{"id":271173,"date":"2025-11-04T16:02:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T16:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/271173\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T16:02:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T16:02:27","slug":"an-entire-galaxy-tested-and-compared","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/271173\/","title":{"rendered":"An entire Galaxy tested and compared!"},"content":{"rendered":"

At this point, I spend nearly half the year with my SIM in a Samsung phone. It\u2019s hard to believe, given how frequently I bounce from one device to the next as a phone reviewer, but with a Galaxy release schedule that spans the entire year, it\u2019s no surprise that Samsung keeps drawing me back in, no matter the price point. Sometimes that means firing up an ultra-thin Android flagship<\/a>, and sometimes it means testing out a well-rounded budget phone, but no matter what, One UI always finds its way back into my pocket.<\/p>\n

As such, I have a pretty good idea of what works for Samsung and what doesn\u2019t \u2014 I know which Galaxy devices will offer a return on your investment and which ones won\u2019t. So, with that in mind, here are the best Samsung phones that you should actually buy right now.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The best Samsung phone overall\n<\/p>\n

\"AASamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra<\/a><\/p>\n

100x zoom \u2022 Big battery \u2022 7 years software support<\/p>\n

MSRP: $1,299.99<\/p>\n

Samsung’s best for 2025<\/p>\n

Simply put, this is Samsung’s very best phone for 2025. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a 6.9-inch QHD+ device with 12GB of RAM, 256GB+ of storage, embedded S Pen, and the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. The key upgrade over the lower S25 models is a 200MP main camera and 100x Space Zoom.<\/p>\n

Positives<\/p>\n

Premium materialsGreat battery lifeSolid camerasTop-tier Snapdragon performanceBrilliant displayExcellent software policy<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Downgraded S PenMostly AI-based upgradesStill no full Qi2 supportCan be uncomfortable to holdVery expensive<\/p>\n

These days, there\u2019s only one real pick for the best phone in the Samsung ecosystem \u2014 it has to be the one with everything. Alright, well, the Galaxy S25 Ultra<\/a> doesn\u2019t fold, but it certainly does everything else. It pairs the largest battery and the fastest charging with the most flexible quad-camera setup and includes the productivity-minded S Pen for good measure. There is, of course, more to the story, but it\u2019s tough to find any open space on Samsung\u2019s top-end spec sheet.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not really an exaggeration, either \u2014 I kicked off 2025 with the Galaxy S25 Ultra in my pocket, and it set the bar pretty high. It finally brought me around to the finer parts of its industrial design, swapping sharp corners for rounded edges and flattening the sides of the massive frame to bring it closer in line with the rest of the Galaxy S25 series. Yes, I still have some trouble wrangling the massive titanium and Gorilla Armor 2 body, but that\u2019s more because of my small hands than anything else.<\/p>\n

Besides, the amount of power that Samsung packed into that 6.9-inch frame makes the extra bulk worth it. The phone uses Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy<\/a> chipset to the very fullest, breezing through games, multitasking, and hours of streaming without much trouble. I was glad to have it on hand for the darkest months of last season\u2019s Premier League campaign, as my often remote work meant keeping up with highlights on the largest screen I could fit in my pocket.<\/p>\n

Of course, spending so much time out and about with the Galaxy S25 Ultra also allowed me to put its quartet of cameras through their paces, almost always with excellent results. The dual telephoto sensors, set to 3x and 5x, provide Samsung\u2019s top-end flagship with excellent sharpness across shorter zoom ranges. Meanwhile, Galaxy AI takes over for some heavier processing once you extend the zoom beyond 30x, all the way to 100x.<\/p>\n

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a little of everything, which makes it ready for anything.<\/p>\n

And, now that I\u2019ve mentioned Galaxy AI<\/a>, I should point out that it\u2019s pretty much everywhere. It powers Samsung\u2019s Drawing Assist and the Now Bar, and it complements Gemini nicely with Circle to Search and Gemini Live. You\u2019ll also get plenty more Galaxy AI features in the future, thanks to seven years of both Android updates and security patches. One thing to note, though, is that Samsung has removed Bluetooth connectivity from its latest S Pen, so you\u2019ll have to get used to a slightly simpler experience.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: The best value Samsung phone\n<\/p>\n

\"AASamsung Galaxy S25 FE<\/a><\/p>\n

Large 120Hz display \u2022 Big battery \u2022 50MP camera<\/p>\n

MSRP: $649.99<\/p>\n

Exynos-powered, 6.7-inch Samsung experience<\/p>\n

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a more affordable experience for fans of the S25 series. Powered by an Exynos 2400 processor, this 6.7-inch phone offers better specs than ever in a FE phone, and nearly all of the greatness found in mainline S25 phones.<\/p>\n

Positives<\/p>\n

Larger battery with good enduranceSignificantly faster wired chargingPlenty of Galaxy AI and general featuresSeven years of OS and security updatesSlimmer and lighter design<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

No performance upgradesRear cameras showing their ageOnly 8GB\/128GB in base model<\/p>\n

While Samsung\u2019s Ultra may be its very best phone in 2025, its latest Fan Edition presents the most value for those who don\u2019t want to break the bank. You may not exactly be able to tell the Galaxy S25 FE<\/a> apart from those that went before it \u2014 it looks nearly identical to the aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus sandwich of the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 FE \u2014 but this year\u2019s launch packs a few changes that give it a little more punch.<\/p>\n

Specifically, Samsung has finally decided that a 4,500mAh battery and 25W wired charging are no longer enough for its $650 sub-flagship. It\u2019s finally bumped the capacity up to a 4,900mAh cell with the same snappy 45W charging that you\u2019ll find on the Galaxy S25 Plus and Ultra, which is always a nice touch. So far in our time with the phone, we\u2019ve found that it both charges faster and lasts longer, and it\u2019s pretty efficient with how it draws power from the in-house Exynos 2400 chipset.<\/p>\n

That chipset, which is a slight upgrade over the previous Exynos 2400e version, also powers a slimmed-down slate of Galaxy AI features. You\u2019ll still get just about everything that you would with the flagship Galaxy S25 series, including Audio Eraser<\/a>, the Now Bar, Now Brief, and more. And, for anything else you\u2019re trying to add to your Fan Edition pickup, there\u2019s always the option to add Good Lock.<\/p>\n

The latest Galaxy S25 FE is powerful enough for more than just dedicated fans.<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one hiccup on the Galaxy S25 FE right now, it\u2019s that Samsung\u2019s cameras are in an interesting place. We generally like the color profile \u2014 it\u2019s punchy without overcooking the reds and greens \u2014 but the processed images often appear slightly soft, lacking a lot of contrast. They\u2019re good enough to post on social media, but it usually takes some editing to bring a little depth back into your shots. But hey, that\u2019s what Galaxy AI is for, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Hadlee Simons \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Read more<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: The best Samsung phone under $500\n<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G<\/a><\/p>\n

MSRP: $499.99<\/p>\n

The Galaxy A56 5G gives you a lot of hardware for under $500, including a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, and a durable Gorilla Glass Victus Plus build.<\/p>\n

Positives<\/p>\n

Durable Gorilla Glass Victus PlusSnappy 45W wired chargingExcellent update commitment<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Dedicated macro cameraNo wireless chargingMissing some AI features<\/p>\n

Taking another step down the ladder, Samsung\u2019s Galaxy A56 5G<\/a> is a $500 mid-ranger that feels like it could almost brush up against the flagship realm. It offers a few select specs that put it ahead of the base Galaxy S25, featuring a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED panel<\/a> and a massive 5,000mAh battery, which, in our experience, lasts for a long time. It also marks the return of the Galaxy A5X series to the US after a few years with the A3X operating as the top option.<\/p>\n

That said, as a Galaxy A model, the Galaxy A56 5G makes a few concessions to keep its price down, starting with its Exynos 1580 chipset. It\u2019s still perfectly capable for everyday usage, and it pairs nicely with the 120Hz display<\/a>, but it\u2019s not quite punchy enough to keep up with heavier gaming titles or demanding multitasking sessions.<\/p>\n

There’s a little more style to the Galaxy A56 5G than we were expecting from a mid-range offering.<\/p>\n

Also, as always, the Galaxy A56 5G comes equipped with a trio of rear cameras, much like its more premium counterparts. That said, it swaps the usually reliable 10MP telephoto sensor for a more specialized 5MP dedicated macro camera, which is okay but could easily be covered by a software-based macro mode from the 12MP ultrawide sensor. At the very least, you\u2019ll get reliable, postable snaps from the main 50MP camera, which is a Samsung staple by now.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: The best Samsung phone under $300\n<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G<\/a><\/p>\n

Big AMOLED display \u2022 IP67 rating \u2022 Six years of updates<\/p>\n

MSRP: $299.99<\/p>\n

Samsung’s most value-for-money A series phone in 2025<\/p>\n

With upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection, a large AMOLED display, and six years of updates, the Galaxy A26 5G is everything you’d want from a budget Samsung phone.<\/p>\n

Positives<\/p>\n

Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection front and backBig, vivid AMOLED displaySolid performanceRich, up-to-date One UISix years of updates<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Mono speakerAverage camerasMushy haptics<\/p>\n

If your budget is just a little bit tighter, you might find yourself eyeing the middle segment of the Galaxy A lineup. Naturally, the tendency here would be to look at the slightly more expensive Galaxy A36 5G, but we actually prefer the more approachable Galaxy A26 5G<\/a>. Yes, the two budget-friendly phones look the same, with the same Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and aluminum builds and IP67 durability, but you\u2019ll save yourself $100 by going with this pick.<\/p>\n

Now, there\u2019s more to why we love the Galaxy A26 than simply the savings, but that\u2019s always a good place to start. Additionally, this $300 option features an in-house Exynos 1380 chipset, six years of software support, and a robust 5,000mAh battery. It all combines to create a no-frills, no-fuss budget phone that simply works \u2014 as long as you don\u2019t mind trading an Infinity-O cutout for an Infinity-U notch to house the selfie camera.<\/p>\n

Surprise! You don’t have to spend more for a great budget experience.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the Galaxy A26 5G features a single down-firing speaker and a fixed 120Hz or 60Hz refresh rate, both of which represent departures from the more expensive Galaxy A options. We\u2019d still say that they\u2019re worthwhile trades, though, given our general love for Galaxy Buds and the fact that Samsung makes up for its shortcomings with Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and Gemini across the entire lineup.<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Rushil Agrawal \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Read more<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: The best Samsung phone under $200\n<\/p>\n

\"AASamsung Galaxy A16 5G<\/a><\/p>\n

MSRP: $199.99<\/p>\n

Budget phone, flagship support.<\/p>\n

The Galaxy A16 5G continues Samsung’s trend of reliable budget phones, only this time it’s equipped with flagship-grade software support that will see it enjoy up to six years of updates.<\/p>\n

Positives<\/p>\n

Stellar software update promiseSolid primary cameraDecent battery lifeGreat priceGood charging<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Just-okay build qualityAging performanceWeak peripheral camerasBland design<\/p>\n

At the bottom end of Samsung\u2019s Galaxy A series, you\u2019ll find the lowly but lovable Galaxy A16 5G<\/a>. It was actually the first member of the AX6 series to hit the market, making it the only one that looks a little different from its siblings. Looks aside, the Galaxy A16 5G\u2019s value comes from, well, its value. At less than $200, this is an easy pick if you\u2019re looking for a first phone for your kids or even a reliable option for an older loved one.<\/p>\n

In fact, I went so far as to dub the Galaxy A16 the best budget phone at the end of my review. Did I call it particularly exciting? No, it\u2019s a pretty simple, straightforward option that goes even lighter on the Galaxy AI options, but that\u2019s kind of what makes it great. You won\u2019t have to worry about your kids getting too in the weeds with AI, and you shouldn\u2019t have to answer questions from loved ones who really just want pictures of their grandkids, either.<\/p>\n

The Galaxy A16 5G is as good a starter phone as you’re going to find.<\/p>\n

One thing that should also help the Galaxy A16 5G win over the less tech-savvy fans out there is its return to Key Island. Samsung doesn\u2019t always opt for in-display fingerprint readers on its lower-end launches, so the raised section of the frame makes it very easy to locate the side-mounted sensor without needing to look twice.<\/p>\n

And, as always, the Galaxy A16 5G comes with a long-term update commitment that will keep it relevant long into the end of the decade. It matches the Galaxy A26 5G with six years of updates, although it launched with Android 14 onboard, which means it\u2019ll wrap up with Android 20 rather than Android 21. But, when you\u2019re spending just $200 on a phone, that\u2019s value that we\u2019ll take all day long.<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Read more<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: The best foldable Samsung phone\n<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7<\/a><\/p>\n

MSRP: $1,099.00<\/p>\n

Samsung’s best flip phone for 2025.<\/p>\n

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers some of Samsung’s most impressive flip phone hardware ever, featuring a 4.1-inch edge-to-edge cover screen and a thickness of just 13.7mm when closed. It also has a larger 6.9-inch inner display, good general performance, and seven years of Android updates.<\/p>\n

Positives<\/p>\n

Excellent cover screen hardwareImpressively thin designLarger, more comfortable inner displayGood day-to-day performanceSeven years of Android updates<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Frustrating cover screen softwareExynos 2500 is a downgrade from the Snapdragon 8 EliteSlow (and hot) chargingMiddling cameras<\/p>\n

No list of the best Samsung phones would be complete without a foldable entry, but it might surprise you to see us pick the Flip over the Fold. In fact, we actually rated the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a little higher in our review<\/a>. So why isn\u2019t it here? Quite simply, Samsung\u2019s more affordable foldable phone makes more sense for most people. It\u2019s not as cheap as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE<\/a> \u2014 which is largely just a repackaged Galaxy Z Flip 6 \u2014 but the Galaxy Z Flip 7<\/a> is the way to go if you want to dip a toe into foldable phones without spending well over $1,000.<\/p>\n

This year, Samsung\u2019s most noticeable change comes in the form of a completely revamped cover screen, which has morphed from an unusual, 3.4-inch, folder-shaped panel to an expansive 4.1-inch square that occupies the entire top of the phone. It still works almost the same way as the cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, meaning that you\u2019ll need Good Lock<\/a> to add most apps, and you\u2019ll have to make most of your changes from the internal display, but the extra real estate goes a long way.<\/p>\n

Outside of the new display, Samsung has also slimmed down the Galaxy Z Flip 7, making it more comfortable to slip into a pocket as needed. The crease running across the internal 6.9-inch display is also less visible than ever before, and the new 21:9 aspect ratio makes the phone feel, well, like a normal slab smartphone \u2014 though the 4,300mAh battery and Exynos 2500 chipset lag slightly behind other similarly priced options.<\/p>\n

The new cover screen gives Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 a larger lease on life.<\/p>\n

Of course, the Galaxy Z Flip series has always been about making the most of its tricky form factor, and the seventh iteration does just that. It\u2019s easier to use the dual cameras on the cover screen; there\u2019s no shortage of AI features to help you interact with the internal display even less (including Gemini and the Now Brief on the cover screen), and its seven years of updates help the Galaxy Z Flip 7 maintain an edge over rivals like Motorola\u2019s Razr Ultra<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/p>\n

Honorable mentions\n<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25<\/a>\"SamsungSamsung Galaxy S25<\/a><\/p>\n

12GB RAM \u2022 Vastly improved software \u2022 7 years of support<\/p>\n

Refined software, AI smarts, and next-gen hardware<\/p>\n

With an emphasis on AI features, and a move to Gemini, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is an exciting update to the Galaxy S line. Equipped with a 6.2-inch FHD+ display, Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 12GB of RAM, a powerful 50MP camera, and updated hardware materials, we expect big things from the base model of Samsung’s 2025 flagship phone.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s surprising to see Samsung\u2019s smallest flagship resigned to an honorable mention, but hear me out: It\u2019s just not that exciting this year. Yes, the Galaxy S25<\/a> has its strengths, like flexible cameras and a solid chipset, but it\u2019s not always easy to see where the 6.2-inch flagship justifies its asking price. That said, if you\u2019re looking for a compact Galaxy phone, this is your best option.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus<\/a>\"SamsungSamsung Galaxy S25 Plus<\/a><\/p>\n

Snapdragon 8 Elite power \u2022 12GB RAM \u2022 7 years software support<\/p>\n

A powerful 6.7-inch phone, with 7 years of updates<\/p>\n

The middle offering of Samsung’s 2025 flagship launch, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a 6.7-inch QHD+ device with a 50MP camera, 12GB of RAM, 256GB+ of storage, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. UWB connectivity, a 4,900mAh battery, and ProScaler for QHD+ round out the upgrades over the base model phone.<\/p>\n

Like the smaller Galaxy S25, Samsung\u2019s Galaxy S25 Plus feels like a pretty minor update this year. It offers a bit more power within its 6.7-inch frame, including faster 45W wired charging and a larger battery, but key features such as the cameras, overall design, and AMOLED display have not changed significantly over the previous generation.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7<\/a>\"Samsung\"AASamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7<\/a><\/p>\n

Thinnest, lightest Z Fold to date \u2022 More durable design \u2022 200MP primary camera \u2022 Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy<\/p>\n

Thin, light, high-powered, and it folds!<\/p>\n

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an 8-inch OLED screen, a 200MP camera, the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and a 4,400mAh battery. The Galaxy AI experience is baked in, offering tools across the camera, Circle to Search, and much more. Best of all, Samsung continues to evolve its foldable hinge assembly, promising reduced visibility of the crease.<\/p>\n

Our next honorable mention, however, does pack quite a few changes, and it\u2019s arguably Samsung\u2019s best phone\u2026 if money is no object to you. The Galaxy Z Fold 7<\/a> is thinner than ever with bigger displays than its predecessor, and it has to be felt to be believed. It does make a few compromises, such as ditching S Pen support and increasing its price, but it\u2019s one of Samsung\u2019s best options if you\u2019re looking for a productivity powerhouse.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G<\/a>\"SamsungSamsung Galaxy A36 5G<\/a><\/p>\n

Big, bright AMOLED display \u2022 Fast wired charging \u2022 Long software support<\/p>\n

Samsung’s A series 2025 upgrade.<\/p>\n

The Galaxy A36 5G updates the popular A series line with an IP67 rating, 45W fast charging, and a slimmer and lighter design.<\/p>\n

Most of Samsung\u2019s Galaxy A lineup earned full-fledged entries on our list, but the Galaxy A36 5G<\/a> is one more option if you find yourself somewhere in the middle. It lands right in a sweet spot of value and performance, pairing Gorilla Glass Victus Plus with 45W wired charging, a 5,00mAh battery, and a 50MP primary camera that\u2019s not far off what you\u2019d get on a Galaxy flagship.<\/p>\n

Our last honorable mention is something a little different: An ultra-rugged Samsung phone. The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro won\u2019t find its place in too many pockets, but its dust-tight design and removable battery make it an intriguing option for adventurers and those who work in unpredictable environments. It won\u2019t top the list for camera performance or charging speeds, but you won\u2019t find a tougher option in the entire Galaxy.<\/p>\n

What to look for in a good Samsung phone<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

C. Scott Brown \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an awful lot that goes into picking a Samsung phone, but there\u2019s one guarantee: it\u2019s going to have Galaxy in the name. You, of course, know that by now, but it gives us a place to start talking about the things you might not know to look for. After all, with options at almost every price point, the gap between one Galaxy device and the next could be as great as the distance from the Milky Way to Andromeda.<\/p>\n

Beyond the Galaxy name, there’s a whole lot to separate one Samsung phone from the next.<\/p>\n

Alright, so maybe it\u2019s not quite that big, but you get my point \u2014 there\u2019s a lot to think about before you buy a phone. The amount of money you have to spend is obviously a great place to start, but, as you saw when we picked the Galaxy A26 over the Galaxy A36, it\u2019s not a hard and fast rule. Instead, here are a handful of things you should think about before you move your SIM card:<\/p>\n

Check on your chipset:\u00a0Currently, most Samsung launches either utilize an in-house Exynos chipset or a Qualcomm-made Snapdragon processor<\/a>. Typically, Qualcomm\u2019s chipsets put up better numbers on paper, but they\u2019re also more common in flagship launches, which might skew our data just a bit. Either way, you\u2019ll want to remember that certain chipsets pack a little extra punch.
\nMind your materials:\u00a0Similarly, there\u2019s not a poorly made option in Samsung\u2019s lineup, but not all Gorilla Glass is created equal. You should be able to get a durable device with both aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus without breaking the bank, though some higher-end models offer Gorilla Armor to go along with either IP67 or IP68<\/a> protection against water and dust.
\nTake a look at that third camera:\u00a0One thing that\u2019s common across almost all Samsung phones (sorry, Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy S25 Edge) is a reliable trio of some of the best cameras<\/a>. You\u2019ll always find a wide camera flanked by an ultrawide backup, but we\u2019d advise you to check on the third sensor. At higher tiers, you\u2019ll usually get a 3x telephoto sensor \u2014 or possibly two telephoto sensors on the Galaxy S25 Ultra \u2014 which we prefer over a dedicated macro sensor, a feature common on the Galaxy A series.
\nKnow how many updates you\u2019ll get:\u00a0This is a bit more of an issue with, well, other brands, but it\u2019s always good to know what kind of software support is coming your way. Every option on our list above promises either six or seven years of Android and security coverage, which will carry you to at least the end of the decade. Some Samsung devices will get their updates quicker than others, so just be mindful of how long your rollout might take.
\nGalaxy AI for (almost) everyone:\u00a0Right now, Samsung\u2019s expansive suite of Galaxy AI features is still on its way from the top of the lineup to the bottom. So far, it has spread pretty widely, with Gemini, Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and more available from the flagship series down to the most affordable Galaxy A models; however, some features require more powerful chipsets to function correctly.
\nValue vs price:\u00a0We\u2019ve hinted at it, but spending more money isn\u2019t always better. You might have a friend or family member who just wants to cover the basics, which means they probably don\u2019t need the all-out, ultra-premium Galaxy S25 Ultra. Instead, they might find just as much value in something like the Galaxy S25 FE or a higher-end Galaxy A device, such as the Galaxy A56, which offers the same battery capacity for less than half the price.
\nIs unlocked an option:\u00a0It\u2019s also good to consider your options while buying. Some Samsung phones are only available through carriers with a long-term contract, which can make it tough (or impossible) to switch to another carrier<\/a> if you have the opportunity to save money or if you head to a new country on vacation and need a travel SIM in a pinch. Most Samsung devices are, however, available unlocked directly from the source, allowing you to switch networks as needed.
\nMake time to accessorize:\u00a0One last thing to think about before you buy a Samsung phone is the availability of accessories. Although all Galaxy devices will work with Samsung\u2019s own Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch<\/a> options, you\u2019ll find a better selection of cases and protective options if you go for a flagship Galaxy S25 device over a budget-minded Galaxy A option.<\/p>\n

Why you should trust me<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Robert Triggs \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Galaxy A54 5G camera trio<\/p>\n

As a long-time reviewer for\u00a0Android Authority, I\u2019ve had a lot of phones come across my desk \u2014 and I do mean a lot. I\u2019ve been reviewing Samsung devices since 2022, and in that time, I\u2019ve explored every imaginable price point, from the bare-bones Galaxy A11 to the all-out, everything-and-more Galaxy S25 Ultra. Now, I won\u2019t say I\u2019ve loved them all, but I\u2019ve learned just about everything there is to know about Samsung and One UI over the years.<\/p>\n

I’ve lost count of how many Samsung phones I’ve reviewed, but I’ll never forget starting with the Galaxy A11.<\/p>\n

More importantly, I\u2019ve reviewed a wide range of non-Samsung phones as well. I\u2019ve spent time with cleaner, less customizable software, shorter update commitments, and simpler cameras, and I\u2019ve figured out what works well and what doesn\u2019t. So, when I dub a device the best under $500 or the best foldable, I\u2019ve tried its competition, taken camera samples, and written reviews before making that decision.<\/p>\n

What do you look for in a good Samsung phone?<\/p>\n

3 votes<\/p>\n

Chipset<\/p>\n

33%<\/p>\n

Materials<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Cameras<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Updates<\/p>\n

33%<\/p>\n

Galaxy AI<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Value<\/p>\n

33%<\/p>\n

Unlocked<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Accessories<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Of course, in my time with so many devices, I\u2019ve certainly had my favorites. I\u2019ve spent a considerable amount of time with previous generations of the Galaxy Z Flip series, long after my review period ended, and I\u2019ve been thrilled to move on from the base Galaxy S25 just about as quickly as I could. What has made one Galaxy model great, such as flexible cameras, has come up short on another model despite minimal changes on paper.<\/p>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s a result of the competition catching up; other times, it\u2019s a case of Samsung sticking with what it already knows. Either way, there\u2019s a good chance I\u2019ve written several hundred, or maybe even a thousand, words on the subject.<\/p>\n

Thank you for being part of our community. Read our\u00a0Comment Policy<\/a> before posting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"At this point, I spend nearly half the year with my SIM in a Samsung phone. It\u2019s hard…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":271174,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[165,170,74],"class_list":{"0":"post-271173","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mobile","8":"tag-mobile","9":"tag-samsung","10":"tag-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/271173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=271173"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/271173\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/271174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=271173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=271173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=271173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}