Samsung is one of the leading brands when it comes to Android smartphones. With a vast lineup spanning multiple price points and form factors, Samsung caters to a wide range of users. From productivity-focused foldables to photography powerhouses and even rugged devices, Samsung‘s portfolio has something for everyone.
But with so many options to choose from, deciding on the best Samsung phone for your needs can get overwhelming. To help make your buying decision easier, we have researched and ranked the top Samsung phones you can purchase right now based on performance, features, and overall value.
How We Ranked the Best Samsung Phones
We evaluated several key factors to rank the best Samsung phones:
Performance: We looked at the processor, RAM, battery life, charging speeds, and overall smoothness of the user experience. Phones with top-of-the-line chipsets and ample RAM scored higher.
Display: Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and display technology were key display metrics we analyzed. Models with vibrant AMOLED panels ranked better.
Camera: Megapixel count, aperture, zoom capabilities, special shooting modes, and image quality determined camera scores.
Design: Build quality, materials used, durability, and special design elements like foldable displays influenced this category. Premium flagships scored highest here.
Value: Finally, we assessed what you get for the price to determine the value proposition of Samsung phones across price tiers.
Keeping these parameters in mind, here are the best Samsung phones to buy right now.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Best Overall
Display: 6.8 inches, Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 12GB/1TB
Rear Cameras: 200 MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), 10MP telephoto (10x zoom)
Front Camera: 12MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging
As the newest flagship in Samsung‘s lineup, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best overall Samsung phone money can buy right now. It packs some serious muscle under the hood with a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, making it one of the most powerful Android devices on the market.
The revamped camera system featuring a mighty 200MP primary sensor takes photography prowess to the next level. Shooting modes like Nightography leverage this hardware to capture incredibly detailed images even in poor lighting. The 100x Space Zoom gives you ridiculous reach, while the upgraded front camera enables crisper selfies and video calls.
A best-in-class 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience, while the S Pen support boosts productivity. With faster charging, a beefy 5,000 mAh battery, and up to 1TB of storage, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a productivity and creativity powerhouse without compromises.
Yes, it is expensive, but you get what you pay for – the ultimate Samsung phone that does it all.
Pros
- Cutting-edge performance
- Versatile pro-grade camera system
- Stunning 120Hz QHD+ display
- Built-in S Pen with lower latency
Cons
- Very expensive
- No microSD slot
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 – Best Foldable
Display: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Foldable Display, 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED Cover Screen, 120Hz adaptive
Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 12GB/1TB
Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto
Front Cameras: 10MP Cover Screen, 4MP Under Display
Battery: 4,400 mAh, 25W Wired Charging
If you want cutting-edge foldable phone technology with a dash of luxury, look no further than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The revamped 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED main display (with minimized bezels and no distracting crease) offers a tablet-sized viewing real estate that multitaskers will love.
Run up to three apps simultaneously, drag and drop content between them, or use the S Pen to take notes with the Z Fold 4. Everything works smoothly thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 silicon. When folded, the handy 6.2-inch cover screen lets you access all phone functions easily with one hand.
A refined Flex Mode lets you shoot hands-free videos or group selfies at creative angles. The updated Taskbar interface also boosts productivity on the move. Add flagship-grade cameras to the mix, and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 becomes an incredibly versatile productivity and creativity tool.
If you can afford it, this is hands-down the best foldable Samsung phone available today.
Pros
- Two stunning displays with minimal bezels
- Multitasking powerhouse
- S Pen support
- Productivity-enhancing Flex Mode
Cons
- Still not cheap
- Heavy and bulky
3. Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ – Best for Camera Lovers
S23 Display: 6.1 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 48-120Hz adaptive
S23+ Display: 6.6 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 48-120Hz adaptive
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB
Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
Front Cameras: 12MP
Battery: S23 – 3,900 mAh, S23+ – 4,700 mAh, 25W wired charging
If the Galaxy S23 Ultra is out of your budget but you still want flagship-level performance and cameras in a more compact form factor, the vanilla Galaxy S23 and S23+ fit the bill perfectly.
These siblings feature the same cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and primary 50MP camera sensor as the Ultra model. So you still get buttery smooth performance, excellent low light shots, 30x Space Zoom capabilities, and advanced shooting functions like Astrophotography mode.
Vibrant 6.1-inch and 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED displays with silky smooth 120Hz refresh rates provide immersive viewing and gaming. Both also boast padded batteries – the S23 promises 29 hours of video playback while the S23+ lasts over 2 days!
For camera aficionados wanting pro-level photography without spending too much, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ strike the ideal balance.
Pros
- Flagship-grade performance
- Excellent triple camera system
- Long battery life + 25W fast charging
- Compact and pocketable
Cons
- Pricier than last year‘s models
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – Best Flip Phone
Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2.1-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, 1-120Hz adaptive
Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 8GB/512GB
Rear Cameras: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide
Front Camera: 10MP
Battery: 3,700 mAh, 25W charging
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 builds upon its predecessor to deliver a refined flip phone experience focused on compact portability and social media-friendly features. Closed shut, it easily fits small bags and pockets. Flip it open to reveal a tall 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with slimmer bezels and a notch-less design for immersive viewing and gaming.
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip ensures smooth performance whether you are browsing apps or editing videos. A useful Flex Mode lets you shoot hands-free vlogs or group pics at all angles. Customize the cover screen widgets to quickly check notifications or control music playback without opening the phone.
With a refined hinge and chassis, bespoke color options, excellent rear camera performance, and all-day battery life, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 nails the modern flip phone experience. Frequent social media users wanting a fun and pocketable device should shortlist this one.
Pros
- Truly pocketable when folded
- Tall, immersive inner display
- Flex Mode enhances content creation
- Good rear camera performance
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Cover screen limited in functionality
5. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G – Best Budget Phone
Display: 6.5 inches, FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor: Exynos 1280
RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB
Rear Cameras: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP depth, 5MP macro
Front Camera: 32MP
Battery: 5,000 mAh, 25W charging
Despite the "budget" moniker, the Galaxy A53 5G packs some serious heat inside its slim and sleek chassis. The vibrant 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display refreshes at 120Hz for smooth scrolling and graphics. Powering the phone is a new Exynos 1280 chip that delivers reliable mid-range performance whether gaming, streaming shows, or jumping between apps.
But where the phone truly shines is photography. The quad camera array covering standard, ultrawide, macro, and depth photography is mighty impressive given the price tag. From landscapes to close-ups and portrait shots, image quality is fantastic with great dynamic range and detail.
Topping it off is phenomenal 2-day battery life courtesy the large 5,000 mAh pack. Given all you get for under $500, the Galaxy A53 5G is undoubtedly the best budget Samsung phone on the market currently.
Pros
- Sleek premium design
- Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display
- Excellent quad camera system
- Two-day battery life
Cons
- Mid-range processor shows limits in intense gaming
What to Consider When Buying a Samsung Phone
With the top contenders covered, let‘s briefly discuss what factors you should consider when choosing a Samsung phone for your specific needs:
Price Range – Samsung offers phones from $150 to $1,800+. Decide how much you can spend first. Flagships like the S23 Ultra offer the complete experience but mid-rangers like Galaxy A series pack decent features at more affordable pricing.
Display & Size – Do you want a expansive tablet-sized display for immersive viewing & easier multitasking like on the Z Fold series? Or a traditional 6 to 6.5-inch screen phone is enough? There‘s a mix of LCD, AMOLED & foldable displays across Samsung‘s range.
Performance & Chipset – Flagship S and Z series models utilize the latest cutting-edge chipsets like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for maximum power. The midrange A series relies on Exynos SoCs offering reliable performance for day-to-day needs.
Camera Quality – The premium Galaxy S23 lineup takes the crown here with pro-grade photography capabilities, followed by other flagships like the Fold 4 and Flip 4 models. Galaxy A series do have impressive cameras too but flagship devices pull ahead due to superior sensors.
Battery Life – Thanks to optimizations, most Samsung phones can deliver a full day‘s usage on a charge. Pro models like S23 Ultra pack 5000mAh+ batteries with fast charging for longer runtimes.
Once you have an idea of your exact priorities, choose the Samsung device that best matches your needs and budget.
The Best Place to Buy a Samsung Phone
While carriers and retail stores sell Samsung phones, your best bet is to get them unlocked directly from Samsung or retailers like Amazon. Why?
1. Better Deals & Savings – Samsung.com and Amazon offer instant discounts, seasonal sales, flash deals and interest-free installment plans on unlocked phones. Sign up for email alerts to grab the best prices.
2. More Color & Storage Options – Carrier models get limited color/storage variants. Unlocked phones give you full flexibility in this regard.
3. No Bloatware – Carrier phones come preloaded with unwanted carrier apps that take up space. Unlocked phones don‘t.
4. Upgrade When You Want – No waiting around for carrier deals to upgrade when buying unlocked.
As long as the phone works on your carrier bands, purchasing the unlocked variant directly from Samsung or Amazon is your best bet when hunting for Samsung phone deals. You will save more, have more options, and own the phone outright too.
The Last Word
Whether you want a traditional phone to keep in touch on calls and messaging or desire a hybrid always-on productivity tool with a foldable display, there exists a premium Samsung phone perfectly suited to keep you powered on the go. Hopefully our curated guide above has helped narrow down your options while our buying considerations give you more clarity. Pair your shiny new Samsung smartphone with a nice case and screen protector to keep it safe for years to come!
