You may take into account holding off on shopping for a Samsung flagship proper now as a result of the following iteration is simply weeks away. However the 2024 lineup nonetheless packs severe energy. From the Galaxy S24 Extremely to the Z Fold 6 and even the newest Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung’s present units are a number of the greatest telephones available on the market. They’re all strong picks as we head into 2025.
Additionally: The perfect Android telephones to purchase in 2025
What’s the greatest Samsung cellphone proper now?
After extensively testing the newest telephones available on the market, I’ve discovered that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely is 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 dimensions and abundance of options of the S24 Extremely could virtually be overwhelming for some customers.
Our runner-ups on this checklist are simply as noteworthy. The smaller Galaxy S24 Plus variant is sort of as succesful because the Extremely mannequin however prices at the least $300 much less. You may lose the S Pen and 200MP digicam however retain a lot of the software program options and AMOLED show. For one thing extra experiential, take into account the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which flips and folds right into a pocketable sq. and is accessibly priced.
Learn on for the remainder of our high picks for the very best Samsung telephones you should purchase right now.
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, essentially the most premium of the three flagship S telephones of 2024, impressed ZDNET essentially the most. The brand new Galaxy AI mannequin embedded within the machine brings a bunch of generative AI 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 right way to phrase a message in several tones.
Like its predecessor, the S23 Extremely, the S24 Extremely is constructed with a big 6.8-inch AMOLED and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. Though the value is $1,299 ($100 greater than the S23 Extremely), the cellphone’s upgrades make it nicely price it: The S24 Extremely is fabricated from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body, in comparison with final 12 months’s aluminum, and options Corning’s new Gorilla Armor.
Overview: Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
The distinction in show safety means the S24 Extremely is extra glare-free than ever, which ZDNET reviewer Jason Hiner suggests “makes its display extra pleasurable 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 mentioned 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 of RAM (a rise over final 12 months’s 8GB), and a pair of,600 nits of brightness — an enormous enchancment over final 12 months’s 1,750 nits. As for the brand new digicam system, the massive improve comes within the type of a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. As Hiner found, the outcomes have been sharper and fewer noisy photographs, due to an general digicam system that pulls in additional mild 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 most important, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), and 10MP telephoto (3x) | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh
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The Galaxy S24 Plus could not have the flashiness of its Extremely sibling, however priced $300 decrease, it is nonetheless a powerful contender for anybody searching for a considerable cellphone improve. After a month-long take a look at of the mid-sized S24 mannequin, I discovered that it retains a lot of the Extremely expertise.
For example, Samsung’s new Galaxy AI, with options like real-time name translation and the choice to circle an object on-screen for an image-based Google search, is right here, together with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 256GB of base storage, and a flexible quad-camera system — all shared with the Extremely.
Overview: Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
For most individuals, the Plus-sized Galaxy S24 can be much less intimidating to make use of. Its 6.7-inch show is the perfect dimension for each informal customers and energy customers, and in comparison with final 12 months’s S23 Plus, fields a sharper QHD, 1440 x 3088 decision. As I famous in my full evaluation, that is a serious improve in case you watch motion pictures and movies in your cellphone, dabble with graphics enhancing, or learn pages of textual content. All the pieces seems 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 acquired a terrific cellphone that appears phenomenal and can final me for at the 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 most important, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto (3x) | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 4,900mAh
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The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable units 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, and the Z Fold 5 upgraded the processor.
Unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July 2024, the Z Fold 6 delivers essentially the most refined design but, that includes flatter edges, a wider inner show, and a lighter construct than its predecessor. It is also extra sturdy, due to a brand new Twin Rail Hinge that higher distributes shock, a folding edge designed to withstand stress and sharp objects, upgraded armor aluminum for improved scratch resistance, and, for the primary time, an IP48 ranking for mud resistance.
Overview: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
One of many largest upgrades within the Z Fold 6 is the brand new Galaxy AI options, together with Circle to Search, Notice Help, Interpreter (reside 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.
Although the Z Fold 6 has almost equivalent digicam {hardware} because the Z Fold 5, it introduces new AI-powered picture processing and enhancing instruments. Beginning at $1,900, it is one of many priciest telephones obtainable, however Samsung presents enticing trade-in offers to assist deliver down the price.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Essential show: 7.6 inches | Cowl show: 6.3 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB storage choices | Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP large angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cowl display, and 4MP beneath most important show | Battery: 4,400mAh
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The flashiest of smartphone options are inclined 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 customers are reducing down on spending.
Additionally: The perfect low-cost telephones ZDNET’s examined
Do not let the decrease value idiot you; the Galaxy A15 5G has all of the specs you’d need for a possible cell companion, from the comparatively sizable 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED — a rarity on this worth vary — to the expandable storage (as much as 1TB) to Samsung’s four-year dedication to safety patches. Oh, and the 2024 mannequin will get a notable 5MP ultra-wide digicam, an improve from final 12 months’s 2MP macro lens.
I examined the Galaxy A15 5G mannequin for a bit greater than per week, and whereas the cellphone will not really feel like one million {dollars}, it is surprisingly sturdy to carry, and the 90Hz show regarded nice for app shopping and navigating. One Greatest Purchase buyer evaluation put it greatest, “(Galaxy A15 5G) is a 200 greenback cellphone… It is not going to 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 large, 5MP large, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing digicam | Battery: 5,000mAh
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If bang in your buck is what you are after, I might say skip the S and Z collection of units and look to the Galaxy A35 5G. There are actually three key the explanation why you can purchase the Galaxy A35 5G over some other sub-$400 cellphone: You get a unbelievable 6.6-inch AMOLED that ramps as much as a 120Hz refresh charge, a triple-camera setup that features a 50MP most important sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.
Clearly, Samsung is aware of what options customers worth essentially the most, and even in case you have preferences past that checklist, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with sufficient confidence that it’ll meet your cell wants. Coming from the older A34 5G, the newest mannequin includes 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 one in every of its shiny spots.
Overview: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The A-series of smartphones additionally fall beneath Samsung’s five-year dedication 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 large, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing digicam | Battery: 5,000mAh
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Whereas the Z Fold 6 is the very best Samsung foldable, it is the Z Flip 6 that can possible promote essentially the most and enchantment to the plenty. Not solely is the clamshell handset inexpensive than the Z Fold, nevertheless it’s extra compact and transportable 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 that is crisp and shiny, as much as 512GB of storage 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.
Overview: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Z Flip 6’s digicam system will get a pleasant increase, too, with an improved 50MP most important sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide. You may additionally discover a new AI-powered Auto Zoom characteristic, which routinely detects how many individuals are within the body, in addition to potential background objects the person could need to hold within the shot, and digitally repositions accordingly.
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, urged replies to textual content messages, and a brand new Interpreter Mode for reside translations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Essential show: 6.7 inches | Cowl show: 3.4 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB storage choices | Cameras: 50MP large angle, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP selfie | Battery: 4,000mAh
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Whereas the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely sits on the high of this 12 months’s rating checklist (for now), here is a wider scope of ZDNET’s greatest picks and their respective characteristic units.
| Samsung cellphone | Worth | Show | Cameras | Battery |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely | $1,299 | 6.8 inches | 200MP large, 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 large, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing digicam | 4,900mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | 7.6 inches | 50MP large, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cowl display, 4MP beneath most important show | 4,400mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 50MP large, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front-facing digicam | 4,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | $399 | 6.6 inches | 50MP large, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing digicam | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | $199 | 6.5 inches | 50MP large, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing digicam | 5,000mAh |
Whereas earlier comparisons have positioned Apple forward of Samsung concerning the general cellphone expertise, Samsung is arguably the best choice in 2024. One cause is the number of fashions throughout totally different worth factors, from the A-series that encapsulates the sub-$500 market to the S-series for premium consumers. Having examined the newest handsets from each manufacturers (and others), I discover that the Samsung Galaxy continues to supply essentially the most options and capabilities, at comparatively aggressive costs.
Contemplating its model reputation, Samsung presents far more strong help, together with a higher number of instances and equipment and extra licensed restore technicians.
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Select this Samsung cellphone… |
In order for you… |
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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’d like a no-frills handset that may do nearly every part. |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus |
A Galaxy cellphone able to conducting 90% of what the Extremely mannequin can do and prices much less. The Galaxy S24 Plus can be barely smaller, making it simpler to handle. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
A pill/smartphone hybrid foldable and one of the modern Samsung units obtainable. It is arguably the very best foldable cellphone available on the market, too. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 |
A classy and pocket-friendly smartphone that does not compromise on efficiency. For those who’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 will obtain a beneficiant suite of premium options like a 120Hz OLED, a triple-camera setup, and a 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 troublesome to impress on this worth vary, however the A15 5G will get the job finished. |
ZDNET writers like myself spent months testing each cellphone on this greatest checklist, whereas additionally sourcing opinions and suggestions from trade consultants and analysts who’ve additionally examined the units. Listed below are the important thing components that we search for when curating the highest picks.
- Design: In contrast to how we might examine the greatest Android telephones, evaluating Samsung telephones throughout totally different worth factors principally boils right down to the {hardware}. How a cellphone is designed, what supplies the producer chooses, and whether or not the machine can take successful or two are thought of when choosing the easiest.
- Cameras: The digicam programs on Samsung telephones have gotten excellent over the previous few years, a lot so that you just’re nicely off even in case 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 will really feel a way of wonderment when utilizing one thing that is constructed in another way.
- Availability: Samsung has a repute for bringing the wildest telephones to the press, even when they are not available. That is why, each decide on this checklist will be bought on the time of writing, whether or not that is on Samsung’s web site or at an area service retailer.
ZDNET’s evaluation workforce spends upwards of a 12 months 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 seems and feels performs an enormous position in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we take into account these points closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of components have an effect on a cellphone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Due to this fact, we usually start our evaluations with a completely charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cell connection as attainable.
- Digicam high quality: ZDNET exams cellphone cameras by capturing tons of of pictures and movies of varied topics and in varied lighting circumstances. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also essential for us to judge how lengthy telephones final beneath mild, average, 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 units 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 offered within the US or solely internationally.
For a extra in depth breakdown, try our complete cellphone testing methodology web page.
Kerry Wan’s smartphone recommendation
I’ve used dozens of smartphones previously 12 months alone, studying the ins and outs — the ideas and methods — to take advantage of out of my handset. Listed below are my three largest tips on taking good care of your smartphone in 2024:
Dashing up your smartphone
One thing I at all times 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 (guidelines have been meant to be damaged, proper?).
To activate Developer Choices, go into your About Cellphone web page within the settings and search for the Construct Quantity. Faucet on that seven occasions, 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 checklist. From there, 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 absolutely 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 rationale why you should not cost your cellphone in a single day or go away it plugged in for an prolonged time frame.
When doubtful, after a 12 months or two of utilization, take into account getting your cellphone’s battery swapped to refresh its cost cycles. You may be amazed at how nicely it features once more.
Additionally: Greatest telephones for battery life
Easy methods 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 drastically cut back the possibility of water harm. For what it is price, if a producer claims its cellphone is rated IP68, which means the machine can face up to mud ingress and be submerged in water for as much as half-hour at 1 meter deep.
The most recent model of Android, Android 15, is anticipated to reach on supported Samsung Galaxy telephones beginning in early 2025. Appropriate fashions embrace Galaxy S collection (S21 or newer), Galaxy Z collection (Z Flip 3 or newer), Galaxy A collection (A14 or newer), Galaxy F collection (F15 or newer), Galaxy M collection (M15 or newer), and Galaxy Tab collection (Tab S8 or newer).
Count on Samsung to share extra particular launch dates as we get nearer to the brand new 12 months.
Samsung’s subsequent huge software program overhaul, OneUI 7, relies on Android 15 and will probably be launched in Q1 of 2025. Nevertheless, Galaxy S24 customers can enroll within the beta program forward of launch, with the pre-release software program increasing to older fashions within the coming weeks.
Supported fashions for OneUI 7 embrace current Galaxy S collection telephones, Z collection telephones, A collection telephones, and M collection telephones.
Whereas the A and S collection of Samsung Galaxy telephones cater to 2 totally different clients, there’s 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 provide out of your service.
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 worth. For $649, you get a 120Hz AMOLED, a 4,700mAh battery, and the newest Galaxy AI options. At its worth level, you will miss out on extra superior digicam capabilities like 100x zoom, nevertheless it’s a trade-off that many purchasers will possible be keen to make.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely has the very best digicam of any Samsung cellphone and the most effective general cameras available on the market. It includes a 200MP most important digicam together with 4 accompanying cameras, which permit it to take extraordinarily high-quality pictures, together with close-up photographs and ultrawide pictures. The S24 Extremely also can video report in as much as 8K UHD high quality at 30fps, making it one of many most succesful cellphone cameras cash should buy.
A 12 months later, the Samsung Galaxy S23 continues to be price shopping for. In comparison with 2024 S collection telephones, the earlier technology primarily falls quick on Galaxy AI options and digicam efficiency. Even then, for a now depreciated promoting worth, the Galaxy S23 covers a great 80% of the S24 expertise. That makes it the proper different to the newest Samsung telephones, even when they are a 12 months older.
The ZDNET workforce has run in depth exams on the highest Android telephones in 2024 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely took the highest spot, with one of many sharpest and most color-accurate shows available on the market, ample quantity of RAM and storage, and an distinctive digicam system that is dependable even in dimmer environments.
Different Samsung telephones we examined
You’ll want to try ZDNET’s comparisons of the greatest telephones and Android telephones obtainable. To your additional consideration, I’ve additionally listed the highest Samsung picks that did not make our checklist.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
