The best Samsung Galaxy phones: Budget, flagship, foldables and more

Ever since Samsung first unveiled its ‘Ultra’ phone several years back, the company has consistently offered one of the most feature-packed Android flagships on the market, and that remains the case with the new Galaxy S26 Ultra. It might not be a complete reinvention of its predecessor, but it’s a top-tier phone nonetheless.

It’s the combination of an epic 6.9-inch display, rich stereo speakers, epic battery life and versatile cameras that make the S26 Ultra the one Samsung phone to buy to avoid any mobile-related FOMO. The whole thing is made even better this year with the addition of Privacy Display, which blocks out areas of the screen or the entire screen.

It’s such an ingenious feature that we reckon all manufacturers will have their own version of the tech within a few years, and it means that everyday actions such as sending information to loved ones or opening up your banking apps cannot be spied on by those around you. While the battery size has stayed the same at 5000mAh, there has at least been a big uptick in charging with both wired and wireless speeds bumped to 60- and 25W, respectively – albeit without the Qi2 magnets built in as we all hoped for.

Although the cameras are largely unchanged from last year, there is a handy addition in the form of horizon lock – something that’s been a staple of action cameras for years. This bit of software can keep your videos steady at a specific horizon level, even as you rotate the phone itself, which is a big win for mobile content creators who require smooth footage.

The device is also thinner than previously, while still t

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Professionals and content creators who need top-shelf specs across the board

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Further considerations

It’s a lot more expensive than the S25 Ultra, which can now be found for less

For the longest time, Samsung’s Fan Edition phones have seemed to occupy a commercial no-man’s land where the value didn’t appear to be quite as good as the company’s A-series mid-range handsets, nor were they as feature-packed as the entry-level model of that year’s flagship Samsung phones.

Well, all of that has gone out of the window with the Galaxy S25 FE.

With this latest phone, Samsung has finally hit the right balance of value and performance. The Exynos 2400 chipset is the same one that was previously reserved for the Samsung Galaxy S24, and it performs well in everyday use. The only area where it struggles is in more demanding 3D games, but otherwise it has just the right amount of grunt for most users.

You’re also getting a larger display than the standard S25 with a sizeable 6.7-inch AMOLED panel, which is great for catching a bit of entertainment on the go, and the stereo speakers boast impressive sound for when you’re watching Netflix at home. On the back, you have no less than three cameras, spearheaded by a 50Mp main sensor which can pump out some great-looking shots with that typical Samsung eye for colour.

The fact that the phone is a whole £150/$150 cheaper than the S25 and comes with the full promise of seven years of software updates just makes it even better. It would be nice if Samsung could do more to beef up the secondary cameras, but that’s a minor blemish on what is overall a great option for anyone interested in buying a mid-range phone.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

Samsung fans who want a flagship-quality phone for less, or anyone looking for the best mid-range phone you can buy.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Further considerations

The standard Galaxy S25 can be found for around the same price when discounted, and is a better choice if you prefer small phones.

If ever someone wanted to solidify the argument that Samsung currently rests too hard on its laurels, the Galaxy A17 5G makes for the perfect piece of evidence, but it’s far from a bad phone. Even though it’s almost identical to the previous Galaxy A16, it’s still using the solid foundations that Samsung has built in the budget sector to become an easy buy for anyone shopping at this price point.

In terms of upgrades, the only major difference here is the bump from 90Hz to 120Hz, but when you pair that with the eye-catching 6.7-inch AMOLED display, it’s a nice feature to have and one that just makes day-to-day use feel even better. The Exynos 1330 chipset makes a return, but for a phone that’s priced at £199, it easily gets the job done without any complaints.

The key thing that the A17 does so well is convince you that it’s anything but a budget phone, and it does this largely through its design and software. On the former, the phone combines a plastic frame with a glass fibre back to feel almost premium in the hand, and at 7.5mm thin, it’s also wonderfully lightweight.

With regards to software, you’re getting One UI 7 out of the box, which felt like the big shift that Samsung fans had been waiting years for at the time of launch, taking on a far more aesthetically pleasing tone that better mirrors what Apple’s iOS brings to the table. An update to One UI 8 has since become available, making it even more appealing.

Getting six years of updates from the time of launch is the icing on the cake, but it’s still worth considering the A16 as it can now be found for even less.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G?

Samsung fans who want a budget phone that ticks all the right boxes.

Samsung Galaxy A17 5G: Further considerations

The Galaxy A16 is practically the same and now even cheaper.

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.

While the S26 is an ideal entry-point into Samsung’s latest flagship range, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is arguably too expensive for many users, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ represents the perfect middle ground. You’re getting tons of flagship features here, including an epic battery life that crucially won’t cost you as much as the Ultra.

Just like it’s been with previous generations, the main appeal here over opting for the standard Galaxy S26 is that you’re getting a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display for your money, alongside a beefier 4900mAh cell. The combination of these two factors is exactly why the S26+ is a great handset for entertainment.

Admittedly, it would have been nice if Samsung had seen fit to upgrade the battery or charging speeds in any way over the S25+, but the core experience is still solid and it’s very unlikely that you’ll ever find yourself dreading a low battery alert towards the end of the day. Plus, the new Exynos 2600 chipset is more efficient than before to help lessen everyday battery even further.

The real allure of the S26+ to non-Samsung users will be in all that you get from the brand’s ecosystem. For starters, seven years of OS updates is brilliant for providing long-term value, and Samsung’s OneUI overlay and Galaxy AI software continue to get better each year, and the S26+ is one of the go-to phones right now to show all of that off in its best light.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S26+?

Gamers and streamers who want a long-lasting, big-screened flagship phone.

Samsung Galaxy S26+: Further considerations

Camera and charging speeds are bested by the competition. Doesn’t have the Ultra’s Privacy Display.

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.

Although the newer Galaxy S26 is on the scene, the S25 is still a great option for anyone after flagship performance on a budget as the phone can now be found for much less.

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

The Galaxy S26 is now on the scene with a faster processor and a bigger battery.

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. The Galaxy A37 is imminent.

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. The Galaxy A57 is imminent.

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.