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 the six best Samsung phones based on their capabilities to help you find the perfect fit.
1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S25+
From Samsung’s newest and fastest processor yet, to Galaxy AI with its new artificial intelligence capabilities baked in, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is full of improvements that make it even better than previous generations. It also comes with a huge screen made even more vibrant with ProScaler, which delivers stunning details and colors. And while the S25 Ultra, with its new curves, built-in S Pen, and amazing camera, is a step up from this middle sibling, the S25+ is a more affordable choice. So, unless you’re a serious photographer (or absolutely need a stylus) the S25+ gives you a lot for the money.
Key Features
- Huge 6.7" QHD + Flat Screen with ProScaler
- Ultra-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- 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 the latest and greatest Galaxy AI features 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 S25+ has carved out a space as one impressively powerful smartphone.
While the five-camera setup with the 50MP Ultra-Wide high-resolution camera on the more-expensive S25 Ultra is a step up from this phone’s, the four-camera S25+ is still formidable since it also delivers amazing selfies with more accurate skin tones and textures, as well as Audio Eraser for capturing memories while minimizing unwanted noises. Plus, with the newest Galaxy AI features like Now Brief, Advanced Sleep, Energy Score, AI Select, and a True AI Companion, this phone can help you live your best life on the go.
Other Considerations
The mid-range Galaxy S25+ is the Goldilocks of the series, costing more than the entry-level S25, but less than the Ultra, putting it right in the center budget-wise. However, if you absolutely must have an S Pen, a bigger screen, more storage, a titanium shell, a more powerful battery, or the best camera setup, you may want to consider the Ultra.
2. Best Camera: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Photography lovers will appreciate the Galaxy S25 Ultra for its massive display and advanced five-camera setup with a game-changing 50MP Ultra-Wide lens that delivers clear, stunning photos that are even further enhanced with AI. Here’s a closer a look.
Key Features
- 6.9" QHD + Flat Screen with ProScaler
- Ultra-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- Embedded S Pen
- 5 Cameras: 4 Main and 1 Selfie
- Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2
- Main
- Wide - 200MP with Laser Auto Focus
- Ultra-Wide - 50MP
- Tele - 10MP with 3x Optical Zoom
- 50MP (Dual Telephoto) 3x, 5x Optical / 100x Digital Zoom
- Video
- 200MP: 8K
- 50MP: 8K
- 10MP: 4K
- 50MP: 8K
- Selfie
- 12MP / 2PD AF (Dual Telephoto and Auto Focus)
- Video Capture: 4K
- Main
- 5,000mAh Battery
- 256GB and 512GB
- 12GB RAM
What We Like Most
For stunning detail, even from far away and in the most challenging of conditions, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can’t be beat. First, there’s the amazing 200MP lens. Then, there’s the 50MP Ultra-Wide lens with four-times the resolution of the previous generation, making it Samsung’s highest resolution yet. As mentioned earlier, Galaxy AI tools only enhance it all, delivering more epic selfies, Nightography with Audio Erase, Instant Slow-Mo and a host of other generative editing capabilities that let you resize, retouch, relocate items, and beyond.
Best of all, you can watch it unfold on the massive screen that features ProScaler, which we covered earlier, as well as anti-reflective Corning® Phoenix®2 Gorilla® Glass DX+, which boosts clarity and readability even in bright light, while still protecting against scratches. It’s exclusive to the Ultra.
Other Considerations
Photography buffs will love the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch screen with ProScaler and the new anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which cuts down on glare even in the brightest conditions. They’ll also appreciate the Galaxy AI camera features, which make editing and capturing the perfect videos simpler than ever. But at the full price, this high-end flagship phone could be overkill for those who are simply looking to snap a few good Instagram photos.
3. Best for Business: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
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 Fold7 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 6.5-inch outer screen. Open the phone and it transforms into what amounts to be a massive 8-inch tablet, perfect for watching videos, hosting conference calls, checking social media, or reviewing documents on the go. Best of all, it’s the thinnest, sleekest Z Fold so far at just 4.3mm when unfolded and 8.9mm folded.
Key Features
- External Screen: 6.5" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Main Screen: 8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Flex Mode
- Hands-free Video
- Multi-window view
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- Cameras: 10MP Front, 200MP 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. Plus, it gives you access to the latest and greatest Galaxy AI features.
You can also navigate your Z Fold7 much like a PC, making quick work of viewing messages, email, and your favorite apps. Best of all, it’s so much slimmer and lightweight than its predecessors, even with its bigger-than-life functionality.
Other Considerations
The Galaxy Z Fold7 is 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 now completely gone—one of the sacrifices that had to be made for a slimmer, lighter Z Fold7. When the phone unfolds, the hinge is now much stronger and tighter, and the crease is almost invisible compared to earlier models, but it’s still there.
4. Best Compact: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
For those who want all the connectivity of a smartphone with all the compact portability of a flip phone, the Galaxy Z Flip7 may be the perfect fit.
Fans of the Galaxy Z Flip7 love the massive edge-to-edge external display screen, and with the new thinner design (6.35 millimeters unfolded, 13.7 millimeters folded, and weighing just 188 grams) it’s the slimmest and sleekest Z Flip yet. When you’re ready to interact, the Z Flip7 transforms into a bigger-than-life smartphone, revealing a stunningly vivid display and access to all the latest Galaxy AI features.
Key Features
- External Screen: 4.1" Super AMOLED
- Main Screen: 6.9" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex
- Cameras: 50MP Wide, 10MP Front, 12MP Ultra Wide
- 4,300mAh battery
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB
- RAM: 12GB
What We Like Most
The main benefit of the Z Flip7 is the fact that you can comfortably carry it in your purse or pocket without worrying about damaging the screen. Plus, the smaller, yet expansive outer screen lets you take care of tasks like checking your schedule, replying to messages, or using AI-powered tools without even unfolding the device.
If you liked the slim design of its predecessor, you’ll love the Z Flip7, which has the slimmest design yet, despite having its largest-ever cover screen.
Other Considerations
The crease, while definitely improved thanks to the upgraded hinge, is still visible and may get more noticeable with time. Cost may also be an issue for some at full price.
5. Best Value: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE (Fan Edition) has many of the features of Samsung’s flagship phones at a fraction of the price. If you want a fast phone with Galaxy AI that also takes good pictures but aren’t necessarily worried about perks like the S Pen or over-the-top photography capabilities, this phone is functional and stylish at a great price.
Key Features
- 6.7'' FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Triple Camera Setup (50MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide + 8MP Tele Rear Cameras + 10MP Selfie)
- Samsung Exynos 2400e
- Galaxy AI
- 4,700mAh Battery
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB Storage
- 8GB RAM
What We Like Most
The main draw of the S24 FE is the price, but its camera capabilities are also decent It has a solid triple-lens camera, which includes a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS and a 10MP duel-pixel front-facing camera for good selfies.
Rounding out the S24 FE’s impressive features is a 6.7-inch display and a long-lasting battery, which lets you share all those great photos and videos without interruption. It also has many of the popular Galaxy AI features, including Circle to Search, Photo Assist, Instant Slo-Mo, Live Translate, and more.
Other Considerations
Though the S24 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.
6. Best Budget: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
The A36 5G is proof that a 5G phone doesn't have to cost a fortune. Its 5G performance and other great features, like the big, vivid screen, durable design, and solid camera system, make it a great buy.
Key Features
- 6.7'' clear FHD+ Super AMOLED Display
- Triple Camera Setup (50MP Main + 8MP Ultra Wide & 5MP Macro Cameras + 12MP Front Camera)
- Qualcomm® SM6475 Processor
- 5,000mAh battery
- 128GB Storage
- 6GB RAM
- 6 years of OS & security updates
What We Like Most
The low price combined with 5G capabilities makes the A36 5G a big winner in our book. The 6.7" clear FHD+ Super AMOLED display is big, crisp, clear, and colorful. You also get a large 5,000mAh battery to keep you powered-up throughout the day. Plus, with six years of updates, you can keep your phone longer, making it a great value.
Other Considerations
For the money, there are many great aspects of the phone, but it’s still far from a flagship device. While the processor is an upgrade from the previous model, the phone still may not be as responsive as more expensive ones when it comes to demanding apps. You may also notice some lag when taking photos, playing games and such.
Now that you know more about the 6 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 high-end features, or something in between, use this comprehensive guide to find the right Samsung phone for you.
You might also be interested in:
- Compare Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S24 Series: See What’s New for 2025
- The History of Samsung Galaxy Smartphones: 15 Years of Innovation & Evolution
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 vs. Z Fold6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 vs. Z Flip6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs. Z Flip6
- Latest Samsung phone updates
- Shop Samsung phones
*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. Browse all of our latest phones, devices and accessories here.
https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold7/compare
https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-a36/buy/galaxy-a36-5g-128gb-unlocked-sm-a366uzkaxaa/