Technology

Best Samsung Phone of 2025

Best Samsung Phone of 2025


There are plenty of great Samsung phones to suit your lifestyle and budget. There’s the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, which have solid performance, good cameras and long-lasting batteries. If you want a more versatile camera setup, consider the more expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra. For a novel design, you can opt for Samsung’s pricier foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. If you need a cheaper option, Samsung has the $200 Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A26, A36 and A56, which range from $300-500 and were announced at MWC; we look forward to testing and reviewing those devices soon. Our roundup aims to help you pinpoint the best Samsung phone for you.

What is the best Samsung phone?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — priced at $1,300 — comes packed with maximum features which, for most people, is more than necessary. For the rest of us, the $800 Galaxy S25 is a standout among its Galaxy counterparts. It has the same Snapdragon customized chip and RAM as the S25 Ultra, runs the same version of Android and costs $500 less.

The Galaxy S25 has a very capable triple rear camera setup that is versatile in capturing both bright outdoor scenes and candid moments inside under mixed lighting. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ideal for Android fans who prioritize fast performance, versatile cameras and a spacious, bright screen. 

How to pick the right Samsung phone for you

Deciding which Samsung phone is right for you comes down to what you want in a phone and how much you’re willing to spend. If you want the largest screen available on a standard Samsung phone, enjoy note-taking with a stylus and need a camera with a significantly closer zoom, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the right choice. You’ll also have to spend $1,300 unless you score a trade-in deal. 

Those who don’t need the stylus, prefer more compact phone and still want a good camera should consider the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25 Plus. If you just want the basics, like a spacious screen, 5G and a decent camera, consider the Galaxy S24 FE. Those looking for the flashiest tech around — and who also have deep pockets — should consider the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or Z Fold 6. 

Finding the best Samsung phone will ultimately come down to preference. Choosing among so many options can get complicated, so here’s how to decide which Samsung phone is best for you. Refer to our phone buying guide for more tips on how to choose the right device.

Best Samsung phones in 2025

Pros

  • Best screen on any phone
  • Versatile cameras
  • Most powerful phone I’ve tested
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • $1,300 price
  • Design is almost too minimal
  • AI features are hit-or-miss
  • S25/S25 Plus have similar features and cost less

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra which has a lot of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which unreliable. Luckily, Samsung gets a lot of other things right on the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide camera, and some sweet pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone including that antireflective display) but some of its worst parts, too, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs scale back on any of those fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year’s S24 Ultra, may be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.

Why we like it

The reason to get the Ultra over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is truly the best I’ve seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features like ability to record in Log format gets the Ultra as close as it’s ever been to the iPhone in terms of professional video capture.

Who it’s best for

If you have a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It’s harder to make that case for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone’s battery is ailing or they can score an incredible discount, should otherwise sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don’t need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.

Who shouldn’t get it

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price. The regular Galaxy S25 has the same functionality, power and longevity, and it costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.

Pros

  • Matte finish
  • New main camera take good photos
  • 7 years of OS updates
  • Auto zoom for photos

Cons

  • $1,100 starting price is high
  • Cover screen is a step down in quality from the internal one
  • Adding apps to cover screen is wonky

For better or worse, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldable is packed with AI. It can take a rough sketch and turn it into artwork or help me have a conversation in French or Korean despite me only knowing a few words of either language. The new autofocus/auto zoom feature lets you prop the phone in a half-open position, the Z Flip 6 will automatically zoom in or out (switching between the main and ultrawide cameras) to get a photo that best suits the moment. But the AI features are the least impressive aspects of the the Z Flip 6.

Samsung’s latest clamshell style foldable has a new 50-megapixel main camera, a smaller hinge and crease, a larger battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. But all this comes at a higher starting price: $1,099 which makes it hard to appreciate the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for the absolute great phone that it is. Read our full review for the Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Why we like it

Samsung’s latest clamshell style foldable has a new 50-megapixel main camera, finally putting it on par with non-folding flagship phone cameras. The hinge is smaller and helps reduce the size of the crease on the internal screen. It has a new chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and 12GB of RAM for flagship performance. There’s even a larger battery. For all intents and purposes, the new Z Flip 6 is a Galaxy S24 that can fold in half – which is fantastic.

Who it’s best for

If you already have a Samsung phone and have been itching to try a flip phone, then then the Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings the software and features you’re used to in a cutting-edge design that is equally nostalgic and seemingly futuristic.

Who shouldn’t get it

If you spend a ton of time around dirt or sand, this phone isn’t for you.

Pros

  • Camera consistently delivers good images
  • Impressive battery life
  • More AI features feel practical

Cons

  • Several gimmicky AI features
  • Not many changes over the S24

The Galaxy S25’s biggest flex that I noticed while testing is it shares many of the same attributes as its pricier counterparts, the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra – but it does so for several hundred dollars less. You’ll find features like the AI Select tool, Audio Eraser and deeper Gemini integration across all of Samsung’s S25 devices, as well as a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB RAM – making the smaller phone of the bunch still seem pretty mighty. 

And while the Galaxy S25 might look incredibly similar to the S24 and share many of the same specs, consistency isn’t so bad when it means there’s a consistently good camera and great battery life. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 review.

Why we like it

Having a baseline phone, like the Galaxy S25, that delivers many of the same perks as more expensive models, is a huge plus in my book. And given the remarkable processing power, standout camera and seamless AI integration in the Galaxy S25 lineup, it’s great that I can get all those premium features for $800.

Who it’s best for

If you’re someone who insists on buying a flagship device, the Galaxy S25 won’t let you down. but if you have a device that’s two years old or more, you might be enticed to tap into all the latest Galaxy AI and integrated Gemini features. Now, $800 isn’t pocket change, and there are definitely other options for those who want to be more budget conscious, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the baseline S25 can be a great all-around choice.

Who shouldn’t get it

You probably don’t need to upgrade if you’re using last year’s S24.

Pros

  • Excellent software and security support
  • 25-watt wired charging
  • Eye-catching Light Blue color option

Cons

  • Slow performance
  • Single audio speaker
  • Mediocre photography

Editor’s Note: Samsung has also released the Galaxy A16.

Samsung’s $200 Galaxy A15 5G is an easy choice for someone looking to buy a phone that will last for years. Samsung provides it with four years of software updates and five years of security support, which in this price range is unparalleled. Plus the phone supports 25W wired charging that in my testing was able to charge half of its big 5,000-mAh battery from empty in 30 minutes. I also like the eye-catching light blue option.

A $200 phone has to have some compromises. The Galaxy A15 5G feels sluggish compared to competing phones like Motorola’s $200 Moto G 5G, and as an entertainment machine falls short with its single audio speaker that is blocked by accident when you hold the phone sideways for games and video. Photography, which is typically a weak point on phones in this price range, is similarly mixed with decent photography in outdoor environments while struggling to photograph lowlight spaces. This makes the Galaxy A15 5G an easy choice for when you just need a phone that can handle the basics, but you may want to consider other options if you are looking for the best pocket YouTube player in this price range.

Pros

  • Lightning fast charging
  • Nice big screen
  • 7 years of OS and security upgrades
  • Great performance with games, movies and animations

Cons

  • Battery life is a day, similar to baseline S25
  • Similar specs as the S25 at a higher price
  • Rival phones at the same price have better cameras

If the baseline Galaxy S25 appeals to you but you’d rather have a bigger screen and higher battery capacity – without upgrading all the way to the Ultra – the S25 Plus may be the phone for you. The entire S25 lineup shares many features, from AI capabilities to processing power to memory, so the Plus may be a viable choice if you’re looking for something right in the middle.

That said, the Plus’ minimal upgrades over the baseline S25 may not justify the $200 price difference. But if a bigger phone just feels better to hold and you’d rather have a 4,900 mAh battery (over the S25’s 4,000mAh one), then that $1,000 starting price might ultimately be worth every penny. Read CNET’s full Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review.

Why we like it

While the baseline S25 checks all the key boxes, the S25 Plus can simply feel like a more comfortable device to use, especially if you’re a fellow member of the bigger hands club. In addition to sharing many of the same features as the pricier S25 Ultra, the S25 Plus has a higher battery capacity than the baseline model — though in CNET’s tests, there weren’t any major discrepancies in how the two batteries actually performed. Still, sometimes you just want to live a little larger, and this phone can be the perfect fit.

Who it’s best for

If you like having a larger screen to watch movies or play games on, the S25 Plus can be a great choice. While the S25 Ultra might be a top pick for someone who wants both a bigger phone and the most premium features, the S25 Plus can be that goldilocks device that meets you right in the middle — without you having to spend $1,300 on the Ultra.

Who shouldn’t get it

If you want the absolute best in terms of cameras, don’t get the S25 Plus. For $1,000 phones like the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro have better cameras. Or if you can afford to buy a $1,300 phone, check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra which has an amazing set of lenses

Pros

  • Larger and more symmetrical front screen
  • Improved design with less noticeable crease
  • Inner screen is best on any foldable phone I’ve used
  • Better ultrawide camera than previous Fold 5
  • 7 years of software upgrades

Cons

  • $100 more expensive than the Z Fold 5
  • Mediocre charging speeds and battery life that mostly gets through a day
  • New software features don’t add more benefit to the foldable design

With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung is getting closer to its goal of making a device that doubles as a phone and a tablet without compromising too much in either direction. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has an improved design with a sleeker look that’s easier to grip, a less noticeable crease, a new processor and an upgraded ultrawide camera.

But it’s really the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s big, bright and crisp internal screen that makes it the best choice for those who want a foldable phone for entertainment. However, be prepared to spend a pretty penny: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at an eye-watering $1,900, making it $100 more expensive than last year’s Z Fold 5 was at launch. Read our Sasmung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in-depth review.

Why we like it

With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung finally achieved its goal of making a foldable that can truly replicate the experience of a traditional phone while doubling as a sleek tablet. Roughly five years after the original Galaxy Fold’s launch, Samsung’s book-shaped device has gotten lighter, slimmer, more durable and natural to use as a phone; a seemingly mundane but necessary improvement.

Who it’s best for

If you can get past the sticker shock, there’s a lot to love about the Galaxy Z Fold 6. I just don’t know how many people are willing to fork over $1,900 to experience it. Carriers and retailers still offer some discounts that knock down that high price, but those deals usually come with conditions like trading in an eligible device or opening a new line of service.

Who shouldn’t get it

Samsung also hasn’t provided the two biggest things I’m looking for in tablet-style foldable phones: more affordable prices and innovative software that makes better use of their dual screens.

Best Samsung phones compared

Product Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Samsung Galaxy Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.5-inch FHD Plus Super AMOLED; 2,340 x 1,080 pixels; 90Hz refresh rate 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate; 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate 6.3-inch AMOLED; 2,376×968 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate; 7.6-inch AMOLED; 2,160×1,856 pixels;1-120Hz variable refresh rate
Pixel density 416 ppi 509 ppi 501 ppi 416 ppi 420 ppi Cover: 306 ppi; Internal: 425 ppi Cover: 410 ppi; Internal: 374 ppi
Dimensions (inches) 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in. 6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in. 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. 5.79 x 2.78 x 0.3 in. 6.3 x 3.02 x 0.33 in. Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 in Open: 6.04×5.21 x0.22 in; Closed: 6.04×2.68×0.48 in
Dimensions (millimeters) 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm 147 x 71 x 7.6 mm 160 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm Open: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm Open: 153.5×132.5×5.6mm; Closed: 153.5×68.1×12.1mm
Weight (grams, ounces) 162g (5.71 oz.) 190g (6.70 oz.) 218g (7.69 oz.) 168g (5.93 oz.) 201g (7.09 oz.) 187g (6.6 oz) 239g (8.43 oz)
Mobile software Android 15 Android 15 Android 15 Android 14 Android 14 Android 14 Android 14
Camera 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) 50-megapixel (wide), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto)
Front-facing camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel 12-megapixel 12-megapixel 13-megapixel 10-megapixel 4-megapixel (inner screen under-display); 10-megapixel (cover screen)
Video capture 8K 8K 8K 8K 1,080p at 30 fps TBD 8K
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mediatek Dimensity 6100 Plus Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM + storage 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 8GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB 4GB RAM + 128GB 12GB + 256GB, 512GB 12GB + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storage None None None None Yes None None
Battery 4,000 mAh 4,900 mAh 5,000 mAh 4,000 mAh 5,000 mAh 4,000 mAh 4,400 mAh
Fingerprint sensor Under display Under display Under display Under display Side Side Side
Connector USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C
Headphone jack None None None None Yes None None
US starting price $800 (128GB) $1,000 (256GB) $1,300 (256GB) $800 (128GB) $200 (128GB) $1,100 (256GB) $1,900 (256GB)

In January 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra to our list. The new phones replace last year’s Galaxy S24 series and come with new processors and cameras–all at the same price.

Get more for less with cheap phones: For a fraction of the cost, you can get a solid phone that does almost everything a pricier flagship phone can do. The Galaxy S24 FE packs a good camera and costs only $650 before discounts or trade-in offers.

Test your phone: It’s worth going to a store and trying out a phone before you shell out hundreds of dollars for it.

Find peace of mind with a case: You spent all this time picking a phone, now protect it from damage with a case.

Be ready for Cyber Monday sales: The holidays usually bring big discounts and sales, even on phones.


Show more

galaxy s25 ultra 1023612

We test the battery, screen, performance, cameras and more on every phone we review.

Lisa Eadiciccio/CNET

We test every phone in real-world scenarios focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates or to compare against new phones from competitors like Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.

Photography

Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting levels. We try out any new camera modes such as 4K 120fps slow motion video that debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max or AI reframe and focus on the Motorola Razr Plus (2024).

img 3157

Lisa Eadiccico/CNET

Battery life

Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use, and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, which isn’t always included in the initial review and is added later in an update.

Performance

We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.

screenshot 2025 04 05 at 1 21 27pm

Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET

We use benchmarking apps to measure the performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Of particular note are how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.

Read more: How We Test Phones

p1022692 mp4 00 00 27 15 still001

The Galaxy S24 FE does a decent job taking photos, but the more expensive Galaxy S24 uses its more powerful processor to enhance them.

Numi Prasarn/CNET

Samsung’s $650 Galaxy S24 FE is such a comfort to use that at moments our reviewer, Mike Sorrentino, felt like he was testing a scaled-back version of the $1,000 Galaxy S24 Plus. The S24 FE’s large 6.7-inch 120Hz refresh-rate display made it easy for me to enjoy streaming shows, playing games and taking video calls throughout the day. And it includes nearly every software perk from the more expensive Galaxy S24 line. Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

Why buy a Samsung phone instead of other Android phones?

The right phone for you depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, your current phone and whether you own other mobile accessories from the same company, such as earbuds or smartwatches. Many people prefer to stick with phones from the same company because the experience is more consistent and there’s less of a learning curve when switching to a new device.

The same holds true for Samsung; the company’s One UI software (its customized version of Android) can be found across its phone lineup. Samsung’s One UI 6 introduced a more customizable lock screen and the ability to answer a phone call through a text message instead of speaking.

Consistency aside, there are some benefits to choosing a Samsung phone over devices from other Android phone makers. Samsung usually excels when it comes to display quality and brightness, and it typically offers a lot of choices in terms of size and pricing. Samsung phones usually offer decent battery life — especially midsize and large phones — and the cameras are usually among the best, especially on the Galaxy S25 lineup. Samsung also offers seven years of Android version updates for most of its new smartphones, which is longer support than even Google provides for its Pixel phones.

Google’s Pixel devices also have stellar cameras along with specific software features you can’t get elsewhere. The OnePlus 13 is also cheaper than the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra at regular prices without a trade-in and offers faster charging speeds. It could be a better choice for those who want to pay a little less but still want a giant 6.82-inch screen and triple rear camera.


Show more

Which Samsung phone series is best, Galaxy A, S or Z?

Samsung’s Galaxy A and S families serve different purposes, so which one is right for you will depend on your needs and budget. The Galaxy A lineup is Samsung’s mid-tier and budget line, and it’s the best choice if you’re looking for a phone under $500 without a trade-in deal. These phones typically offer core features like a big screen, large battery and multiple cameras at a cheaper price. 

You also get what you pay for; Samsung’s cheapest phones have very limited storage space and poorer cameras compared with the pricier models, and they sometimes struggle with juggling multiple tasks. More expensive phones like the Galaxy A35 5G provide almost everything most people want in a basic phone, although you’ll still have to compromise a bit on camera quality and general performance. 

The Galaxy S series, on the other hand, is Samsung’s flagship smartphone line. Galaxy S phones usually include the best tech that Samsung has to offer and features you’d expect on any high-end phone, such as a premium design, 5G support, screens with high refresh rates and multiple high-end cameras. The biggest updates that launched with the Galaxy S25 lineup, for example, included the bump to a 200-megapixel main camera on the Ultra and bigger batteries for the smaller models. You’ll have to be willing to pay hundreds of dollars more than you would for a Galaxy A series phone in most cases. 


Show more

Samsung teased the Galaxy S25 Edge at its January Galaxy Unpacked event. Not much is known about the phone aside from it being more slim than the regular Galaxy S25. Here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. And this summer, if Samsung sticks to it’s regular release schedule, we should see the company’s new foldables: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.





Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *