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The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy
Samsung continues to battle Apple and Google for the crown of the best smartphone, and to help sales, we find the company releasing more mid-range phones that are extremely capable while also offering innovative folding devices. Samsung is clearly the leader in foldable technology and with another season of foldable releases under its belt there is no other company that comes close to challenging Samsung in the foldable space.
Samsung's latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, is a stunning feat of engineering that refines a few features over its predecessor to make it a device for gadget lovers. The Galaxy S22 series and the compelling A-Series offer more traditional smartphone designs with features that challenge the best available phones.
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Display: 6.8-inches, 3200x1440 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/(128GB-256GB-512GB-1TB)
- Cameras: 10MP with 10x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, 108MP, and 12MP ultra wide. 40MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh
Samsung's first flagship phone of 2022 was released as the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. While the S21 Ultra from 2021 supported the S Pen, there was no way to store, carry, or charge up the S Pen. With the S22 Ultra, Samsung has fully embraced it as the Note successor with an S Pen silo, flat and square design elements, and all of the latest and greatest specifications in a smartphone.
The Galaxy S22 phones were the first to launch widely with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor inside. While the same resolution cameras are found in this year's S22 Ultra, Samsung improved the camera's capabilities, especially in terms of low-light shooting. With two telephoto cameras, Samsung stands out from Apple and Google with fantastic zoom capability.
Read ZDNet's full review: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra review
Pros
- An amazing quad rear camera system
- Gorilla Glass Victus Plus
- Fully integrated S Pen support
- Fantastic 5G and RF performance
- High capacity battery
Cons
- Some duplicate Samsung apps
Incipio, Kate Spade, and Coach cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: hands-on
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
- Main Display: 7.6-inches, 2176x1812 pixels
- Cover Display: 6.2-inches, 904x2316 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB internal options
- Cameras: 12MP ultra-wide, 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 S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance, two features requested by Fold users. With the Z Fold 4, Samsung again addressed user requests and improved the rear cameras on the phone. The cameras are not as good as those found on the S22 Ultra, but the hardware is clearly improved over the Z Fold 3.
In addition to the new rear cameras, Samsung updated the under display camera found on the right side of the Main Display so it is less visible when using the Main Display. This camera is designed primarily for video calling, which is extremely common today for remote work scenarios.
The Z Fold 4 also launches with Android 12L that was designed by Google for large screen experiences. Google and Microsoft apps, in addition to those from Samsung, are optimized for multi-tasking and the lovely big Main Display.
Also: Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 4, first foldable to launch with Android 12L
Pros
- An innovative engineering marvel
- Armor Aluminum material for a lighter and sleeker phone
- High IPX8 water resistance
- S Pen support
- Improved software optimized for foldables
Cons
- Still expensive, but generous trade-in offers abound
- S Pen purchase and store separately
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
- Main Display: 6.7-inches, 1080x2640 pixels
- Cover Display: 1.9-inches, 260x512 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB internal options
- Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie
- Battery: 3,700mAh
Like the Z Fold 4, the Z Flip 4 is the fourth generation Flip device from Samsung. The Z Flip 3 offered a few significant improvements last year and became one of the most popular foldable with a starting price just under $1,000. There aren't many improvements made in the Z Flip 4, but the newest Qualcomm processor and a bump in the battery capacity of 400 mAh is sure to help the one weakness of the Z Flip 3, battery life.
The Z Flip 4 incorporates a slimmer hinge, straightened edges, and other design updates make it a lovely option for people looking for a unique device.
Improvements in the way you can customize your Z Flip 4 are even more prevalent with custom Cover Screen clocks and backgrounds.
Also: Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 4 flexes larger battery and upgraded cameras
Pros
- High-quality materials, fit, and finish
- IPX8 water resistance
- High refresh rate main display
- Affordable price for a foldable
- Folds into a pocketable form factor
Cons
- No telephoto camera
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Display: 6.6-inches, 2340x1080 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128-256GB
- Cameras: 10MP with 3x optical, 50MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide. 10MP front-facing under-display camera
- Battery: 4,500mAh
If you are a Note user then the S22 Ultra is the model to purchase. However, if you like a slightly smaller phone that is also extremely capable, then the S22 Plus should satisfy your needs.
The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 50MP camera instead of the 108MP one found in the S22 Ultra, but it still provides a very capable still and video camera experience. The S22 Plus supports 45W fast charging, ultra wideband, WiFi 6E, and 5G. It is constructed with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus Plus.
Four color options are available for the S22 Plus so you can find one that fits your style. Pricing starts at $999.99.
Read ZDNet's full review: Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus review
Pros
- An amazing display with high refresh rate and under-display camera
- Highly capable triple rear camera system
- Android 12 and OneUI 4
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- No charger in the box
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
- Display: 6.4-inches, 2400x1080 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 6-8GB/128-256GB
- Cameras: 8MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide. 32MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 4,500mAh
While the Galaxy S22 series provide compelling options, they are flagship phones priced in the $800 and higher range. In order to offer customers another alternative, Samsung released the Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) phone. The S21 FE is available in four unique colors to suit your style.
Priced at $699.99, you may think Samsung compromised a lot to offer a powerful 5G phone. However, we see a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, large capacity 4500mAh battery, 6 or 8GB of RAM, 128 or 256GB storage with a microSD card slot, IP68 dust/water resistance, three rear cameras (one with 3X optical and 30x super-resolution zoom), and a high resolution 32MP front camera.
Where are the compromises? Exactly, there really aren't any and yet the $700 price is where we see phones in the upper mid-range with less capable specs appear. The S21 FE challenges Google's new Pixel 6 and other phones.
Read ZDNet's full review: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review
Pros
- Outstanding cellular reception
- Reasonable price
- 120 Hz high-refresh rate display
- Capable cameras
Cons
- Pixel 6 is a compelling challenger
- Plastic back panel
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review: in pics
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm and MediaTek mid-level
- Main Display: 6.5-inches or 6.6-inches
- RAM: 4GB or 6GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Cameras: Three or four rear cameras and 13MP or 32MP selfie camera
- Battery: 4,500mAh or 5,000mAh
Samsung offers three options in the A-Series lineup with the A52 5G, A42 5G, and A32 5G. As noted by the name, this year's A-Series phones all support 5G networks and are solid options for first time smartphone owners or those looking for an affordable phone.
One distinguishing element of the A-Series is the high capacity battery that is sure to get you through a day or two. We also find water resistance, high refresh rate displays, and other core Samsung features in these affordable phones.
Read the reviews: Samsung Galaxy A53 5G review | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G review
Pros
- High capacity battery
- Capable cameras
- microSD for expandable storage
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited RAM
What is the best Samsung phone?
We found the best Samsung phone is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. It is superior in camera capabilities, processor speed, and battery life, and it rivals its greatest competitors like Apple and Huawei.
Samsung phone | Price | Display | Cameras | Battery |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Price: $1137 | 6.8-inches, 3200x1440 pixels | 10MP with 10x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, 108MP, and 12MP ultra wide. 40MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Price: $1799 | 7.6-inches and 6.2-inches | 10MP with 3x optical, 50MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display | 4,400mAh |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | Price: $999 | 6.7-inches, and 1.9-inches | Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie | 3,700mAh |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus | Price: $969 | 6.6-inches, 2340x1080 pixels | 10MP with 3x optical, 50MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide. 10MP front-facing under-display camera | 4,500mAh |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Price: $394 | 6.4-inches, 2400x1080 pixels | 8MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide. 32MP front-facing camera | 4,500mAh |
Samsung Galaxy A series | Price: $160 | 6.5-inches or 6.6-inches | Three or four rear cameras and 13MP or 32MP selfie camera | 4,500mAh or 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 now the first thing to 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 4. Or, for taking up the minimum space in your pocket and providing that extra bit of style, get a Z Flip 4 5G.
If you choose a standard form factor, then price is the next factor to consider. With Samsung's new strategy you have phones priced from under $250 to over $1,200. So, your budget should quickly help you figure out which price point is right for you. From there, consider whether or not you need stylus support, or if you'd prefer some of the best camera arrays around.
Choose this Samsung phone... | If you want... |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | The top-of-the-line flagship Samsung phone with all the bells and whistles in a traditional form factor. |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | A flashy foldable and one of the best Samsung devices available. |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | An unusual phone that will make people go, "what's that?" |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus | Runner up to the S22 Ultra 5G. |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | The best Samsung phone for your buck, but without breaking the bank. |
Samsung Galaxy A series | An entry-level affordable Samsung phone. |
How did we choose these Samsung phones?
We try to spend time with every phone in our best list and if we don't get that opportunity then we look to trusted reviewers in the mobile space. We only include phones that are still readily available since Samsung tends to clear the queue when new models are launched.
While we personally spend most of our time with higher-end models that help us get our work done most efficiently, there are mid-range phones worth consideration so we include them as well.
What is the newest Samsung phone?
The newest Samsung phones are the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, both sporting the newest Qualcomm processor and version of Android for foldables.
What is Bixby on Samsung phones?
Bixby was first introduced in the Galaxy S8 phones and according to Samsung it is an "intelligence assistant" that can be activated by voice, taps, or text. Bixby is essentially Samsung's version of "Siri", and it is a virtual assistant able to perform tasks on your phone using your voice.
Which Samsung phone has the best camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the best camera of any Samsung phone and one of the best overall cameras on the phone market. It features a 108MP main camera along with four accompanying cameras, which allow it to take extremely high-quality shots including telephoto and ultra-wide. The S22 Ultra can also video record in up to 8K UHD quality making it one of the most capable phone cameras money can buy.
Which Samsung phone is the best value for money?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Priced at $325 with cellular provider offers, it features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, large capacity 4500mAh battery, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128 or 256GB storage with a microSD card slot, IP68 dust/water resistance, three rear cameras (one with 3X optical and 30x super-resolution zoom), and a high resolution 32MP front camera.
Where is the best place to buy a Samsung phone?
It really depends on where you can get the best deals. ZDNet has rounded up the best phone deals available right now in a guide here. We also have the best Samsung Galaxy S22 deals available right now here.
What is the best Samsung phone case?
ZDNet has reviewed the best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases and accessories here.
Are there alternative phones to consider?
Be sure to check out ZDNet'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.