Samsung‘s Galaxy lineup offers some of the most powerful, advanced and stylish smartphones available. With frequent new model releases packing the latest hardware and software innovations, Galaxy phones consistently rank among the top devices each year.
In this expert guide, we showcase the cream of the crop – the 5 best Galaxy phones you can buy right now:
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Best Overall
The brand new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands on top as the best overall Galaxy phone that power users can buy. Equipped with a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 1TB of storage, the S23 Ultra offers desktop-like multitasking capabilities in a mobile form factor.
The massive 6.8-inch QHD+ 120Hz display produces incredibly vibrant and smooth visuals, while the embedded S Pen allows for precise on-screen interactions. A new 200MP camera captures amazing details and low light performance, aided by advanced night mode capabilities.
With a giant 5,000 mAh battery, the S23 Ultra can easily last a full day of intensive use. While not cheap at $1,199 starting price, you get what you pay for – a productivity and creativity powerhouse.
Key Specs:
- 6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED Display, 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage options
- Quad Camera: 200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP
- 5,000 mAh battery
Pros
- Best performance and multitasking experience
- Vibrant 120Hz display
- Excellent camera system
- Giant 1TB storage capacity
- Integrated S Pen
Cons
- Very expensive
- Bulky size may turn off some users
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 – Best Flagship Alternative
Shoppers who want nearly as much power at a more affordable price should consider the Samsung Galaxy S23. Retaining the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip of the S23 Ultra along with many shared features, the standard S23 model starts at $799 – a full $400 cheaper.
You still get a brilliant 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and the same software experience, paired with a versatile triple camera system (50MP main lens). The smaller design feels easier to handle too. Battery life remains very capable at 3,900 mAh. Overall, it‘s an excellent flagship-class device for several hundreds less.
Key Specs
- 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED Display, 48-120Hz Refresh Rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chip
- 128GB/256GB storage options
- Triple Camera: 50MP Main + 12MP Ultrawide + 10MP Telephoto
- 3,900 mAh battery
Pros
- Shares top-end processor with S23 Ultra
- Lower price than S23 Ultra
- Compact and sleek premium design
- Flagship-tier camera system
Cons
- Display not as advanced as S23 Ultra
- Battery life not as long
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 – Most Innovative Design
For users who crave bleeding-edge innovation above all else, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 delivers with its unique folding form factor. When opened up, it provides an immersive 12.4-inch tablet display to app icons and videos – yet still folds down into a compact 6.2-inch phone form.
Multitasking is empowered by the ability to run up to three apps on the large inner display simultaneously. It‘s all powered by a fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and 12GB RAM. The triple camera array captures crisp images aided by advanced photo algorithms. Exceptional specs combine with an eye-catching design unlike any other phone. Just be prepared to pay up with a starting price tag exceeding $1600.
Key Specs:
- Main Display: 7.6" QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Cover Display: 6.2" HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- 12 GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage
- Triple camera: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP
- 4,400 mAh battery
Pros
- Futuristic folding design
- Massive 12.4-inch inner display
- Best-in-class multitasking
- Flagship-level performance
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Still a thick and hefty device when folded
- Delicate folding screen requires care
4. Samsung Galaxy A54 – Best Mid-Range
Mid-range shoppers seeking great bang-for-buck should check out the Samsung Galaxy A54. Priced below $500, the sleekly designed A54 still packs some compelling specs like a beautiful 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and visuals.
You get capable performance via the Exynos 1380 processor – ideal for most daily usage scenarios and running popular apps. Battery life is excellent thanks to a robust 5,000 mAh capacity, and fast charging support helps when you need a quick boost. The A54 also touts strong camera capabilities like a high-res 50MP main lens, OIS stabilization and crisp selfies.
If your needs don‘t demand bleeding-edge power, the Galaxy A54 hits all the right notes at an affordable cost.
Key Specs:
- 6.4” FHD+ AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Exynos 1380 processor
- 128GB storage, microSD expandable
- Triple camera: 50MP + 12MP + 5MP
- 5,000 mAh battery
Pros
- Sharp 6.4" AMOLED 120Hz display
- Good performance for the price
- Excellent battery life
- Premium design and build
Cons
- Processor can’t match flagship power
- Lower resolution ultra-wide camera
5. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G – Best Budget
Shoppers on tighter budgets can still pickup Galaxy quality with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. This affordable Android handset may skip flashy specs, but offers solid essentials like a sharp 6.6-inch LCD screen with 90Hz refresh rate that looks more premium than its price suggests.
General usage and app performance is smooth thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset, especially when aided by 4GB or 6GB RAM options. You also get modern conveniences like fast 5G connectivity, facial recognition biometrics, USB-C charging and a sizable 5,000 mAh battery to keep things running. Camera quality belies costs as well with a 50MP shooter plus Night Mode.
For just $200-$250 outright, the Galaxy A14 packs quite the punch and makes staying on budget easy.
Key Specs:
- 6.6” HD+ 90Hz LCD Display
- MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G Chipset
- 64GB storage, microSD expandable
- Dual camera system: 50MP (f/1.8) main + 2MP depth
- 5,000 mAh battery
Pros
- 90Hz LCD display looks good for cost
- Capable gaming/app performance
- Large 5,000 mAh battery
- Respectable camera setup
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- Made of cheaper plastic materials
- No telephoto or optical zoom lenses
- No wireless charging
How to Pick the Right Galaxy Phone
With so many excellent Galaxy phones now available spanning a wide spectrum of prices and capabilities, it can get overwhelming finding the right model for your needs and budget.
Here is a step-by-step process to simplify the decision process:
1. Set Your Budget
Galaxy phone prices now range from $150 on the low end to $1,800 at the ultra premium tier. Setting expectations around how much you can reasonably spend is the best starting point, as that will determine viable options.
2. Prioritize Must-Have Features
Make a list of features most vital to your user experience. Do you require lots of processing muscle for intensive games? Want multiple cameras? Need massive storage space? Identifying 2-3 dealbreakers tailored to you eliminates guesses.
3. Compare Hardware Specifications
Use the summary specs provided in this guide to compare display size and quality, processors, battery capacity, storage allowance, camera components and other hardware metrics. Identify models that best align with priorities.
4. Consider Software & Ecosystem
The standard Galaxy interface of OneUI based on Android provides a fairly consistent experience across models, but still research UI versions and future software support timeframes for peace of mind. Also determine if you want ecosystem integration with other Samsung devices or accessories.
5. Read Reviews from Trusted Sources
Finally, read in-depth reviews before deciding from trusted tech authorities like CNET, Wired, Tom‘s Guide, Engadget and others. This provides the most complete picture of real-world performance, battery tests and other experiential feedback that raw specs alone may not reveal.
Tips for Using Your Galaxy Phone
Once you‘ve purchased your shiny new Galaxy phone, a few pro tips will help you get the most from your mobile companion:
Master Gestures – Newer Galaxy phones support an array of touch gestures via the touchscreen to conveniently open apps quickly, toggle settings, launch camera and more. Learn these to bypass hunting through menus.
Customize Your Home Screens – Determine which apps and widgets you access most frequently, and populate multiple home screens with these elements for fast access without digging through your app tray constantly.
Install Good Lock – This is an extremely useful app from Samsung providing enhanced personalization of everything from lock screens to notifications panels, themes and more.
Use Bixby Routines – Via Bixby settings, you can create IFTTT-style "routines" where your phone automatically adjusts device behavior based on contexts like time of day, app activity, your location and more.
Explore Pro Camera Modes – Galaxy phone cameras have many powerful manual controls and special features hidden within the Camera app like photo Pro mode, Single Take mode, Director‘s View and more. Master these to shoot like a pro.
Hopefully this detailed look at the best Galaxy phones available based on different categories helps you select the perfect Samsung device to meet your needs, and helps you get effective use from these stellar phones!
