The best Samsung phones 2024: top Galaxy handsets ranked

The best Samsung phone is hard to pick, because Samsung makes more phones than any other phone maker, with a wider variety to choose from. Our pick for the best phones you can buy is the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung's premiere flagship phone. It's packed with features and very pricey, but it isn't even the most unique or expensive phone Samsung makes. 

Samsung doesn't just make the best Android phones, it also pioneered foldable screen technology, and it makes some of the best foldable phones you can buy. Whether you want a foldable tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or a pocket-sized clamshell foldable like the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung gives you foldable phones with a distinctively Samsung twist. 

What is the Samsung twist? It's One UI on top of Android, offering a slew of software features you won't find anywhere else. Most of Samsung's Galaxy S phones, including the Galaxy S23 FE, can run Samsung DeX for a full desktop environment from your phone. Even bargain models, like the Galaxy A54, have tons of features that other Android phone makers can't match. 

Read on for our picks of the best Samsung phones you can buy, based on our extensive testing and experience using Samsung phones. And if you've accidentally taken a wrong turn, we also have a list of the best Apple iPhones you can buy. 

The quick list

This section gives you an abridged rundown of our pick of Samsung's top phones, available right now. With details on design, key features and specs, our reasoning for why each phone is worth your time and money, and a star rating based of our in-depth reviews, which you'll also find links to down below.

The best Samsung phones in 2023

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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best Samsung phones on our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure to trust our recommendations.

The best Samsung phone overall

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The best overall phone

Specifications

Release date: January 2024
Weight: 232g
Dimensions: 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6mm
OS; Expected Upgrades: Android 14 / One UI 6; 7 years of upgrades
Screen size: 6.8-inch
Resolution: QHD+
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 200MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 10MP (telephoto with 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (telephoto with 5x optical zoom)
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible performance and features
+
Better cameras than ever before

Reasons to avoid

-
AI features can be useless at worst
-
Big, heavy, and more expensive
Buy it if

You want more than any other smartphone: There is no other phone that matches everything the Galaxy S24 Ultra can do, not even close.

You want a phone that is future proof: The Galaxy AI features are just warming up, and with seven years of major Android OS updates, and plenty of new AI features to come, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be the first phone to take that step into the next generation. 

Don't buy it if:

You don't need everything this phone can do: There are plenty of Samsung phones that do almost as much as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but won't cost nearly as much if you don't need the S Pen.

You prefer something easier to use: Samsung keeps adding features, and the software and menus get harder to use every time. If you want a phone that makes things easy, check out an iPhone instead. 

The bottom line

📱 The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pushes the bounds of smartphone technology, offering top-of-the-line features and capabilities. It excels in versatility and intelligent functionality, although it comes at a premium price. if you want the absolute best in performance, camera quality, and power, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as the undisputed leader. ★★★★½

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra takes smartphone features further than any other phone. It's a top-performer, and in so many ways you won't find better. It has longer battery life and faster performance than the iPhone, more camera options than any other Android, and features we don't often see, like the S Pen stylus. 

Design: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a big, heavy phone, even with the new titanium frame. Samsung still manages to pack so much inside, and the design improvements are welcome. The display is easier to read this year, and the titanium finish and colors are very nice, though it's too bad the phone couldn't shave some weight. 

Display: The bright, OLED display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best you'll find, especially with the new coating that reduces glare and makes it easier to read in bright light. Samsung's display is colorful, sharp, and bright enough for every task.

Camera: There have been plenty of changes to Samsung's cameras, even if the spec sheet looks the same as last year. The Galaxy S24 Ultra produced better images in every setting. Portrait and landscape photos look a lot better, and even zoom photos have more color and better lighting, though we do miss the 10X zoom from the last generation.

Performance: This is the fastest phone you can buy right now. In our tests playing games and editing photos, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was the fastest we've used, beating even Apple's iPhone 15 Pro,. That's a first for Samsung phones ever since Apple starting designing its own chipsets. 

Battery life: I had no trouble using the Galaxy S24 Ultra for two days when I used it normally, and it lasted through a full day of camera usage and gaming with no trouble. The battery hasn't gotten bigger, Samsung manages power on this phone better than ever before.  

Value for money: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is expensive, even more than last year, but the upgrades are a big deal. Samsung now offers seven years of software updates, including Android updates, and that makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra a better value than any Galaxy Ultra to come before. 

Read our full Galaxy S24 Ultra review

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
PriceEven more than before, but you get the best when you pay for it.★★★☆☆
DesignIt looks very familiar, but the screen is less reflective, and also sharper. It's still as heavy, even with titanium. ★★★★☆
DisplayThere isn't a better display, and the new anti-glare finish really helps outdoors. ★★★★★
CameraThe cameras are better all around, even if the spec sheet looks a bit suspicious. Still the best, most versatile camera system. ★★★★★
PerformancePerformance that beats an iPhone 15 Pro, for the first time we can remember, putting Android ahead of Apple. ★★★★★
Battery lifeBetter battery life this year means the Galaxy S24 Ultra can last a very long time. ★★★★★

The best value Samsung phone

The best value Samsung phone

Specifications

Release date: April 2023
Weight: 202g
Dimensions: 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2mm
OS: Android 13
Screen size: 6.4-inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2340
CPU: Exynos 1380
RAM: 6/8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 5MP (macro)
Front camera: 32MP

Reasons to buy

+
Modern Samsung Galaxy aesthetics
+
Nice camera system improvements

Reasons to avoid

-
A little thick and heavy
-
No wireless charging
Buy it if

✅ You want a stylish mid-ranger: Although it’s a little chunky, the A54 is a good-looking phone, with a clean design and some noteworthy colors to consider, not to mention it’s IP-certified against dust and water ingress.

✅ You want a strong camera at a mid-range price: The Galaxy A54 might not be the best cameraphone out there on a budget, but it’s a competent all-rounder, with some smart features and surprisingly good low-light performance.

✅ You plan on using this phone for a long time: While the chipset might not have the most grunt in the world, so long as Samsung keeps to its promise of four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, the A54 should have much better staying power than a lot of similarly-specced or priced rivals.

Don't buy it if:

You value performance overall: While the A54’s software promise is strong, like its predecessors, Samsung’s latest mid-ranger still feels a little behind the curve when it comes to raw power. It’s not a problem from the get-go, but does raise questions about how well the user experience will age.

❌ You want the best bang for your buck: The A54 isn’t priced badly, but it’s also not the best deal out there, considering what it has to offer; this is particularly true in the UK, where the generational price hike is an added sting.

❌ You hate One UI: Samsung's build of Android doesn’t look or behave quite like the cleaner experiences found on the likes of Pixel and Motorola phones, so keep that in mind if you’re not comfortable with change.

The bottom line

📱 The Samsung Galaxy A54 is the cornerstone of Samsung's A-series mid-rangers and packs in some nice upgrades over its predecessor, even if battery life claims fall a little short of what’s promised. ★★★★

What you need to know

The A54 is essentially a 'lite' version of the Galaxy S family, bringing lots of 'S-range' features to a lower price point. It's not the absolute cheapest phone Samsung makes by some distance, but it unquestionably mid-range, and definitely worth considering if you're on a budget. 

Design: The phone measures 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2mm and weighs 202g, so we’d call it medium-sized. It’s not so big that it’s uncomfortable to use, so long as your mitts aren’t massive. It's also undeniably attractive; adopting the floating camera design language found on the S24 series. Other colorways are similarly pretty.

Display: The Samsung Galaxy A54 boasts one of the best-looking screens you’ll see on a phone for this price. It’s a vibrant, colorful 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel, with a FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits max brightness, marking some nice upgrades over its predecessor.

Cameras: The main camera is an optically stabilized 50MP f/1.8 sensor, joined by a 12MP ultra-wide and – after ditching its predecessor's depth sensor (thanks to all-focus pixels on the new main sensor) – a 5MP f/2.4 macro sensor. The snappers take photos that are bright and colorful, which makes shots of wildlife, food, landscapes or people 'pop'. There’s good dynamic range for a phone at this price and pictures are sharp too, as long as you take them on the main camera.

Performance: The Galaxy A54 may lap same-price rivals in the camera and display departments, but it falls behind on performance. The chip here is the Exynos 1380, which is a home-brewed piece of mid-range kit from Samsung – and, while capable, doesn't measured up to similarly-priced rivals.

Battery life: The 5,000mAh battery is on the big side, though we see lots of mid-rangers pack this kind of power. That bright screen and 5G require a lot of juice, and we found that the phone comfortably lasted a day between charges, but no more.

Value for money: The Samsung Galaxy A54 gives you some surprisingly top-end specs for its price in some departments, but in others it's weaker than its rivals.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy A54

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Samsung Galaxy A54 scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
PriceWorse value than key rivals but better than its predecessor★★★½
DesignA chunkier rendition of Samsung's flagship design language, with IP68 certification★★★★
DisplayA lovely screen with nice upgrades over the A53★★★★
PerformanceAdequate but behind rivals★★★½
CamerasSuprising image quality that surpasses expectations★★★★½
Battery lifeSamsung overpromised but a comfortable day's use in in reach★★★½

The best foldable Samsung phone

The best foldable Samsung phone

Specifications

Release date: August 2023
Weight: 252.3g
Dimensions: 154.9 x 67 x 13.5mm / 154.9 x 129.7 x 6.1mm
OS: Android 13
Screen size: 6.2-inch / 7.6-inch
Resolution: 904 x 2316 / 1812 x 2176
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 4,400mAh
Rear camera: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP
Front camera: 10MP / 4MP

Reasons to buy

+
It folds flat
+
Lighter and thinner

Reasons to avoid

-
Seemingly unchanged cameras between generations
-
It's expensive and should include the S Pen
Buy it if

✅ You want two devices in one: There's a decent, if narrow smartphone on the outside and a lovely mini tablet within. It's a flexible and versatile Android 13 device.

You're ready to try a foldable phone: Even though the Google Pixel Fold has a better cover display, Samsung's Z Fold 5 is the more refined foldable experience, especially when you unfold it and look at the main screen, which cuts down the bezel and gives you a more expansive display.

You want quality photography: Samsung didn't change the cameras on the Z Fold 5, but they're still a formidable collection of lenses and are now backed by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, for better image processing.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget: At $1,799, this is one of the most expensive Android phones on the market. At the very least, look for deals before you buy.

You want faster-charging: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 can fast charge at an okay speed, through wired or wireless powering, but most top-end and even mid-range phones power up more quickly.

You demand the best in camera optics: For the best in Samsung photography, you'll have to look elsewhere, like at the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which has higher megapixels and 10x optical zoom.

The bottom line

📱The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a do-everything device that presents few compromises. It's good for photography, multi-tasking and watching Netflix, and it finally folds flat. However the high price might put off some buyers. ★★★★½

What you need to know 

With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung hasn’t tried to reinvent the genre or radically alter the foldable’s display or design, save for the ability to finally fold flat. Instead, it brings a number of small-but-welcome enhancements over the Z Fold 4, plus a new processor but leaves further room for improvement. 

Design: While the Z Fold 5 isn’t radically different from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, its flat-folding form design finally addresses the series' biggest design faux pas. Excellent build quality and IP-certified water resistance make it a trend-setter.

Display: The main screen is a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2176 x 1812 resolution and which supports an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz. The low end of the range is useful for saving battery life by not refreshing the screen when it’s not needed, while the high end means smoother gameplay and video action. The cover screen, meanwhile, is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 2316 x 904 resolution. It also has an adaptive refresh rate, but the narrow aspect ratio isn't the best.

Camera: The Z Fold 5 has similar sensors underneath (though they’re backed by a more powerful chipset here) to the previous two generations of Fold, and the same. There’s also a selfie camera on the cover screen, and a low-grade selfie cam under the main screen.

Performance: We’re happy that the Z Fold 5 has Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, as it needs all the power it can get for the multi-tasking gymnastics it's capable of.

Battery life: The battery lasted approximately 15 hours, which is pretty good, though we would've liked more. Still, getting that far is a testament to the chipset's power-management capabilities.

Value for money: It's one of the most expensive phones – especially if you go for more than the base 256GB of storage. But if you want the best foldable on the planet, that's the current price you'll have to pay.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 score card
AttributesNotesRating
PriceExpensive, but it's a 2-in-1 device. Price should include S Pen★★★★
DesignSamsung made it thinner, lighter, and flatter but might want to rethink the cover screen width★★★★
DisplayCover display is pretty but now fees cramped. Even with crease, Main display is excellent★★★★
CameraThese are good cameras but no movement on optics and sensors since Z Fold 4★★★★
PerformanceQualcomm's custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Samsung is a winner★★★★½
Battery lifeImproved battery life over the Fold 4 but could be better★★★★½

The best clamshell foldable Samsung phone

The best clamshell foldable Samsung phone

Specifications

Release date: August 2023
Weight: 187g
Dimensions: 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1mm / 85.1 x 165.1 x 6.9mm
OS: Android 13
Screen size: 3.4-inch / 6.7-inch
Resolution: 720 x 748 / 1080 x 2640
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB
Battery: 3,700mAh
Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP
Front camera: 10MP

Reasons to buy

+
Most powerful clamshell foldable on the market
+
Versatile cover display

Reasons to avoid

-
Design is playing catch-up to rivals
-
Even better battery life would be great
Buy it if

✅ You want the most powerful clamshell foldable on the market: The Z Flip 5 offers flagship performance against folding foes that just don't quite pack as much of a punch.

You want a durable foldable: Sure that Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back picks up cosmetic scratches more readily than we'd like, but that doesn't stop this from being one of the hardiest clamshells out there right now.

You love creating content: The Flip 5's form factor, paired with the expanded cover display mean you can setup to capture photos and videos basically anywhere; not to mention there's plenty of space and power to store media and edit on the go.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget: To be the best, you can't skimp on parts, engineering, software support or anything really, and that means this clamshell champ comes at a premium, especially if you're buying in markets other than the US.

You want the best-looking clamshell foldable: While the engineering that's gone into improving the Flip 5's design is undeniable, it just doesn't look as good as Motorola's latest Razr Plus / Razr 40 Ultra; not least because the colorways this year feel a little insipid, especially when sat next to the Razr's eye-watering Viva Magenta signature hue.

You hate One UI: While Samsung's One UI is a powerful and highly customizable take on Android, it looks pretty different to more-stock takes on Android from the likes of Google, Sony or Motorola, so comes with an additional learning curve.

The bottom line

📱 The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 addresses some of the Flip 4's biggest pain points; mainly by way of more usable battery life and a design that truly folds flat, plus that larger cover display expands on its functionality. Price versus performance remains unmatched, not least because this is still one of the only water-resistant foldables out there. ★★★★½

What you need to know

Samsung didn't reinvent its clamshell-style foldable, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 does all that it needs to do for the company to hold onto its foldable crown.

Design: A more prominent improvement compared to the move from the Z Flip 3 to the Flip 4. The black 'visor' has been replaced by a more expansive external cover display and it now officially folds flat. It's also the hardiest clamshell foldable out there, thanks in part to IP-certified water resistance.

Display: You get a 6.7-inch Full HD+ (2640 x 1080) 'Dynamic AMOLED 2X' panel with a pleasantly smooth 120Hz refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz to extend battery life. The external cover display, which now covers the top half of the phone's exterior expands functionality massively.

Camera: You'll find three cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which at first blush look very familiar to those on the Z Flip 4's. Aside from a new lens coating to reduce lens flare, the main upgrades come in the form of image processing improvements and new FlexCam features.

Performance: Although the Flip 5 focuses on compact portability over the Fold 5's productivity, it doesn't skimp on performance, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 silicon running the show.

Battery life: After disappointing longevity from previous entries in the Flip series, the power efficiency of the chip, paired with a 3,700mAh battery, mean all-day battery life is now possible. Wireless charging in a clamshell is also a welcome novelty.

Value for money: There's a lot more competition in the flagship foldable space in the time of the Z Flip 5, but the design, hardware and software blend means that even at this phone's high price, it's still one of the smartest buys in its category.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
PricePricey but still the best value clamshell foldable★★★½
DesignThe best-designed clamshell and the only one with water resistance★★★★★
DisplayA great viewing experiences and a greatly improved cover screen★★★★½
CameraLacks optical zoom but great for selfies★★★★
PerformanceMore grunt than you might expect★★★★½
Battery lifeThe Flip 5 can finally last all day★★★★

The best compact Samsung phone

The best compact Samsung flagship

Specifications

Release date: January 2024
Weight: 167g
Dimensions: 147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm
OS: Android 14
Screen size: 6.2-inches
Resolution: 2,340 x 1,080
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy / Samsung Exynos 2400 for Galaxy
RAM: 8GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage: 128GB / 256GB (UFS 4.0)
Battery: 4,000mAh
Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical) + 12MP (ultrawide)
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Compact phone with big phone power
+
Seven years of Android OS updates and security software

Reasons to avoid

-
Samsung's menus and software are a mess
-
Not as elegant or simple as the iPhone 15
Buy it if

✅ You're want power on a budget: The Galaxy S24 isn't cheap, but it packs as much power as the S24 Ultra for hundred less.
 
✅ You want a compact phone: The 6.1-inch Galaxy S24 pack in plenty of power for a phone this small, and it's hard to find a smaller phone worth buying today.

✅ You need a serious power: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset is plenty powerful for any task, even running an external display or playing the latest games. 

Don't buy it if:

You want a big screen: A 6.1-inch display used to be huge, but these days it's feeling a bit cramped, especially if you're used to a big phone like a Pro Max or an Ultra.

❌ Your budget can stretch: For a few hundred more you can have a much better camera system, a magical S Pen accessories, and a huge screen with a big battery inside, if you get the Galaxy S24 Ultra instead.

❌ All of your friends use the iPhone: Samsung's software is a big weakness, and it's lagging behind Apple in simplicity and social features that make it fun to connect with other iPhone users. If your crowd is Blue Bubbles only, stick with the iPhone. 

The bottom line

📱 The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a serious pocket powerhouse, with a processor inside that can handle any task you'd imagine for a smartphone, and thanks to Galaxy AI, even some tasks you never thought possible. There are software problems, and of course you can get more if you spend more, but the Galaxy S24 is a great compact phone if you need a strong mobile game for a bit less. ★★★★

What you need to know

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the smallest option in the Galaxy S24 family, but it's easily one of the most powerful Android phones you can buy right now. Plus, it's the only one that fits comfortably in your front jeans pocket.

Design: The Galaxy S24 comes in more colorful options than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it lacks the titanium frame and Gorilla Armor makes this generation so durable. It's still a sturdy little phone, with IP68 water resistance, and a look that calls back to last year's model. 

Display: The Galaxy S24 can reach much brighter levels than before, up to 2,600 nits, and its 6.1-inch display is still plenty sharp, even though it's a lower resolution than the rest of the S24 family. 

Cameras: Samsung hasn't changed the specs on the Galaxy S24 cameras, but it has improved the photos you'll end up taking thanks to better image processing. There's a 50MP main lens, 12MP ultrawide lens, and unlike the iPhone 15, the Galaxy S24 has a 10MP telephoto lens with real 3x optical zoom. 

Performance: The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that powers the Galaxy S24 family looks like a real winner. It's incredibly powerful, strong enough to take on even the fastest Apple iPhone 15 Pro, and it doesn't waste a lot of power. It also works great for playing the latest games. 

Battery life: The Galaxy S24 gets only a slightly bigger battery than the S23, with Samsung jumping from 3,900mAh to 4,000mAh. We still got better battery life from this year's model, and most folks will have no trouble lasting through a full day of normal use with the Galaxy S24.  

Value for money: The Galaxy S24 is an affordable way to take advantage of everything Samsung's Galaxy S has to offer. Of course, you don't get everything the S24 Ultra can give you, but the Galaxy S24 is hundreds cheaper.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy S24

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Samsung Galaxy S24 scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
PriceSame as last year, but more battery, better performance, and seven years of Android. , ★★★★☆
DesignIt looks a lot like an iPhone, but it's small, light, and thin enough for a front pocket. ★★★★☆
DisplaySharp and bright display, no complaints here. It isn't the absolute best, but the size is worth the trade. ★★★★☆
SoftwareTerrible software, Samsung really needs to fix its menu and interface design. The Galaxy is lagging far behind Apple's iOS. ★★☆☆☆
CameraVersatile cameras, especially for the price. You won't find real zoom on the iPhone 15. ★★★★☆
PerformanceExcellent performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, held back only by laggy Galaxy AI and Google AI features. ★★★★☆
Battery lifeBattery life improved over last year by a few hours, even though the battery isn't much bigger. Great power management. ★★★★★

The best cheap Samsung phone

The best cheap Samsung phone

Specifications

Release date: March 2022
Weight: 195g
Dimensions: 165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8mm
OS: Android 12
Screen size: 6.6-inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
CPU: Exynos 850
RAM: 3GB (US)/4GB (UK/AU)
Storage: 32GB (US)/64GB (UK)/128GB (AU)
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 5MP (ultrawide - UK/AU-only) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth)
Front camera: 8MP

Reasons to buy

+
5x camera zoom crushes it
+
New useful S Pen features

Reasons to avoid

-
‘Ultra’ expensive
-
Slower charging
Buy it if

✅ You need an affordable phone: You won't find many brand new smartphones for less than the price of the Samsung Galaxy A13.

✅ You want a decent camera:
The quad-lens camera on the back of the Samsung Galaxy A13 isn't exactly going to wow you, but it's one of the best snappers at this price.

✅ You're a Samsung fan:
The Samsung One UI skin for Android isn't for everyone, but it does give you plenty in the way of customizations, as well as Samsung apps to replace most of the Google defaults.

Don't buy it if:

You want 5G: At the time of writing, there's no 5G variant of the Samsung Galaxy A13 in the UK or Australian markets, while in the US the 5G model is a quite different phone.

You need top performance: The Galaxy A13 has a slow processor and not much in the way of RAM. You'll be able to get by, but don't expect much more than that.

You'd like premium extras: Sometimes, you get what you pay for – and the Samsung Galaxy A13 lacks some extras including wireless charging and waterproofing.

The bottom line

📱 While the Samsung Galaxy A13 is only 'good enough' in most of the areas that matter for a smartphone (from the camera to the battery life), its super-low price still makes it a tempting value-for-money deal. ★★★½

What you need to know

You can save yourself around $1,000 (or £1,000 or AU$1,500) by buying this phone instead of the lowest spec'd version of the Samsung Galaxy S22 elsewhere in this list – that's a massive saving, though you'd be making some pretty major compromises along the way. It's all a question of what you want from a smartphone... and how much you have to spend.

Design: This feels like a phone that's going to last, and we like the way that the rear camera module is embedded into the back of the phone, up in the top left corner – something Samsung did in all of its 2022 Galaxy handsets.

Display: The Samsung Galaxy A13 comes with a 6.6-inch, 2408 x 1080 LCD screen that does a decent job with websites, photos, videos and games. It's suitably bright, vivid and crisp, and while there's no support for HDR or anything above a 60Hz refresh rate, we didn't have any real complaints in this regard.

Cameras: There's no doubt that spending a bit more money is going to get you a phone camera that captures significantly better pictures, but at the same time the Samsung Galaxy A13 isn't going to let you down most of the time

Performance: You'll be able to run everything you want to be able to run, but you're going to have to put up with slower speeds than you would get from a more expensive handset.

Battery life: We tested the phone with an hour of video streaming at a low volume, and with the screen set to maximum brightness – that knocked the battery level down by 10%, suggesting around 10 hours of playback in total. Dim the screen and you'd be able to stretch that out further, so you'd be okay for watching films on long-distance trips.

Value for money: If you want value for money and you want Samsung, then the Galaxy A13 is worth a serious look. There are plenty of competing phones even at this low, low price point however, including the likes of the Moto G22 and the Nokia G21.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy A13

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Samsung Galaxy A13 scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
PriceIncredibly affordable★★★★☆
DesignSolidly built, unremarkable looks★★★★★
DisplayDecent size, just a standard 60Hz refresh rate★★★☆☆
CameraMore lenses than you expect★★★☆☆
PerformanceBelow average performance★★☆☆☆
Battery lifeUp to 2-days battery life on a charge★★★★☆

How to choose the best Samsung Galaxy phone

Different things are important to different people, but price, screen size and battery life are three key considerations for many buyers. 

A big screen has obvious benefits - making the phone generally better for watching videos and playing games on, and even for using other apps, but this also makes the phone larger and generally heavier, as well as making it harder to use with one hand.

There are other important aspects to a screen too, such as their refresh rate and resolution, with higher numbers being universally better here.

Beyond that, consider what else matters to you in a phone - be it the power, the camera or anything else - and focus on getting something that's good for that.

The entry for each of the best Samsung phones above details the key points, but if you're still unsure then head through to our full reviews for more in-depth information.

How we test

How we test the best Samsung Galaxy phones

We only include phones that we've fully reviewed in this guide, so every entry has been extensively tested. As such, we can be confident of how each model compares to other Samsung phones, and to the wider smartphone landscape.

As well as the review score, we consider the specs of a phone, how well it all comes together in practice, how much it costs, how good value it is, and how it compares to the competition.

To come to these conclusions we'll make use of every key feature of a phone, see how it performs under different circumstances, and see how the battery holds up under different use cases. We'll also run benchmarks.

With all that information combined, we're then able to see exactly how each Samsung phone stacks up.

Alex Walker-Todd
Senior Phones Editor

Alex joined as TechRadar's Senior Phones Editor in June 2022, but brings over a decade's worth of experience to the role, with an expertise in smartphones, tablets and wearables. He's covered keynotes hosted by the biggest brands and attended the launches for some of the most influential mobile products of the last few years. His experience was amassed at some of the most reputable consumer technology publications out there, including GSMArena, TechAdvisor and Trusted Reviews.