Android phones by Samsung have been among the best in their class for well over a decade, offering an amalgam of thoughtful design, top-notch hardware, and performance to match. Samsung was also the first smartphone maker to offer a mainstream foldable smartphone with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold half a decade ago.

　　The tech giant kicked off 2024 by unveiling the Galaxy S24 series of smartphones. The Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra bring a host of design and hardware upgrades, along with intuitive AI-powered user experience features, developed in partnership with Google. (The search giant’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro brought the tech as a core feature late last year.) From enhanced communication and Google search capabilities to next-level camera performance and image editing, AI will have a hand in many tasks and interactions with your new phone.

　　As benchmarks for premium design and performance in the Android realm for many years, the Galaxy S lineup should always be on your radar of upgrade options by Samsung. The Galaxy A Series phones will get you instantly recognizable design and hardware features — especially an AMOLED display — at a much lower price point. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Series of foldable phones offer cutting-edge design and unmatched versatility with a price tag to match.

　　The Best Samsung Phones

　　Best Overall: Best Budget Galaxy: Best Midrange Galaxy: A Premium Galaxy for Less: Best Galaxy Under $1,000: All top-shelf smartphones from Samsung have a waterproof design, on top of other essential features, headlined by a vibrant AMOLED display (or two) with millions of individually backlit pixels, a speedy chipset, a versatile multi-sensor camera setup, fast wired and wireless charging, and stereo speakers. You’ll also get future-proof wireless connectivity features such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6E, and Bluetooth 5.0 (and higher).

　　The prices of the smartphones on this list are for unlocked, contract-free devices. That’s a great option to buy if you are a frequent upgrader or purchasing the phone as a gift. You can also, of course, opt to pay for any phone in small monthly installments, either from Samsung or through the wireless carrier of your choice.

　　What to Consider

　　Form Factor

　　With the latest Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold iterations, Samsung transformed its foldable smartphones from expensive niche offerings to legit mainstream contenders. Therefore, they’re now worth considering before buying a Galaxy phone.

　　Compared to standard rectangular slabs, foldable Galaxy phones offer vastly superior portability and multitasking chops. The Galaxy Z Flip is super pocketable, while the bulkier Galaxy Z Fold can replace a phone and a tablet in one. Due to their innovative design and more elaborate engineering, the Galaxy Z products are pricier than a standard high-end Samsung phone.

　　Durability

　　In addition to being pricier, the foldable Galaxy Z smartphones lack the durability of their mainstream siblings, which have an IP rating for water and dust resistance. For comparison, the latest Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 only have an IPX rating for exposure to water. The intricate hinges of their foldable screens rely on moving parts, so sealing the products against prolonged exposure to water and dust is more challenging.

　　Traditional Galaxy phones are also more likely to survive accidental drops with or without a protective case — so if you have a bad habit of frequently dropping your phone, you should keep this in mind. I highly recommend you purchase a case for a foldable Galaxy because its build is more complicated and less likely to withstand heavy tumbles.

　　 Camera

　　Even though they’re on another level when it comes to multitasking and entertainment capabilities brought by their shape-shifting primary screens, Samsung’s foldable phones don’t have the camera prowess of the top-shelf Galaxy S handsets. This is entirely a matter of packaging and space — incorporating a foldable display inside the phone leaves less space for camera sensors and zoom lenses.

　　If camera quality is paramount to you, consider a Galaxy with an Ultra moniker. These phones always pack the best camera tech of any Galaxy.

　　Memory

　　The more RAM a Samsung Galaxy phone has, the better it will be at multitasking — so if you plan on constantly toggling between many open apps, you should consider a phone with 8GB or more.

　　Regarding onboard storage, if you plan to capture many photos and videos with your Galaxy’s (consistently stellar for the money) camera, consider getting a version with more storage than the 128-GB entry-level models provide. Most Samsung phones don’t have memory card slots for easy expansion, so spending another $50 to $100 up front is worth it. Depending on your needs and budget, you can spec high-end Galaxy phones with up to 1 TB of storage.

　　How We Chose

　　We've been testing smartphones for years, including Samsung's Galaxy lineup. When new products launch, we begin testing them for weeks to evaluate their design, hardware, performance, and battery life as compared to older models. We also pay close attention to the overall value they deliver.

　　This Samsung Galaxy guide contains picks with the most up-to-date specs and features in their price categories — from affordable to high-end — ensuring that your new phone will keep you satisfied for a long time. We also included older iterations, which come at a slightly lower price point, that are still worthy and perfectly capable if you don’t need the latest bells and whistles. But we always recommend spending a bit more to get the current generation if you’re on the fence; the design and hardware improvements you’ll get are worth it.

　　Here are the best Samsung phones worth buying today.

　　1Best Overall

　　Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Smartphone

　　Credit: Stefan VazharovProsCons

　　PriceySamsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra is the phone to get if you want the latest and greatest in hardware specs and camera performance — if it fits your budget. It has a bigger, sharper screen, a distinctive design with sharper angles, a more premium titanium build (a first for a Samsung Galaxy S), a larger battery, and a superior camera setup than its Galaxy S24 and S24+ siblings. The Ultra is always the most powerful Galaxy with the best camera.

　　Its integrated S Pen stylus sets the Ultra apart from the rest of the Galaxy S24 family, as always. It makes the big-screen phone capable of creativity and productivity tasks that no competitor is up for.

　　Once again, the Ultra's camera hardware includes a high-resolution 200MP wide sensor and dual telephoto snapper, including one with a high-resolution 50MP sensor. The primary snapper has the highest resolution in the business. Combined with the high-resolution telephoto camera, it makes the phone an instant contender for the best camera phone of 2024.

　　After only a few days with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, I can confirm that its titanium build is a major improvement over last year's Galaxy S23 Ultra. We'll update this space with more impressions in the weeks ahead.

　　You can order the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in titanium black, titanium gray, titanium violet, and titanium yellow. Additional blue, green, and orange options will be available exclusively from Samsung.

2Best Budget Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Smartphone

Up-to-date design and great display

Amazing battery life

Very affordableCons

Not water-resistant

The sub-$200 Galaxy A15 5G is the best Samsung phone for thrifty shoppers. It has a cool design, 5G, a large and crisp Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, a multisensor camera setup, excellent battery life, expandable storage, and a standard audio jack. A signature Galaxy feature for more than a decade, the Super AMOLED display panel is handily the most important upgrade the Galaxy A15 5G brings over last year's A14 5G.

Powered by a gigantic 5,000-mAh battery — the same capacity as the Galaxy Ultra phones — the Galaxy A15 5G can effortlessly deliver days of use between charges. Its onboard USB-C port has fast charging capabilities.

It's important to note that the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G lacks water resistance or stereo speakers. However, it more than makes up for their lack with its super affordable price.

Key Specs

　　3Best Midrange Galaxy

　　Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Smartphone

　　Pros

　　Sleek and durable design

　　Speedy chipset

　　Amazing battery lifeCons

　　Could use a telephoto cameraThe A54 5G is the midrange Samsung Galaxy to get and one of the best phones $500 can buy. It offers a sleek design similar to the pricier Galaxy S phones, a sturdy waterproof build, a capable chipset with 5-nanometer architecture, a large and vibrant display, a versatile camera setup, and long battery life.

　　Upon unboxing the Galaxy A54, I immediately felt that I was interacting with a pricier product thanks to its Galaxy S-like design with slim display bezels, waterproof build, and fluid AMOLED display. I also tip my hat to Samsung for launching the product with a below-$450 sticker.

　　Similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy A54 5G has stereo speakers. Unlike top-shelf Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel smartphones, the midrange product has a card slot for cheap and easy memory upgrades.

　　The phone’s triple camera is one of the best in its price range, and so is its selfie camera with a high-resolution sensor. You can order the Galaxy A54 5G in black or violet. Each color option rocks an “awesome” moniker.

　　Key Specs

　　4A Premium Galaxy for Less

　　Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Smartphone

　　Pros

　　Great specs for the money

　　Durable build

　　Plenty of color optionsCons

　　Could use more storage optionsLike its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition) delivers top-tier specs and performance at an incredibly agreeable price point. For less than $600 before additional deals and discounts, the value-packed Galaxy offers everything a great Android should: sleek design, tough build, and stellar hardware specs.

　　Compared to the standard Galaxy S23, the FE iteration has a bigger screen and battery. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is a generation behind, and it can’t record 8K video, but neither of these features is a dealbreaker in its price category. I spent a couple of weeks with the device as my go-to Android and never felt like I was lacking in ergonomics, tactility, and everyday performance.

　　Overall, the S23 FE is handily one of the best phones for the money, and as value-packed as an under-$600 can be. You can order the product with 128 GB in cream, graphite, mint, and purple colors.

　　Key Specs

　　5Best Galaxy Under $1,000

　　Samsung Galaxy S24 Smartphone

　　Credit: Stefan VazharovPros

　　Top-tier hardware specs

　　Sleek and durable

　　Reasonably pricedCons

　　Camera could use a deeper zoomThe entry-level Samsung Galaxy S24 is the best option for buyers on an under-$1,000 budget. Available in several colors, it has an elegant design, a powerful chip, a capable camera setup, and a beautiful AMOLED display. The product also has an agreeable price despite its cutting-edge specs.

　　Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 has a beefier chip and a bigger and brighter 6.2-inch screen. The newcomer also packs a slightly larger battery and a selfie camera with a higher-resolution sensor.

　　Metaphorically speaking, the Samsung Galaxy S is the iPhone of the Android realm — a product with a long track record of excellence that's an equally great option for first-time users and Galaxy faithful. My first impressions of the S24 are that it's familiar but faster and more futureproof than before.

　　If you need a bigger screen and larger battery with faster charging speeds, consider the instead. Unlike the S23+, the sequel has a higher-resolution display panel than the non-plus Galaxy S — the rest of its hardware specs are identical.

　　Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+

　　6The Ultimate Foldable Galaxy

　　SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold5 Smartphone

　　Credit: Stefan VazharovPros

　　Replaces a phone and a tablet

　　Powerful hardware and excellent camera

　　Compatible with the S Pen stylusCons

　　Battery life could be betterThe Galaxy Z Fold5 follows the tradition its predecessors began by being Samsung's most avant-garde and expensive smartphone. It can transform from a phone to a tablet, so it's more attention-commanding and versatile than any other Galaxy. The device's ability to replace a phone and a tablet made it my go-to travel and work companion for months.

　　Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold4 it replaces, the Fold5 has a more powerful chip and hinge that allows it to close almost completely flat. The minor tweak makes the hefty gadget noticeably easier to handle.

　　Of course, Samsung also equipped the Z Fold5 with a stellar triple camera, whose primary image sensor resolution and optical zoom capabilities are on par with those of the Galaxy S23 snapper. This means you don’t have to compromise on camera performance to have the most design-forward Galaxy. Its selfie cameras feature a snapper hidden underneath the foldable display, though that one is only suitable for video calls.

　　The range-topping Samsung Galaxy supports the S Pen stylus, too. You can order it in Phantom icy blue, phantom black, and cream color options, with up to 1TB of onboard storage.

　　Key Specs

　　7Best Overall Foldable Galaxy

　　Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Smartphone

　　Pros

　　Attention-grabbing design

　　Large external display is handy

　　Futureproof hardwareCons

　　Could use a zoom cameraThe Galaxy Z Flip5 is a follow-up to the most popular foldable phone in the business and, again, a more futuristic and pocket-friendly alternative to today's best smartphones. Compared to the , the new iteration has a more refined design with an upgraded hinge, a larger external display, a beefier chip, and a superior camera.

　　Dubbed Flex Window, the big external display of the Z Flip5 brings more interactive widgets and a whole new set of more elaborate customization options. Its ample size also makes answering texts easy because it can display a full keyboard. I could spend big chunks of my workdays without needing to flip the phone open.

　　Better yet, the screen also makes capturing selfies with the main camera of the phone even more effortless. And because of its unique form, the Galaxy Z Flip5 offers an equally memorable user experience. When open, it can split an app's interface and place its controls on the bottom half of the display.

　　Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Flip5 in several colors: mint, graphite, cream, and lavender. You can spec the device with 256 or 512GB of onboard storage.

　　Key Specs