Best Samsung phone: A comprehensive buying guide
Need help choosing a new Samsung phone? Learn more about the unique features and use cases for each Samsung series to find the best fit for you.
Why choose a phone specifically for my needs?
Are you looking to buy your first Samsung phone, upgrade your existing one, or perhaps purchase one for a loved one? If the answer is “yes”, then you’re probably wondering what’re the best Samsung phones available today and asking yourself “which Samsung phone is best for me?”.
Choosing a new phone can be confusing. The huge variety in today’s market is overwhelming. It’s easy to purchase a phone that either underperforms, has unnecessary features, or doesn’t fit your usage needs. This article will help you with choosing the right Samsung phone for you.
First, we’ll overview the different Samsung Galaxy series available on the market. Next, we’ll dive deeper into the features of each of the Samsung Galaxy series. Finally, we’ll help you choose the most compatible Samsung phone for you based on your budget, feature priorities, and usage habits.
Ready? Let’s get started!
What are the various Samsung Galaxy series available today?
Galaxy series is Samsung’s leading line of smartphones and includes three main series:
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Galaxy S: The letter S stands for ”Super Smart“ and the series is considered extremely high-end and powerful.
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Galaxy A: The letter A stands for ”Alpha“ and the series is known to be on the affordable side of devices.
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Galaxy Z: This series consists of Fold and Flip models. The letter Z's shape intuitively conveys the idea of a flip and fold while expressing a dynamic, youthful feel.
Discover the Galaxy S series
The Samsung Galaxy S series was the first to launch under the Galaxy brand name in 2010, and several more have been launched over the years.
When considering the best Samsung phone on the market today, it’s likely to be a member of the Samsung Galaxy S series. This series earned its right as the company’s flagship smartphone as it has powerful processors, top-notch cameras, and a contemporary design.
The Samsung Galaxy S series targets users looking for the ultimate possible smartphone performance and features, as the phones are built with functionality and innovation in mind. This series is perfect for those who want a high-end phone with premium capabilities to capture and share their world. Power users, gamers, content creators, or techies would likely benefit from paying a premium price for features such as wireless charging, 8K video recording, or a 200 MP camera.
The Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are the latest models, released in January 2025. All three models are equipped with the next evolution of Galaxy AI* and include some additional cool new upgrades:
- Cross App Action: Multiple tasks with one ask. Now you can streamline your day with an assistant that gets you.2
- Now Brief: Get personalized insights and tips based on your schedule.1
- Night Video with Audio Eraser: Capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises.3
- Next-gen processor: Power through your day with fastest, smoothest, most powerful Galaxy processor.
- AI Select: Easy access to powerful AI tools right at your fingertips.
The Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch screen, while the Galaxy S25+ has a 6.7-inch improved display, so you can see your images clearer than ever with vibrant colors and incredible sharpness. The Galaxy S25 Ultra display is even larger, allowing gaming with lifelike details on a 6.9-inch screen.3
If you prefer to go with the little less costly option with features similar to the S25 series, you can still find the Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24+, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on the market.
*Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.
1Displays daily select information from select apps (some apps may require internet connection).
2Compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input; check responses for accuracy.
3Compatible with common video formats accessible in Gallery; helps minimize six sounds. (Voice/Speech, Music, Noise, Crowd, Nature, Wind). Utilizes AI; results vary.
Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy A series
The Galaxy A series is known as Samsung’s mid-range series and offers exciting models in its portfolio. This series is an excellent option for Samsung fans who want a reliable phone yet don't want to break the bank.
The A series includes features previously limited to Samsung flagships at a much more affordable price range. And this is excellent news for those on a budget.
Samsung’s new A-series smartphones offer generously large screens of at least 6.4 inches. The screen combines Samsung’s high refresh-rate display technology, allowing seamless motion when viewing fast-moving graphics and scrolling your screen. The high-capacity batteries and intelligent power management found in the 2023 and 2024 models allow for all-day battery life. The 2023-2024 Galaxy A series devices also feature an impressive multi-lens camera system and offer high-speed 5G connectivity, so you can go the extra mile when working remotely.
The A series offers several different tiers of internal storage and memory configurations. All the latest Galaxy A series smartphones support expandable storage of up to 1TB using a microSD card slot. This way, your smartphone can grow with your usage needs.
The Galaxy A series now accounts for nearly 60% of all Samsung phone sales globally. These phones appeal to many businesses—especially those on a tighter budget—as this option provides a reliable, secure, and affordable platform, perfect for any business mobility initiative.
Let’s review some of the benefits a business can enjoy when choosing to purchase the A series:
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The strong battery allows video conferencing, tracking inventory, and working on daily tasks while maintaining enough battery life to stay connected till the end of the workday.
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The widescreen is extremely useful for multitasking, as it allows using two apps on a split screen, enhancing productivity on the go. It also means less straining of the eyes as it can accommodate larger characters on the display.
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The pro-grade camera allows for sufficient versatility to satisfy most business photography and video needs. The front-facing camera is designed to keep you and your ideas in focus during videoconferences.
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Having the ability to upgrade the storage is ideal for growing businesses. This also allows you to access scans, documents, photos and data on the go.
The latest models in this series include the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, released in December 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy A35 G5, released in March 2024.
Finally, let’s dive into Samsung Galaxy Z series features and discover its appeal
The Galaxy Z series came out in 2019, naturally replacing the Galaxy Note series. The first phone introduced was the Galaxy Fold.
The Galaxy Z series has a unique shape-shifting, foldable design that sets it apart from other Samsung mobile devices. The foldable design supports the use of the device not only as a smartphone but also as a tablet. Its innovative technology allows you to open and close your phone hundreds of thousands of times without any risk of breaking.
You’ll find there are two distinct styles within the Galaxy Z series:
- The Galaxy Fold: These phones are relatively larger and fold horizontally. When open, they offer a nice tablet-size screen.
- The Galaxy Flip: The Flip phone range is designed with compatibility in mind. It’s a normal-size phone that folds vertically in half and is pocket-friendly. Also, it provides a lower price entry point.
The latest and greatest Samsung Galaxy Z flip and fold phones include two devices: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. Let’s review them and compare them with their predecessors.
The Galaxy Z Fold6
The Z Fold6 has a slim and light design with a big screen convenience. The large screen lets you see more and search more using Circle to Search with Google1 —a new way to search anything on your phone with a simple finger motion without switching apps. With simple motions like circling, highlighting, scribbling or tapping, you can single out what you’re curious about and get more information without having to minimize the app you’re using.
The Z Fold6 screen can also display live translations on both sides of the phone in FlexMode when using Interpreter2 and Galaxy AI5—a great solution for speaking with someone in another language face to face. The screen size is also perfect for making smart edits to your pics, bringing them to perfection using Photo Assist3 and Galaxy AI. And if you’re a gamer, you’ll be able to level up your gaming with the big screen, fast processor, and realistic graphics. With the Fold6, multitasking is a breeze with the help of the Multi-active Window, which has up to three windows.4 Overall, Fold6 with Galaxy AI fuels productivity5 to a new level.
In comparison to the Fold5, the Fold6 introduced a few innovations:
- Weight and thickness: The Fold6 is thinner and 14 grams lighter than the Fold5.
- Screen size: A new cover screen ratio introduces a more natural bar-type viewing experience.
- Durability: Samsung uses enhanced Armor Aluminum and Corning® Gorilla®Glass Victus® 2. This, according to Samsung, makes the screen, frame, and hinge 10% more scratch-resistant. Overall, Samsung claims the Fold6 has a better tolerance to pressure and sharp objects for the folding edge of the display.
- Processor and chip: The innovative Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor supports Galaxy AI and allows the device to deliver exceptional communications, productivity, and creativity experiences. A new and upgraded chip supports a better battery life.
- Water repellence: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has an IP48 rating, which means it’s protected from dust specs greater than 1mm from entering it. It also means it can repel water drops and resist water penetration and (in theory) survive full submersion.
- Productivity: The large screen maximizes the slew of AI-powered features and tools, significantly enhancing productivity.
- Camera: The Galaxy Z Fold 6's ultrawide camera was upgraded with a new 12 MP sensor, which Samsung claims performs better in dim environments. The 50 MP main camera and 10 MP telephoto camera remain the same as those of the Fold5.
The Galaxy Z Flip6
The Z Flip6 has a slim and light design with a big screen convenience and a 50 MP camera, which is perfectly pocketable. It, too, comes packed with amazing features. When using FlexCam6 and Galaxy AI you can frame your shot perfectly, and then, through Photo Assist3 and Galaxy AI, you can make any picture you take perfect. When using Interpreter2 and Galaxy AI, live translations are displayed on both sides of the phone while in flex mode.
In comparison to the Flip5, the Flip6 introduced a few innovations:
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Upgraded features—same as the Fold6: The Flip6 shares many of the upgraded features found in the Fold6, including:
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Enhanced durability thanks to the Armor Aluminum and Corning® Gorilla®Glass Victus® 2.
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Improved capabilities and creativity owing to the innovative Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor that supports Galaxy AI.
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Water repellence with the IP48 rating.
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Battery strength: The Flip6 internal battery received a notable bump-up to 4,000mAh from 3,700mAh in the Z Flip5.
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FlexWindow: The Flip6’s FlexWindow was advanced to include AI-assisted functionality. This allows you to complete tasks and send texts without opening your phone.
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Increased RAM: The 8GB RAM in the Flip5 received an upgrade to 12GB in the Flip6.
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Camera: The Flip6 main camera received a generous upgrade, too. It’s now equipped with a 50 MP main sensor instead of the 12 MP sensor in the Flip5 to handle the main camera duties. This allows for sharper, more detailed pictures. It’s also backed up with electronic image stabilization for steadier shots at night.
The Galaxy Z flip and fold phones are high-end smartphones designed with top-notch performance and features, making them very popular. They’re designed for modern living, with many functions packaged in a single, small, yet powerful device. These phones represent a new era of how we use our phones daily, designed to flex and fit you.
2Requires Samsung account login and language preset (English and Spanish pre-installed; other languages require free download). Results may vary.
3Requires Samsung account login and internet connection. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12 MP.
4Multi-Active Window with select applications; compatible apps growing through third-party developers.
5Galaxy AI features by Samsung will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.
6Auto zoom length varies and is shorter than standard zoom length.
How to choose the Samsung Galaxy phone suitable for your needs
Samsung offers a large variety of smartphone models in terms of price, size, and feature set.
When evaluating what the best Samsung phone is for you, you’ll want to narrow down the choices until you find your perfect match.
The first step is to evaluate your budget:
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If budget isn’t much of a concern for you, you’d likely want to check out the Samsung Galaxy S or Z series.
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If you are on a tighter budget, you’d probably find what you want in the Galaxy A series.
Next, we suggest determining your feature priorities:
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If you are looking for top-of-the-line technology, your top choice is the Samsung Galaxy S or Z series. The Z series is perhaps more daring and intriguing because of its unique fold and flip design.
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If you’re a small business, you’ll benefit from the more robust, reliable A series, which maintains excellent features. This series also allows storage expansion, which can grow with your business and provide access to all your files while on the go.
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If you multi-task or use your phone for creativity, you’ll definitely find that the Z series answers your needs.
Finally, you’ll want to evaluate your usage habits too:
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The A series offers the ultimate daily battery longevity. Rest assured you’ll be able to complete everything you need to do in a day before having to charge your phone.
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The S series is known for its average battery size, so it would likely need charging during your day. The advantage is that the battery is fast charging.
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The Z series has the smallest battery of them all, so you would likely need to charge it often. It, too, has fast charging to compensate for the battery size.
What’s the bottom line and which Samsung series is the best?
Once stripping the features down to a bare minimum, the largest differences between the Galaxy A and Galaxy S smartphones emerge from the cameras and the speed. The Galaxy S series phones are designed for demanding tasks with the ability to take razor-sharp photos. On the other hand, if your phone usage is less intense, and photos or fast charging are not your top priority, the Galaxy A series is a good choice. Now, if you multi-task much of your work or you’re big into image editing or drawing, you’ll want to look into the Galaxy Z smartphone.
We believe there’s no single Samsung Galaxy phone that trumps them all but we’re confident that every person can find the one Samsung Galaxy phone that is right for them. So, when it’s time to choose your next smartphone, we recommend researching the market and carefully selecting the device that best fits your needs.
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