Samsung is one of the world‘s leading smartphone manufacturers, known for sleek, high-performing Android devices with excellent cameras, displays, and battery life. With so many options to choose from, what are the best Samsung phones in 2023?
Based on expert testing and reviews, these are the top Samsung phones across five key categories:
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specifications:
- Display: 6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 12GB/1TB
- Rear camera: 200MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto + 10MP 10x telephoto
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Features: Built-in S Pen, IP68 water/dust resistant, 45W wired charging
The newly released Galaxy S23 Ultra tops our list as the best overall Samsung phone you can buy today. Building on the strong foundation of the S22 Ultra, the S23 Ultra refines an already excellent device.
Key improvements include a new, exceptionally powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that benchmarks faster than any other Android phone. You get buttery smooth performance perfect for demanding apps and games.
The camera system also sees an upgrade with a massive 200MP primary sensor capable of incredibly detailed shots. It shoots fantastic photos in any lighting along with advanced capabilities like the updated Nightography mode for low light shots. Videography shines too with up to 8K video recording.
Another highlight is the gorgeous, dynamic 6.8-inch QHD display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for incredibly fluid scrolling and gameplay. And built-in S Pen support adds versatility for notes and creativity.
With a polished metal-and-glass design, stellar battery life, loud stereo speakers, and IP68 dust/water resistance rounding out the features, it‘s easy to see why the S23 Ultra stands on top.
Pros
- Blazing fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
- Best-in-class 200MP camera system
- Gorgeous display with S Pen support
- All-day battery life
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Very expensive
- No microSD card slot
Price: $1,199.99
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra here
Best for Productivity: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Specifications:
- Main Display: 7.6" QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Cover Display: 6.2" HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 12GB/1TB
- Rear camera: 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto
- Front camera: 10MP (cover), 4MP (main)
- Battery: 4,400 mAh
- Features: S Pen support, IPX8 water resistant, 25W wired charging
If you want maximum productivity from your Samsung device, look no further than the innovative Galaxy Z Fold 4. The third generation of Samsung‘s foldable line refines the formula with a focus on multitasking and versatility.
Unfolded, you‘re treated to a large, tablet-sized 7.6-inch main display. The folding AMOLED panel is bold and immersive, perfect for viewing documents side-by-side or canvasing huge spreadsheets. Powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and up to 12GB of RAM, it chews through intensive workloads.
You also get seamless S Pen integration for notetaking and edits on the move. And flexible app windows let you run multiple apps simultaneously in a customized layout.
When folded down, it transforms into a standard smartphone form factor with a 6.2-inch cover display. This lets you quickly check notifications, emails, calls, etc without needing to unfold the entire device each time.
With powerful performance, unique multitasking capabilities and optional 5G, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a productivity powerhouse.
Pros
- Large tablet-sized main display
- Best-in-class multitasking features
- S Pen integration
- Flagship-level performance
Cons
- Very expensive
- Still has a visible display crease
Price: $1,799.99
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 here
Best for Influencers: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Specifications:
- Main Display: 6.7" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Cover Display: 1.9" Super AMOLED
- Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB
- Rear camera: 12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide
- Front camera: 10MP
- Battery: 3,700 mAh
- Features: IPX8 water resistant, 15W wired charging, 10W wireless charging
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 builds on the foundations of earlier Flip models as the fashionable Samsung phone perfect for social media mavens and influencers.
It packs flagship-level power from a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 into a futuristic folding body. Flipping open reveals a tall, immersive 6.7-inch main display with slim bezels all around. It‘s stunning for viewing and creating social content.
Content really pops thanks to a brighter panel and 120Hz refresh rate for super smooth scrolling. Photos and videos look seriously shareable with improved camera processing as well. It may ‘just‘ be 12MP lenses, but Samsung has optimized them to capture Insta-worthy shots with vibrant colors, even in low light.
When shut, the compact clamshell design slips neatly into pockets and bags. You can still view essential info or interact with widgets on the 1.9-inch cover display. Bespoke Edition color variants let you customize the look too, ideal for standing out online.
Pros
- Stylish, innovative design
- Flagship specifications
- Solid cameras and display
- Compact when folded
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Still has a visible crease
Price: $999.99
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 here
Best for Adventurers: Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro 2
Specifications:
- Display: 6.6" FHD+ TFT LCD
- Processor: Snapdragon 778G
- RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
- Rear camera: 50MP wide + 8MP ultrawide
- Front camera: 13MP
- Battery: 4,050 mAh removable
- Features: MIL-STD 810H certified, IP68 water/dust resistant
Rugged smartphones built for outdoor use are a niche category, but Samsung dominates it with their XCover line. The XCover Pro 2 updates the formula with 2023 specs and Samsung‘s signature durability.
It meets over a dozen MIL-STD 810H certification tests covering shock, vibration, extreme temperatures and more. With an IP68 rating plus reinforced corners, it‘ll withstand harsh treatment out on adventures. And a removable 4,050 mAh battery keeps you powered up off-grid.
The XCover Pro 2 has ample performance for most users with a Snapdragon 778G chipset and 6GB RAM. It runs One UI software over Android 12 for intuitive operation one-handed in gloves or rain.
You also get modern camera tech like a 50MP main sensor for crisp landscape shots. Or rely on tried-and-true programs like Outdoor Mode and Walkie Talkie when out of cell range.
If you want a device to rely on outdoors, the rugged XCover Pro 2 adventure phone won‘t let you down.
Pros
- MIL-STD 810H and IP68 certified ruggedness
- Removable battery
- Respectable mid-range specifications
- Purpose-built outdoor software modes
Cons
- Mediocre processor for intensive apps/games
- Limited global availability
Price: $729.99
Buy the Samsung XCover Pro 2 here
Best Budget-Friendly: Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Specifications:
- Display: 6.5” FHD+ Super AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
- Rear camera: 64MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro + 5MP depth
- Front camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Features: IP67 water/dust resistance, 25W wired charging
You don‘t need to spend flagship money to get a quality Samsung device. Case in point: the Galaxy A53 5G, a value-packed mid-range model with impressive polish and features.
Inside its sleek, updated chassis lies capable Exynos 1280 silicon with ample RAM and storage. Performance is snappy for everyday use, if not intensive 3D games. The vibrant 6.5-inch 1080p display looks fantastic as well with its smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Quad rear cameras headed by a 64MP main shooter capture nice photos with balanced color and clarity. A range of software processing options help casual shooters get great results too.
With a sizable 5,000 mAh battery keeping power consumption efficient, the A53 5G has enough juice to last over a day of use per charge. 25W fast charging support helps top up quickly when running low as well.
IP67 water and dust resistance add peace of mind against accidents too. If you want Samsung quality without the premium price, the Galaxy A53 5G should meet your needs.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Sharp display with 120Hz
- Solid mid-range performance
- Good camera versatility
Cons
- No mmWave 5G support
- Exynos lagging Snapdragon
Price: $449.99
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G here
How to Choose the Best Samsung Phone
With so many options across multiple price tiers, it can get overwhelming finding the right Samsung device for you. Here are key factors to consider while shopping:
Design & Size
Do you want a more compact phone for portability or a larger display for immersive apps and games? Samsung offers both wrapping sleek glass/metal bodies. Consider foldables too if you want a device transforming from phone to tablet size.
Performance & Battery Life
Higher prices net you better chipsets and more RAM for snappy response, intensive gaming, and awesome battery optimization. Know how you’ll use your phone daily.
Camera Capabilities
Samsung sets the bar for smartphone photography with advanced lenses, sensors and processing tech. Look at camera specs like megapixel counts and aperture sizes, plus shooting modes.
Plans & Carrier Compatibility
Unlocked models offer wider compatibility but carrier versions may get preferential treatment on respective networks. Double check bands and features like mmWave 5G support match your plan.
Price & Sales Cycles
Flagships cost a premium but deliver elite experiences. Values exist with mid-range As and previous generation Discounts happen a few months after launch or during seasonal sales. Shop smartly based on your budget!
Once you’ve balanced priorities using the criteria above, picking the right Samsung mobile companion for you becomes much simpler!
What‘s It Like Using a Samsung Phone?
Samsung phones run the company‘s intuitive One UI interface layered over Android. It offers deeper customization and more features than stock Android with minimal bloatware. Hightlights include:
Easy migration – Smart Switch makes transferring data from old Androids or iPhones seamless during setup. Photos, videos, contacts, etc transfer wirelessly or via cable.
Bixby Routines – Create custom automations like enabling AoD when home or launching Spotify when connecting headphones. Routines add convenience.
Edge Panels – Get quick app, tool, contact access by swiping Edge Panels in from screen sides. Keep favorites on hand without cluttering home screens.
Expandable storage – Most models work with microSD cards to augment onboard capacity for media, files, etc. Extremely helpful given app/asset sizes today.
Device continuity – Galaxy Buds auto pair, SmartThings finds nearby devices, Calendar stays in sync, and more across your Galaxy devices through close software/hardware integration.
Using a Samsung phone generally feels refined and cohesive. Some features like Bixby voice assistance still lag Google Assistant in capability but Samsung‘s ecosystem stands out on the Android side of the fence. If existing features aren‘t enough, Galaxy Store and Good Lock have even more ways to tailor the experience to your liking with plugins and custom plugin development frameworks.
FAQ
Q: Which Samsung phone is best overall?
A: The Galaxy S23 Ultra stands as Samsung‘s highest-end flagship phone currently with elite performance, cameras, display quality, battery efficiency and build quality.
Q: How long does Samsung provide software updates?
A: New Samsung phones typically get four years of major Android OS updates and 5 years of regular security patches from launch date before losing full support. This applies to flagship S, Z and certain A models.
Q: Should I buy an iPhone or Samsung?
A: Both Apple and Samsung make excellent smartphones. iPhones rate better for cross-generational longevity while Galaxys emphasize cutting-edge specs and customization. Galaxy models also integrate better with other Samsung appliances if you have any.
Q: Do Samsung or iPhone have better cameras?
A: Samsung and Apple continually try to one-up each other in camera technology. The latest Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14 model lines have fantastic multi-lens camera systems both capable of great photography. Image processing differences give Samsung photos more "pop".
At the end of the day, picking Apple vs Samsung comes down to your ecosystem preference and specific device generation pricing/preference rather than definitive quality gaps. Both deliver great experiences.
In Summary
While every user‘s needs and budgets differ, our top overall Samsung phone is the Galaxy S23 Ultra followed by the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. Each brings uniquely optimized experiences around performance, cameras and form factor respectively. We also recommend the rugged Galaxy XCover Pro 2 for adventures and the affordable A53 5G for tighter budgets.
Hopefully this deep dive has given you all the information to pick out the perfect Samsung Galaxy smartphone for your needs!
