The Best Samsung Phones of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Samsung will launch the Galaxy S26

Samsung will announce the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, at a Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. Buyers looking for the latest flagship should wait for this event before making a purchase. Current rumors suggest the S26 Ultra will include a built-in privacy screen that hides content from nearby onlookers.

The company typically refreshes its high-end S-series in the first quarter of the year. Budget A-series phones usually arrive in the spring, while folding phones like the Z Fold and Z Flip debut in late summer. Keeping these cycles in mind helps buyers avoid paying full price for hardware that is about to be replaced.

Samsung currently matches Google by offering seven years of software updates for its flagship devices. This policy includes both Android OS upgrades and monthly security patches. The Galaxy A16 and newer budget models receive six years of support, ensuring these devices remain secure and functional for over half a decade.

The best Samsung flagships

The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are the standard choices for most users in 2025. The S25 features a 6.2-inch display, while the S25+ moves up to a 6.7-inch screen. Both phones use the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which improves thermal management and gaming performance in titles like Genshin Impact.

These models feature 120Hz AMOLED displays that can drop to 1Hz to save battery life. Most users will get a full day of use with 30 to 40 percent battery remaining. The camera system includes a 3X optical zoom, an ultrawide lens, and a high-quality selfie sensor.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the top-tier option for power users. It features a titanium frame, more durable front glass, and a built-in S Pen stylus. The main camera uses a 200-megapixel sensor, paired with two separate telephoto lenses and an improved 50-megapixel ultrawide camera.

• Galaxy S25: 6.2-inch screen, 128GB base storage, $800.
• Galaxy S25+: 6.7-inch screen, 256GB base storage, $1,000.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: 6.8-inch screen, S Pen included, $1,300.

Folding phones and tablets

The Galaxy Z Fold7 is Samsung's premier productivity device. It is wider and lighter than previous generations, weighing less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It now uses a 200-megapixel main sensor, bringing its camera quality closer to the S25 Ultra, though it lacks the 5X optical zoom.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 features a larger 4.1-inch external cover screen. This allows users to interact with more apps without unfolding the 6.9-inch internal display. While the design is highly pocketable, the battery life remains a weakness and may struggle to last a full day.

Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Z TriFold, which unfolds into a massive 10-inch tablet. It launched on January 30, 2026, with an MSRP of $2,899. While the hardware is an engineering feat, the high price makes it a luxury item for enthusiasts rather than a practical recommendation for most consumers.

Budget and mid-range options

The Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) offers flagship-level features at a lower price point. It uses an Exynos processor and includes a 3X optical zoom camera. It is a better value than the standard S25 when found on sale for approximately $450.

The Galaxy A26 is the best option for buyers on a $300 budget. It features a 6.7-inch 120Hz screen and a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 2TB. Samsung promises six years of software updates for this model, which is rare for a budget device.

The Galaxy A56 is harder to recommend at its $500 retail price. It lacks wireless charging, a feature found on much cheaper competitors from Motorola. Buyers should wait for a discount to $350 or choose the S25 FE instead.

• Galaxy S25 FE: Flagship specs, 7 years of updates, best value on sale.
• Galaxy A26: Best budget pick, includes microSD slot, 6 years of updates.
• Galaxy A56: Strong performance, but lacks wireless charging and value.

Software and technical specs

Samsung's 2025 flagships are "Qi2 Ready" but do not contain internal magnets. Users must buy a specific magnetic case to use Qi2 chargers and accessories. This is a disappointing omission that adds confusion to the wireless charging experience.

Galaxy AI is now a core part of the software experience. It uses Google’s Gemini as the default assistant and offers features like real-time phone call translation and paragraph summarization. Users can also use Drawing Assist to turn rough sketches into AI-generated images.

Samsung DeX remains a unique feature for power users. It allows the phone to power a full desktop environment when connected to an external monitor. The Z Flip7 is the first Flip model to support this feature, making it a viable tool for light productivity on the go.

Buyers should always purchase unlocked versions of these phones. Carrier-locked devices often come with pre-installed bloatware and delayed software updates. Unlocked phones allow users to switch between carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile without restrictions or hidden 36-month contracts.

The broader Galaxy ecosystem

Samsung offers a hardware ecosystem that rivals Apple. The Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, and Galaxy Ring are designed to work best with Samsung smartphones. Some health features on the Watch and Ring are exclusive to Galaxy phone users.

The company's tablets and laptops also integrate with its phones. Quick Share allows for nearly instant file transfers between a Galaxy S25 and a Galaxy Tab S11 or a Galaxy Book laptop. While these accessories are high quality, they are not strictly necessary to enjoy the phone.

For those looking to save money, the Galaxy S24 series remains a strong choice. These 2024 models are nearly identical to the S25 series in terms of daily performance. As the S26 launch approaches, the S24 and S24 Ultra will likely see significant discounts on the secondary market.