into up to 1 TB. It's capable of connecting to 5G networks, and Samsung claims to support it with updates for up to five years.

Cons

It can run slow if you have too many apps open at once.

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung
Galaxy S23
Sleek & Redesigned

The S23 brings better battery life and a sleeker, bump-free camera design.

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Sleek & Redesigned
Bottom Line

The S23 brings better battery life and a sleeker, bump-free camera design.

Pros

It has a bright 6.2-inch AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate for smooth visuals. Redesigned rear cameras do away with bumps completely, and the 50MP primary sensor takes excellent photos in bright or dark environments. Plus, the front-facing camera works great at night.

Cons

This phone offers a significant performance upgrade from its predecessor, but its camera remains the same.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Samsung
Galaxy Z Flip5
Compact Yet Powerful

An enhanced camera, excellent screen quality, and great-looking colors make this compact phone a stellar choice.

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Compact Yet Powerful
Bottom Line

An enhanced camera, excellent screen quality, and great-looking colors make this compact phone a stellar choice.

Pros

Includes a new "flex window" that allows you to send texts, take selfies, and change music without opening up your phone. Utilizes state-of-the-art glass and water resistance to stand up to daily use with ease. Has a long-lasting battery that can perform tasks all day long without needing a charge. The compact size is great for those always on the go.

Cons

The smaller size can make the phone easy to misplace for some users.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold6
Unique Design

Folding phones aren't for everyone, but the experiences they offer are wholly unique.

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Unique Design
Bottom Line

Folding phones aren't for everyone, but the experiences they offer are wholly unique.

Pros

The full display size when unfolded is 7.6 inches, and its battery can last for up to 23 hours when watching videos. It can come with three storage sizes up to 1 TB, and it comes in five colors.

Cons

Some wished the camera had better features and specifications.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
August 25, 2021
30
Models
considered
24
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best Samsung phones

Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated October 2024

There’s a reason Samsung sells more cell phones than any other electronics producer on Earth. They have a knack for innovation and for building practical and easy-to-use devices. Over the past decade, they have been on the leading edge of the smartphone revolution, taking every opportunity to maximize performance and usability for their customers. As a result, Samsung owners tend to be highly loyal to the brand, because they connect with the product.

A major factor in Samsung’s product-development strategy is, in fact, customer input. They find out what was popular with consumers on their previous models, and try to add to that as best they can. The result is a catalog of smartphones that offer sleek looks, durable quality, and a user experience that keeps people coming back for more.

The choices are plentiful, so a little research is in order, and our shopping guide can help you land on just the right model. There’s an option for everyone in our list of the best Samsung phones.

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Samsung is one of the largest electronics companies in the world. It was started in 1938 by a man who traded noodles and other goods in Korea and exported them to China.

Key considerations

Choosing a smartphone is far more personal now than it was even a few years ago. As the uses for smartphones expand with every new model, there is a lot to consider in making your choice. Phones are no longer just communication devices. They have become computers, cameras, camcorders, word processors, fax machines, and even fashion accessories. They truly have become all things to all people. In deciding what Samsung phone you want, consider what features you use most, or which are most important to you, even if you use them infrequently. Compare and contrast the best Samsung phones in this review, and decide which serves your purposes best.

Size

This is usually the first thing that most people consider when choosing a smartphone. Some like a screen that’s as large as possible, while others prefer a compact model. If you end up choosing a size that you don’t like, then the rest of the features may seem pretty meaningless.

Battery life

Having a long battery life could literally be a life-or-death issue. Cell phone features and functions can have a drastic impact on longevity. Check out reviews of individual cell phone battery life to help make your final decision.

Camera

Almost equally as important as size is the phone’s camera. Most people want a camera that has good resolution and a decent zoom. However, there are many different types of cameras on phones these days, so look at the specs before making your final decision.

Storage

Because we put so much information on our phones, it’s imperative to have enough storage space to manage it all. One of the most common frustrations that users have is trying to take a photo and having the phone’s memory be full. You don’t want to miss out on those precious moments because you don’t have enough storage space on your phone.

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Did you know?
Samsung didn’t start making electronics until 1969, 31 years after its founding.
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Features

Dual front camera

A recent advancement in cellphone technology, dual front cameras allow for a portrait-style photo, with the foreground being sharp and in focus, while the background has a blur. This mimics the results of using a portrait lens on a digital SLR camera.

Water resistance

Because we take our smartphones with us almost everywhere, for many people it’s important to have a water-resistant phone. Especially for those with children, water resistance can save you a lot of money in the long run if it keeps your phone from being ruined.

Dual SIM card

The advantage of a dual SIM (subscriber identification module) card is that if you are crossing international borders, you won’t miss a beat in the middle of a call. This may be a highly specific feature, but one that can be useful to world travellers.

Wireless charging

The ability to charge your phone by simply setting it on top of a charging station is a convenience that most of us would love. Check which Samsung models offer this feature if you think it’s something that you need.

Infinity display

Some Samsung models offer a full screen, no-bezel display that follows the curvature of your phone. It makes viewing videos on the HD screen even more impressive.

Accessories

Smartphone sanitizer: We take our phones everywhere, and that means they can pick up germs anywhere. Keeping your phone clean and sanitized will help keep you from ingesting those germs.

Portable charger: If you travel frequently or you just want to make sure you have enough juice for that important phone call, a portable charger can come in handy.

Best Samsung phone prices

Modern smartphones offer endless options and variations for consumers. Within the larger smartphone market, Samsung is a universe all its own. One of the advantages that such a large company like Samsung has is the ability to provide great products to customers at every price level.

Inexpensive

Low-cost Samsung phones range around $100-$300. Some are as low as $50 with prepaid services. These units have the basic functions of most decent smartphones, but are slim on the features available in their higher-end counterparts.

Mid-range

There are a number of good choices in the $300-$800 price range. Most people can probably find the phone that works for them in this range. However, avid techies will probably want to buy in the higher range to get all the newest gadgets and functions.

Expensive

Those who want to enjoy the benefits of the latest advancements in smartphone technology will want to buy in the $800-$2,500 range. With a hefty price tag comes a heap of features. If you plan to buy on the expensive side, explore all of the options carefully before you spend so much on a phone.

Tips

  • Replacement plan: Most service providers give the option of a replacement plan in case of theft, loss, or damage to your smartphone. Even those phones on the inexpensive level cost a pretty penny. Sign up for the replacement plan and protect your investment.

  • Photo backup: Photos and videos eat more storage space on your phone than any other files. To protect your storage space, store photos and videos in the cloud, or on an external device in order to free up space.

  • Protection: Because a phone is such a dear investment for most people, buy accessories to protect your phone from damage. Screen protectors and wraparound cases offer a level of protection for your phone that you’ll want to have.

  • Apps: Get the most out of your Samsung phone by downloading apps that will expand its capabilities. From organizers to translators and personal budgeting, third-party applications can turn your Samsung phone into almost anything you could imagine. If you have smart appliances, you can even use an app to control your range or refrigerator from your smartphone. Take advantage of the technology available.

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In addition to phones, Samsung is the biggest television maker in the world.

FAQ

Q. Is my Samsung phone obsolete because a new version of the phone was released?

A. No. Samsung is an electronics giant, which means they are constantly working on developing new products. Enjoy your current Samsung phone for as long as you like, and get a newer model whenever you feel you are ready.

Q. How long should my battery last before needing a recharge?

A. The answer to that question depends on a number of factors. Which battery your phone uses, how often and in what way you use your phone, and power settings will all affect battery life.

Q. Should I only buy my smartphone directly from my service provider?

A. Although every service provider also offers retail services, there are a number of great outlets where buying a cellphone is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure when you purchase from any third party, that the phone is compatible with your service provider.

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