Which is the best Samsung smartphone for me? This is definitely not an easy question because Samsung offers a wide range of smartphones that covers quite a wide price range. We will therefore first introduce you to our personal favorites before moving on to all of its other devices according to their respective model series, from the Galaxy Z to the Galaxy S and A, and all the way to the Galaxy XCover.
Samsung launched its new mid-range with the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54 in March 2023. Before that, the South Koreans introduced the new flagships with the Galaxy S23 series. They then followed up with their new foldables at the end of July 2023, namely the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC | UWB
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC | UWB
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC | UWB
5G / LTE / Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi Direct / Bluetooth 5.2 / NFC / UWB
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.2 | NFC
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
5G | LTE | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
IP Certification
Dimensions and weight
163,4 x 78,1 x 8,9 mm, 233 g
157,8 x 76,2 x 7,6 mm, 195 g
146,3 x 70,9 x 7,6 mm, 168 g
Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm Opened: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm, 253 g
Folded: 155,1 x 67,1 x 15.8 mm Unfolded: 155,1 x 130,1 x 6.3 mm, 263 g
Folded: 71,9 x 85,1 x 15.1 mm Unfolded: 71,9 x 165,1 x 6.9 mm, 187 g
Folded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1 mm Unfolded: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm, 187 g
76,5 x 158 x 8,2 mm, 209 g
158.2 X 76.7 X 8.2 mm, 202 g
Offer*
As of November 2023, you will be able to find Samsung smartphones from five different product families on the market. Each of these normally occupies its very own price niche. We have divided this article into the various product families accordingly, revealing our favorites for each product family to you and, of course, presenting the alternatives. The shortcuts in the table of contents will take you directly to the respective Galaxy series.
Closed: 6.1 x 2.64 x 0.53in 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm
Opened: 6.1 x 5.11 x 0.24in 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm
8.92 oz | 253 g
Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59in 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm
Opened: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27in 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm
187 g | 6.6oz
Closed: 155,1 x 67,1 x 15.8 mm
Opened: 155,1 x 130,1 x 6.3 mm
263 g
Closed: 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1 mm
Opened: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm
187 g
Offers*
August 2021 marked a paradigm shift for Samsung’s smartphones. Instead of a new Note generation, the South Koreans introduced two foldables from the Galaxy Z series: the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3. With the Galaxy Z Fold 4 as well as the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung followed up with optimized versions in 2023. Samsung now continues this path with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 and updates both models in a rather conservative fashion.
The Fold remains the most impressive from a technical point of view. Samsung has packed everything into it that is possible – including S-Pen support and a camera hidden in the display. However, the wow factor is higher with the Galaxy Z Flip, which is really super-compact when folded – and it should also be clearly ahead of the Fold in buyers’ favor. Visually, the significantly larger cover display of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is striking. Furthermore, both models now fully close flat when folded.
In addition to the current models from 2023 and 2022, you can also find the predecessors in the table. Since their prices have dropped rapidly since their launch, these older devices could be a good opportunity for you to get a taste of the Foldables game.
The following two links tell you what the basic differences are between Samsung’s 2021 and 2022 generations of foldables. As soon as we have reviewed the new models, we will also compare them with their predecessors.
In the first quarter of each year, Samsung introduces new Galaxy S models. As with the previous year, in February 2023, in addition to the basic model (Galaxy S23), there was also a Plus model (Galaxy S23+) and the ultra flagship known as the Galaxy S23 Ultra. In all three models, Samsung replaced the much-criticized Exynos processor and installed a higher-clocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (aka For Galaxy).
After reviewing all three models, the S23 Ultra is still the most promising model in the series. With the new 200-megapixel camera, it should not only be one of the best camera smartphones of the year, but with the slot for the S-Pen, it also follows the intellectual legacy of the Note series. If that’s too expensive for you, you can take a look at the other two models in the Galaxy S23 series, which, apart from the processor, are not technically up to par with the Ultra model.
If that is still too expensive for you, all 2022 models are of course also available in the S range, as well as the devices from the Fan Edition. For those who can live with a few compromises, the Galaxy S21 FE still proves to be a very interesting candidate. After all, this flagship costs less than half of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. However, keep in mind that an S22 FE may be in the pipeline.
Samsung Galaxy A: Mid-range smartphones from $160 to $550
The Galaxy A series begins from $160 onwards and goes all the way to just under $600 featuring 256 GB of storage space. This means that mid-range handsets are more broadly positioned than many other smartphone manufacturers with their entire portfolio. The handsets of the Galaxy A series from 2022 and 2023 are—as far as we have reviewed them—a rock-solid choice in any case.
nextpit already reviewed the Galaxy A34, which unsurprisingly scored the same as its predecessor. The Galaxy A54 is still pending, so stay tuned to see how Samsung’s top mid-ranger performs in daily tasks, photography, and even games.
You can read more about the differences between the Galaxy A and Galaxy S series in the following article:
Samsung is, of course, not alone in the market with its Galaxy A series devices. If you are looking for alternatives outside the Samsung bubble, we would recommend this article on the best mid-range smartphones to choose from.
Samsung Galaxy M: Entry-level handsets from $100 to $250
Samsung has placed its entry-level phones under the Galaxy M series. The smartphones cover a price range between $100 and $250. Unfortunately, we have not had the chance to review any of the Galaxy M series to date and therefore, we are unable to provide you with any recommendations.
We are still working on obtaining review units of the Galaxy M models in the future. Until then, you will find our favorites in the following linked article of the best sub-$200 smartphones.
When you first take a look at the technical specifications, the Galaxy XCover series is not very sexy at all. But you will definitely receive maximum protection with the IP68 rating. This means these smartphones should definitely be able to survive everyday sports or even get abused at a construction site. After all, the most modern hardware is of little use to you if the smartphone screen cracks on its very first drop.
Take note that there is also an Enterprise Edition of these handsets. These models offer an extended warranty as well as options for remote maintenance and management by administrators.
How to buy smartphones at great prices
Depending on when you read this article, the wait for discount campaigns or sales can be even more worthwhile. These are campaigns such as Black Friday, where you can pick up smartphones for a wee bit cheaper than usual. I have collated the information for you in the following table.
Upcoming sales events
Black Week
20 to 24 November 2023
Black Friday
24 November 2023
Cyber Monday
27 November 2023
We want to hear from you! Have you checked out our recommended Samsung devices list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We value your feedback!
Last updated in November 2023. Older comments were retained and may refer to outdated versions of this guide.
