Given the sheer number of devices that it releases every year, finding the best Samsung phones can often prove to be a challenge for most customers. It doesn’t matter if you want a flagship or a budget device. Samsung offers plenty of options for all price ranges.
To make it easier for you to find the one that best suits your needs, our expert reviewers have created this list of the best Samsung smartphones. We’ll explain precisely why a device has made it onto our list and provide you with links to their detailed reviews. This will help you cut through the noise and make an informed decision.
Our Best Samsung Phone List For March 2023
Our March 2023 list has a great variety of phones, including the Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series. We have also included some of the good Samsung phones in the mid-range and affordable categories that are currently available.
Best Samsung Phone – Spec monster: Galaxy S23 Ultra
The “Ultra” model is always the spec monster and the Galaxy S23 Ultra is no different. Samsung has also refreshed the design while retaining the signature boxy silhouette of the Galaxy Note models before it. You’ll find a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Samsung is shipping the Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset worldwide as there’s no Exynos variant this time around. The device can be purchased with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage or 12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB/1TB storage. S Pen support is also present and it can be stored inside the device.
A 5,000mAh battery is keeping the lights on and has support for 45W wired fast charging. Samsung has equipped this device with some very powerful cameras. It comes with a 200-megapixel primary sensor in addition to a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, two 10-megapixel telephoto cameras that provide up to 10x optical and up to 100x Space Zoom. There’s a 12-megapixel selfie camera as well. New camera software enhancements have been made to significantly elevate the low-light photography and videography quality.
There’s no denying that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the king of Android phones in 2023. Even Samsung won’t be releasing another device that has the kind of outrageous specs that it does and its rivals will certainly struggle to match the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Reasons to buy: Sleek design design, great cameras, Qualcomm chipset, bright display.
Who should buy: Samsung super fans, power users, photography and videography enthusiasts.
Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs | Galaxy S23 Ultra Hands-on | Buy Galaxy S23 Ultra on Amazon
General Information
-
Model Name
Galaxy S23 Ultra
-
Model type
Bar
-
Colors
Phantom Black (Phantom Black)Cotton Flower (Cotton Flower)Botanic Green (Botanic Green)Misty Lilac (Misty Lilac)
-
Announced
2023, February
-
Released
2023, February
Physical specifications
-
Dimensions
Bar: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
-
Weights
233g
-
IP rating
IP68
Operating system
-
Operating system
Android 13
-
One UI version
5.1
Networks
-
SIM
Dual SIM model
-
SIM card sizes
Nano-SIM
-
Networks
2G3G4G5G
-
eSIM support
Yes
Display
-
Kind
Main Display
-
Name
Infinity-O Display
-
Technology
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
-
Size
6.8 inch / 172.72 mm
-
Resolution
WQHD+ / 3088x1440 pixels
-
Pixel density
500 PPI
-
Refresh rate
120Hz
Best Samsung Phone – Productivity: Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
There’s no question about it, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra tops our list as the best Samsung phone for productivity. Samsung has made a number of meaningful improvements to its latest flagship smartphone, particularly the S Pen upgrades. The S Pen latency has been dropped to 9ms in order to provide a more fluid and natural experience with the stylus.
The 6.9-inch Galaxy Note 20 Ultra also comes with the latest in smartphone technology as well as 5G support. It happens to be the first Samsung smartphone to feature a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate display.
This is actually the first time that a Samsung phone has had a variable refresh rate. The Galaxy Note 20’s display switches between 10Hz, 30Hz, 60Hz and 120Hz. It depends on whatever’s being shown on the screen. This is done to save power by not using the maximum refresh rate in circumstances where it’s not necessary. Pretty neat.
Samsung has also significantly improved the camera setup compared to its predecessor. There are several new software features and new camera modes that enable customers to get the most out of this $1,299 flagship. All of this makes the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra stand out as one of the top Samsung phones of 2023. Since it can be picked up for cheaper than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it remains a great S Pen alternative for those who’d rather not spend top dollar on the company’s latest flagship.
Reasons to buy: Best display on a smartphone, wireless DeX, gorgeous design, enhanced camera functionality and great battery life.
Who should buy: Note loyalists, power users, mobile gamers, vloggers and content creators.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Specs | Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Review | Buy Galaxy Note 20 Ultra on Amazon
General Information
-
Model Name
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
-
Model type
Bar
-
Colors
Black (Black)Bronze (Bronze)White (White)
-
Announced
2020, August
-
Released
2020, August
Physical specifications
-
Dimensions
Bar: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm
-
Weights
208g
-
IP rating
IP68
Operating system
-
Operating system
Android 11
-
One UI version
3.0
Networks
-
SIM
Dual SIM model (Hybrid SIM slot)
-
SIM card sizes
Nano-SIM (4FF)
-
Networks
2G3G4G
-
eSIM support
Yes
Display
-
Kind
Main Display
-
Name
Infinity-O Display
-
Technology
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
-
Size
6.9 inch / 175.26 mm
-
Resolution
WQHD / 3088x1440 pixels
-
Pixel density
496 PPI
Best Samsung Phone – Compact: Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung made us all wait quite a bit for the Galaxy S21 FE and finally unveiled it in early 2022. It takes the baton from the Galaxy S20 FE which was a very successful device. It retains the compact DNA with a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Galaxy S21 FE provides flagship-level performance with its 5G-enabled Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 chipsets, availability varies by market. There’s 6/8GB RAM with 128/256GB of storage. A 4,500mAh battery is present with support for 25W wired fast charging. Samsung has equipped the device with a 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide and 8MP telephoto rear cameras with 30x Space Zoom. There’s a 32MP selfie camera on the device as well.
Even though it’s part of the Galaxy S21 series, the Fan Edition model has a distinct advantage. Samsung has confirmed that the entire Galaxy S21 lineup will get four years of Android OS upgrades. Unlike the other handsets, the Galaxy S21 FE shipped with Android 12 out of the box.
This means that while other Galaxy S21 models are supported until Android 15, the Galaxy S21 FE is supported until Android 16. At $699, this represents an incredible value proposition for customers who want what flagship phones have to offer but at a more attractive price point.
Reasons to buy: Solid specs, refreshed design, impressive performance, four years of Android OS upgrades.
Who should buy: Samsung fans on a budget, those who prefer not changing phones frequently.
Galaxy S21 FE Specs | Galaxy S21 FE Review | Buy Galaxy S21 FE on Amazon.com
General Information
-
Model Name
Galaxy S21 FE
-
Model type
Bar
-
Colors
Graphite (Graphite)Lavender (Lavender)Olive (Olive)White (White)
-
Announced
2022, January
Physical specifications
-
Dimensions
Bar: 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm
-
Weights
177g
-
IP rating
IP68
Operating system
-
Operating system
Android 12
-
One UI version
4.0
Networks
-
SIM
Dual SIM model
-
SIM card sizes
Nano-SIM (4FF)
-
Networks
2G3G4G5G
-
eSIM support
No
Display
-
Kind
Main Display
-
Name
Infinity-O Display
-
Technology
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
-
Size
6.4 inch / 162.6 mm
-
Resolution
FHD+ / 2400x1080 pixels
-
Pixel density
411 PPI
-
Refresh rate
120Hz
Best Samsung Phone – Foldable: Galaxy Z Fold 4
At first glance, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 may look similar to its predecessor, but it has a lot going for it that makes it stand apart. For starters, this is the lightest Galaxy Z Fold model yet. It’s also the most durable, with a tough Armor Aluminum frame supported by Gorilla Glass Victus+.
The 6.2-inch cover and 7.6-inch Infinity Flex display both have slimmer bezels and retain the 120Hz refresh rate. The Under Display Camera on the internal foldable display is much better hidden this time around. S Pen support for the internal display is also present. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is also IPX8 water resistant.
This is the first smartphone to ship with Android 12L. It’s a special iteration of Android for large screen devices like foldables. Android 12L brings several new features that help with multitasking. There’s a new Taskbar that makes it super easy to switch between different apps.
Samsung’s top-of-the-line foldable smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset with 12GB of RAM. It’s available with up to 1TB of internal storage. The camera department also gets improved with new sensors that deliver great low light performance.
Evidently, this is not just one of the best Samsung phones ever made, it’s the best foldable device on the market right now. At this rate, it may only be Samsung’s next foldable that’s able to beat it.
Reasons to buy: Improved durability, better cameras, exceptional performance and Android 12L.
Who should buy: Pro users, Samsung loyalists, and hype beasts.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Specs | Galaxy Z Fold 4 Hands-on | Buy Galaxy Z Fold 4 from Samsung
General Information
-
Model Name
Galaxy Z Fold 4
-
Model type
Foldable
-
Colors
Gray (Gray)Green (Green)Phantom Black (Phantom Black)Beige (Beige)Burgundy (Burgundy)
-
Announced
2022, August
-
Released
2022, August
Physical specifications
-
Dimensions
Unfolded: 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mmFolded: 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm
-
Weights
263g
-
IP rating
IPX8
Operating system
-
Operating system
Android 12L
-
One UI version
4.1.1
Networks
-
SIM
Dual SIM model
-
SIM card sizes
Nano-SIM (4FF)
-
Networks
5G2G3G4G
-
eSIM support
Yes
Display
-
Kind
Main Display
-
Name
Infinity Display
-
Technology
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
-
Size
7.6 inch / mm
-
Resolution
QXGA+ / 2176x1812 pixels
-
Pixel density
374 PPI
-
Refresh rate
120Hz
-
Kind
Cover Display
-
Name
Infinity-O Display
-
Technology
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
-
Size
6.2 inch / mm
-
Resolution
HD+ / 2316x904 pixels
-
Pixel density
387 PPI
-
Refresh rate
120Hz
Best Samsung Phone – Mid-range: Galaxy A53 5G
The Galaxy A53 5G is the perfection of the winning formula that Samsung achieved with the Galaxy A52. It has made meaningful improvements to the device to elevate its status as the mid-ranger to beat. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Samsung mid-range smartphones in 2023. Samsung has made minimal changes to the design while giving it powerful new internals.
The device’s 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s powerful new 5nm Exynos 1280 chipset is coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The camera setup on the Galaxy A53 includes an optically stabilized 64MP main sensor with a 12MP ultrawide, 5MP depth and 5MP macro camera.
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A33 with a bigger 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. However, there’s no charger in the box. The 3.5mm headphone jack has been removed as well. The company will provide four years of Android OS upgrades for the device.
Reasons to buy: Powerful new processor, good camera, 120Hz refresh rate display, bigger battery, great software support.
Who should buy: Millennials, mobile gamers and customers who want an affordable yet powerful device.
Galaxy A53 Specs | Galaxy A53 Hands-on | Pre-order Galaxy A53 on Amazon
General Information
-
Model Name
Galaxy A53 5G
-
Model type
Bar
-
Colors
Black (Black)White (White)Peach (Peach)Blue (Blue)
-
Announced
2022, March
-
Released
2022, April
Physical specifications
-
Dimensions
Bar: 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm
-
Weights
189g
-
IP rating
IP67
Operating system
-
Operating system
Android 12
-
One UI version
4.1
Networks
-
SIM
Dual SIM model
-
SIM card sizes
Nano-SIM (4FF)
-
Networks
2G3G4G5G
-
eSIM support
No
Display
-
Kind
Main Display
-
Name
Infinity-O Display
-
Technology
Super AMOLED Display
-
Size
6.5 inch / 165.10 mm
-
Resolution
FHD+ / 2400x1080 pixels
-
Pixel density
407 PPI
-
Screen to body ratio
~84.9%
-
Refresh rate
120Hz
Best Samsung Phone – Budget: Galaxy A33
The Galaxy A33 5G is truly a solid budget smartphone from Samsung. It comes with a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Samsung has made it a lot more powerful than its predecessor as it comes with the same Exynos 1280 chipset as the Galaxy A53 5G. There’s also up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
The camera setup at the back includes a 48MP optically stabilized primary sensor with an 8MP ultrawide, 2MP depth and 5MP macro sensor. This, coupled with the powerful internals, makes this a great budget Samsung phone.
A 5,000mAh battery keeps the lights on with support for 25W fast charging. Samsung has also committed to providing four years of Android OS upgrades for the Galaxy A33.
Reasons to buy: Powerful new processor, simple design, 5,000mAh battery, decent cameras.
Who should buy: Budget smartphone buyers and those who like simple phones.
Galaxy A33 Specs | Galaxy A33 Hands-on | Pre-order Galaxy A33 at Samsung.com
General Information
-
Model Name
Galaxy A33 5G
-
Model type
Bar
-
Colors
Black (Black)White (White)Blue (Blue)Peach (Peach)
-
Announced
2022, March
-
Released
2022, April
Physical specifications
-
Dimensions
Bar: 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm
-
Weights
186g
-
IP rating
IP67
Operating system
-
Operating system
Android 12
-
One UI version
4.1
Networks
-
SIM
Dual SIM model
-
SIM card sizes
Nano-SIM
-
Networks
2G3G4G5G
Display
-
Kind
Main Display
-
Name
Infinity-U Display
-
Technology
Super AMOLED
-
Size
6.4 inch / mm
-
Resolution
FHD+ / x pixels
-
Refresh rate
90Hz
Why These Are The Best Samsung Phones This Month
Samsung’s strategy has long been to offer something for everyone. We now have one of Samsung’s most diverse smartphone lineups. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a true beast and there won’t be many phones this year that can match its power. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is certainly one of the best Note devices, and also the last “true” Note from Samsung, as it builds on the feedback from Note loyalists and provides them with improvements they have long been asking for.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is one of the best foldable smartphones Samsung has ever made. It’s more powerful, durable and sleek. It also happens to be the first foldable smartphone to have support for the S Pen. That improves its credentials as a device for power users.
For customers who want the absolute bang for their buck, there’s the Galaxy S21 FE. It’s one of the first devices Samsung released in 2022. The handset has a great design, flagship-level specs and the promise of four OS upgrades all for a very competitive price.
The Galaxy A53 5G arrived in March 2022 to take the baton from Samsung’s popular Galaxy A52. The new handset will without a doubt become one of the best mid-range smartphones on the market. The Galaxy A53 5G features a powerful new chipset, faster charging speeds and a great design. Lastly, the Galaxy A33 also gets a major upgrade and it even brings water resistance to more affordable devices, making it worthy of a place on our list.