Samsung has created plenty of Galaxy smartphones. If a big screen and the most versatile camera setup is what you want, the $1,200 Galaxy S23 Ultra should be your choice. If you need a budget-friendly device that costs around $200, the Galaxy A14 is a good option. There are a couple of foldables to choose from: the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Z Fold 5, which are currently Samsung's newest devices. We'll be sure to update this list as we test more Samsung phones.
Samsung Galaxy phones compared
| Model | US starting price (at launch) | Screen size |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A14 5G | $200 | 6.6 inches |
| Galaxy A54 5G | $450 | 6.4 inches |
| Galaxy S23 | $800 | 6.1 inches |
| Galaxy S23 Plus | $1,000 | 6.6 inches |
| Galaxy Z Flip 5 | $1,000 | 3.4 inches (cover); 6.7 inches (main) |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | $1,200 | 6.8 inches |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | $1,800 | 6.2 inches (cover); 7.6 inches (main) |
What is the best Samsung phone?
While the $1,200 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra packs features to the max, for most people it's overkill. For us, the $800 Galaxy S23 stands above its Galaxy brethren. It has the same Snapdragon customized chip as the S23 Ultra, runs the same version of Android and costs $400 less. The Galaxy S23 has a very capable triple rear camera setup that is versatile in both bright outdoor scenes and capturing candid moments inside under mixed lighting. Overall, the Galaxy S23 is ideal for Android fans who prioritize fast performance, solid cameras and having a spacious and bright screen in a compact package.
How to pick the right Samsung phone for you
Like many purchasing decisions, deciding which Samsung phone is right for you comes down to what you want in a phone and how much you're willing to spend. If you want the largest screen available on a standard Samsung phone, enjoy notetaking with a stylus and need a camera with a significantly closer zoom, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the right choice. But you'll also have to be willing to spend more than $1,000 unless you score a trade-in deal.
Those who don't need the stylus, prefer more compact devices and still want a top-notch camera should consider the Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus. And if you really just want the basics, like a spacious screen, 5G and a decent camera, consider the Galaxy A54 5G. Those looking for the flashiest tech around -- who also have deep pockets -- should consider the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Galaxy Z Flip 5.
It's also important to consider whether now is the right time to upgrade. If you have a relatively new phone that's two to three years old and still functions properly, you can probably wait. Samsung has also committed to supporting four generations of Android operating system updates for devices like the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy A54 5G, which improves their longevity.
Finding the best Samsung phone will ultimately come down to preference. Choosing among so many options can get complicated, so here's how to decide which Samsung phone is best for you. Check out our phone buying guide for more tips on how to choose the right device. Not sure whether it's worth upgrading to the Galaxy S23? We have a guide for that too.
Best Samsung phones in 2023
Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a lot, but in a good way. It's more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera's resolution (200 megapixels compared with 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There's also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that's been optimized specifically for Samsung's phones, which brings faster performance compared with the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a lot, but in a good way. It's more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera's resolution (200 megapixels compared with 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There's also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that's been optimized specifically for Samsung's phones, which brings faster performance compared with the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
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Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Starting at $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won't be disappointed. Read our Galaxy S23 Ultra review.
Pros:
- Fast performance
- Excellent main camera, especially in low light
- Bright screen
- Included stylus
- Double the storage in the base model
- Four years of Android OS updates
Cons:
- High price
- Photos don't always look natural, especially selfies
- No improvements to fast charging
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Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a lot, but in a good way. It's more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera's resolution (200 megapixels compared with 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There's also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that's been optimized specifically for Samsung's phones, which brings faster performance compared with the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Starting at $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won't be disappointed. Read our Galaxy S23 Ultra review.
Pros:
- Fast performance
- Excellent main camera, especially in low light
- Bright screen
- Included stylus
- Double the storage in the base model
- Four years of Android OS updates
Cons:
- High price
- Photos don't always look natural, especially selfies
- No improvements to fast charging
Best screen size
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
The Galaxy S23 Plus is the Goldilocks of smartphones. It's not too big, but it's not too small either. The S23 Plus' 6.6-inch screen is large enough to satisfy those who prefer larger phones, but it doesn't feel as gargantuan as the 6.8-inch Galaxy S23 Ultra. Compared with the Galaxy S22 Plus, the S23 Plus has a new processor, a bigger battery and more storage in the base model, although the camera is more or less the same. If you want a phone with a big screen that doesn't feel gigantic, a high-quality camera and an attractive design, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the way to go. Read our Galaxy S23 Plus review.
The Galaxy S23 Plus is the Goldilocks of smartphones. It's not too big, but it's not too small either. The S23 Plus' 6.6-inch screen is large enough to satisfy those who prefer larger phones, but it doesn't feel as gargantuan as the 6.8-inch Galaxy S23 Ultra. Compared with the Galaxy S22 Plus, the S23 Plus has a new processor, a bigger battery and more storage in the base model, although the camera is more or less the same. If you want a phone with a big screen that doesn't feel gigantic, a high-quality camera and an attractive design, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the way to go. Read our Galaxy S23 Plus review.
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The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Pros:
- Attractive design
- 4 generations of Android OS updates
- Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
- Fast performance
- More storage in the base model
Cons:
- Cameras are basically the same as last year
- Expensive
- No improvements to fast charging
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Best screen size
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
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The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
The Galaxy S23 Plus is the Goldilocks of smartphones. It's not too big, but it's not too small either. The S23 Plus' 6.6-inch screen is large enough to satisfy those who prefer larger phones, but it doesn't feel as gargantuan as the 6.8-inch Galaxy S23 Ultra. Compared with the Galaxy S22 Plus, the S23 Plus has a new processor, a bigger battery and more storage in the base model, although the camera is more or less the same. If you want a phone with a big screen that doesn't feel gigantic, a high-quality camera and an attractive design, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the way to go. Read our Galaxy S23 Plus review.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- 4 generations of Android OS updates
- Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
- Fast performance
- More storage in the base model
Cons:
- Cameras are basically the same as last year
- Expensive
- No improvements to fast charging
Best smaller phone
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android fans looking for a petite phone don't have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that's been optimized for Samsung's phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it's the Galaxy S23's larger battery that makes it worth recommending. Read our Galaxy S23 review.
Android fans looking for a petite phone don't have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that's been optimized for Samsung's phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it's the Galaxy S23's larger battery that makes it worth recommending. Read our Galaxy S23 review.
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Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Pros:
- Attractive design
- 4 generations of Android OS updates
- Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
- Fast performance
Cons:
- Cameras are basically the same as last year
- Expensive
- No improvements to fast charging
- Regular Galaxy S23 lacks base storage upgrade
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Best smaller phone
Samsung Galaxy S23
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Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Android fans looking for a petite phone don't have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that's been optimized for Samsung's phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it's the Galaxy S23's larger battery that makes it worth recommending. Read our Galaxy S23 review.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- 4 generations of Android OS updates
- Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
- Fast performance
Cons:
- Cameras are basically the same as last year
- Expensive
- No improvements to fast charging
- Regular Galaxy S23 lacks base storage upgrade
Best foldable Samsung phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsug's flip phone has seen in years. Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen located on the outside of the device, meaning you can look up directions, take photos and send messages without opening the phone. It's this combined with the Z Flip's solid battery life and sturdy design that makes it a top pick.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsug's flip phone has seen in years. Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen located on the outside of the device, meaning you can look up directions, take photos and send messages without opening the phone. It's this combined with the Z Flip's solid battery life and sturdy design that makes it a top pick.
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