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The best Samsung phones you can buy: Expert tested
Why you can trust ZDNET
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What to Consider
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Value
It wouldn't be a long shot to say that Samsung is the most popular phone maker in the world, with a presence in almost every major market, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Over the past decade, the South Korean giant has introduced several lines of handsets, including the S series of flagships, the A series of value-driven phones, and the Z series of innovative foldables, all of which I've had the fortune of testing and using as my daily driver at some point.
Just this month, the company announced the Galaxy S24 FE, a mid-range device that challenges phones twice its price.
Also: The best Android phones you can buy right now
What is the best Samsung phone right now?
After thoroughly testing the latest phones on the market, I've found that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best Samsung phone right now, with the company's top-of-the-line features and specifications, including an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, a 200MP camera system, and the most durable display on any Galaxy phone yet. The size and abundance of features of the S24 Ultra may almost be overwhelming for some users.
Read on for the rest of our top picks for the best Samsung phones you can buy today.
The best Samsung phones in 2024
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best Samsung phone overall
Samsung's latest Galaxy S24 line is the first to go all-in on AI, and the S24 Ultra, the most premium of the three, impressed us the most. The new Galaxy AI model embedded in the device brings a host of generative AI capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions, and even a Chat Assist feature for figuring out how to phrase a message in different tones.
Like its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra is built with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Although the price is $1,299 ($100 more than the S23 Ultra), the phone's upgrades make it well worth it: The S24 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame, compared to last year's aluminum, and features Corning's new Gorilla Armor.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The difference in display protection means the S24 Ultra is more glare-free than ever, which ZDNET reviewer Jason Hiner suggests "makes its screen more enjoyable to use than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and other flagship phones." Reddit users seem to agree with Hiner, including one who said he believes "the anti-reflective glass really makes a difference."
Under the hood, the S24 Ultra includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for improved graphics and AI features, 12GB of RAM (an increase over last year's 8GB), and 2,600 nits of brightness -- a big improvement over last year's 1,750 nits. As for the new camera system, the big upgrade comes in the form of a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. As Hiner discovered, the results were sharper and less noisy images, thanks to an overall camera system that pulls in more light than ever before.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), and 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Best Samsung phone for most people
The Galaxy S24 Plus may not be as flashy as its Ultra sibling, but at $300 less, it remains a formidable option for shoppers eyeing a meaningful upgrade. In fact, the core experience of the Ultra model is present in the Plus, as I found during my month-long testing of the mid-sized S24 model.
For example, Samsung's new Galaxy AI model and all the useful features it brings (like real-time phone call translations and the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 256GB of base storage, and a quad-camera system are present on both the Ultra and the Plus.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
For most people, the Plus-sized Galaxy S24 is also less intimidating to use. Its 6.7-inch display is the ideal size for both casual consumers and power users, and compared to last year's S23 Plus, fields a sharper QHD, 1440 x 3088 resolution. As I noted in my full review, that's a major upgrade if you watch movies and videos on your phone, dabble with graphics editing, or read pages of text. Everything looks sharper.
Another big factor is the price: The Galaxy S24 Plus starts at $999, the same as its predecessor -- even with all the hardware and software upgrades. On top of that, Samsung is now promising up to seven years of operating system updates for all Galaxy S24 models. One Amazon customer remarked, "I got a terrific phone that looks phenomenal and will last me for at least seven more years."
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 4,900mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best Samsung foldable phone
The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable devices that also serve as mini tablets. The Z Fold 3 improved on that phone with two of the most highly requested features from Fold users (S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance), while the Z Fold 4 improved the rear cameras and form factor, and the Z Fold 5 upgraded the processor.
The Z Fold 6, unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July 2024, brings the most polished version yet, with flatter edges, a wider internal display, and a lighter weight than its predecessor. It's also more durable, featuring a new Dual Rail Hinge design with improved shock distribution, a folding edge for enhanced resistance to pressure and sharp objects, enhanced armor aluminum for scratch resistance, and, for the first time, an IP rating for dust resistance, scoring at IP48.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
One of the biggest upgrades in the Z Fold 6 is the new Galaxy AI features, including Circle to Search, Note Assist, Interpreter (live translations and transcriptions), PDF overlay (transcribe and overlay copy on a PDF), Sketch to Image (apply generative AI on top of images), and more. These hybrid AI tools -- meaning they run on-device and on the cloud -- are powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM.
While the cameras on the Z Fold 6 are the same as the Z Fold 5, you will find new AI image processing and editing tools. The Z Fold 6 is one of the most expensive phones on the market, starting at $1,900. However, Samsung offers some good trade-in deals that lower the price.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Main display: 7.6 inches | Cover display: 6.3 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB storage options | Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP wide angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cover screen, and 4MP under main display | Battery: 4,400mAh
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Best Samsung phone under $400
If bang for your buck is what you're after, I'd say skip the S and Z series of devices and look to the Galaxy A35 5G. There are really three key reasons why you should buy the Galaxy A35 5G over any other sub-$400 phone: You get a fantastic 6.6-inch AMOLED that ramps up to a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple-camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.
Clearly, Samsung knows what features users value the most, and even if you have preferences beyond that list, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with enough confidence that it will meet your mobile needs. Coming from the older A34 5G, the latest model features a glass backing, a more performant Exynos chipset, and an improved camera system. Reddit users seem to agree that the battery life on the A35 5G has been one of its bright spots.
Review: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The A-series of smartphones also fall under Samsung's five-year commitment to software and security updates, which is a major advantage compared to competing phones by Motorola and OnePlus.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G tech specs: Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 | Display: 6.6 inches| RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing camera | Battery: 5,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Best compact Samsung phone
While the Z Fold 6 is the best Samsung foldable, it's the Z Flip 6 that will likely sell the most and appeal to the masses. Not only is the clamshell handset less expensive than the Z Fold, but it's more compact and portable and has a more user-friendly learning curve.
Shape-shifting displays aside, the Z Flip 6 is very similar to the standard Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED that's crisp and bright, up to 512GB of storage for those high-resolution pictures and videos, and a healthy 4,000mAh battery powering it all -- an upgrade from the Z Flip 5. There's also now a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the first vapor cooling chamber ever on a Z Flip device, both of which should make the phone run more efficiently, reducing battery drainage. The phone is thinner and lighter than previous models, too.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Z Flip 6's camera system gets a nice boost, too, with an improved 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide. You'll also find a new AI-powered Auto Zoom feature, which automatically detects how many people are in the frame, as well as potential background objects the user may want to keep in the shot, and digitally repositions accordingly.
The Flex Window, or outer display of the flip phone, also gets some fun new features in the Z Flip 6, including interactive wallpapers, suggested replies to text messages, and a new Interpreter Mode for live translations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Main display: 6.7 inches | Cover display: 3.4 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB storage options | Cameras: 50MP wide angle, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP selfie | Battery: 4,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best cheap Samsung phone
The flashiest of smartphone features tend to exist only on flagships, but many will find appeal in Samsung's humble Galaxy A15 5G, which boasts 5G connectivity, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and a budget-friendly $200 price tag. That's a compelling package at a time when consumers are cutting down on spending.
Also: The best cheap 5G phones ZDNET's tested
Don't let the lower cost fool you; the Galaxy A15 5G has all the specs you'd want for a feasible mobile companion, from the relatively sizable 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED -- a rarity in this price range -- to the expandable storage (up to 1TB) to Samsung's four-year commitment to security patches. Oh, and this year's model gets a notable 5MP ultra-wide camera, an upgrade from last year's 2MP macro lens.
I tested the Galaxy A15 5G model for a little more than a week, and while the phone won't feel like a million dollars, it's surprisingly sturdy to hold, and the 90Hz display looked great for app browsing and navigating. One Best Buy customer review put it best, "(Galaxy A15 5G) is a 200 dollar phone... It's not going to blow you away, but for the price, it packs a punch."
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G tech specs: Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6400+ | Display: 6.6 inches | RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP wide, 5MP wide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing camera | Battery: 5,000mAh
What is the best Samsung phone?
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sits at the top of this year's ranking list, here's a wider scope of ZDNET's best picks and their respective feature sets.
| Samsung phone | Price | Display | Cameras | Battery |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | $1,299 | 6.8 inches | 200MP wide, 50MP with 5x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | $999 | 6.7 inches | 50MP wide, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing camera | 4,900mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | 7.6 inches | 50MP wide, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display | 4,400mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front-facing camera | 4,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | $399 | 6.6 inches | 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | $199 | 6.5 inches | 50MP wide, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
Why choose a Samsung as your smartphone of choice?
While previous comparisons have placed Apple ahead of Samsung regarding the overall phone experience, Samsung is arguably the best option in 2024. One reason is the variety of models across different price points, from the A-series that encapsulates the sub-$500 market to the S-series for premium shoppers. Having tested the latest handsets from both brands (and others), I find that the Samsung Galaxy continues to offer the most features and capabilities, at relatively competitive prices.
Considering its brand popularity, Samsung offers much more robust support, including a greater variety of cases and accessories and more certified repair technicians.
Which Samsung phone is right for you?
Choose this Samsung phone... | If you want... |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | The top-of-the-line flagship Samsung phone with all the bells and whistles in a traditional form factor. It's pricier than most, but is worth the money if you want a no-frills handset that can do just about everything. |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | A Galaxy phone capable of accomplishing 90% of what the Ultra model can do and costs less. The Galaxy S24 Plus is also slightly smaller, making it easier to manage. |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | A tablet/smartphone hybrid foldable and one of the most innovative Samsung devices available. It's arguably the best foldable phone on the market, too. |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | A stylish and pocket-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on performance. If you're shopping for your first foldable phone, this is the best place to start. |
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | You're shopping on a $400 budget. Even then, you'll receive a generous suite of premium features like a 120Hz OLED, a triple-camera setup, and a long-lasting battery. |
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | You're shopping on a $200 budget, but still want a good handset. It's difficult to impress in this price range, but the A15 5G gets the job done. |
Factors to consider when choosing a Samsung phone
ZDNET writers like myself spent months testing every phone in this best list, while also sourcing opinions and recommendations from industry experts and analysts who have also tested the devices. Here are the key factors that we look for when curating the top picks.
- Design: Unlike how we would compare the best Android phones, comparing Samsung phones across different price points mostly boils down to the hardware. How a phone is designed, what materials the manufacturer chooses, and whether the device can take a hit or two are considered when picking the very best.
- Cameras: The camera systems on Samsung phones have gotten superb over the past few years, so much so that you're well off even if you opt for a mid-ranger like the Galaxy A54.
- Special features: If there's one thing that differentiates most Samsung phones from other manufacturers, it's unique features. From the S24 Ultra with its built-in stylus and 200MP camera to the foldable screens of the Z Fold and Z Flip, you'll feel a sense of wonderment when using something that's built differently.
- Availability: Samsung has a reputation for bringing the wildest phones to the press, even if they're not readily available. That's why, every pick on this list can be purchased at the time of writing, whether that's on Samsung's website or at a local carrier store.
How we test Samsung phones
ZDNET's review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every Samsung model, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and more. Here's a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users' buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.
- Performance: Several factors affect a phone's performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.
- Camera quality: ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.
- Battery life and charging: It's also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).
- Special features: These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.
- Pricing and availability: Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive phone testing methodology page.
Kerry Wan's smartphone advice
I've used dozens of smartphones in the past year alone, learning the ins and outs -- the tips and tricks -- to make the most out of my handset. Here are my three biggest pointers on taking care of your smartphone in 2024:
Speeding up your smartphone
Something I always do when setting up a new Android phone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You can do this by turning on Developer Options, a backend catalog of system settings meant for developers to access (rules were meant to be broken, right?).
To turn on Developer Options, go into your About Phone page in the settings and look for the Build Number. Tap on that seven times, and you should see a pop-up indicating that Developer Options has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will appear in the main settings list. From there, scroll down until you find Windows, Transition, and Animator duration scale. Tap into each and switch from 1x (default) to 0.5x to double the speed of your phone's animations.
Optimizing your battery health
To preserve your phone's battery life, it's best to charge it between 20% and 80% and never let it drop to 0% or charge fully to 100%. This is because the heat generated from overcharging the phone can burn (or degrade) the battery, reducing its number of charge cycles. This phenomenon is the reason why you shouldn't charge your phone overnight or leave it plugged in for an extended period of time.
When in doubt, after a year or two of usage, consider getting your phone's battery swapped to refresh its charge cycles. You'll be amazed at how well it functions again.
How to keep your phone clean
Unless you're invested in a repairs and warranty plan like Samsung Care, consider suiting your phone with a protective case and/or tempered glass screen protector. Beyond drop protection, the two accessories will prevent the phone from getting scratches, scuffs, and other blemishes and can greatly reduce the chance of water damage. For what it's worth, if a manufacturer claims its phone is rated IP68, that means the device can withstand dust ingress and be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at 1 meter deep.
FAQ on smartphones in 2024
When's the best time to get phone deals?
Unless you're in an emergency situation and desperately need a phone, I'd recommend waiting for two occasions to buy a phone: when it first launches and during a major holiday shopping event.
For the former, manufacturers tend to offer the most competitive trade-in offers and upgrade plans when phones first launch, mainly to capitalize on user interest.
For the latter, you can almost always expect phone makers (especially that use Android) to discount hundreds of dollars off their handsets during major shopping events like Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day. These are the best times to shop if you typically don't buy your phones from a carrier but instead look to big-box retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
Should I buy a phone during Black Friday?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to be when manufacturers will discount smartphones the most significantly. Just a year ago, major phone makers like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus would sell their latest handsets for hundreds of dollars less. I expect the same this year, with retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart listing models mentioned in this buying guide for at least 10% off. Stay tuned to ZDNET for the latest deal roundup of the best phone deals during Black Friday.
What is the best AI phone right now?
The best phone for AI right now is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which supports the company's latest Galaxy AI features, including Circle to Search, Generative Edit, Live Translate, and Chat Assist.
Google and, just recently, Apple have also begun rolling out AI features across new and older handsets. While distinctively branded, Pixels, Galaxy phones, and, soon, iPhones offer a similar list of AI capabilities, including photo editing, text summaries, and voice assistants that can process natural language.
What Samsung series is best: A or S?
While the A and S series of Samsung Galaxy phones cater to two different customers, there is an overlap in features and designs that make both models worthy of consideration.
You should buy the A series if...
- You want a great-value smartphone that won't break the bank (less than $500).
- There's a generous installment plan or sign-on offer from your carrier.
You should buy the S series if...
- You want the most premium smartphone experience that Samsung offers and don't mind paying for it.
- You value innovation and/or having the best display and camera performance.
What is the newest Samsung phone?
The newest Samsung phone is the Galaxy S24 FE, which offers flagship-esque qualities at a relatively affordable price. For $649, you get a 120Hz AMOLED, a 4,700mAh battery, and the latest Galaxy AI features. At its price point, you'll miss out on more advanced camera capabilities like 100x zoom, but it's a trade-off that many customers will likely be willing to make.
Which Samsung phone has the best camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the best camera of any Samsung phone and one of the best overall cameras on the market. It features a 200MP main camera along with four accompanying cameras, which allow it to take extremely high-quality shots, including close-up images and ultrawide photos. The S24 Ultra can also video record in up to 8K UHD quality at 30fps, making it one of the most capable phone cameras money can buy.
Is the Samsung S23 worth buying?
A year later, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is still worth buying. Compared to this year's S series phones, the previous generation mainly falls short on Galaxy AI features and camera performance. Even then, for a now depreciated selling price, the Galaxy S23 covers a good 80% of the S24 experience. That makes it the perfect alternative to the latest Samsung phones, even if they're a year older.
Does Samsung have the best Android phone?
The ZDNET team has run extensive tests on the top Android phones in 2024 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra took the top spot, with one of the sharpest and most color-accurate displays on the market, ample amount of RAM and storage, and an exceptional camera system that's reliable even in dimmer environments.
Other Samsung phones we tested:
Be sure to check out ZDNET's comparisons of the best phones and Android phones available. For your further consideration, I've also listed the top Samsung picks that didn't make our list.