The best Samsung Galaxy phones, vetted by our experts

Not only is the Galaxy 25 Ultra a great Samsung phone, it’s one of the best phones you can of any brand. This is one of the few phones that truly delivers on the concept of a premium experience, with flagship-level specs across the board.

Even just to look at the phone, you can tell this is a device that means business. Its titanium chassis is designed to withstand plenty, just as the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 is meant to minimise the chance of any cracks or scratches appearing over time.

Arguably, the phone works best as a productivity device thanks to the inclusion of the S Pen. With the stylus in hand and the phone’s large 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display, it’s perfect for jotting down notes and writing on documents, plus the 5000mAh battery paves the way for a full day of use without concern.

The one area where the phone truly excels, however, is in the cameras. There are no less than four cameras on the back so you’re ready to handle all types of lighting, but it’s the zoom from the 5x telephoto that really sets it apart, making it a great option for capturing the atmosphere of a gig, even when you’re quite a distance from the stage.

Sure, the phone might not be a massive change over the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it’s still an outstanding package overall.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Pretty much anyone who has the budget to cover it.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Further considerations

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is almost identical and can now be bought for a lot less.

While the presence of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may have muddied the waters slightly in terms of offering too much choice, the Galaxy S25+ is still a great option for those who don’t want to spend S25 Ultra levels of cash on their next smartphone, but appreciate having a large screen and a long-lasting battery.

Aside from the screen and battery life, the S25+ is very similar to the standard S25, but that’s no bad thing. It benefits from the super-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which not only makes day-to-day use feel smooth, it also paves the way for Samsung’s Galaxy AI features to work brilliantly.

Of course, by having a larger 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED display, the S25+ is just a better option all-round for streaming film and TV, as well as indulging in a bit of gaming on the go. The colours really pop and the 2600 nits of peak brightness make it easy to use outdoors, so this is a true entertainment device through and through.

The larger chassis allows the S25+ to house a massive 4900mAh cell, which, while not as expansive as what you’ll find on similarly priced handsets, is still enough to get you through an intensive day without ever needing to worry about topping up. It would be nice if Samsung had increased the charging speeds (45W just isn’t fast enough in this day and age), but it’s a minor gripe on what is a great phone overall.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25+?

Users who appreciate a large screen and a long battery life above all else.

Samsung Galaxy S25+: Further considerations

The standard Galaxy S25 is cheaper and easily a better buy for most people

It’s no longer just a feeling that the standard Galaxy phones have become fairly iterative – the Galaxy S25 cements it, being not too dissimilar to the Galaxy S24, which in turn was a minor update on the Galaxy S23. While this means that the phone isn’t a must-buy for anyone who’s upgraded in the last two years, it is however, a solid option for those with a much older device.

Even though it hasn’t made a ton of leaps in hardware, Samsung has slowly been perfecting its software game and now, the Galaxy S25 represents one of the most competent Android phones you can buy today. While it might not be the best at any one particular thing, it is a great jack of all trades, much in the same vein as the iPhone 16.

The super fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset is what ties the whole thing together. Coupled with the 120Hz LPTO tech, every type of app runs so smoothly that your existing phone will feel positively ancient by comparison, and the added benefit of Galaxy AI just gets you even more bang for your buck.

It’s also worth mentioning that with a 6.2-inch display, the Galaxy S25 is one of those rare phones that can genuinely be used one-handed, so if you’re sick of the trend that implores companies to explore even bigger handsets, then this is the phone for you. There’s even a 512GB model now so if you prefer having more onboard storage for apps and photos, you have that option here.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25?

Android users after an upgrade that offers a great experience across the board.

Samsung Galaxy S25: Further considerations

Aside from performance, plenty of the best mid-range phones are able to outdo the Galaxy S25 in certain areas, and all for less.

From the A56 down to the A16, Samsung has plenty of great budget options available to those who simply cannot afford a handset from the main Galaxy S line-up, but of all the ones you can buy, it’s the Galaxy A36 that hits the sweet spot of being affordable yet feature-packed. 

Admittedly, the Galaxy A36 isn’t going to wow anyone with its looks, but if you’re the type of person who always puts a case on their phone then this isn’t going to matter all too much. What is important is that, unlike most of the phones you can find around the A36’s £399/$399.99 price point, you’re getting a full six years of software and security updates from the time of launch.

Unfortunately, most budget/mid-range phones still tend to cap out at around three-years of support if you’re lucky, so to have double that on an affordable device is a huge win for consumers, especially if you don’t want to go through the upgrading process again in just a few years.

Beyond the software support, you’re also getting a massive 5000mAh battery which, under the right conditions, can actually last for up to two-days at a time. That’s helpful because you’ll want to make use of the excellent 50Mp main camera which can capture some truly great-looking shots.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A36?

Anyone who wants a long cycle of software updates and a reasonable price tag.

Samsung Galaxy A36: Further considerations

Spend a little bit more and you’ll get better durability overall with the Galaxy A56.

While great in their own right, the most recent Galaxy Fold phones have felt like a lesser experience than what competitors such as OnePlus and Honor have been able to provide, but that feeling of envy is nowhere to be found with the massively upgraded Galaxy Z Fold 7. This is a foldable phone that means business, and it’s a must-have for any Samsung fan with the budget to splash.

The biggest upgrade here is that, compared to the Z Fold 6, the 7 is now just 4.2mm thick when unfolded, making it barely that much larger than the USB-C port at the bottom. With this new lightweight build in tow, it no longer feels as if you’re carrying around two devices in your pocket, and it’s much more comfortable to use the phone unfolded for longer periods of time.

As with any book-style foldable phone, the reason why you would want the Z Fold 7 is for its ability to amp up your productivity on the go. When using the 8-inch inner display, it’s very easy to multitask with several apps at once, making it possible to research a document whilst typing up your findings at the same time.

You can also use the form factor to prop up half of the interior display, perfect for watching content when you’re on a plane, as you don’t need to hold the phone in your hand. The cameras have also been massively upgraded this iteration, so you’ll be able to capture plenty of colourful shots that won’t leave you pining for the S25 Ultra.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

Productivity users who need their phone to operate as a work-device with multitasking features.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Further considerations

It’s the most expensive Samsung phone by far – even the S25 Ultra seems cheap by comparison.

Just like the Z Fold 7, the Flip 7 represents a major leap forward for Samsung’s foldable line-up, finally meeting the competition on level ground thanks to a whole host of upgrades that fans have been clamouring for. While there’s a lot to like about this phone, it’s the new cover screen that held our attention more than anything else.

Instead of the cramped and weirdly ratioed outer screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 6, the Flip 7 takes a leaf out of Motorola’s book in offering an external display that’s almost end-to-end, making it much better suited for using full-fat apps at short notice. It’s bright too, with 2600 nits, so unless you’re after a specific use-case, there’s a good chance that you won’t need to use the interior display most of the time.

For the moments when you do want to kick back with a film or dabble in a spot of gaming, the Z Flip 7’s internal 6.9-inch display has you covered. The vibrant AMOLED panel works in tandem with the Samsung Exynos 2500 chipset to deliver an overall experience that’ll leave you wanting for very little.

If there’s one area that could still do with some improvement it’s in the battery life, not just in longevity but also the speed of the charging (25W is simply too slow in 2025). Still, it’s a minor issue, and the fact that you can get seven years of updates from the point of launch just makes the Z Flip 7 one of the better investments right now in the world of flip phones.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7?

Content creators and those who appreciate having a compact phone with high-end specs.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Further considerations

While handy for shooting selfies, the cameras don’t quite compete with the standard Galaxy S phones.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is a fascinating device, and the only real reason as to why it’s not further up in this list is that, against the other options available within the S25 range, the Edge serves too niche a market. Still, if you are the type of person who wants a high-end phone that’s also super slim then, at the time of writing (before the fabled iPhone 17 Air debuts), this is your best bet.

The biggest selling point of the Edge is that, at just 5.8mm thick, it makes all other phones look positively massive by comparison, especially the S25 Ultra. Given that so many phones have bulked up in recent years as a result of the desire to offer larger displays, the Edge feels like a refreshing step in the opposite direction.

Despite its slim frame, you’re still getting the same sized 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display found on the Galaxy S25+, which is always great for reading articles, streaming content and more. The Edge also bundles the same 200Mp main sensor from the S25 Ultra, making for a best of both worlds scenario that lets you take gorgeous looking pictures and then easily edit them with the large display.

Given that it is a first-generation product, the S25 Edge isn’t without fault. The phone can run hot under certain use cases, and the battery life takes a hit with less space to house the cell. There’s also the eye-watering £1099/$1099.99 price tag which will make it far too expensive for most people, but for those who are excited by the prospect of a super slim phone, you’ll get on well with what Samsung has cooked up here.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

Folks who appreciate innovation and want to have a slim phone with high-end specs.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Further considerations

If you’re shopping at this end of the market, you might as well get the S25 Ultra which is just a better phone in almost every way.

Read our full
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review

Even against increased competition from the likes of Google, Honor and Nothing, Samsung has proven time and time again that it is still a force to be reckoned with on the mid-range market, and the Galaxy A56 carries on that legacy. While you might find better cameras and a more eye-catching design elsewhere, the Galaxy A56 can’t really be matched when it comes to software and long-term support.

On the former, Samsung has continued to refine One UI to the point where it’s now one of the best looking Android overlays on the market, and it’s only been made better with the inclusion of Galaxy AI. You now have the ability to edit photos to your exact liking, bring up Circle to Search for more information on anything you see onscreen, and even quickly translate an ongoing conversation in two different languages when you’re travelling abroad.

The software experience is amazing, but what elevates it is the knowledge that you’re getting up to six years of official support from Samsung. There are very few phones that can match that longevity on the mid-range market, so the A56 automatically stands out for anyone who wants to get the most bang for their buck.

When it comes to the cameras, the A56 is bested by the likes of the Pixel 9a and the Xiaomi 14T, but the main 50Mp lens does do a good job in settings with plenty of natural light. The charging speed has also been boosted to 45W, so you won’t have to wait much more than an hour to get back to a full battery. If you are in a rush however, you can get two-thirds of the way there from just a 30-minute top-up.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A56?

Mid-range buyers who want long software support to prevent the need for a near-future upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy A56: Further considerations

Depending on what you value most, the similarly priced Pixel 9a might be a better buy.

Just like with the mid-range, the current crop of best budget phones features stiff competition from the likes of Xiaomi and Nothing, but Samsung still has a place here thanks to the excellent Galaxy A16 5G. Even though it’s an unfortunate step back in terms of battery life compared to the A15, there’s a lot to like about the A16 elsewhere.

For starters, while it only carries a £199/$199.99 price tag, the A16 looks like anything but a budget phone. The sleek colourways (particularly the blue option) have a nice look to them, and the line-up of the three rear facing cameras makes the phone look a bit like the Galaxy S25 from afar. It also feels nice in the hand too, so it doesn’t feel like you’ve had to compromise on build quality for the sake of spending less.

On top of the design, you’re getting the same long-term promise of support that makes the other more affordable Samsung phones such a tempting option against the competition. Samsung is committed to six years of updates from the time of launch, which is practically unheard of at this end of the market, and it just means that the money you spend will go even further here.

You’re also getting a wonderful 6.7-inch 90Hz AMOLED display which can really bring out the colour in your favourite films and TV shows. Unfortunately the Exynos 1330 is a bit slower than we would like it to be, so you’ll have to factor that into your buying decision. Still, for all that you get here, the Galaxy A16 makes a compelling case.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G?

Anyone shopping at the budget-end who wants long term software support.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: Further considerations

Although it has a lesser update cycle, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a much better budget phone.

It’s taken quite a while for Samsung to finally embrace the idea of a more affordable version of its Galaxy Flip phones, but we’re glad it’s here at all. For the folks who like the idea of all that the flip factor brings to the table, but have been put off by the typically high price tag that goes with it, the Samsung Galaxy 7 Flip FE is the perfect option.

In many ways, the 7 FE is a slightly revamped Galaxy Z Flip 6, but that’s no bad thing. You’re getting a super bright 3.4-inch 60Hz display on the outside of the phone, and an even better 6.7-inch 120Hz screen on the inside. Unless you’re looking to dive into a spot of gaming, streaming or reading, you can get away with using the outer display for most things (which is helpful if you need a barrier to stop you from endlessly doomscrolling).

The main 50Mp camera does a great job of capturing jaw-dropping snaps with that great bit of colour saturation that Samsung is known for. Plus, thanks to the outer display, you can use that same camera to take all of your selfies, which will have your friends and Instagram followers wondering why your self-portraits look a lot better than theirs.

There are a few issues with the Flip FE, including a somewhat lackluster battery life and slow charging to go with it, but the main thing working against the phone is the existence of the Z Flip 7. Samsung’s latest mainline flip phone is such a massive upgrade over what came before that it’s just too easy to recommend to anyone who can afford it, but if your budget can’t be budged then the Z Flip 7 FE still represents a solid alternative.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE?

Fans of the flip phone concept who can’t splurge out on the Z Flip 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Further considerations

If you shop around, previous-gen flagships like the Razr 50 Ultra and the Z Flip 6 are now cheaper than ever.