Samsung has a rising assortment of Galaxy telephones to select from. When you have an enormous price range and need a large display screen with Samsung’s greatest digital camera, the $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely is your best option. However there’s additionally the budget-friendly Galaxy A12, which prices lower than $200. On high of that, there are many selections in between.
Samsung simply launched the Galaxy S23 lineup in February, that means you should not have to fret about these fashions feeling outdated anytime quickly. We’ll replace this record periodically as we check extra Samsung gadgets.
Samsung Galaxy telephones in contrast
| Mannequin | US beginning value (at launch) | Display screen dimension |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S23 Extremely | $1,200 | 6.8 inches |
| Galaxy S23 Plus | $1,000 | 6.6 inches |
| Galaxy S23 | $800 | 6.1 inches |
| Galaxy S21 FE | $700 | 6.4 inches |
| Galaxy A53 5G | $450 | 6.5 inches |
| Galaxy Z Fold 4 | $1,800 | 6.2 inches (cowl); 7.6 inches (important) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 4 | $1,000 | 1.9 inches (cowl); 6.7 inches (important) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 3 | $900 (new cheaper price as of 8/22) | 1.9 inches (cowl); 6.7 inches (important) |
| Galaxy A12 | $180 | 6.5 inches |
The right way to choose the suitable Samsung telephone for you
Like many buying selections, deciding which Samsung telephone is best for you comes right down to what you need in a telephone and the way a lot you are keen to spend. If you would like the biggest display screen obtainable on a normal Samsung telephone, get pleasure from notetaking with a stylus and wish a digital camera with a considerably nearer zoom, the Galaxy S23 Extremely is the suitable selection. However you will additionally should be keen to spend greater than $1,000 except you rating a trade-in deal.
Those that do not want the stylus, favor extra compact gadgets and nonetheless need a top-notch digital camera ought to think about the Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus. And for those who actually simply need the fundamentals, like a spacious display screen, 5G and an honest digital camera, think about the Galaxy A53 5G. These searching for the flashiest tech round — who even have deep pockets — ought to think about the Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Galaxy Z Flip 4. Samsung usually releases new variations of its foldable telephones in August, so think about whether or not you’d fairly wait to see what the following mannequin has in retailer.
It is also necessary to contemplate whether or not now could be the suitable time to improve. When you have a comparatively new telephone that is two to a few years outdated and nonetheless features correctly, you’ll be able to in all probability wait. Samsung has additionally dedicated to supporting 4 generations of Android working system updates for gadgets just like the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy A53 5G, which improves their longevity.
Watch this: Galaxy A53 5G Overview: Samsung’s $450 Cellphone Feels Extra Costly Than It Is
Discovering the perfect Samsung telephone will finally come right down to choice. Selecting amongst so many choices can get difficult, so here is find out how to resolve which Samsung telephone is greatest for you. Take a look at our telephone shopping for information for extra recommendations on how to decide on the suitable gadget. Undecided whether or not it is value upgrading to the Galaxy S23? We now have a information for that too.
Finest Samsung telephones in 2023
The Galaxy S23 is rather a lot, however in a great way. It is greater than most individuals want in a telephone, however that does not make it any much less spectacular. Samsung made enhancements to the digital camera’s decision (200 megapixels in contrast with 108 megapixels), coloration tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and large 6.8-inch display screen as its predecessor. There’s additionally a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized particularly for Samsung’s telephones, which brings quicker efficiency in contrast with the Galaxy S22 Extremely.
Beginning at $1,200, it could be an understatement to name this telephone costly. However these keen to pay extra for a large display screen and a high-quality, versatile digital camera will not be disenchanted. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely evaluation.
The Galaxy S23 Plus is the Goldilocks of smartphones. It isn’t too massive, however it’s not too small both. The S23 Plus’ 6.6-inch display screen is massive sufficient to fulfill those that favor bigger telephones, however it does not really feel as gargantuan because the 6.8-inch Galaxy S23 Extremely. In contrast with the Galaxy S22 Plus, the S23 Plus has a brand new processor, an even bigger battery and extra storage within the base mannequin, though the digital camera is kind of the identical. If you would like a telephone with an enormous display screen that does not really feel gigantic, a high-quality digital camera and a gorgeous design, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the best way to go. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus evaluation.
Android followers searching for a petite telephone do not have a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 supplies a compelling choice for many who need a telephone that feels compact however nonetheless supplies sufficient display screen area. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a contemporary processor (a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that is been optimized for Samsung’s telephones), a barely new design and a higher-resolution selfie digital camera. Nevertheless it’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it value recommending. Learn our full evaluation of the Galaxy S23.
The Galaxy A53 supplies the fundamentals for roughly half the worth of the Galaxy S23. It has a a lot bigger display screen and extra versatile digital camera than Apple’s budget-friendly telephone, the $429 iPhone SE, although Apple delivers snappier efficiency.
Nonetheless, Samsung followers will respect what they’re getting right here contemplating the inexpensive value. The Galaxy A53 5G has an ultrawide lens for taking photographs with a broader area of view and in addition helps night-mode images. Picture high quality is not pretty much as good as what you’d get on a dearer Samsung telephone just like the Galaxy S21 FE or Galaxy S22, however it’s definitely clear and colourful sufficient for primary photographs. Different highlights embrace a long-lasting battery, 4 assured generations of Android working system updates and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
General, the Galaxy A53 5G is an appropriate selection for many who prioritize having a big display screen and lengthy battery life for lower than $500. Simply consider you may need to take care of some occasional lag, and the digital camera is not as superior as these discovered on pricier telephones. Additionally keep in mind that Samsung simply introduced the Galaxy A54, which matches on sale in April. Learn our Samsung Galaxy A53 5G evaluation.
Normally priced at $1,800 (yikes!), the Galaxy Z Fold 4 nonetheless prices considerably greater than your common smartphone. However the newest model of Samsung’s book-style foldable is stuffed with small enhancements that add as much as a way more nice general expertise. The hinge is thinner, the gadget is barely lighter and the quilt display screen is a bit wider, making it really feel extra pure to make use of as a telephone when closed. That is on high of different routine smartphone upgrades like a greater digital camera that is just like the Galaxy S22’s and a brand new processor. Our reviewer Patrick Holland referred to as it his “favourite Android pill.”
If you have already got a Z Fold 3, it is not value upgrading. However for those who’re keen to spend massive (or can discover a good trade-in deal) and are eager about a telephone that may double as a pill, the Z Fold 4 is the best way to go.
If the Galaxy Fold is a pill that folds in half to change into a telephone, the Z Flip is a telephone that folds in half to change into a smaller telephone. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a era older than the newly launched Galaxy Z Flip 4. However we advocate it over the Z Flip 4, because it’s cheaper whereas nonetheless providing lots of the identical advantages. The Z Flip 4 has a brand new processor, bigger battery, a brand new important sensor for taking higher low-light photographs and a barely tweaked design. Which may sound like rather a lot, however these adjustments come collectively to make solely a barely improved expertise over final yr’s Flip 3.
With the Z Flip 3, you are still getting a 6.7-inch show that folds in half and may simply slide right into a denims or jacket pocket. The quilt display screen can be the identical dimension on each telephones, and the Z Flip 3 and 4 every have comparable cameras and 5G connectivity. At round $1,000, it is now probably the most inexpensive foldable telephone Samsung sells. Until you could find the Z Flip 4 at a reduction that makes it the identical value because the Z Flip 3, we advocate going for final yr’s telephone.
The Galaxy A12 is among the least expensive telephones Samsung sells and it is the one to contemplate for these of you who merely need a telephone for all of life’s necessities. When you do not look after extravagant cameras or supercomputer-levels of processing energy, you will not should pay for them with this mannequin. It does not have 5G, however it does have 4 rear cameras, a 6.5-inch show and a capacious 5,000-mAh battery. Given the commonly low calls for of the specs, that battery ought to simply final a full day.
The digital camera is among the greatest components that distinguishes the Galaxy A12 from Samsung’s different inexpensive telephones. Throughout CNET’s testing, the Galaxy A12 took noticeably higher photographs than the cheaper Galaxy A03S and Galaxy A02S, particularly in low gentle. Simply keep in mind you will possible have to purchase a microSD card for the reason that A12 solely comes with 32GB of built-in storage.
Simply keep in mind, there are newer variations of this telephone, together with 2022’s Galaxy A13 and the not too long ago launched Galaxy A14, each of which assist 5G and supply different enhancements. We’ll replace this story as soon as we have examined these gadgets. For the reason that Galaxy A12 is an older gadget, it is also getting tough to search out. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover a refurbished model on Amazon or a brand new mannequin from AT&T.
The primary S20 “Fan Version” severely impressed us with its steadiness of efficiency and value, and the Galaxy S21 FE took that additional in 2022 with a stable triple digital camera, a vibrant show and the identical highly effective processor discovered within the Galaxy S21 from 2021. It has a 6.5-inch display screen, making it a really perfect selection for many who need a telephone that is bigger than the common Galaxy S22 or S23 at a extra affordable value. Though it is lacking a number of the Galaxy S22 and S23’s bells and whistles — like improved evening images and a more moderen processor — this telephone has a sharper front-facing digital camera for selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S21 FE faces some robust competitors from Google’s Pixel 6A, however for those who’re after a terrific general Samsung telephone and do not need to pay high greenback for the flagships, then the S21 FE is properly value contemplating.
Samsung telephone FAQs
Why purchase a Samsung telephone as a substitute of different Android telephones?
The best telephone for you depends upon a wide range of components, akin to your price range, your present telephone and whether or not you personal different cell equipment from the identical firm (like earbuds or smartwatches). Many individuals favor to stay with telephones from the identical firm as a result of the expertise is extra constant and there is much less of a studying curve when switching to a brand new gadget.
The identical holds true for Samsung; the corporate’s One UI software program (its personalized model of Android) will be discovered throughout its telephone lineup. Samsung’s One UI 5 launched a extra customizable lock display screen and the flexibility to reply a telephone name by a textual content message as a substitute of talking.
Consistency apart, there are some advantages to selecting a Samsung telephone over gadgets from different Android telephone makers. Samsung normally excels in relation to show high quality and brightness, and it usually gives plenty of selection by way of dimension and pricing. Samsung telephones normally supply respectable battery life — particularly the middle-sized to massive telephones — and the cameras are normally among the many greatest, particularly on the Galaxy S23 lineup. Samsung additionally gives 4 years of Android model updates for many of its new smartphones, which is longer assist than even Google supplies for its Pixel telephones.
Nevertheless, Google’s Pixel gadgets even have stellar cameras together with particular software program options you’ll be able to’t get elsewhere. The OnePlus 11 can be cheaper than the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Extremely at common value with no trade-in and gives quicker charging speeds. It might be a better option for many who need to pay rather less however nonetheless need a large 6.7-inch display screen and triple rear digital camera.
Which Samsung telephone collection is greatest, Galaxy A or Galaxy S?
Samsung’s Galaxy A and S households serve totally different functions, so which one is best for you will rely in your wants and price range. The Galaxy A lineup is Samsung’s midtier and price range line, and it is your best option for those who’re searching for a telephone beneath $500 with no trade-in deal. These telephones usually supply core options like an enormous display screen, massive battery and a number of cameras at a less expensive value.
However you additionally get what you pay for. Samsung’s least expensive telephones have very restricted cupboard space, poorer cameras in comparison with the pricier fashions and generally battle with juggling a number of duties. Nevertheless, dearer telephones just like the Galaxy A53 5G present nearly every little thing most individuals need in a primary telephone, though you will nonetheless should compromise a bit on digital camera high quality and basic efficiency.
The Galaxy S collection, however, is Samsung’s flagship smartphone line. Galaxy S telephones normally embrace the perfect tech that Samsung has to supply on the time and embrace options you’d count on on any high-end telephone, akin to a premium design, 5G assist, screens with excessive refresh charges and a number of high-end cameras. The most important updates that launched with the Galaxy S23 lineup, for instance, included the bump to a 200-megapixel important digital camera on the Extremely and greater batteries for the smaller fashions. Nevertheless, you will should be keen to pay tons of of {dollars} greater than you’d for a Galaxy A collection telephone usually.
How we check Samsung telephones
We check Samsung telephones just like the best way we check most smartphones: by evaluating core traits like digital camera high quality, battery life, software program, efficiency, design and general worth in comparison with competing gadgets.
To evaluate the digital camera high quality, we take photographs in varied lighting circumstances to see how the digital camera performs in several eventualities. Then, we evaluate these outcomes to the identical photographs taken on competing gadgets or earlier fashions (in lots of circumstances each.) We additionally check varied capturing modes utilizing totally different lenses, particularly specializing in new or distinctive options (just like the Galaxy S23’s Extremely’s zoom).
We typically check battery life by assessing how lengthy the battery lasts throughout a typical day, and by seeing how rapidly the battery drains after streaming a YouTube video for 3 hours at full brightness. This check is not all the time included in our preliminary evaluation as a result of it may possibly take a full day to finish since we normally run it 3 times to verify outcomes are constant. Older critiques previous to 2023 used a special battery drain check that assessed how lengthy the battery lasts throughout steady native video playback.
Efficiency is measured anecdotally through the use of the telephone and thru benchmarking apps. Design is subjective, however we search for issues like construct high quality, how snug the telephone feels to carry and the way a lot display screen area it supplies for the scale. For software program, we search for distinctive options that is probably not obtainable on different telephones, ease of use and replace longevity.
