It would not be an extended shot to say that Samsung is the most well-liked cellphone maker on this planet, with a presence in nearly each main market, together with North America, Europe, and Asia. Over the previous decade, the South Korean big has launched a number of traces of handsets, together with the S collection of flagships, the A collection of value-driven telephones, and the Z collection of revolutionary foldables, all of which I’ve had the fortune of testing and utilizing as my each day driver sooner or later in time.
Simply this month, the corporate introduced the Galaxy S24 FE, a mid-range machine that challenges telephones twice its value.
Additionally: The best Android phones you can buy right now
What’s the finest Samsung cellphone proper now?
After thoroughly testing the latest phones in the marketplace, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the very best Samsung cellphone proper now, with the corporate’s top-of-the-line options and specs, together with an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, a 200MP digicam system, and essentially the most sturdy show on any Galaxy cellphone but. The scale and abundance of options of the S24 Extremely might nearly be overwhelming for some customers.
Learn on for the remainder of our high picks for the very best Samsung telephones you should purchase at the moment.
One of the best Samsung telephones in 2024
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Finest Samsung cellphone general
Samsung’s newest Galaxy S24 line is the primary to go all-in on AI, and the S24 Extremely, essentially the most premium of the three, impressed us essentially the most. The brand new Galaxy AI mannequin embedded within the machine brings a number of generative capabilities, together with real-time cellphone name translations, the flexibility to circle an object on display to carry out an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photograph enhancing and transcriptions, and even a Chat Help characteristic for determining the best way to phrase a message in numerous tones.
Like its predecessor, the S23 Extremely, the S24 Extremely is constructed with a big 6.8-inch AMOLED show and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. Although the value has gone as much as $1,299 ($100 greater than the S23 Extremely), the cellphone’s upgrades make it properly price it: The S24 Extremely is product of a light-weight but sturdy titanium body, in comparison with final yr’s aluminum, and options Corning’s new Gorilla Armor.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The distinction in show safety means the S24 Extremely is extra glare-free than ever, which ZDNET reviewer Jason Hiner advised: “makes its display extra pleasing to make use of than the iPhone 15 Professional Max and different flagship telephones.” Reddit customers appear to agree with Hiner, together with one who stated he believes “the anti-reflective glass actually makes a distinction.”
Beneath the hood, the S24 Extremely consists of an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for improved graphics and AI options, 12GB RAM (a rise from final yr’s 8GB), and a couple of,600 nits of brightness — a giant enchancment over final yr’s 1,750. As for the brand new digicam system, the large improve comes within the type of a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The outcomes, as Hiner found, have been sharper and fewer noisy photographs and an general digicam system that may pull in additional gentle than ever earlier than.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Show dimension: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP fundamental, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Finest Samsung cellphone for most individuals
The Galaxy S24 Plus will not be as flashy as its Extremely sibling, however at $300 much less, it stays a formidable possibility for customers eyeing a significant improve. Actually, the core expertise of the Extremely mannequin is current within the Plus, as I discovered throughout my month-long testing of the mid-sized S24 mannequin.
For instance, Samsung’s new Galaxy AI mannequin and all the helpful options it brings (like real-time cellphone name translations and the flexibility to circle an object on display to carry out an image-based Google search), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 256GB of base storage, and a quad-camera system are current on each the Extremely and the Plus.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
For most individuals, the Plus-sized Galaxy S24 can also be much less intimidating to make use of. Its 6.7-inch show is the best dimension for each informal shoppers and energy customers, and in comparison with final yr’s S23 Plus, fields a sharper QHD, 1440 x 3088 decision. As I famous in my full overview, that is a serious improve when you watch motion pictures and movies in your cellphone, dabble with graphics enhancing, or learn pages of textual content as a result of every little thing appears sharper.
One other huge issue is the value: The Galaxy S24 Plus begins at $999, the identical as its predecessor — even with all of the {hardware} and software program upgrades. On high of that, Samsung is now promising as much as seven years of working system updates for all Galaxy S24 fashions. One Amazon buyer remarked, “I obtained a terrific cellphone that appears phenomenal and can final me for at the very least seven extra years.”
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Show dimension: 6.7 inches | Storage choices: As much as 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x) | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 4,900mAh
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Finest Samsung foldable cellphone
The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable gadgets that additionally function mini-tablets. The Z Fold 3 improved on that cellphone with two of essentially the most extremely requested options from Fold customers (S Pen help and IPX8 water resistance), whereas the Z Fold 4 improved the rear cameras and type issue of the cellphone, and the Z Fold 5 upgraded the processor.
The Z Fold 6, unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July, brings essentially the most polished model but, with flatter edges, a wider inside show, and a lighter weight than its predecessor. It is also extra sturdy, with a brand new Twin Rail Hinge design with improved shock distribution, a folding edge for enhanced resistance to strain and sharp objects, enhanced armor aluminum for scratch resistance, and, for the primary time, an IP score for mud resistance, scoring at IP48.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
One of many greatest upgrades within the Z Fold 6 is the brand new Galaxy AI options, together with Circle to Search, Observe Help, Interpreter (dwell translations and transcriptions), PDF overlay (transcribe and overlay copy on a PDF), Sketch to Picture (apply generative AI on high of photographs), and extra. These hybrid AI instruments — which means they run on-device and on the cloud — are powered by a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM.
Whereas the cameras on the Z Fold 6 are the identical because the Z Fold 5, you can see new AI picture processing and enhancing instruments. The Z Fold 6 is likely one of the costliest telephones in the marketplace, beginning at $1,900. Nonetheless, Samsung presents some good trade-in offers that decrease the value.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Fundamental show: 7.6 inches | Cowl show: 6.3 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB inside choices | Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP broad angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cowl display, 4MP beneath fundamental show | Battery: 4,400mAh
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Finest Samsung cellphone beneath $400
If bang in your buck is what you are after, I would say skip the S and Z collection of gadgets and look to the Galaxy A35 5G. There are actually three key the reason why you can purchase the Galaxy A35 5G over every other sub-$400 cellphone: For the value you get a unbelievable 6.6-inch AMOLED show that ramps as much as 120Hz refresh charge, a triple-camera setup that features a 50MP fundamental sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.
Clearly, Samsung is aware of what options customers worth essentially the most, and even if in case you have preferences past that listing, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with sufficient confidence that it’s going to meet your cellular wants. Coming from the older A34 5G, the most recent mannequin incorporates a glass backing, a extra performant Exynos chipset, and an improved digicam system. Reddit customers appear to agree that the battery life on the A35 5G has been considered one of its vivid spots too.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The A-series of smartphones additionally fall beneath Samsung’s five-year commitment to software program and safety updates, which is a serious benefit in comparison with competing telephones by Motorola and OnePlus.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G tech specs: Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 | Show: 6.6 inches| RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP broad, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing digicam | Battery: 5,000mAh
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Finest compact Samsung cellphone
Whereas the Z Fold 6 is the very best Samsung foldable, it is the Z Flip 6 that can probably promote essentially the most and enchantment to the lots. Not solely is the clamshell handset cheaper than the Z Fold nevertheless it’s extra compact and moveable and has a extra user-friendly studying curve.
Form-shifting shows apart, the Z Flip 6 is similar to the usual Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, with a big 6.7-inch AMOLED panel that is crisp and vivid, as much as 512GB of RAM for these high-resolution photos and movies, and a wholesome 4,000mAh battery powering all of it — an improve from the Z Flip 5. There’s additionally now a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the primary vapor cooling chamber ever on a Z Flip machine, each of which ought to make the cellphone run extra effectively, lowering battery drainage. The cellphone is thinner and lighter than earlier fashions, too.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Z Flip 6’s digicam system will get a pleasant enhance, too, with an improved 50MP fundamental sensor and 12MP ultra-wide. You may additionally discover a new AI-powered Auto Zoom characteristic, which mechanically detects how many individuals are in a body, in addition to potential background objects the consumer might wish to be stored within the shot, and repositions digitally.
The Flex Window, or outer show of the flip cellphone, additionally will get some enjoyable new options within the Z Flip 6, together with interactive wallpapers, advised replies to textual content messages, and a brand new Interpreter Mode for dwell translations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Fundamental show: 6.7 inches | Cowl show: 3.4 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB inside choices | Cameras: 50MP broad angle, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP selfie | Battery: 4,000mAh
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Finest low cost Samsung cellphone
The flashiest of smartphone options are likely to exist solely on flagships, however many will discover enchantment in Samsung’s humble Galaxy A15 5G, which boasts 5G connectivity, a large 5,000mAh battery, and a budget-friendly $200 price ticket. That is a compelling bundle at a time when shoppers are cutting down on spending.
Additionally: The best cheap 5G phones ZDNET’s tested
And do not let the decrease value idiot you; the Galaxy A15 5G has all of the specs you’d need for a possible cellular companion, from the comparatively sizable 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED show — a rarity on this value vary — to the expandable storage (as much as 1TB) to Samsung’s four-year dedication to safety patches. Oh, and this yr’s mannequin will get a notable 5MP ultra-wide digicam, an improve from final yr’s 2MP macro lens.
I have been testing the Galaxy A15 5G mannequin for just a little greater than per week, and whereas the cellphone will not really feel like 1,000,000 {dollars}, it is surprisingly sturdy to carry, and the 90Hz show appeared nice for app shopping and navigating round. One Finest Purchase buyer overview places it finest, “(Galaxy A15 5G) is a 200 greenback cellphone… It isn’t gonna blow you away, however for the value, it packs a punch.”
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G tech specs: Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 6400+ | Show: 6.6 inches| RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP broad, 5MP broad, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing digicam | Battery: 5,000mAh
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Whereas the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely sits on the high of this yr’s rating listing, here is a wider scope of ZDNET’s finest picks and their respective characteristic units.
| Samsung cellphone | Value | Show | Cameras | Battery |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely | $1,299 | 6.8 inches | 200MP broad, 50MP with 5x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing digicam | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | $999 | 6.7 inches | 50MP broad, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing digicam | 4,900mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | 7.6 inches | 50MP broad, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cowl display, 4MP beneath fundamental show | 4,400mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 50MP broad, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front-facing digicam | 4,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | $399 | 6.6 inches | 50MP broad, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing digicam | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | $199 | 6.5 inches | 50MP broad, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing digicam | 5,000mAh |
Whereas earlier comparisons have positioned Apple ahead of Samsung concerning the general cellphone expertise, Samsung is arguably the most suitable choice in 2024. One motive is the number of fashions throughout completely different value factors, from the A-series that encapsulates the sub-$500 market to the S-series for premium customers. Having examined the most recent handsets from each manufacturers (and others), the Samsung Galaxy continues to supply essentially the most options and capabilities, at comparatively aggressive costs.
Contemplating its model reputation, aftersales help is way more strong for Samsung, together with a higher number of instances and equipment and extra licensed restore technicians.
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Select this Samsung cellphone… |
If you need… |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely |
The highest-of-the-line flagship Samsung cellphone with all of the bells and whistles in a standard type issue. It is pricier than most however is well worth the cash if you need a no-frills handset that may do nearly every little thing. |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus |
A Galaxy cellphone able to undertaking 80% of what the Extremely mannequin can do and prices much less. The Galaxy S24 Plus can also be barely smaller, making it simpler to handle. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
A pill/smartphone hybrid foldable and some of the revolutionary Samsung gadgets out there. It is arguably the very best foldable cellphone in the marketplace, too. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 |
A trendy and pocket-friendly smartphone that does not compromise efficiency. In the event you’re buying in your first foldable cellphone, that is the very best place to begin. |
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
You are buying on a $400 funds. Even then, you may obtain a beneficiant suite of premium options just like the 120Hz OLED show, triple-camera setup, and long-lasting battery. |
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G |
You are buying on a $200 funds, however nonetheless need a good handset. It is tough to impress on this value vary, however the A15 5G will get the job completed. |
ZDNET writers like myself spent months testing each cellphone on this finest listing, whereas additionally sourcing opinions and proposals from business consultants and analysts who’ve additionally examined the gadgets. Listed here are the important thing elements that we search for when curating the highest picks.
- Design: In contrast to how we’d evaluate the best Android phones, evaluating Samsung telephones throughout completely different value factors principally boils all the way down to the {hardware}. How a cellphone is designed, what materials decisions the producer makes, and whether or not or not the machine can take a success or two are thought of when choosing the easiest.
- Cameras: The digicam programs on Samsung telephones have gotten actually good over the previous few years, a lot so that you just’re properly off even when you go for a mid-ranger just like the Galaxy A54.
- Particular options: If there’s one factor that differentiates most Samsung telephones from different producers, it is distinctive options. From the S24 Extremely with its built-in stylus and 200MP digicam to the foldable screens of the Z Fold and Z Flip, you may really feel a way of wonderment when utilizing one thing that is constructed in another way.
- Availability: Samsung has a status for bringing the wildest telephones to the press, even when they don’t seem to be available. That is why, each decide on this listing could be bought on the time of writing, whether or not that is on Samsung’s web site or at an area provider retailer.
ZDNET’s overview staff spends upwards of a yr testing the ins and outs of each Samsung mannequin, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digicam high quality, battery life and endurance, and extra. This is a breakdown of each issue we take into account earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a cellphone appears and feels performs a giant function in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we take into account these elements closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a cellphone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Due to this fact, we sometimes start our evaluations with a completely charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as steady of a cellular connection as attainable.
- Digicam high quality: ZDNET exams cellphone cameras by capturing lots of of pictures and movies of varied topics and in numerous lighting circumstances. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also vital for us to judge how lengthy telephones final beneath gentle, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Past funds concerns, we additionally be aware if a cellphone is on the market within the US or solely internationally.
For a extra intensive breakdown, try our complete phone testing methodology page.
Kerry Wan’s smartphone recommendation
I’ve used dozens of smartphones previously yr alone, studying the ins and outs — the information and tips — to take advantage of out of my handset. Listed here are my three greatest tips on caring for your smartphone in 2024:
Rushing up your smartphone
One thing I all the time do when establishing a brand new Android cellphone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You are able to do this by turning on Developer Choices, a backend catalog of system settings meant for builders to entry, however guidelines have been meant to be damaged, proper?
To activate Developer Choices, go into your About Telephone web page within the settings and search for the Construct Quantity. Faucet on that seven instances, and you must see a pop-up indicating that Developer Choices has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will seem in the principle settings listing. From inside, scroll down till you discover Home windows, Transition, and Animator length scale. Faucet into every and change from 1x (default) to 0.5x to double the pace of your cellphone’s animations.
Optimizing your battery well being
To protect your cellphone’s battery life, it is best to cost it between 20% and 80% and by no means let it drop to 0% or cost totally to 100%. It is because the warmth generated from overcharging the cellphone can burn (or degrade) the battery, lowering its variety of cost cycles. This phenomenon is the explanation why you shouldn’t charge your phone overnight or depart it plugged in for an prolonged time period.
When unsure, after a yr or two of utilization, take into account getting your cellphone’s battery swapped to refresh its cost cycles. You may be amazed at how properly it capabilities once more.
The best way to hold your cellphone clear
Except you are invested in a repairs and guarantee plan like Samsung Care, take into account suiting your cellphone with a protecting case and/or tempered glass display protector. Past drop safety, the 2 equipment will stop the cellphone from getting scratches, scuffs, and different blemishes and may vastly scale back the prospect of water injury. For what it is price, if a producer claims its cellphone is rated IP68, meaning the machine can stand up to mud ingress and be submerged in water for as much as half-hour at 1 meter deep.
FAQ on smartphones in 2024
When’s the very best time to get cellphone offers?
Except you are in an emergency scenario and desperately want a cellphone, I would suggest ready for 2 events to purchase a cellphone: when it first launches and through a major holiday shopping event.
For the previous, producers have a tendency to supply essentially the most aggressive trade-in presents and improve plans when telephones first launch, primarily to capitalize on consumer curiosity.
For the latter, you may nearly all the time anticipate cellphone makers (particularly Android) to low cost lots of of {dollars} off their handsets throughout main buying occasions like Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day. These are the very best instances to buy when you sometimes do not buy your telephones from a provider however as a substitute look to big-box retailers like Amazon, Finest Purchase, and Walmart.
Ought to I purchase a cellphone throughout Black Friday?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are usually when producers will low cost smartphones essentially the most considerably. Only a yr in the past, main cellphone makers like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus would promote their newest handsets for lots of of {dollars} much less. I anticipate the identical this yr, with retailers like Amazon, Finest Purchase, and Walmart itemizing fashions talked about on this shopping for information for at the very least 10% off. Keep tuned to ZDNET for the most recent deal roundup of the very best cellphone offers throughout Black Friday.
What’s the finest AI cellphone proper now?
One of the best cellphone for AI proper now could be the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, which helps the corporate’s newest Galaxy AI features, together with Circle to Search, Generative Edit, Reside Translate, and Chat Help.
Google and, only recently, Apple have additionally begun rolling out AI options throughout new and older handsets. Whereas distinctively branded, Pixels, Galaxy telephones, and, quickly, iPhones offer a similar list of AI capabilities, together with photograph enhancing, textual content summaries, and voice assistants that may course of pure language.
Whereas the A and S collection of Samsung Galaxy telephones cater to 2 completely different clients, there may be an overlap in options and designs that make each fashions worthy of consideration.
You should purchase the A collection if…
- You need a great-value smartphone that will not break the financial institution (lower than $500).
- There is a beneficiant installment plan or sign-on supply out of your provider.
You should purchase the S collection if…
- You need essentially the most premium smartphone expertise that Samsung presents and do not thoughts paying for it.
- You worth innovation and/or having the very best show and digicam efficiency.
The latest Samsung cellphone is the Galaxy S24 FE, which presents flagship-esque qualities at a comparatively inexpensive value. For $649, you get a 120Hz AMOLED show, a 4,700mAh battery, and the most recent Galaxy AI options. At its value level, you may miss out on extra superior digicam capabilities like 100x zoom, nevertheless it’s a trade-off that many shoppers will probably be keen to make.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely has the very best digicam of any Samsung cellphone and probably the greatest general cameras on the cellphone market. It incorporates a 200MP fundamental digicam together with 4 accompanying cameras, which permit it to take extraordinarily high-quality photographs together with close-up photographs and ones which are ultrawide. The S24 Extremely can even video report in as much as 8K UHD high quality at 30fps, making it one of many most capable phone cameras money can buy.
A yr later, the Samsung Galaxy S23 continues to be price shopping for. In comparison with this yr’s S collection telephones, the earlier technology primarily falls brief on Galaxy AI options and digicam efficiency. However even then, for a now depreciated promoting value, the Galaxy S23 covers an excellent 80% of the S24 expertise. That makes it the proper different to the most recent Samsung telephones, even when they are a yr older.
The ZDNET staff has run intensive exams on the highest Android telephones in 2024 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra took the highest spot, with one of many sharpest and most color-accurate shows in the marketplace, ample quantity of RAM and storage, and an distinctive digicam system that is dependable even in dimmer environments.
You should definitely try ZDNET’s comparisons of the best phones and Android phones out there. To your additional consideration, I’ve additionally listed the highest Samsung picks that did not make it on the listing beneath.