Samsung kicked off 2025 with a bang, releasing its latest lineup of flagship Android phones, including the highly capable Galaxy S25 Ultra. The new devices round out the brand’s versatile lineup of phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and mid-range Galaxy S24 FE. Together, they’re some of the best phones we’ve tested on the market — but which one should you buy?
Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025
What is the best Samsung phone right now?
After extensively testing the latest phones on the market, I’ve found that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best Samsung phone right now, with the company’s top-of-the-line features and specifications, including an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, a 200MP camera system, and the most durable display on any Galaxy phone yet. The size and abundance of features of the S25 Ultra may almost be overwhelming for some users.
Our runner-ups on this list are just as noteworthy. The smaller Galaxy S25 Plus variant is nearly as capable as the Ultra model but costs at least $300 less. You’ll lose the S Pen and 200MP camera but retain most of the software AI features and AMOLED display. For something more experiential, consider the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which flips and folds into a pocketable square and is accessibly priced.
Read on for the rest of our top picks for the best Samsung phones you can buy today.
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The best Samsung phones in 2025
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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best handset you can buy of all Samsung phones. The new Galaxy AI embedded in the device brings many generative AI capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced photo editing, and a new AI Select tool that offers contextual shortcuts based on what you hover over. Notably, I’ve found that most of these features outperform AI tools offered by competing Android phones regarding speed, reliability, and practicality.
Like its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra is built with a large 6.9-inch AMOLED and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Although the price is still fairly inaccessible at $1,299, the phone’s upgrades make it well worth it for users holding onto three to four-year-old devices. It helps that the S25 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame and features Corning’s new Gorilla Armor 2, which is ideal for users who worry about damaging or scuffing up their devices.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra retains last year’s anti-reflection screen which, when paired with the larger cooling chamber, makes it a fantastic multimedia device — whether gaming or watching movies. Under the hood, the S25 Ultra includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI features and 12GB of RAM.
The big upgrade for the new camera system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces greater detail and vividness when capturing landscape and macro shots. With the S25 Ultra, you’ll just have to live with the fact that the S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth gestures, which previously allowed users to snap with a click of the stylus key. And if you’re tight on budget or not a fan of the Ultra model’s boxier footprint, I’d recommend a lower-tier S25 and S25 Plus models. Both options offer similar features but for less money.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,299
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The Galaxy S25 Plus may not have the flashiness of its Ultra sibling but priced $300 lower; it’s still a strong contender for anyone seeking a substantial phone upgrade. It has the same Snapdragon 8 Elite processor as the Ultra and a 50MP main rear camera. The biggest difference is that the S25 Plus caps its internal storage at 512GB, half that of the Ultra; so if you’re a photographer, you may want to spring for the flagship phone for more storage.
Otherwise, you’re looking at about the same OneUI software experience, which includes AI tools like enhanced Gemini and Generative Edit, as well as Samsung’s commitment to seven years of updates. That’s in line with the industry standard, and puts the S25 series above some older models like the S21, S22, and S23.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
The S25 Plus has the same 4,900mAh battery as its predecessor, but with the new processor and improved AI-assisted efficiency, you should be able to squeeze a bit more life out of the battery with each charge. To protect the delicate components inside, the S25 Plus is built with Gorilla Glass and aluminum for an IP68 water resistance rating.
At a starting price of $999, the S25 Plus is ideal for users who want a large-screen Samsung phone without the arguably excessive features of the Ultra, such as the S Pen stylus and anti-reflective display coating. If you’re looking for an alternative, I’d recommend last year’s S24 Plus, which is now sold for less, or the S25, which has an even smaller footprint but similar internal features.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Display size: 6.7 inches | Storage options: Up to 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 4,900mAh | Price: Starting at $999
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The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable devices that also serve as mini tablets. The Z Fold 3 improved on that phone with two of the most highly requested features from Fold users (S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance), while the Z Fold 4 improved the rear cameras and form factor, and the Z Fold 5 upgraded the processor.
Unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July 2024, the Z Fold 6 delivers the most refined design yet, featuring flatter edges, a wider internal display, and a lighter build than its predecessor. It’s also more durable, thanks to a new Dual Rail Hinge that better distributes shock, a folding edge designed to resist pressure and sharp objects, upgraded armor aluminum for improved scratch resistance, and, for the first time, an IP48 rating for dust resistance. I tested the foldable phone for most of last fall, and the sturdy design gave me greater comfort when using the phone outdoors.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
One of the biggest upgrades in the Z Fold 6 is the Galaxy AI features, including Circle to Search, Note Assist, Interpreter (live translations and transcriptions), PDF overlay (transcribe and overlay copy on a PDF), Sketch to Image (apply generative AI on top of images), and more. These hybrid AI tools — meaning they run on-device and on the cloud — are powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM.
Though the Z Fold 6 has nearly identical camera hardware as the Z Fold 5, it introduces new AI-powered image processing and editing tools. Starting at $1,900, it’s one of the priciest phones available, but Samsung offers attractive trade-in deals to help bring down the cost. If you’re looking for a big-screen foldable that costs less, consider the OnePlus Open or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Main display: 7.6 inches | Cover display: 6.3 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB storage options | Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP wide angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cover screen, and 4MP under main display | Battery: 4,400mAh | Price: Starting at $1,899
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The flashiest smartphone features tend to exist only on flagships, but many will find appeal in Samsung’s humble Galaxy A16 5G. It boasts 5G connectivity, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and a budget-friendly $200 price tag — a compelling package at a time when consumers are cutting down on spending.
Don’t let the lower cost fool you; the Galaxy A16 5G has all the specs you’d want for a feasible mobile companion, from the relatively sizable 6.7-inch 90Hz AMOLED — a rarity in this price range — to the expandable storage (up to 1TB) to Samsung’s four-year commitment to security patches. Oh, and the 2024 model gets a notable 50MP main lens that I found good enough for day-to-day photos and videos.
Also: The best cheap phones ZDNET’s tested
I tested the Galaxy A16 5G model for a little more than a week, and while the phone won’t feel like a million dollars, it’s surprisingly sturdy to hold. The 90Hz display, which is smoother than the displays you’d typically find in this price range, also looked great for app browsing and scrolling. One Best Buy customer review put it best: “(Galaxy A16 5G) is a 200-dollar phone… It won’t blow you away, but for the price, it packs a punch.”
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G tech specs: Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Display: 6.7 inches | RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP wide, 5MP wide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing camera | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $199
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If bang for your buck is what you’re after, I’d say skip the S and Z series of devices and look to the Galaxy A35 5G. There are really three key reasons why you should buy the Galaxy A35 5G over any other sub-$400 phone: You get a fantastic 6.6-inch AMOLED that ramps up to a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple-camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.
Clearly, Samsung knows what features users value the most, and even if you have preferences beyond that list, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with enough confidence that it will meet your mobile needs. Coming from the older A34 5G, the latest model features a glass backing, a more performant Exynos chipset, and an improved camera system. Reddit users seem to agree that the battery life on the A35 5G has been one of its bright spots.
Review: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The A-series of smartphones also fall under Samsung’s five-year commitment to software and security updates, which is a major advantage compared to competing phones by Motorola and OnePlus. The Galaxy A35 5G starts at $399, which competes well with the likes of Motorola, OnePlus, and Google. If you want a phone with a more exciting design, I’d recommend the Nothing Phone 3a. If you want a faster charging phone, consider the OnePlus 13R.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G tech specs: Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 | Display: 6.6 inches| RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing camera | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $399
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While the Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s best foldable, it’s the Z Flip 6 that will likely sell the most and appeal to the masses. Not only is the clamshell handset less expensive than the Z Fold, but it’s more compact and portable and has a more user-friendly learning curve.
Shape-shifting displays aside, the Z Flip 6 is very similar to the standard Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED that’s crisp and bright, up to 512GB of storage for those high-resolution pictures and videos, and a healthy 4,000mAh battery powering it all — an upgrade from the Z Flip 5. There’s also now a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the first vapor cooling chamber ever on a Z Flip device, both of which should make the phone run more efficiently, reducing battery drainage. The phone is thinner and lighter than previous models, too.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Z Flip 6’s camera system gets a nice boost, too, with an improved 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide. You’ll also find an improved AI-powered Auto Zoom feature, which automatically detects the number of people in the frame and potential background objects the user may want to keep in the shot and digitally repositions them accordingly. This is especially ideal for digital content creators.
The Flex Window, or outer display of the flip phone, also gets some fun new features in the Z Flip 6, including interactive wallpapers, suggested replies to text messages, and a new Interpreter Mode for live translations. At $999, the Z Flip 6 is one of the more accessible foldables you can buy today. But if you’re looking for something cheaper, consider the Motorola Razr Plus or an older-generation Z Flip model.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Main display: 6.7 inches | Cover display: 3.4 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB storage options | Cameras: 50MP wide angle, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP selfie | Battery: 4,000mAh | Price: Starting at $999
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While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sits at the top of this year’s ranking list (for now), here’s a wider scope of ZDNET’s best picks and their respective feature sets.
| Samsung phone | Price | Display | Cameras | Battery |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299 | 6.9 inches | 200MP wide, 50MP with 5x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, and 50MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus | $999 | 6.7 inches | 50MP wide, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing camera | 4,900mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | 7.6 inches | 50MP wide, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display | 4,400mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front-facing camera | 4,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | $399 | 6.6 inches | 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | $199 | 6.7 inches | 50MP wide, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing camera | 5,000mAh |
While previous comparisons have placed Apple ahead of Samsung regarding the overall phone experience, Samsung is arguably the best option in 2025. One reason is the variety of models across different price points, from the A-series that encapsulates the sub-$500 market to the S-series for premium shoppers. Having tested the latest handsets from both brands (and others), I find that the Samsung Galaxy continues to offer the most features and capabilities at relatively competitive prices.
Considering its brand popularity, Samsung offers much more robust support, including a greater variety of cases and accessories and more certified repair technicians.
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Choose this Samsung phone… |
If you want… |
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
The top-of-the-line flagship Samsung phone with all the bells and whistles in a traditional form factor. It’s pricier than most, but is worth the money if you want a no-frills handset that can do just about everything. |
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus |
A Galaxy phone capable of accomplishing 90% of what the Ultra model can do and costs less. The Galaxy S25 Plus is also slightly smaller, making it easier to manage. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
A tablet/smartphone hybrid foldable and one of the most innovative Samsung devices available. It’s arguably the best foldable phone on the market, too. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 |
A stylish and pocket-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance. If you’re shopping for your first foldable phone, this is the best place to start. |
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
You’re shopping on a $400 budget. Even then, you’ll receive a generous suite of premium features like a 120Hz OLED, a triple-camera setup, and a long-lasting battery. |
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Samsung Galaxy A16 5G |
You’re shopping on a $200 budget, but still want a good handset. It’s difficult to impress in this price range, but the A16 5G gets the job done. |
ZDNET writers like myself spent months testing every phone in this best list while also sourcing opinions and recommendations from industry experts and analysts who have also tested the devices. Here are the key factors that we look for when curating the top picks.
- Design: Unlike how we would compare the best Android phones, comparing Samsung phones across different price points mostly boils down to the hardware. How a phone is designed, what materials the manufacturer chooses, and whether the device can take a hit or two are considered when picking the very best.
- Cameras: The camera systems on Samsung phones have gotten superb over the past few years, so much so that you’re well off even if you opt for a mid-ranger like the Galaxy A56.
- Special features: If there’s one thing that differentiates most Samsung phones from other manufacturers, it’s unique features. From the S24 Ultra with its built-in stylus and 200MP camera to the foldable screens of the Z Fold and Z Flip, you’ll feel a sense of wonderment when using something that’s built differently.
- Availability: Samsung has a reputation for bringing the wildest phones to the press, even if they’re not readily available. That’s why every pick on this list can be purchased at the time of writing, whether that’s on Samsung’s website or at a local carrier store.
ZDNET’s review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every Samsung model, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and more. Here’s a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users’ buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.
- Performance: Several factors affect a phone’s performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, all background tasks closed, and the most stable mobile connection possible.
- Camera quality: ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.
- Battery life and charging: It’s also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).
- Special features: These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.
- Pricing and availability: Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive phone testing methodology page.
Kerry Wan’s smartphone advice
I’ve used dozens of smartphones in the past year alone, learning the ins and outs — the tips and tricks — to make the most out of my handset. Here are my three biggest pointers on taking care of your smartphone in 2025:
Speeding up your smartphone
Something I always do when setting up a new Android phone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You can do this by turning on Developer Options, a backend catalog of system settings meant for developers to access (rules were meant to be broken, right?).
To turn on Developer Options, go into your About Phone page in the settings and look for the Build Number. Tap on that seven times, and you should see a pop-up indicating that Developer Options has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will appear in the main settings list. From there, scroll down until you find Windows, Transition, and Animator duration scale. Tap into each and switch from 1x (default) to 0.5x to double the speed of your phone’s animations.
Optimizing your battery health
To preserve your phone’s battery life, it’s best to charge it between 20% and 80% and never let it drop to 0% or charge fully to 100%. This is because the heat generated from overcharging the phone can burn (or degrade) the battery, reducing its number of charge cycles. This phenomenon is the reason why you shouldn’t charge your phone overnight or leave it plugged in for an extended period of time.
When in doubt, after a year or two of usage, consider getting your phone’s battery swapped to refresh its charge cycles. You’ll be amazed at how well it functions again.
How to keep your phone clean
Unless you’re invested in a repairs and warranty plan like Samsung Care, consider suiting your phone with a protective case and/or tempered glass screen protector. Beyond drop protection, the two accessories will prevent the phone from getting scratches, scuffs, and other blemishes and can greatly reduce the chance of water damage. For what it’s worth if a manufacturer claims its phone is rated IP68, that means the device can withstand dust ingress and be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at 1 meter deep.
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The latest version of Android, Android 15, is expected to arrive on supported Samsung Galaxy phones starting in early 2025. Compatible models include Galaxy S series (S21 or newer), Galaxy Z series (Z Flip 3 or newer), Galaxy A series (A14 or newer), Galaxy F series (F15 or newer), Galaxy M series (M15 or newer), and Galaxy Tab series (Tab S8 or newer).
Samsung’s One UI 7 has officially launched, starting with the new Galaxy S25 series of smartphones. It’s expected to come to older models, too, including the Galaxy S21 series and newer, Z Flip and Fold 3 series and newer, and A16 series and newer. Select M and F series smartphones will also receive the One UI 7 update.
While the A and S series of Samsung Galaxy phones cater to two different customers, there is an overlap in features and designs making both models worthy of consideration.
You should buy the A series if…
- You want a great-value smartphone that won’t break the bank (less than $500).
- There’s a generous installment plan or sign-on offer from your carrier.
You should buy the S series if…
- You want the most premium smartphone experience that Samsung offers and don’t mind paying for it.
- You value innovation and/or having the best display and camera performance.
The newest Samsung phone is the S25 series: Ultra, Plus, and the base S25 model. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a 256GB storage capacity, starts at $1,299.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the best camera of any Samsung phone and one of the best overall cameras on the market. It features a 200MP main camera along with four accompanying cameras, allowing it to take extremely high-quality shots, including close-up images and ultrawide photos. The S25 Ultra can also video record in up to 8K UHD quality at 30fps, making it one of the most capable phone cameras money can buy.
Two years later, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is still worth buying. Compared to 2024 and 2025 S series phones, the previous generation mainly falls short on Galaxy AI features and camera performance. Even then, for a now depreciated selling price, the Galaxy S23 covers a good 80% of the S25 experience. That makes it the perfect alternative to the latest Samsung phones, even if they’re now two years older.
The ZDNET team ran extensive tests on the top Android phones in 2025, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra took the top spot, with one of the sharpest and most color-accurate displays on the market, ample amount of RAM and storage, and an exceptional camera system that’s reliable even in dimmer environments.
Other Samsung phones we tested
Be sure to check out ZDNET’s comparisons of the best phones and Android phones available. I’ve also listed the top Samsung picks that didn’t make our list for your further consideration,
Smartphones Reviewed & Compared
