Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Samsung is, without a doubt, the biggest name in the Android world, and if you’re considering purchasing a new phone, logic dictates you may be looking to pick up a phone made by the Korean giant. However, while it’s easy to say “get a Note or the latest Galaxy S,” Samsung’s lineup is quite robust, with a variety of phones covering prices as low as under $200 or as high as $1,300 or more. Also read: The best Android phones to get
Some of Samsung’s mid-range and entry-level lineups are similar in specs and design that picking a phone can be confusing. That’s where we come in. We break down some of the best Samsung phones from the high-, mid-, and even entry-level options in this list.
The pros and cons of Samsung phones
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
There are plenty of reasons to consider a Samsung device for your next phone. For starters, you can count on regular updates for longer than plenty of the competition. Samsung guarantees up to four years of software support for select premium devices, and even the budget offerings get a solid slate.
You’ll also find that there’s a Samsung device for almost everyone. Samsung can oblige whether you want an everyday option without much fuss or one of the most expensive Android phones around. You can turn heads with a premium foldable like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or pick up a phone that should put up with the worst working environments in the Galaxy XCover Pro. All you have to do is decide how much you want to spend.
Samsung offers solid updates, a great Android skin, and plenty of accessories — but it all comes at a high price.
After you pick up your phone, another Samsung perk is the sheer number of accessories. You can grab a pair of Galaxy earbuds, a new Galaxy Watch, or stock up on charging accessories. There are power banks, wireless chargers, and more to spend your money on. Of course, if you get a recent Galaxy S-series device, you’ll need to look for accessories with USB PD PPS support. This allows for the fastest charging, but it can also be a con as it’s not on all accessories yet.
Another reason to stick with Samsung is the One UI skin. It’s come miles since the old TouchWiz days, and it’s now one of our favorite Android skins. You can take or leave Bixby, but you should have no problem navigating the rest of the interface.
Unfortunately, the cost is a significant con for Samsung. While the Galaxy S22 series, for example, starts at $799 for the entry-level Galaxy S22. If you want the premium S22 Ultra, you’ll have to shell out $1,199 to bring it home. You can get rival phones for less, regardless of whether you’re looking for a high-end or a mid-range device. The best Samsung phones:
1. Samsung Galaxy S22 series
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Samsung’s new Galaxy S22 family arrived at the February Unpacked event, bringing three distinct models. While there are plenty of familiar features from last year’s Galaxy S21 family, the new flagships might be more different than ever. See also: Samsung Galaxy S22 buyer’s guide
For starters, the Galaxy S22 Ultra feels like a device all on its own. Thanks to the boxier design and built-in S Pen slot, it’s closer to a Galaxy Note 20 successor than any Galaxy S device. You’ll also notice that it skips a Contour Cut camera design in favor of small bubbles for each lens. Although Samsung changed most of the design elements, the Galaxy S22 Ultra still carries the same impressive camera setup from last year and top-notch internals.
All three of Samsung’s latest flagships offer the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset onboard in the US and select markets. Other markets will get the Exynos 2200 to keep the lights on, and 45W charging is back on the menu. Well, it’s available for the Galaxy S22 Plus and S22 Ultra — the base Galaxy S22 tops out at 25W. Samsung also made the curious decision to shrink its batteries this year. The Galaxy S22 offers a 3,700mAh cell, down from 4,000mAh, and the Galaxy S22 Plus dropped from 4,800mAh to 4,500mAh.
Samsung Galaxy S22 specs:
Display: 6.1-inch, FHD+
6.1-inch, FHD+ SoC: SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200
SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 RAM: 8GB
8GB Storage: 128GB or 256GB Cameras: 10, 12, and 50MP
10, 12, and 50MP Front camera: 40MP
40MP Battery: 3,700mAh
3,700mAh Software: Android 12
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus specs:
Display: 6.6-inch, QHD+
6.6-inch, QHD+ Chipset: SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200
SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 RAM: 8GB
8GB Storage: 128GB or 256GB Cameras: 10, 12, and 50MP
10, 12, and 50MP Front cameras: 40MP
40MP Battery: 4,500mAh
4,500mAh Software: Android 12
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra specs:
Display: 6.8-inch, QHD+
6.8-inch, QHD+ Chipset: SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200
SD 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 RAM: 8 or 12GB
8 or 12GB Storage: 128, 256, 512GB, 1TB Cameras: 12, 10, 10, and 108MP
12, 10, 10, and 108MP Front cameras: 40MP
40MP Battery: 5,000mAh
5,000mAh Software: Android 12
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra might be its top flagship these days, but the Note-like design isn’t for everyone. If you’d rather have a more traditional device, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is still an excellent option. It might swap back to last year’s Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100) processor, but you get a few other perks under the hood to make up for the age. See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 buyer’s guide
For starters, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers either 12 or 16GB of RAM instead of the 8GB base option on the S22 Ultra. You also get an identical camera system, topped off by the powerful 108MP lens on the back. Samsung offers a slightly different set of Phantom finishes to choose from, but you still get a durable Gorilla Glass Victus and Armour Aluminum design.
While the Galaxy S21 Ultra matches the S22 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery, it doesn’t charge quite as quickly. The older handset tops out at 25W wired speeds instead of 45W. It also launched with Android 11, which means you’ll see slightly shorter software support.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra specs:
Display: 6.8-inch, QHD+
6.8-inch, QHD+ SoC: SD 888 or Exynos 2100
SD 888 or Exynos 2100 RAM: 12 or 16GB
12 or 16GB Storage: 128,256,512GB Cameras: 108, 10, 10, and 12MP
108, 10, 10, and 12MP Front camera: 40MP
40MP Battery: 5,000mAh
5,000mAh Software: Android 11
See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review 3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Samsung’s latest foldable phone is the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The phone shows just how far Samsung has come with its experimental foldable in only a couple of years. The Z Fold 3 addresses one of the biggest concerns with previous generations: durability. It’s a good-looking, well-built phone that won’t be out of place as a daily driver. If you’re willing to splurge, that is.
It doesn’t mean an end to experimentation, though. With the Z Fold 3, Samsung introduced an under-display selfie camera tucked away below the 7.6-inch internal display. Before you get too excited, this isn’t a good camera by any means. But it’s great to see Samsung try something new. And for your selfie needs, the 10MP shooter with the external display is more than up to the task. Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 review
Like its other 2021 flagships, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is powered by a Snapdragon 888 processor, backed by 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,400mAh dual battery. Both the internal and external displays come with a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung decided not to launch a Note device this year, favoring its foldables instead. The Z Fold 3 also comes with S Pen support to somewhat make up for it.
If there’s one letdown, it’s the cameras. There are still three 12MP rear cameras and a 10MP front-facing camera on the external display, but the under-display camera is a 4MP shooter. It’s not the worst camera setup around by any stretch but doesn’t match the performance of its flagship siblings.
At $1,800, the Z Fold 3 is $200 cheaper than the launch price of the Z Fold 2. That’s a lot of money for a phone, but the Fold line is steadily taking steps towards becoming a mainstream option.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 specs:
Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ and 6.2-inch HD+
7.6-inch QXGA+ and 6.2-inch HD+ SoC: Snapdragon 888
Snapdragon 888 RAM: 12GB
12GB Storage: 256 or 512GB Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP
12, 12, and 12MP Front camera: 10MP and 4MP UDC
10MP and 4MP UDC Battery: 4,400mAh
4,400mAh Software: Android 11
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Samsung’s other foldable is the one that is far more within reach of everyday consumers. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 continues the clamshell model of the Flip line, but it’s far more refined this time around.
The build quality is excellent, the exterior finish looks fantastic, and you get a much better 6.7-inch internal display. The external display gets a necessary boost as well. It’s larger, more vivid, and makes managing your notifications much easier. Performance isn’t an issue either, with the Snapdragon 888 and 8GB of RAM keeping everything running smoothly. You don’t get as much storage as other Samsung flagships, but up to 256GB should be enough for most. See also: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review
Like the Z Fold 3, the camera setup isn’t the best. There are two 12MP rear cameras and a 10MP front-facing shooter. You won’t get the camera performance you’d get with the S21 series, but it’s still a decent option to have at hand. The 3,300mAh battery is the one major flaw here, unfortunately. If used sparingly, the phone can last through a day, but that’s not something you want to hear for an expensive flagship.
Speaking of expensive, the Z Flip 3 starts at $999. That puts it right in line with current-generation flagships and makes it the most affordable foldable yet. If you were hoping to jump into the foldable game, the Z Flip 3 is a great entry-point to consider.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 specs:
Display: 6.7-inch and 1.9-inch
6.7-inch and 1.9-inch SoC: Snapdragon 888
Snapdragon 888 RAM: 8GB
8GB Storage: 128 or 256GB Cameras: 12 and 12MP
12 and 12MP Front camera: 10MP
10MP Battery: 3,300mAh
3,300mAh Software: Android 11
5. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is technically a part of the S21 series, but it launched in a window all its own. In fact, it barely beat the Galaxy S22 series to market. It remains one of the best Samsung phones you can get thanks to the unique approach of offering flagship specs in a mid-range package. You’ll find a solid 6.4-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution.
Under the hood, Samsung tapped the flagship-level Snapdragon 888 to keep things moving, and you can opt for up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The Galaxy S21 FE’s rear camera array consists of 12MP wide, 8MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide options, and it might be the phone’s weak spot. However, the 32MP selfie camera picks up much of the slack. See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review
One of the most significant differences between the Galaxy S21 series and its S21 FE sibling is the construction. The mid-range device sports a plastic back and aluminum frame, stepping down slightly from the “glasstic” finish and Phantom color options. On the bright side, the Galaxy S21 FE offers a sizeable 4,500mAh battery with 25W wired charging.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs
Display: 6.4-inch, FHD+
6.4-inch, FHD+ SoC: Snapdragon 888
Snapdragon 888 RAM: 6 or 8GB
6 or 8GB Storage: 128 or 256GB Cameras: 12, 12, and 8MP
12, 12, and 8MP Front camera: 32MP
32MP Battery: 4,500mAh
4,500mAh Software: Android 12
6. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G and A52s 5G
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Samsung’s 5G-capable series of smartphones get more affordable with the latest additions to the company’s mid-range A-series. Leading the charge is the Galaxy A52 5G. Its predecessor was one of the best mid-rangers you could get, and the A52 is an excellent follow-up.
Samsung brings high refresh rates to its mid-rangers, with the A52 featuring a Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Another helpful upgrade is the camera setup, headlined by an impressive 64MP shooter. You get dual-SIM capabilities, with the second slot doubling as a microSD card slot, and it’s one of the few phones in 2021 to come with a headphone jack. The 4,500mAh battery also comfortably lasts through an entire day and beyond.
In the UK or India, you should also consider the Galaxy A52s 5G. It’s essentially the same device, the only difference being the processor. The A52s is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G processor, which is a solid upgrade over the 720G. There’s no word on if the A52s will release in the US, but you can pick it up on Amazon in India and the UK.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G specs:
Display: 6.5-inch, Full HD+
6.5-inch, Full HD+ SoC: Snapdragon 720G
Snapdragon 720G RAM: 6/8GB
6/8GB Storage: 128/256GB Cameras: 64, 12, 5, and 5MP
64, 12, 5, and 5MP Front camera: 32MP
32MP Battery: 4,500mAh
4,500mAh Software: Android 11
7. Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
If the Galaxy A52 is a little too expensive, you can still get solid Samsung phones with 5G support with the following two options. Up first is the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. It has a slightly bigger display than the A52, at 6.6-inches. It also has a bigger 5,000mAh battery but less RAM at 4GB.
Other specs include a 48MP primary rear camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP depth sensor, along with a 13MP selfie shooter. It’s not as impressive as what you get with the A52, but it’s still a competent camera setup. The key here is the price. The A42 5G is a hundred dollars cheaper than the A52 and is worth considering if you’re looking for 5G on a budget.
Samsung Galaxy A42 specs:
Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+
6.6-inch Full HD+ SoC: Snapdragon 750G
Snapdragon 750G RAM: 4GB
4GB Storage: 128GB Cameras: 48, 8, and 2MP
48, 8, and 2MP Front camera: 13MP
13MP Battery: 5,000mAh
5,000mAh Software: Android 11
8. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Taking another step down the affordable Samsung phone ladder, the Galaxy A32 comes with a 6.5-inch display with a dew drop-shaped notch up top for the 13MP selfie camera. Inside, there’s a MediaTek octa-core processor with 4GB RAM. You can get this phone with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with a microSD card slot for additional storage, and keeping everything running is a 5,000mAh battery.
The rear camera setup has four sensors. You get a 48MP primary camera, combined with an 8MP wide-angle lens, a 5MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth camera. Learn more: Samsung Galaxy A32 review
This phone targets young people who may not have a lot of money to get a flagship device but still want a phone that looks good, performs decently, and comes with 5G support. It’s currently available for around $300.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G specs:
Display: 6.5-inch Full HD+
6.5-inch Full HD+ SoC: MediaTek MT6853
MediaTek MT6853 RAM: 4GB
4GB Storage: 64/128GB Cameras: 48, 8, 5, and 2MP
48, 8, 5, and 2MP Front camera: 13MP
13MP Battery: 5,000mAh
5,000mAh Software: Android 11
9. Samsung Galaxy A13
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
The Samsung Galaxy A13 is one of the best ways to get 5G for under $300. It’s a bit more expensive than the previous Galaxy A12 but offers a few advantages to make up for it. The new 50MP primary camera is sharp and delivers good results in most lighting, and Samsung’s update promise is tough to beat. You’ll also get MediaTek’s Dimensity 700 processor to keep you connected at top speeds.
Unfortunately, Samsung made a few other changes to the Galaxy A13 that hold it back. The ultrawide camera is gone, but the macro camera stuck around for another year. Samsung’s 5,000mAh battery also charges at just 15W, so you can expect to stay at an outlet for a while. The Galaxy A13 offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage at its base configuration, which is enough for most tasks.
Samsung Galaxy A13 specs:
Display: 6.5-inch, HD+
6.5-inch, HD+ SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 700
MediaTek Dimensity 700 RAM: 4GB
4GB Storage: 64GB Cameras: 50, 2, and 2MP
50, 2, and 2MP Front camera: 5MP
5MP Battery: 5,000mAh
5,000mAh Software: Android 11
10. Samsung Galaxy A03s
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Samsung seems to be embracing some significant changes this year. While the Galaxy A03s doesn’t entirely revolutionize the entry-level market, it brings some good updates for under $200. For starters, it finally offers a fingerprint reader instead of relying on software-based security for the A02s.
The screen is still quite large, coming in at 6.5 inches, even with HD+ resolution. Three cameras at the back get the job done, even if the 13MP primary shooter is the only one worth using in most situations. Other specs and features include 32 or 64GB of expandable storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI on top. All these things considered, the Galaxy A03s is one of the best you can get for under $200.
Samsung Galaxy A03s specs:
Display: 6.5-inch, HD+
6.5-inch, HD+ SoC: MediaTek Helio P35
MediaTek Helio P35 RAM: 3/4GB
3/4GB Storage: 32/64GB Cameras: 13, 2, and 2MP
13, 2, and 2MP Front camera: 5MP
5MP Battery: 5,000mAh
5,000mAh Software: Android 11
These are our picks for the best Samsung phones you can get, although there are many other options out there as well. We’ll be sure to update this post once new models hit the market.
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