You can always look to Samsung when shopping for a phone of any price, size, and feature set. For the indecisive, that may not be the best thing, as finding the ideal Galaxy phone is not as simple as walking into a brick-and-mortar and asking for the "Pro" and "non-Pro" models.

Also: Best Android phones you can buy right now (including flipping foldables)

Instead, finding the best Samsung phone for you boils down to your personal needs, use cases, and design preferences. Trust me, you'll have plenty of options laid out below, and not every one of them will be the right fit for you. 

To make the shopping process easy, we've personally tested most, if not all, the latest Galaxy phones that Samsung has to offer, and assembled a catalog of the top options for your choosing, including the more recent Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series, the value-driven A-series, and our top pick right now, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The best Samsung phones in 2023

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Best Samsung phone overall

June Wan/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Most complete smartphone experience money can buy
• Reliable quad-camera setup
• 256GB base storage leads the competition
• Integrated S Pen stylus for enhanced functionality

Cons

• Phone can be unwieldy for some, especially with a case
• Fast charging is still capped at 45W
• Pricier than most Android phones

More Details

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy  Display: 6.8 inchesRAM/Storage Options: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB  Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 10x optical, 10MP 3x optical  Battery: 5,000mAh

In the grand calculus of the Samsung multiverse, the Galaxy S23 Ultra reigns supreme. It's arguably the most no-frills smartphone that you can buy on the market, let alone from Samsung, which puts it at the top spot on our list.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a beefy 5,000mAh battery that can last you as long as two days, a customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor to keep things running efficiently, and the sacred Samsung S Pen -- ideal for jotting down notes, graphics designing, or even signing PDFs.

I tested the Galaxy S23 Ultra earlier this year and called it "one of the most complete handsets you can buy this year -- whether you like and need the excessive amount of features or not."

Being the latest and greatest also means that the S23 Ultra comes equipped with Samsung's newest advancements in camera technology, including a 200-megapixel main lens that's capable of capturing the highest-resolution images we've seen on any Galaxy phone. There's also 8K video recording at 30 frames per second if you're into that.

All this is to say that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is our pick for the best Samsung phone overall.

Review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Best Samsung foldable phone

Jason Hiner/ Pros & Cons Pros

• An innovative gapless folding design
• Armor Aluminum material for a lighter and sleeker phone
• High IPX8 water resistance
• S Pen support
• Improved processor and software optimized for foldables

Cons

• Still expensive, but generous trade-in offers abound
• S Pen purchase and store separately

More Details

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2  Main display: 7.6 inches  Cover display: 6.2 inches  RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB internal options  Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP wide angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display  Battery: 4,400mAh 

The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable devices that also serve as mini tablets. The Z Fold 3 improved on that phone with two of the most highly requested features from Fold users (S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance), while the Z Fold 4 improved the rear cameras and form factor of the phone. 

And now, with the Z Fold 5, you'll get an upgraded processor in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which should improve the phone's overall performance, from battery efficiency to camera capture. This year's model is also notably thinner than the last, and thanks to the no-gap hinge mechanism, 's Jason Hiner said in his review that "the Fold 5 feels like the way foldables always should have been."

The Android 13 software found in the Z Fold 5 gives the phone some serious productivity upgrades, especially in terms of multi-app usage thanks to the improved Taskbar and wider support for gesture navigations that ease the transition from multiple active windows.

Like the Z Fold 4, the Fold 5's cameras are not quite as good as the S23 Ultra's suite, but the hardware is clearly superior to any foldable predecessor, and the competition. And it certainly helps that the Z Fold 5 is not as heavy and bulky as its predecessors.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Best compact Samsung phone

June Wan/ Pros & Cons Pros

• High-quality materials, fit, and finish
• IPX8 water resistance
• Larger external display is game-changing
• The most pocketable Galaxy phone yet

Cons

• No telephoto camera
• Battery is reasonably underwhelming compared to larger phones

More Details

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2  Main display: 6.7 inches  Cover display: 3.4 inches  RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 256GB/512GB internal options  Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie  Battery: 3,700mAh 

While the Z Fold 5 is the best Samsung foldable, it's the new Z Flip 5 that will likely sell the most and appeal to the masses. Not only is the clamshell handset less expensive than the Z Fold, but it's more compact and portable and has a more user-friendly learning curve.

Shape-shifting displays aside, the Z Flip 5 is very similar to the standard Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED panel that's crisp and bright, up to 512GB of RAM for those high-resolution pictures and videos, and a healthy 3,700mAh cell powering it all.

I tested the flip phone for weeks and was left impressed by how many refinements Samsung had made when compared to the last-gen Z Flip. Thanks to the new 3.4-inch outer display, the gapless hinge design, and improved durability, I noted in my full review that "unless Samsung unveils some form of XR headset later this year, the Z Flip 5 is without question the company's most ambitious product of 2023."

Folks who thrive in social media and content creation especially will love the Z Flip 5's ability to switch between shooting styles like camcorder mode and flex mode, much like its predecessor, the Z Flip 4. The camera system on this is not on the level of Samsung's Ultra and Plus phones, but it's reliable enough for everyday captures.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

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Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Best Samsung phone under$450

June Wan/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Price is more than reasonable
• A 'jack of all trades, master of none' smartphone
• Reliable 5,000mAh battery
• Up to five years of software and security updates

Cons

• Low-band 5G support
• Plasticky build quality
• Cameras are not as capable as flagships

More Details

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G tech specs: Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380  Display: 6.4 inches RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB  Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing camera  Battery: 5,000mAh

While the flagship Galaxy S and Z fold series provide compelling options, they are flagship phones priced in the$900 and higher range. In order to offer customers another alternative, Samsung created the Galaxy A series, led by none other than the A54 5G.

There are really three key reasons why you should buy the Galaxy A54 5G over any other sub-$500 phone: For$449, you get a fantastic 6.4-inch AMOLED display that ramps up to 120Hz refresh rate, a triple-camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery. 

Clearly, Samsung knows what features users value the most, and if you have preferences beyond that list, then there are plenty of other picks above and below.

The A-series of smartphones also fall under Samsung's five-year commitment to software and security updates, which is rare for devices in this price range. As I put it in my review of the device, "This$450 phone absolutely nails the essentials -- things like a large display that feels as smooth as it looks, battery life that lasts, and software stability that similarly-priced phones simply can't match."

Review: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

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Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro

Best Samsung rugged phone

Samsung/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Rugged build to withstand the toughest hits
• Stacked with computing power, including 5G support
• Relatively affordable compared to flagships
• Four years of software support

Cons

• Bulky and rubberized design won't appeal to most
• 4,050mAh battery is just okay

More Details

Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G  Display: 6.6 inches  RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB  Cameras: 50MP wide and 8MP ultrawide. 13MP front-facing camera  Battery: 4,050mAh 

Samsung released the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro last September and it remains the best rugged option from the Korean giant. In fact, it's one of the only rugged smartphones that support 5G connectivity, making the XCover 6 Pro "a top prospect for industrial and enterprise users who work in hazardous environments," says Counterpoint Research.

By the numbers, the XCover 6 Pro is MIL-STD-810H compliant, meaning it has undergone a series of military-level tests for durability and protection. The device is also rated IP68, allowing it to withstand a complete submersion below one meter for as long as 30 minutes. 

The dual cameras at the rear -- a 50MP wide and 8MP ultrawide -- are passable but you're mainly paying for the ruggedness of the phone and nothing more. Fortunately, Samsung does bundle it with a Snapdragon 778G processor and a dependable 6.6-inch display that's covered in a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus Plus.

Also: Samsung's Galaxy XCover 6 Pro and Tab Active 4 Pro are built to last

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Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Best cheap Samsung phone

Samsung/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Affordably priced and available unlocked
• Large 6.6-inch display with all-day battery life
• Extensive software support

Cons

• Plastic build is not for all
• Macro and depth cameras are unreliable
• Only one color option: Black

More Details

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G tech specs: Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 700  Display: 6.6 inches RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB  Cameras: 50MP wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor, and 13MP front-facing camera  Battery: 5,000mAh 

The flashiest of smartphone features tend to exist only on flagships, but many will find appeal in Samsung's humble Galaxy A14 5G, which boasts 5G connectivity, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and a budget-friendly$200 price tag. That's a compelling new package at a time when consumers are cutting down on spending.

And don't let the lower cost fool you; the Galaxy A14 5G has all the specs you'd want for a feasible mobile companion, from the relatively large 6.6-inch 90Hz display -- a rarity in this price range -- to the expandable storage (up to 1TB) to Samsung's four-year commitment to security patches. Oh, and the front-facing camera is higher resolution than ever for the selfie-lover in your life.

I spent time with the A15 5G just a week ago as my partner was upgrading her to the Z Flip 5 mentioned above. The phone won't feel like a million dollars, for one, but it was surprisingly sturdy to hold -- devices in this price range tend to feel more hollow and toy-like -- and the 90Hz display looked great for app browsing and navigating around.

Also: Samsung just launched its cheapest 5G Galaxy phone yet

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What is the best Samsung phone?

While the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra sits at the top of this year's ranking list, here's a wider scope of 's best picks and their respective feature sets. 

Samsung phone	Price	Display	Cameras	Battery
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G	$1000	6.8 inches	10MP with 10x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, 200MP, and 12MP ultrawide. 12MP front-facing camera	5,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5	$1520	7.6 inches and 6.2 inches	10MP with 3x optical, 50MP wide, and 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display	4,400mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5	$820	6.7 inches, and 3.4 inches	Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie	3,700mAh
Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro	$600	6.6 inches	50MP wide and 8MP ultrawide. 13MP front-facing camera	4,050mAh
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G	$450	6.4 inches	50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing camera	5,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G	$200	6.6 inches	50MP wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor, and 13MP front-facing camera	5,000mAh

Which Samsung phone is right for you?

It was much easier to choose a Samsung phone option in the past when just the S and Note series were available, along with some low-range, basic phones. Samsung has significantly expanded its offerings with the A Series, Fold, and Flip options. So, the first thing you should now consider is your desired form factor.

First, decide if you want a standard "glass rectangle" smartphone or if you want a folding device. For maximum screen real estate, get a Z Fold 5. Or, for taking up the minimum space in your pocket and providing that extra bit of style, get a Z Flip 5 or Galaxy S23.

With Samsung's current lineup, you have phones priced from under$200 to over$1,200. Your budget should quickly help you figure out which price point is right for you. From there, begin comparing individual features, like stylus support, or which device has the best camera array. 

Choose this Samsung phone...	If you want...
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra	The top-of-the-line flagship Samsung phone with all the bells and whistles in a traditional form factor. It's pricier than most but is worth the money if you want a no-frills handset that can do just about everything.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5	A tablet/smartphone hybrid foldable and one of the most innovative Samsung devices available. It's arguably the best foldable phone on the market, too.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5	A stylish and pocket-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise performance. If you're shopping for your first foldable phone, this is the best place to start.
Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro	The standard suite of smartphone features, packaged in a rugged shell that can take a hit or two. The XCover 6 Pro is great for outdoor use.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G	You're shopping on a$500 budget. Even then, you'll receive a generous suite of premium features like the 120Hz OLED display, triple-camera setup, and long-lasting battery.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G	You're shopping on a$200 budget, but still want a good handset. It's difficult to impress in this price range, but the A14 5G gets the job done.

How did I choose these Samsung phones?

writers spend upwards of months with every phone in this best list, while sourcing opinions and recommendations from industry experts and analysts who have also tested the devices. Here are the key factors that we look for when curating the top picks.

• Design: Unlike how we would compare the best Android phones, comparing Samsung phones across different price points mostly boils down to the hardware. How a phone is designed, what material choices the manufacturer makes, and whether or not the device can take a hit or two are considered when picking the very best.
• Cameras: The camera systems on Samsung phones have gotten really good over the past few years, so much so that you're well off even if you opt for a mid-ranger like the Galaxy A54.
• Special features: If there's one thing that differentiates most Samsung phones from other manufacturers, it's unique features. From the S23 Ultra with its built-in stylus and 200MP camera to the foldable screens of the Z Fold and Z Flip, you'll feel a sense of wonderment when using something that's built differently. 
• Availability: Samsung has a reputation for bringing the wildest phones to the press, even if they're not readily available. That's why, every pick on this list can be purchased at the time of writing, whether that's on Samsung's website or at a local carrier store.

What is the newest Samsung phone?

The newest Samsung phones are the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, unveiled in July. Both feature an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for improved performance.

What is Bixby on Samsung phones?

Bixby was first introduced in the Galaxy S8 phones and, according to Samsung, is an "intelligence assistant" that can be activated by voice, taps, or text. Bixby is essentially Samsung's version of Siri and can perform the typical smart assistant functions like telling you the weather, translating text, and even controlling smart home appliances.

Which Samsung phone has the best camera?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the best camera of any Samsung phone and one of the best overall cameras on the phone market. It features a 200MP main camera along with four accompanying cameras, which allow it to take extremely high-quality shots including close-up images and ones that are ultrawide. The S23 Ultra can also video record in up to 8K UHD quality at 30fps, making it one of the most capable phone cameras money can buy.

Which Samsung phone is the best value for money?

There's beating around the Galaxy A54 5G and its wealth of flagship-killing features and specs. As flagship smartphones continue to creep up in price -- no thanks to inflation -- a$450 that does everyday tasks well is both a surprise and a blessing. As mentioned earlier, the value package of the A54 5G only looks better when you compare it to other smartphones in its price range, like the iPhone SE (2022) and now Google Pixel 7a.

Are there alternative phones to consider?

Be sure to check out 's comparisons of the best phones and Android phones available. We've also listed the top (non-Samsung) picks from both those guides below for your convenience. 

Best foldable alternative

Motorola Razr Plus

In many ways, the Motorola Razr Plus is superior to the Galaxy Z Flip 4, like the larger 3.6-inch external display and higher refresh rate panels. It also costs the same, making it a killer alternative.

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Best big phone

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

A runner-up for best big Samsung phone, the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a similar feature set as its Ultra sibling; just without the S Pen and boxy form factor.

View at Samsung

Best Galaxy A54 alternative

Google Pixel 7a

The latest mid-range Pixel to hit the market, the Pixel 7a delivers a familiar Google camera experience but now with an improved 90Hz display and wireless charging support.

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