Choosing a new phone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options flooding the market. But what if I told you that sticking with Samsung in 2025 could be the smartest move you make? I've spent nearly half the year with my SIM card nestled inside various Samsung devices, jumping from one Galaxy to the next, and I'm here to guide you through the best of the best.
As a phone reviewer, I constantly switch between devices, experiencing the highs and lows of each operating system and hardware configuration. Yet, Samsung, with its extensive Galaxy lineup, consistently pulls me back in. From sleek, ultra-thin flagships to dependable budget-friendly phones, One UI always finds its way back into my pocket. This constant exposure gives me a unique perspective on what truly works for Samsung and, more importantly, what delivers the best value for your money.
So, buckle up as I unveil the top Samsung phones you should seriously consider buying right now!
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Uncrowned King
- MSRP: $1,299.99
Think of the Galaxy S25 Ultra as the ultimate Swiss Army knife of smartphones. It boasts incredible features like 100x zoom capabilities, a massive battery, and a commitment to seven years of software updates. It's Samsung's undisputed champion for 2025. This powerhouse packs a 6.9-inch QHD+ display, a whopping 12GB of RAM, and a minimum of 256GB of storage. Oh, and did I mention the embedded S Pen for all your productivity needs? It's fueled by the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, ensuring lightning-fast performance.
But here's where it gets controversial... The true star of the show is the 200MP main camera and the mind-blowing 100x Space Zoom.
Pros:
- Crafted with premium materials that exude quality.
- Boasts impressive battery life that keeps you going all day long.
- Captures stunning photos with its solid camera system.
- Delivers top-tier performance thanks to the Snapdragon processor.
- Features a brilliant display that's a joy to look at.
- Offers an excellent software policy with long-term support.
Cons:
- The S Pen has been downgraded, losing Bluetooth connectivity.
- Relies heavily on AI-based upgrades, which might not appeal to everyone.
- Still lacks full Qi2 support for wireless charging.
- Can feel uncomfortable to hold due to its sheer size.
- Carries a hefty price tag.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the phone that has it all, except for one thing: it doesn't fold! However, it compensates for this with its massive battery, blazing-fast charging, versatile quad-camera setup, and the handy S Pen.
I started 2025 with the Galaxy S25 Ultra in my pocket, and it set an incredibly high bar. Samsung refined the industrial design, softening the sharp corners and flattening the sides to align with the rest of the S25 series. While the titanium and Gorilla Armor 2 body can be a handful, the sheer power packed within that 6.9-inch frame makes it worthwhile.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset handles everything with ease, from demanding games to multitasking and streaming. During the darkest months of last season's Premier League, I relied on the S25 Ultra to keep up with highlights on its large, pocketable screen.
The quad-camera system consistently delivered excellent results. The dual telephoto sensors at 3x and 5x provide exceptional sharpness, while Galaxy AI takes over for heavier processing at zoom levels beyond 30x, reaching up to 100x.
And this is the part most people miss... Galaxy AI is everywhere. It powers Drawing Assist, the Now Bar, and complements Gemini with Circle to Search and Gemini Live. With seven years of Android updates and security patches, you'll continue to receive new Galaxy AI features in the future. However, the S Pen has lost Bluetooth connectivity, resulting in a slightly simpler experience.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: The Smart Shopper's Choice
- MSRP: $649.99
The Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) is the ultimate value proposition. It delivers a large 120Hz display, a big battery, and a capable 50MP camera, all without emptying your bank account. Powered by an Exynos 2400 processor, this 6.7-inch phone offers impressive specs and captures the essence of the flagship S25 series.
Pros:
- Features a larger battery with excellent endurance.
- Offers significantly faster wired charging.
- Provides access to a wide range of Galaxy AI and general features.
- Guarantees seven years of OS and security updates.
- Boasts a slimmer and lighter design.
Cons:
- Lacks performance upgrades compared to previous models.
- The rear cameras are starting to show their age.
- The base model only comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
While the Ultra reigns supreme, the S25 FE offers the best bang for your buck. It may resemble its predecessors, the S23 FE and S24 FE, but this year's model packs a few key improvements.
Samsung has finally equipped the S25 FE with a 4,900mAh battery and 45W wired charging, matching the Plus and Ultra models. The phone charges faster and lasts longer, thanks to the efficient Exynos 2400 chipset.
This chipset also powers a streamlined set of Galaxy AI features, including Audio Eraser, the Now Bar, and Now Brief. And if you want to add even more functionality, you can always use Good Lock.
The cameras on the S25 FE are a mixed bag. The color profile is generally pleasing, but the processed images can appear slightly soft and lack contrast. While they're good enough for social media, some editing may be required to restore depth. But hey, that's what Galaxy AI is for, right?
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Premium Features on a Budget
- MSRP: $499.99
The Galaxy A56 5G delivers a lot of value for under $500, including a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, and a durable Gorilla Glass Victus Plus build. It feels almost like a flagship device.
Pros:
- Features durable Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection.
- Supports snappy 45W wired charging.
- Offers an excellent update commitment.
Cons:
- Includes a dedicated macro camera instead of a telephoto lens.
- Lacks wireless charging.
- Missing some AI features found on higher-end models.
The Galaxy A56 5G is a mid-ranger that punches above its weight. It boasts a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED panel and a massive 5,000mAh battery that lasts for a long time. It also marks the return of the Galaxy A5X series to the US.
To keep the price down, the A56 5G uses an Exynos 1580 chipset. While it's capable for everyday usage and pairs well with the 120Hz display, it's not quite powerful enough for heavy gaming or demanding multitasking.
Samsung has added a touch of style to the A56 5G, making it stand out from other mid-range devices.
The A56 5G features a trio of rear cameras, but it replaces the telephoto sensor with a dedicated 5MP macro camera. While the macro camera is okay, a software-based macro mode from the 12MP ultrawide sensor would have been preferable. At least the main 50MP camera delivers reliable, shareable photos.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: The Undisputed Budget Champion
- MSRP: $299.99
The Galaxy A26 5G is the best value-for-money A series phone in 2025. With upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection, a large AMOLED display, and six years of updates, it's everything you could want from a budget Samsung phone.
Pros:
- Features Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection on both the front and back.
- Boasts a big, vivid AMOLED display.
- Offers solid performance.
- Runs the feature-rich, up-to-date One UI.
- Provides six years of updates.
Cons:
- Has a mono speaker.
- Features average cameras.
- Offers mushy haptics.
If you're on an even tighter budget, the Galaxy A26 5G is the way to go. While you might be tempted by the slightly more expensive A36 5G, the A26 5G offers better value. It features the same Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and aluminum build, IP67 durability, and saves you $100.
The A26 5G features an Exynos 1380 chipset, six years of software support, and a robust 5,000mAh battery. It's a no-frills, no-fuss budget phone that simply works. The only trade-off is an Infinity-U notch for the selfie camera instead of an Infinity-O cutout.
The A26 5G has a single down-firing speaker and a fixed 120Hz or 60Hz refresh rate, which are departures from more expensive Galaxy A options. However, these are worthwhile trade-offs, especially considering the inclusion of Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and Gemini across the entire lineup.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G: The Ultimate Entry-Level Device
- MSRP: $199.99
The Galaxy A16 5G is a budget phone with flagship support. It continues Samsung's tradition of reliable budget phones, equipped with flagship-grade software support that will see it enjoy up to six years of updates.
Pros:
- Offers a stellar software update promise.
- Features a solid primary camera.
- Provides decent battery life.
- Comes at a great price.
- Offers good charging speeds.
Cons:
- Has just-okay build quality.
- Offers aging performance.
- Features weak peripheral cameras.
- Boasts a bland design.
At the bottom end of Samsung's Galaxy A series, you'll find the Galaxy A16 5G. It was the first member of the AX6 series to launch, setting it apart from its siblings. Its value comes from its affordability. At less than $200, it's an easy pick for a first phone for kids or a reliable option for older loved ones.
I even dubbed the A16 the best budget phone in my review. It's a simple, straightforward option that goes light on the Galaxy AI features, which is what makes it great. You won't have to worry about kids getting too caught up with AI or answering complicated questions from loved ones.
The A16 5G also features a return to Key Island, making it easy to locate the side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
It comes with a long-term update commitment of six years, ensuring its relevance for years to come. While it launched with Android 14, it will wrap up with Android 20 rather than Android 21. But for just $200, that's value that's hard to beat.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: The Foldable Phone for the Masses
- MSRP: $1,099.00
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is Samsung's best flip phone for 2025. It features impressive hardware, a 4.1-inch edge-to-edge cover screen, and a thickness of just 13.7mm when closed. It also has a larger 6.9-inch inner display, good general performance, and seven years of Android updates.
Pros:
- Features excellent cover screen hardware.
- Boasts an impressively thin design.
- Offers a larger, more comfortable inner display.
- Provides good day-to-day performance.
- Guarantees seven years of Android updates.
Cons:
- Has frustrating cover screen software.
- Features Exynos 2500, which is a downgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
- Offers slow (and hot) charging.
- Includes middling cameras.
No list of the best Samsung phones would be complete without a foldable entry. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is impressive, the Z Flip 7 makes more sense for most people. It's not as cheap as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, but it's the best way to experience foldable phones without spending a fortune.
The most noticeable change this year is the revamped cover screen, which has transformed into an expansive 4.1-inch square that occupies the entire top of the phone. While it still works similarly to the Z Flip 6's cover screen, the extra real estate makes a big difference.
Samsung has also slimmed down the Z Flip 7, making it more pocketable. The crease across the internal 6.9-inch display is less visible than ever, and the new 21:9 aspect ratio makes the phone feel like a normal smartphone. However, the 4,300mAh battery and Exynos 2500 chipset lag slightly behind other similarly priced options.
The Z Flip series has always been about making the most of its form factor, and the Z Flip 7 does just that. It's easier to use the dual cameras on the cover screen, there's no shortage of AI features, and its seven years of updates give it an edge over rivals.
Honorable Mentions:
- Samsung Galaxy S25: A solid compact flagship with flexible cameras and a reliable chipset, but not particularly exciting this year.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: A minor update with a bit more power, faster charging, and a larger battery, but no significant changes to the cameras, design, or display.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Thinner than ever with bigger displays, but expensive and ditches S Pen support. A productivity powerhouse if money is no object.
- Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: A sweet spot of value and performance with Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, 45W charging, a 5,000mAh battery, and a 50MP primary camera.
- Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro: An ultra-rugged phone with a dust-tight design and removable battery, ideal for adventurers and those working in unpredictable environments.
What to Look for in a Good Samsung Phone:
Choosing a Samsung phone can be daunting, but here are some key factors to consider:
- Chipset: Samsung phones typically use either Exynos or Snapdragon processors. Snapdragon chipsets generally offer better performance, but both are capable.
- Materials: Look for durable materials like aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. Higher-end models offer Gorilla Armor and IP67/IP68 protection against water and dust.
- Third Camera: Most Samsung phones feature a wide, ultrawide, and a third sensor. Telephoto lenses are generally preferred over dedicated macro lenses.
- Updates: Ensure the phone offers a long-term software update commitment. Aim for at least six or seven years of Android and security updates.
- Galaxy AI: Samsung's Galaxy AI features are becoming increasingly widespread, but some features require more powerful chipsets.
- Value vs. Price: Spending more money doesn't always guarantee a better experience. Consider your needs and budget to find the best value.
- Unlocked Option: Opt for an unlocked phone if possible to avoid carrier restrictions.
- Accessories: Consider the availability of accessories like cases and screen protectors.
Why You Should Trust Me:
As a long-time reviewer for Android Authority, I've reviewed countless phones, including a wide range of Samsung devices. I've explored every price point, from the budget-friendly Galaxy A11 to the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra. I've also reviewed phones from other brands, giving me a well-rounded perspective on what works well and what doesn't. When I recommend a phone, it's based on thorough testing, comparisons, and real-world experience.
What do you look for in a Samsung phone? Are long-term software updates a priority? Or is camera quality the deciding factor? Share your thoughts in the comments below! I'm eager to hear your opinions and address any questions you may have.
