Looking for the best Samsung phone? Cost, new features, and reliability are important factors to consider. Your personal taste is also crucial, especially if you have a preference for curved screens, large or small phones, and what you’ll use your device for.
Each year, Samsung releases an onslaught of award-winning smartphones that become extremely popular on a global scale. So, if you’re thinking of buying or leasing one of these devices, you’ll have dozens of factors to consider.
Here, we’ve streamlined your search for the best Samsung phone by comparing our favorite features in the latest and greatest models.
Category | Best Samsung Phone |
Best Overall | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
Best Budget | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (refurbished) |
Best battery life | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus |
Best Series A | Samsung Galaxy A54 |
Best gaming | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G |
Best smaller phone | Samsung Galaxy S23 |
Even the base models of Samsung’s line of Galaxy phones tend to be crowd-pleasers each year. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, however, is the best model of Samsung’s latest and greatest Galaxy smartphones, boasting the best camera of any Galaxy phone on the market and easily rivaling competitors like Apple or Google.
The S23 Ultra does seem to experience fluctuations in battery performance, and its curved screen and hefty weight aren’t entirely ergonomic. Plus, a brand-new S23 Ultra can cost upward of $1,000. Nevertheless, the pros far outweigh the cons, making this model a strong contender for the best Samsung phone currently available.
Specifications
Dimensions: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
CPU: Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Front camera: 12.0MP Selfie Camera
Back camera: 200 MP wide-angle | 12 MP ultrawide | 10 MP telephoto
RAM/storage: 256GB | 512GB | 1TB
Battery life: 5,000 mAh
Pros
Best-in-class camera image quality
Potent RAM processing power
5G internet connectivity
Cons
Pricey
Inconsistent battery life
Bulky build may be unwieldy for some
When looking for the best midrange Samsung phone on the market, consider this: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is over 2 years old, yet it still gives newer phones a run for their money. In 2021, this device was Samsung’s flagship phone. Thanks to price drops, it’s one of the best smartphones you can buy for a relatively low price.
With a 4,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) battery and a dynamic screen refresh rate that adjusts to on-screen content, the S21 Ultra is a powerhouse machine. Its bulky frame can be off-putting to some, and the iPhone Pro Max 12 just barely edges out its price tag. Regardless, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best budget Samsung phone per dollar.
Specifications
Dimensions: 75.6 × 165.1 × 8.9 mm
Screen size: 6.8 inches
CPU: Octa-core
Camera: 108.0 MP wide-angle | 12.0 MP ultra-wide | 10.0 MP telephoto
RAM/storage: 128GB
Battery life: 4,000 mAh
Pros
Dynamic refresh rate
First Galaxy phone to integrate S pen
Director’s view drastically improves video-capturing capabilities
Cons
Bulky and heavy
No charger or micro SD card slot
Slower and $100 more than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
Samsung’s S Series phones are undoubtedly impressive, but the A Series also deserves its due. These devices aim to offer a premium user experience for a much lower cost than their S series counterparts. Case in point: the Samsung Galaxy A54.
This compact smartphone has a battery life of 5,000 mAh, rivaling the S23 Ultra. The A54 is also famous for its photo-capturing capabilities, though its chipset and Exynos processor are lacking for a phone with this price tag. The A54 can be an excellent backup phone or the right fit for people who enjoy a more minimalist device.
Specifications
Screen size: 6.4-inches
CPU: Octa-core
Camera: 50 MP wide-angle | 32 MP ultra-wide | 12 MP telephoto
RAM/storage: 128GB
Battery life: 5,000mAh
Pros
Boasts impressive battery life
Vision booster, which shifts tone mapping based on ambient light
Great daylight photos
Cons
Potential performance issues
Slow charging
Underwhelming chipset
The best Samsung phone isn’t always the priciest model or the device with the fanciest features. Functionality goes a very long way — you may become fond of a phone that simply feels good to use even without so many flourishes. That’s often the case with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus.
The S23 Plus and the S23 Ultra share many of the same great features — both have Snapdragon 8 processors, 25+ hours of video playback time, and durable Armor Aluminum frames — perfect for any power users out there. And if that wasn’t enough, the S23 Plus has a smooth build with a completely flat screen that more easily fits in your palm or your pocket.
Specifications
Screen size: 6.6
CPU: Octa-core
Camera: 50 MP wide-angle | 12 MP ultra-wide | 10 MP telephoto
RAM/storage: 256GB | 512GB
Battery life: 4,700 mAh
Pros
Great rear cameras
Captures great video
Strong battery life
More manageable than the Ultra
Cons
Same display as the S23
Comparatively expensive next to other options
The base S23 has better value
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold phones aim to combine new innovations with old-school 00s aesthetics. This novel idea seemed risky early on, but the Fold line has earned its keep as a worthwhile investment for luxury phone enthusiasts.
Much emphasis should be placed on that “luxury” part, as these phones are quite pricey, and their features can overwhelm certain users. The Galaxy Z Fold4 might be the best Samsung deivice for anyone looking for a phone that can also double as a tablet otherwise known as a “phablet”).
Specifications
Screen size: Main screen (7.6 inches), cover screen (6.2 inches)
CPU: Octa-core
Camera: 50 MP wide-angle | 12 MP ultra-wide | 10 MP telephoto
RAM/storage: 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB
Battery life: 4,400 mAh
Pros
Reverse wireless charging (it can charge other devices)
Two apps can be used at the same time
S-pen compatible
Cons
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is still similar to Fold4
Luxury price tag
No S-pen for front display
Not the best camera for photos
It’s no surprise that the Samsung Galaxy S23 earns this spot on our list. Even though it’s the base model of the S23 line, it still possesses many of the same features that make its older siblings great. The S23 wins out on its size and price tag relative to the other S23 models.
When stacked against similar phones from competitors, the S23 may not tickle everyone’s fancy. It also has a curved screen that can hinder this device’s comfort for certain people.
Specifications
Screen size: 6.1 inches
CPU: Octa-core
Camera: 50 MP wide-angle | 12 MP ultra-wide | 10 MP telephoto
RAM/storage: 128GB | 256GB
Battery life: 3,900
Pros
7-hour screen on time
Triple-back cameras beat out most competitors
6.1 display = compact
Cons
Features aren’t too different from previous models
Pricey relative to build and features
Curved screen that may hamper ergonomics
The best Samsung phone for you depends on your habits as a smartphone user. Do you like to play mobile games and record hours of high-resolution footage? The Galaxy S23 Ultra might be the best Samsung phone for you due to its powerful processor, long battery life, and widescreen.
Conversely, the A25 is ideal for people who strictly want to use their phone to make calls, send messages, and do some occasional light web browsing. Then there’s the Fold4, which is more niche and best suited for users who plan to conduct a lot of business on the go.
The S23 Ultra wins the best phone camera category, hands down. Its front-facing selfie camera, alongside its ultra-wide and telephoto cams, is also on par with competitors. However, the S23 Ultra’s 200-megapixel ultra-wide camera is unparalleled at taking photos in lowlight environments.
The build quality on these devices is the starkest and most substantial difference between the S Series and the A Series. Build quality refers to the materials used for a device’s hardware (or physical parts).
Samsung’s S series phones incorporate high-end materials like aluminum in their frames and have high IP ratings (68 in the S23’s case). The A54, by comparison, has a matte plastic frame and an IP rating of 67 — resulting in a less expensive yet less durable phone.
Put simply, A Series phones are mid-range devices that are affordable and functional, while S Series phones are high-tech mini supercomputers that normally boast a wealth of expensive yet impressive features.
This question almost entirely boils down to preference, though we typically see a fascinating tug of war between Samsung and Apple each year in the “who’s camera is better” department.
iPhones are very easy to use, incredibly long-lasting, and fit in nicely with Apple’s entire ecosystem of products; an Apple Watch, AirPods, and an iPhone all greatly complement each other.
Samsung phones offer an incredibly customizable experience thanks to their Android operating system (OS). It’s not uncommon for techies to drastically increase the functionality of a Galaxy, thanks to the vast amount of software you can download onto these devices.
Learn more about which brand of smartphone is environmentally friendly from our blog, and shop around for used and refurbished Samsung phones in our online store.
We analyzed the specifications that Samsung outlined in their press releases and consulted multiple customer reviews during our research. We specifically looked for recurring praise or criticism concerning each phone’s features to finalize our rankings.
*Please note: The prices of Verified Refurbished phones reflect the lowest price of that device on the Back Market website at the time of publication in February 2024. All other above prices reflect the price listed on the linked website at the same time of publication.
Our mission is to make renewed tech mainstream. Turning old into "new new", so to speak.
Did you find this article useful ?
Published Mar 31, 2023 - The Samsung Galaxy S23+ offers several exciting updates from the S22 series. How well does the S23+ hold up to other models in the S23 lineup?
A compact yet powerful Android phone for 2021
Published Aug 25, 2023 - In this review, we delve into the features of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 so you can decide if it’s right for you. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is unfolding a new smartphone experience. If you’re searching for a top-performing phone that’s a little different, check out the Galaxy Z Flip. With its cutting-edge technology and sleek design, it's time to flip your perspective on what a smartphone can do.
Updated Jan 25, 2023 - The S10 costs less than ever and still shows excellent performance with some nice upgraded features over the S9.
Published Aug 28, 2023 - The best foldable smartphone on the market gets a few small upgrades.
Published Apr 25, 2023 - Discover the top Samsung Galaxy S22 cases and accessories to protect and enhance your device. Our overview will help you choose the best options for your needs.
Should you buy a refurbished used Samsung Galaxy S8, or spend a little more to buy a newer Samsung phone? Find out if the S8 is still worth it.
Updated Jan 25, 2023 - A refurbished Android phone like the S9 is still a good value for the money, but you sacrifice key software updates and recent technology improvements. Here's what you need to know!