Smartphones8 min read
Best Samsung Phones to Buy in 2026: Every Galaxy Ranked
The best Samsung Galaxy phones in 2026 — from the S25 Ultra to the budget A16. Clear recommendations for every budget and use case.
By Alex Carter·
The best Samsung Galaxy phones in 2026 — from the S25 Ultra to the budget A16. Clear recommendations for every budget and use case.
Samsung makes more phone models than any other Android manufacturer. This creates a genuine problem for buyers — the Galaxy lineup is confusing, and Samsung's own marketing doesn't clarify when to buy which model. This guide cuts to the chase.
Under $250: Galaxy A16
Under $450: Galaxy A55
Under $600: Galaxy S24 FE
Under $850: Galaxy S25
Under $1,100: Galaxy S25+
Want the best camera: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Want a foldable: Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Z Fold 7
The A16 is Samsung's entry point: 6.7" AMOLED 90Hz display, 5,000mAh battery (2+ days of use), and 50MP main camera. Running Android 14 with Samsung's One UI 6.
What makes it worth buying: Samsung committed to 6 years of OS updates for the A16 — unusually long for a budget phone. For users who want a phone that lasts 5+ years with software support, this is exceptional.
What it lacks: No wireless charging, slower MediaTek Helio G85 processor, no 5G on base model.
The A35 is the sweet spot in Samsung's A series. AMOLED 120Hz display, 50MP main camera with OIS (stabilization), and the Exynos 1380 chip. 5G included. OIS makes a visible difference in everyday photos and video.
Four years of Android updates (less than A16's 6, but still solid for the price tier).
The A55 introduces an aluminum frame (vs plastic on A35), IP67 dust/water resistance, and improved AI scene optimization. Feels more premium than its price. For users who want Samsung's flagship experience without flagship cost, the A55 is where the A series starts to feel "premium."
Snapdragon 8 Elite, 50MP triple camera (wide + ultrawide + 3x telephoto), 6.2" AMOLED, 4,000mAh battery. Seven years of OS updates.
Honest assessment: the S25 standard is the right recommendation for most flagship buyers. The camera is excellent in all common scenarios. Battery lasts a full day. The "Plus" and "Ultra" variants improve on specifics — size, zoom, S Pen — but the standard S25 covers typical use cases.
200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto + 50MP 5x telephoto. Built-in titanium S Pen stylus. 6.9" large display. This is Samsung's best product — the camera versatility is unmatched in Android. The 10x periscope zoom produces usable photos from very long distances.
For photography enthusiasts, bird watchers, event photographers, or anyone who wants maximum camera versatility — the Ultra is justifiable. For typical users: overkill at $400 more than S25.
The Z Flip 7 folds to roughly card-deck size. The flex mode photography (foldable acts as a selfie tripod), large cover screen (can operate without opening), and the compact footprint are differentiators.
The Z Flip is for users who want something genuinely different — not the ultimate camera or performance, but a phone that fits in tight pockets and generates conversation.
The Z Fold 7 has a 6.3" outer screen and 7.6" inner screen. The inner screen runs DeX in landscape mode — essentially a small tablet for multitasking. For road warriors who want to minimize devices (phone that partially substitutes for a tablet), the Fold is the best option.
The compromise: thicker than a standard phone (folds add bulk), most expensive Samsung phone, and the inner screen's crease is visible under direct light.
Most users: Galaxy A55 ($449) — best value that feels genuinely premium.
Photography focus: Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,199) — best camera flexibility in Android.
Long software support + budget: Galaxy A16 ($199) — 6 years of updates.
Best overall flagship: Galaxy S25 ($799) — no compromises without overpaying.
Compare all Samsung phones: Smartphones category
Consumer Electronics & Smart Home Editor
Alex Carter has spent over 8 years testing and reviewing consumer electronics, with a focus on smart home gadgets, home appliances, and everyday tech. Before joining VersusMatrix, Alex wrote for sever...