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. Since then, Samsung has launched several more series over the years.
Of all the Samsung Galaxy smartphone series available, the S Series is undoubtedly one of the best out there. It earned its rightful status as the company’s flagship smartphone due to its powerful processors, top-notch cameras, and modern design.
The Samsung Galaxy S Series targets users looking for the ultimate possible smartphone performance and features. Samsung builds these smartphones 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 S’s newest lineup includes a total of four models. The S25 base model, S25+, and S25 Ultra, were released in January 2025, while the last model in this quartet lineup—the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge—was released in May 2025.
The Galaxy S25 base model has a 6.2-inch screen, while the Galaxy S25+ has a 6.7-inch improved display. The larger screen supports clearer images, 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.1
The S25 and S25+ share the same rear camera system that supports 8K video recording at 30fps (from the main wide-angle sensor) and 4K video recording at 60fps (from all cameras). One the other hand, the S25 Ultra boasts an even more advanced system with more impressive capabilities.
However, the S25 Edge stands apart from the other models in its lineup. So, if you’re wondering what makes the S25 Edge unique and whether it's worth the investment, read on.
Similarities across all S25 lineup models
Standard features
- 5G connectivity
- Wi-Fi® 7
- Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC for contactless payments
- USB Type-C 3.2 for faster data transfer and charging
- 12-megapixel front-facing camera
- The same display type (Dynamic AMOLED 2X), refresh rate (120Hz), and peak brightness (2,600 nits)
- The same processor (Snapdragon 8 Elite)
- The same Android 15 (V OS) operating system
AI: Samsung equipped all four models with the next evolution of Galaxy AI* and included 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.3
- Night Video with Audio Eraser: Capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises.1
- Next-gen processor: Power through your day with the fastest, smoothest, most powerful Galaxy processor
- AI Select: Easy access to powerful AI tools right at your fingertips.
Differences between the S25 lineup models
The Galaxy S25 Edge is unlike the other S25 models in its lineup, especially the S25 and S25+, due to its unique design and additional premium experience. It’s visually striking, with a slim and lightweight design. Here are highlights of the S25 Edge in comparison to the other S25 models:
- The Edge features a curved-edge screen, giving it a modern feel and look.
- It’s only 5.8mm thick, making it the thinnest model of the S25 lineup.
- The display has enhanced brightness and dynamic color tuning, offering a more immersive experience for those who prefer edge-to-edge visuals.
- The rear camera setup of the Edge lacks the telephoto camera. To keep the phone slim and light, Samsung had to drop the third camera but compensates for this with enhanced AI optimization and better low-light performance. The outcome doesn’t fall short compared to the photographic performance of the S25 other models.
- The Edge’s battery lasts longer and charges faster, making it ideal for power users.
- The S25 Edge offers 256GB of storage, which is mid-range amongst the other models in the lineup.
The bottom line
Ultimately, the choice between the S25 Edge and the other models in the S25 lineup will depend on personal preferences regarding design, camera system, battery, charging, price, and storage options. But whichever model you choose, you can’t go wrong with this lineup.
1Compatible with common video formats accessible in Gallery; helps minimize six sounds. (Voice/Speech, Music, Noise, Crowd, Nature, Wind). Utilizes AI; results vary.
2Compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input; check responses for accuracy.
3Displays daily select information from select apps (some apps may require internet connection).
*Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.
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 latest 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 2023-2025 models allow for all-day battery life. The 2023-2025 Galaxy A Series devices also feature an impressive multi-lens camera system. The high-speed 5G connectivity, supports going the extra mile when working remotely.
The A series offers several different tiers of internal storage and memory configurations. Except for the newest A Series model—the A36 launched in May of 2025—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 smartphone sales globally. This series particularly appeals to many businesses. Companies, especially those on a tighter budget—are drawn to its reliable, secure, and affordable platform, perfect for any business mobility initiative.
Benefits of the A Series
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A strong battery: The battery longevity supports 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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A widescreen: This is extremely useful for multitasking, as it allows using two apps on a split screen. This, in turn, enhances 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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A pro-grade camera: The camera system 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 video conferences.
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Expandable storage: Most models in this series have a microSD slot. This can benefit a business as a microSD card allows a small business to upgrade its storage as it grows. The card also allows accessing scans, documents, photos, and data on the go as it doubles as a portable storage medium.
Meet the Galaxy A36, the newest A Series model on the block
The latest model in this series includes the Samsung Galaxy A36, released in May 2025. Read on to discover key improvements and drawbacks found in comparison to its predecessor, the A35—to help determine whether to invest in it.
Screen size and display
The Galaxy A36 features a 6.7-inch display, a slight increase from the A35’s 6.6-inch screen.* It may seem too small a difference to notice, but it allows for thinner display bezels on the A36 model. The A36 AMOLED screen also boasts 1,200 nits of brightness compared to the 1,000 nits in the A35. This translates to improved outdoor visibility, better HDR content viewing, and an overall improved and more immersive experience. This is a definite win for those who enjoy consuming media or often use the phone outdoors.
Charging
The Galaxy A36 features improved charging speeds compared to its predecessor, the A35. Although both phones are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the A35 supports only 25W fast charging, while the A36 now supports 45W superfast charging. When converting these numbers to charging duration, the A35 reaches a full-charge status within 90 minutes, while the A36 reaches two-thirds charge after 30 minutes alone. This is ideal for those in a rush and needing a quick top-up.
AI
AI-powered tools exist in both models, yet the A36 includes a more impressive selection. The A35 features only Object Eraser, Smart Select, and basic Edit Suggestions. The A36 now has ‘Awesome Intelligence’, with additional tools such as AI Select, Object Eraser (Automatic Suggestion), Filters (Adjust film styles), and Read Aloud.
Storage
Both models have 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage options. However, you’ll no longer find the microSD card slot on the A36. This means that expanding storage isn’t an option any longer, forcing the purchase of the device with the exact desired storage.
Small improvements
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Design and build: The A36 is slightly thinner (7.4mm vs. the A35’s 8.2mm) and lighter (195g vs. 209g), which makes holding the phone a bit more comfortable.
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Chipset: The A36 features the slightly more power-efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, while the A35 operates on the older Exynos 1380.
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Camera: The A36 has a redesigned rear camera set, which now features a unified camera island, unlike the separate lenses on the A35. This doesn’t affect the quality of the cameras, nor the outcome of the images, yet adds to a nice, refreshed look. In terms of changes to the front camera, you might be surprised to learn that the A36 camera has slightly reduced megapixels. But, not to worry, the AI features compensate for the difference. The AI tools offer enhancements that can improve the image quality in unfavorable lighting conditions.
The verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is an example of how slight changes can culminate in an improved device. It offers better AI capabilities, charges faster, and supports viewing better HDR content, even outdoors. The only drawback we found was the removal of the microSD slot, which means you can’t expand the phone’s storage.
*Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7" in the full rectangle and 6.5" accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.
Samsung Galaxy Z Series features and appeal
The Galaxy Z Series came out in 2019, naturally replacing the Galaxy Note series. The first model 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 smartphones are relatively larger and fold horizontally. When open, they offer a nice tablet-size screen.
- The Galaxy Flip: The Flip smartphone is designed with compatibility in mind. It’s a normal-size device that folds vertically in half and is pocket-friendly. Also, it provides a lower entry point in regard to price.
The Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 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 smartphones represent a new era of how we use our mobile phones daily, designed to flex and fit you.
The latest and greatest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Fold models include two devices: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. These smartphones have new processing power capabilities, stronger battery life, and astonishing displays.
Social media fans and content creators especially favor the Galaxy Z Flip4 for its ability to switch seamlessly between different shooting styles and flex mode. Another cool feature is the ability now to customize the color of the back plating, hinge, and edges of the Galaxy Z Flip, allowing for more personalization.
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 variety of smartphone models in terms of price, size, and feature set.
When evaluating which is the best Samsung phone for your needs, you’ll want to narrow down the choices until you find your perfect match.
The first step is to determine your budget
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If your budget isn’t much of a concern, 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, prioritize the features you want and need
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If you’re 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. Some models support storage expansion, ideal for a growing business, and for storing documents and files for access on the go.
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If you multitask or use your phone for creativity, you’ll 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’d likely need to charge it often. It, too, has fast charging capabilities to compensate for the battery size.
What’s the bottom line, and which Samsung series is the best?
The most significant differences between the Galaxy A and Galaxy S smartphones emerge from the cameras and speed. The Galaxy S Series models are designed for demanding tasks and the ability to take razor-sharp photos. On the other hand, if your phone usage is less intense, and photos or fast charging capabilities aren’t your top priority, the Galaxy A Series is a good choice. Now, if you’re used to multitasking much of your work or are big into image editing or drawing, you’ll want to look into the Galaxy Z smartphone.
We believe no single Samsung Galaxy phone trumps them all, but we’re confident everyone can find the one Samsung Galaxy phone that’s 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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