If you ask the experts, “What is the best Samsung phone out there?”, you’ll likely get a lot of different answers. That’s because finding the best phone depends on what’s important to you. Is it price? Battery life? Cameras? The latest tech? Or maybe it’s something else entirely.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Samsung phones based on their capabilities to help you find the perfect fit.
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24+
From Samsung’s newest and fastest processor yet, to Galaxy AI with its epic new artificial intelligence capabilities baked in—the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is full of improvements that make it even better than previous generations. And while the S24 Ultra, with its fancy built-in S Pen and amazing camera, is a step up from this middle sibling, the S24+ is a more affordable option. So, unless you’re a serious photographer (or absolutely need a stylus) the S24+ gives you a lot of bang for the buck.
Key Features
- Huge 6.7" QHD + Flat Screen
- Ultra-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Quad-camera setup (50MP Wide + 10MP Tele + 12MP Ultra-Wide Rear Cameras + 12MP Front Camera)
- 4,900mAh Battery
- 256GB or 512GB Storage
- 12GB RAM
What We Like Most
With Galaxy AI baked in, not to mention Samsung’s new superfast chipset, and powerful battery with up to 29-hours of video playback (88 audio), it’s easy to see why the S24+ has carved out a space as one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. While the camera on the more-expensive S24 Ultra is a step up from this phone’s, the S24+ camera is still formidable, and the video capabilities are quite impressive. Plus, with Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit and Chat/Note Assist at your fingertips, you can do it all!
Other Considerations
At about $1,000, the Galaxy S24+ is the Goldilocks of the series, costing more than the S24, but less than the Ultra, putting it right in the middle budget-wise. However, if you absolutely must have an S Pen, crave a bigger screen, more storage, a more powerful battery or the latest and greatest camera on the market—you may want to consider the Ultra.
Best Camera: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Photography lovers rave about Galaxy S24 Ultra for its ability to take clear, stunning photos, further enhanced with AI. Let’s take a look.
Key Features
- 6.8" QHD + Flat Screen
- Embedded S Pen
- 5 Cameras: 4 Main and 1 Selfie
- Main
- Wide - 200MP with Laser Auto Focus
- Ultra-Wide - 12MP
- Tele - 10MP with 3x Optical Zoom
- 50MP (Dual Telephoto) 3x, 5x Optical / 100x Digital Zoom
- Video
- 200MP: 8K
- 12MP: 4K
- 10MP / 10MP: 4K
- 50MP: 8K
- Selfie
- 12MP / 2PD AF (Dual Telephoto and Auto Focus)
- Video Capture: 4K
- Main
What We Like Most
For stunning detail, even from far away, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can’t be beat. The Tele OIS is wider than ever, for amazing shots with less blur. As for high-res photos, Samsung was able to capture a stunning 200MP photo 20+ miles above earth using a hydrogen balloon and a carbon-fiber frame—no edits required. Galaxy AI only enhances the magic with features like Nightography Zoom, Instant Slow-Mo and generative editing capabilities that let you resize, retouch, relocate items and beyond.
Other Considerations
Photography buffs say that they love the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s huge 6.8-inch screen and that it seems to have less glare than its competitors’. They also appreciate the baked-in Galaxy AI camera features, which make editing and capturing the perfect videos and pics a breeze. But the at full price (about $1,300) it could be a bit costly for those who are simply looking to snap a few good Instagram photos.
Best for Business: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Multitaskers who are using their smartphones as a tool for staying connected to the office on the go need their devices to do much more than offer talking and texting capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is a sleek, stylish tablet-phone hybrid that provides all the mobility of a phone with all the utility of a tablet. When closed, the device looks like a regular phone, with a nice 6.3-inch outer screen, although it is a little bit thicker and heavier. However, once you open the phone, it transforms into what amounts to be a massive 7.6-inch tablet, perfect for video, taking notes with Samsung’s S Pen, and reviewing documents on the go.
Key Features
- External Screen: 6.3" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Main Screen: 7.6" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Flex Mode
- Hands-free Video
- Multi-window view
- S Pen Compatible (Sold Separately)
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Cameras: 10MP Front, 50MP Wide, 10MP Telephoto, 12MP Ultra Wide
- Galaxy AI
- 4,400 mAh battery
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
- RAM: 12GB
What We Like Most
The foldable screen means double the real estate for reviewing documents, video, and taking notes. For added functionality, it’s got that superfast Galaxy chipset we’ve been talking about, plus the latest Galaxy AI features. A favorite AI feature for S Pen users is Sketch to Image, which lets you sketch something on a blank page—or even on a photo—and then have AI transform it into an image (e.g., draw a bird in the sky on one of your photos and AI naturally incorporates it into the picture.) You can also navigate your Z Fold6 much like a PC, giving you quick access to messages, email, and your favorite apps.
Other Considerations
The Galaxy Z Fold6 at full price is about $1,900, making the device one of the most expensive smartphones on the market. So, those who won’t be using its tablet functions on a day-to-day basis might not see much advantage to the foldable device over other Samsung flagship devices. Plus, the S Pen is sold separately for the Z Fold6, transforming one of its main selling points into an additional expense. While there is a slight crease when the phone unfolds, the hinge is now much stronger and the crease is almost invisible compared to earlier models.
Best Compact: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
For those who want all the connectivity of a smartphone with all the compact portability of a flip phone, the Galaxy Z Flip6 may be the perfect fit.
Fans of the Galaxy Z Flip6 love the external display screen, which offers time, date, weather, and messages at-a-glance, even when the phone is closed, much like a smartwatch. This generation also comes with Samsung’s latest and greatest chipset and Galaxy AI on board. And when you’re ready to interact, the Z Flip6 transforms into a bigger-than-life smartphone, revealing a stunningly vivid display.
Key Features
- External Screen: 3.4" Super AMOLED
- Main Screen: 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Cameras: 50MP Wide, 10MP Front, 12MP Ultra Wide
- 4,000mAh battery
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB
- RAM: 12GB
What We Like Most
The main benefit of the Z Flip6 is the fact that you can comfortably carry it in your purse or pocket without worrying about damaging the screen. Plus, the smaller outer screen displays messages and other important info without the need to constantly open your phone every time a new notification pops up.
Other Considerations
The crease, while slightly improved on this iteration, is still visible and will get more noticeable with time. Cost may also be an issue for some, at about $1,100 full price.
Best Value: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G
The Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition) has many of the bells and whistles of Samsung’s flagship phones at about half of the cost. For those who want a fast phone that takes good pictures (especially selfies!) but aren’t necessarily worried about perks like the S Pen or advanced night photography capabilities, this phone is functional and stylish at a great price.
Key Features
- 6.4'' FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Triple Camera Setup (50MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide + 8MP Tele Rear Cameras + 10MP Selfie)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Galaxy AI
- 4,500mAh Battery
- 128GB Storage
- 8GB RAM
What We Like Most
The main draw of the S23 FE is the price, but its camera capabilities are decent, as well. It has a solid triple-lens camera, which includes a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS and a 10MP front-facing camera for good selfies. Rounding out the S23 FE’s impressive features is a nice, big display and a long-lasting battery, which lets you share all those great photos and videos without interruption. It also has a lot of the Galaxy AI features we mentioned previously.
Other Considerations
Though the S23 FE is a good phone, it’s not particularly exciting. With most of the same features found in older generation Samsung flagships, it’s great for those who like the Galaxy series and want to update their devices without paying for more advanced features. However, other mid-range phones might offer more for the money.
Best Budget: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The A35 is proof that a 5G phone doesn't have to cost a fortune. Its 5G performance and other great features make it one of the best phones you can buy for less than $400! You’ll love the big, vivid screen, durable design, and solid camera system.
Key Features
- 6.6'' Infinity-O Super AMOLED FHQ+ Display
- Triple Camera Setup (50MP Main + 8MP Ultra Wide & 5MP Macro Cameras + 13MP Front Camera)
- Exynos 1380 Octa-Core Processor
- 5,000mAh battery
- 128GB Storage (Expandible up to 1TB)
- 6GB RAM
What We Like Most
The low price combined with 5G capabilities makes the A35 a big winner in our book. The 6.6" Infinity-O Super AMOLED FHQ+ display is big, crisp, clear, and colorful. You also get up to 1TB of expandable memory, so there’s room to store all your favorite moments.
Other Considerations
For the money, there are many great aspects of the phone, but it’s still far from a flagship device. While it does have a 5,000mAh battery, its chipset is certainly not the best on the market, which may reduce efficiency. Plus, the phone may not be as responsive when it comes to more demanding apps. You may also notice some lag when taking photos, playing games and such.
Now that you’ve read our picks for the best Samsung phones on the market right now, it’s time to consider all the pros and cons and find one that fits your lifestyle. Whether it’s a budget phone that packs a lot of punch for the price, a flagship phone with all the bells and whistles, or something in between—use this comprehensive guide to find the right Samsung phone for you.