There’s the iPhone, and then there are Galaxy phones. Apple and Samsung dominate the smartphone market share globally. But whereas Apple is the sole company behind the iOS mobile operating system, Samsung has more competition in the Android world. (And yes, Galaxy phones are Android phones, though Samsung calls its layer over Android “One UI.”)
Google’s Pixel phones are my favorite Android phones, but Samsung devices are just as great and often have better hardware. Alongside Google, it has the longest software support for its cheap and high-end devices. That means you don’t have to upgrade your phone as often, as it will stay up-to-date, secure, and free of bugs for a longer period. But the Korean giant has many, many models at varying prices. What’s the best Samsung phone? I sort it all out here—along with tips and tricks to get the most out of your shiny new hardware.
Be sure to read our other mobile guides, including the Best Samsung Galaxy S24 Cases, Which Galaxy S24 Should You Buy?, Best Android Phones, Best Cheap Phones, and Best Folding Phones.
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The Best Samsung Phone(s)
Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+
If you’ve settled on buying a Samsung phone, the first place to start is the Galaxy S24 series (8/10, WIRED Recommends). This is the company’s current flagship lineup, though it’s due for a refresh in early 2025 (around January or February). The Galaxy S24 is the smallest of the lot with a 6.2-inch screen, and then there’s the Galaxy S24+ with a 6.7-inch display—choosing one largely depends on whether you want a small, pocketable phone or a big display. There are some slight differences in the specs, such as how the S24+ sports more RAM and has higher internal storage options, and the bigger size means a beefier battery that will keep the lights running a little longer.
You get every high-end feature you can think of, from UFS 4.0 storage speeds (only on 256 GB models and up) to brilliantly bright AMOLED displays with high 120 Hz refresh rates that ratchet down to 1 Hz to be more energy efficient. The batteries typically last more than a full day of use, and there’s an excellent triple-camera system with 3X optical zoom, an ultrawide in addition to the main camera, and a strong selfie shooter. These phones also put out some of the best native video footage out of the box, so they’re great for budding TikTokers. Performance is strong and it can handle most demanding games without issue, though the back of the phone can get quite warm. I’m not fond of the design—they’re a bit bland—but at least you can snag them in some unique colors (some of which are exclusive to Samsung.com).