Irrespective of your life-style or price range, Samsung gives a spread of telephones to suit what you are in search of. The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus tout strong efficiency, good cameras and long-lasting batteries. If you need a extra versatile digicam setup, contemplate the top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Extremely. For a novel design, you may go for Samsung’s pricier foldable telephones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. If you happen to want a less expensive choice, Samsung’s $200 Galaxy A15 5G or Galaxy A26, A36 and A56, which vary from $300 to $500, may be a superb match. Take a look at our roundup to seek out the telephone that most closely fits your wants.
SMARTPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK
Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce workforce, and could also be unrelated to this text.
What’s the finest Samsung telephone?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely — priced at $1,300 — comes filled with most options which, for most individuals, is greater than essential. For the remainder of us, the $800 Galaxy S25 is a standout amongst its Galaxy counterparts. It has the identical Snapdragon custom-made chip and RAM because the S25 Extremely, runs the identical model of Android and prices $500 much less.
The Galaxy S25 has a really succesful triple rear digicam setup that’s versatile in capturing each shiny outside scenes and candid moments inside below combined lighting. Total, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is right for Android followers who prioritize quick efficiency, versatile cameras and a spacious, shiny display.
The way to decide the proper Samsung telephone for you
Deciding which Samsung telephone is best for you comes right down to what you need in a telephone and the way a lot you are keen to spend. If you need the biggest display accessible on an ordinary Samsung telephone, take pleasure in note-taking with a stylus and wish a digicam with a considerably nearer zoom, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is the proper selection. You may additionally should spend $1,300 until you rating a trade-in deal.
Those that do not want the stylus, desire extra compact telephone and nonetheless need a good digicam ought to contemplate the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25 Plus. If you happen to simply need the fundamentals, like a spacious display, 5G and a good digicam, contemplate the Galaxy S24 FE. These in search of the flashiest tech round — and who even have deep pockets — ought to contemplate the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or Z Fold 6.
Discovering the most effective Samsung telephone will finally come right down to desire. Selecting amongst so many choices can get sophisticated, so this is the right way to determine which Samsung telephone is finest for you. Seek advice from our telephone shopping for information for extra tips about how to decide on the proper gadget.
Finest Samsung telephones in 2025
Execs
- Finest display on any telephone
- Versatile cameras
- Strongest telephone I’ve examined
- Good battery life
Cons
- $1,300 worth
- Design is sort of too minimal
- AI options are hit-or-miss
- S25/S25 Plus have comparable options and value much less
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Extremely which has numerous AI options, the most effective of that are attention-grabbing and the worst of which unreliable. Fortunately, Samsung will get numerous different issues proper on the S25 Extremely, which has a brand new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide digicam, and a few candy professional video instruments that rival the iPhone 16 Professional. Samsung correctly saved all the most effective elements of final 12 months’s Galaxy S24 Extremely (principally the whole telephone together with that antireflective show) however a few of its worst elements, too, just like the $1,300 price ticket.
If you need the most effective display you will discover on any telephone, get the S25 Extremely. If you need essentially the most versatile telephone cameras, get the S25 Extremely. If you need a stylus, get the S25 Extremely. But when your wants cut back on any of these fronts, the extra inexpensive S25 choices, and even final 12 months’s S24 Extremely, could also be value contemplating. Learn our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely assessment.
Why we prefer it
The explanation to get the Extremely over its S25 siblings is its display, which is really the most effective I’ve seen on any telephone, and the cameras, that are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video options like means to report in Log format will get the Extremely as shut because it’s ever been to the iPhone by way of skilled video seize.
Who it is best for
When you’ve got a Galaxy S22 Extremely or older, the S25 Extremely will appear to be a big improve. It is more durable to make that case for S23 Extremely homeowners, who, until their telephone’s battery is ailing or they will rating an unimaginable low cost, ought to in any other case sit this one out. And for you S24 Extremely homeowners, you do not want this telephone. Save your cash and deal with your self to a pleasant steak dinner and a film.
Who shouldn’t get it
The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s enchantment is muddied by its $1,300 worth. The common Galaxy S25 has the identical performance, energy and longevity, and it prices $500 much less. Need a larger display? Contemplate the Galaxy S25 Plus. For almost all of individuals, the common Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will probably be a greater match.
Execs
- Matte end
- New important digicam take good images
- 7 years of OS updates
- Auto zoom for images
Cons
- $1,100 beginning worth is excessive
- Cowl display is a step down in high quality from the inner one
- Including apps to cowl display is wonky
For higher or worse, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldable is filled with AI. It may take a tough sketch and switch it into art work or assist me have a dialog in French or Korean regardless of me solely understanding a number of phrases of both language. The brand new autofocus/auto zoom function allows you to prop the telephone in a half-open place, the Z Flip 6 will robotically zoom in or out (switching between the principle and ultrawide cameras) to get a photograph that most accurately fits the second. However the AI options are the least spectacular elements of the the Z Flip 6.
Samsung’s newest clamshell fashion foldable has a brand new 50-megapixel important digicam, a smaller hinge and crease, a bigger battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However all this comes at the next beginning worth: $1,099 which makes it onerous to understand the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for absolutely the nice telephone that it’s. Learn our full assessment for the Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Why we prefer it
Samsung’s newest clamshell fashion foldable has a brand new 50-megapixel important digicam, lastly placing it on par with non-folding flagship telephone cameras. The hinge is smaller and helps scale back the dimensions of the crease on the inner display. It has a brand new chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and 12GB of RAM for flagship efficiency. There’s even a bigger battery. For all intents and functions, the brand new Z Flip 6 is a Galaxy S24 that may fold in half – which is improbable.
Who it is best for
If you have already got a Samsung telephone and have been itching to strive a flip telephone, then then the Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings the software program and options you are used to in a cutting-edge design that’s equally nostalgic and seemingly futuristic.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you happen to spend a ton of time round dust or sand, this telephone is not for you.
Execs
- Digital camera persistently delivers good pictures
- Spectacular battery life
- Extra AI options really feel sensible
Cons
- A number of gimmicky AI options
- Not many modifications over the S24
The Galaxy S25’s greatest flex that I observed whereas testing is it shares most of the similar attributes as its pricier counterparts, the S25 Plus and S25 Extremely – however it does so for a number of hundred {dollars} much less. You may discover options just like the AI Choose instrument, Audio Eraser and deeper Gemini integration throughout all of Samsung’s S25 gadgets, in addition to a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB RAM – making the smaller telephone of the bunch nonetheless appear fairly mighty.
And whereas the Galaxy S25 would possibly look extremely much like the S24 and share most of the similar specs, consistency is not so unhealthy when it means there is a persistently good digicam and nice battery life. Learn our full Samsung Galaxy S25 assessment.
Why we prefer it
Having a baseline telephone, just like the Galaxy S25, that delivers most of the similar perks as costlier fashions, is a large plus in my e book. And given the exceptional processing energy, standout digicam and seamless AI integration within the Galaxy S25 lineup, it is nice that I can get all these premium options for $800.
Who it is best for
If you happen to’re somebody who insists on shopping for a flagship gadget, the Galaxy S25 will not allow you to down. however in case you have a tool that is two years previous or extra, you may be enticed to faucet into all the newest Galaxy AI and built-in Gemini options. Now, $800 is not pocket change, and there are positively different choices for individuals who need to be extra price range acutely aware, however for those who’re keen to spend a bit extra, the baseline S25 could be a nice all-around selection.
Who shouldn’t get it
You in all probability need not improve for those who’re utilizing final 12 months’s S24.
Execs
- Wonderful software program and safety assist
- 25-watt wired charging
- Eye-catching Mild Blue coloration choice
Cons
- Gradual efficiency
- Single audio speaker
- Mediocre pictures
Editor’s Word: Samsung has additionally launched the Galaxy A16.
Samsung’s $200 Galaxy A15 5G is a straightforward selection for somebody trying to purchase a telephone that may final for years. Samsung supplies it with 4 years of software program updates and 5 years of safety assist, which on this worth vary is unparalleled. Plus the telephone helps 25W wired charging that in my testing was in a position to cost half of its massive 5,000-mAh battery from empty in half-hour. I additionally just like the eye-catching gentle blue choice.
A $200 telephone has to have some compromises. The Galaxy A15 5G feels sluggish in comparison with competing telephones like Motorola’s $200 Moto G 5G, and as an leisure machine falls brief with its single audio speaker that’s blocked by chance once you maintain the telephone sideways for video games and video. Pictures, which is usually a weak level on telephones on this worth vary, is equally combined with first rate pictures in outside environments whereas struggling to {photograph} lowlight areas. This makes the Galaxy A15 5G a straightforward selection for once you simply want a telephone that may deal with the fundamentals, however you could need to contemplate different choices if you’re in search of the most effective pocket YouTube participant on this worth vary.
Execs
- Lightning quick charging
- Good massive display
- 7 years of OS and safety upgrades
- Nice efficiency with video games, films and animations
Cons
- Battery life is a day, much like baseline S25
- Comparable specs because the S25 at the next worth
- Rival telephones on the similar worth have higher cameras
If the baseline Galaxy S25 appeals to you however you’d relatively have an even bigger display and better battery capability – with out upgrading all the best way to the Extremely – the S25 Plus could be the telephone for you. Your complete S25 lineup shares many options, from AI capabilities to processing energy to reminiscence, so the Plus could also be a viable selection for those who’re in search of one thing proper within the center.
That stated, the Plus’ minimal upgrades over the baseline S25 could not justify the $200 worth distinction. But when an even bigger telephone simply feels higher to carry and also you’d relatively have a 4,900 mAh battery (over the S25’s 4,000mAh one), then that $1,000 beginning worth would possibly finally be value each penny. Learn CNET’s full Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus assessment.
Why we prefer it
Whereas the baseline S25 checks all the important thing packing containers, the S25 Plus can merely really feel like a extra comfy gadget to make use of, particularly for those who’re a fellow member of the larger arms membership. Along with sharing most of the similar options because the pricier S25 Extremely, the S25 Plus has the next battery capability than the baseline mannequin — although in CNET’s exams, there weren’t any main discrepancies in how the 2 batteries really carried out. Nonetheless, generally you simply need to stay just a little bigger, and this telephone could be the right match.
Who it is best for
If you happen to like having a bigger display to observe films or play video games on, the S25 Plus could be a nice selection. Whereas the S25 Extremely may be a high decide for somebody who desires each an even bigger telephone and essentially the most premium options, the S25 Plus could be that goldilocks gadget that meets you proper within the center — with out you having to spend $1,300 on the Extremely.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you need the best possible by way of cameras, do not get the S25 Plus. For $1,000 telephones just like the Pixel 9 Professional or iPhone 16 Professional have higher cameras. Or for those who can afford to purchase a $1,300 telephone, take a look at the Galaxy S25 Extremely which has a tremendous set of lenses
Execs
- Bigger and extra symmetrical entrance display
- Improved design with much less noticeable crease
- Internal display is finest on any foldable telephone I’ve used
- Higher ultrawide digicam than earlier Fold 5
- 7 years of software program upgrades
Cons
- $100 costlier than the Z Fold 5
- Mediocre charging speeds and battery life that largely will get by a day
- New software program options do not add extra profit to the foldable design
With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung is getting nearer to its aim of creating a tool that doubles as a telephone and a pill with out compromising an excessive amount of in both course. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has an improved design with a sleeker look that’s simpler to grip, a much less noticeable crease, a brand new processor and an upgraded ultrawide digicam.
But it surely’s actually the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s massive, shiny and crisp inside display that makes it your best option for individuals who need a foldable telephone for leisure. Nonetheless, be ready to spend a fairly penny: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 begins at an eye-watering $1,900, making it $100 costlier than final 12 months’s Z Fold 5 was at launch. Learn our Sasmung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in-depth assessment.
Why we prefer it
With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung lastly achieved its aim of creating a foldable that may actually replicate the expertise of a standard telephone whereas doubling as a modern pill. Roughly 5 years after the unique Galaxy Fold’s launch, Samsung’s book-shaped gadget has gotten lighter, slimmer, extra sturdy and pure to make use of as a telephone; a seemingly mundane however essential enchancment.
Who it is best for
If you will get previous the sticker shock, there’s quite a bit to like in regards to the Galaxy Z Fold 6. I simply do not understand how many individuals are keen to fork over $1,900 to expertise it. Carriers and retailers nonetheless provide some reductions that knock down that prime worth, however these offers often include circumstances like buying and selling in an eligible gadget or opening a brand new line of service.
Who shouldn’t get it
Samsung additionally hasn’t supplied the 2 greatest issues I am in search of in tablet-style foldable telephones: extra inexpensive costs and modern software program that makes higher use of their twin screens.
Finest Samsung telephones in contrast
| Product | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Samsung Galaxy Flip 6 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show measurement, tech, decision, refresh price | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh price | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh price | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh price | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh price | 6.5-inch FHD Plus Tremendous AMOLED; 2,340 x 1,080 pixels; 90Hz refresh price | 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh price; 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh price | 6.3-inch AMOLED; 2,376×968 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh price; 7.6-inch AMOLED; 2,160×1,856 pixels;1-120Hz variable refresh price |
| Pixel density | 416 ppi | 509 ppi | 501 ppi | 416 ppi | 420 ppi | Cowl: 306 ppi; Inner: 425 ppi | Cowl: 410 ppi; Inner: 374 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in. | 6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in. | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. | 5.79 x 2.78 x 0.3 in. | 6.3 x 3.02 x 0.33 in. | Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 in | Open: 6.04×5.21 x0.22 in; Closed: 6.04×2.68×0.48 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 147 x 71 x 7.6 mm | 160 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm | Open: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm | Open: 153.5×132.5×5.6mm; Closed: 153.5×68.1×12.1mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 162g (5.71 oz.) | 190g (6.70 oz.) | 218g (7.69 oz.) | 168g (5.93 oz.) | 201g (7.09 oz.) | 187g (6.6 oz) | 239g (8.43 oz) |
| Cellular software program | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Digital camera | 50-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 200-megapixel (extensive), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (extensive), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro) | 50-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) |
| Entrance-facing digicam | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 13-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 4-megapixel (inside display under-display); 10-megapixel (cowl display) |
| Video seize | 8K | 8K | 8K | 8K | 1,080p at 30 fps | TBD | 8K |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Mediatek Dimensity 6100 Plus | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM + storage | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 8GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 4GB RAM + 128GB | 12GB + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None | Sure | None | None |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh | 4,400 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Below show | Below show | Below show | Below show | Facet | Facet | Facet |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | Sure | None | None |
| US beginning worth | $800 (128GB) | $1,000 (256GB) | $1,300 (256GB) | $800 (128GB) | $200 (128GB) | $1,100 (256GB) | $1,900 (256GB) |
In January 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Extremely to our checklist. The brand new telephones exchange final 12 months’s Galaxy S24 sequence and include new processors and cameras–all on the similar worth.
Get extra for much less with low-cost telephones: For a fraction of the price, you will get a strong telephone that does virtually the whole lot a pricier flagship telephone can do. The Galaxy S24 FE packs a superb digicam and prices solely $650 earlier than reductions or trade-in gives.
Take a look at your telephone: It is value going to a retailer and attempting out a telephone earlier than you shell out tons of of {dollars} for it.
Discover peace of thoughts with a case: You spent all this time selecting a telephone, now shield it from injury with a case.
Be prepared for Cyber Monday gross sales: The vacations often deliver massive reductions and gross sales, even on telephones.
We take a look at the battery, display, efficiency, cameras and extra on each telephone we assessment.
We take a look at each telephone in real-world eventualities specializing in its options, design, efficiency, cameras, battery life and total worth. We doc our findings in an preliminary assessment that’s periodically up to date when there are new software program updates or to match in opposition to new telephones from opponents like Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Pictures
Pictures is a significant focus for many telephones nowadays, so we take photos and movies of varied topics in quite a lot of settings and lighting ranges. We check out any new digicam modes akin to 4K 120fps gradual movement video that debuted with the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max or AI reframe and concentrate on the Motorola Razr Plus (2024).
Battery life
Battery testing is performed in quite a lot of methods. We assess how lengthy a telephone lasts throughout a typical day of use, and observe the way it performs throughout extra centered periods of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We additionally conduct a video playback take a look at, which is not all the time included within the preliminary assessment and is added later in an replace.
Efficiency
We carry out processor-heavy duties like enhancing images, exporting movies and enjoying video games. We consider whether or not a more recent model of a specific telephone contains sufficient options to make it value upgrading from older fashions.
We use benchmarking apps to measure the efficiency, alongside our personal anecdotal experiences utilizing the telephone for our assessment. Of explicit observe are how graphics and animations look. Are they easy? Or do they lag or stutter? We additionally take a look at how shortly the telephone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how briskly the digicam app opens and is able to take a photograph.
Learn extra: How We Take a look at Telephones
The Galaxy S24 FE does a good job taking images, however the costlier Galaxy S24 makes use of its extra highly effective processor to boost them.
Samsung’s $650 Galaxy S24 FE is such a consolation to make use of that at moments our reviewer, Mike Sorrentino, felt like he was testing a scaled-back model of the $1,000 Galaxy S24 Plus. The S24 FE’s giant 6.7-inch 120Hz refresh-rate show made it simple for me to take pleasure in streaming reveals, enjoying video games and taking video calls all through the day. And it contains practically each software program perk from the costlier Galaxy S24 line. Learn our full assessment of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Why purchase a Samsung telephone as an alternative of different Android telephones?
Which Samsung telephone sequence is finest, Galaxy A, S or Z?
Samsung teased the Galaxy S25 Edge at its January Galaxy Unpacked occasion. Not a lot is thought in regards to the telephone other than it being extra slim than the common Galaxy S25. Here is the whole lot you could know in regards to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. And this summer time, if Samsung sticks to it is common launch schedule, we should always see the corporate’s new foldables: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
