The best Samsung phones of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Samsung has been on a roll this year. From launching a tri-fold phone and introducing a unique Privacy Display-equipped Galaxy S26 Ultra in Q1 to announcing the first compact book-style foldable in July, the company has shown its innovative might. While its mid-range phones might not be the best value, there’s no denying that the Korean phone maker has some of the best flagship phones on the market.

Like any other brand, Samsung has a model for every pocket and every budget. If you need a good everyday phone, there’s the Galaxy S26. If you want something compact, you now have two options with the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. If you want something durable, Samsung has rugged phones as well. And we have tested them all.

If you are in the market for an Android phone, you’re likely to consider Samsung. So, here are our picks for the best Samsung phones you can buy today.

What is the best Samsung phone right now?

After extensively testing the latest phones on the market, I’ve found that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the best Samsung phone right now. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a close second with the company’s top-of-the-line features and specifications, including an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, a 200MP camera system, and a unique display feature. However, I’ve been using the Fold 8 since launch, and it is still as joyful as ever. Its compact size and the ability to unfold into an iPad Mini-like aspect ratio is amazing. However, not everyone wants a folding phone or spend $1,900 on their next phone.

That’s why our runner-ups on this list are just as noteworthy. The smaller Galaxy S26 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 8, which folds into a pocketable square and is accessibly priced.

The best Samsung phones in 2026

Best Samsung phone overall: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Why we like it: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the best phone I’ve used this year. Sure, it doesn’t have the Privacy Display or a 200MP camera like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but it has the unique ability to combine flip pocketability and fold usability. Having a book-style foldable fit in my pocket like a small compact phone has been a game-changer. If you don’t want a big phone and have the money for it, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the best phone you can buy right now. It is thin, light and will fit almost any pocket.

The Fold 8 has more practical aspect ratios on both the cover screen and the folding screen. For the first time, a book-style foldable is great for both reading and consuming video content, without feeling cramped in either use cases. The latest Galaxy AI suite also brings some useful features like real-time call translation, voice commands that work across multiple apps, and MyFanCam. My real-world testing suggests these AI functions surpass those on competing Android devices in speed, consistency, and overall usefulness.

I miss having S26 Ultra’s anti-reflective screen, but the AMOLED display and a reliable 4,800mAh battery are good additions. It is paired with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip (with 12GB/16GB of RAM), which contributes to a more power-efficient experience. In my two months of use, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has consistently lasted me through full work days without any issues.

As for the cameras, you miss out on the telephoto lens, but the 50MP main sensor’s high-resolution mode is enough for up to 4x digital zoom. It also has an upgraded 50MP ultrawide camera that captures landscape and macro shots with greater detail and vibrancy.

Best no-compromise Samsung phone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Why we like it: While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 might be Samsung’s most innovative phone by design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is arguably the runner-up, flaunting its one-of-a-kind Privacy Display feature in a lightweight design. It is the most complete Samsung experience you can get on a phone. The device gets you top-of-the-line camera, an excellent screen, good battery life and reliable performance.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best flagship Android slab phone right now. It features a unique screen feature that allows you to protect the on-screen content from onlookers without needing a third-party screen protector. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, paired with 16 gigs of RAM and up to a terabyte of storage. The processor efficiency and a 5,000mAh cell keep it going throughout the day.

On the back, you get four cameras, with an upgraded and more reliable camera experience. I’ve noticed better shutter speed, consistency and night photography this year. There’s an S Pen too, if you like jotting down notes on your phone.

Best Samsung foldable phone for business: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the best foldable phone alongside the Fold 8. Its ultra-thin form factor and market-leading camera system in the US, making it a very good all-rounder.

Samsung took the traditional smartphone route when refining the outer display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and improved it further with the Fold 8 Ultra. It also added quality-of-life improvements like an anti-glare coating on the folding screen and made the phone easier to unfold. These two upgrades make a significant difference in daily life. Compared to the standard slab-style phone, you’re simply getting more screen with the Z Fold 8 Ultra, with a larger 8-inch display when unfolded.

Naturally, all the content I’ve been consuming on the phone, like video streaming, social media feeds, and Google Maps, is portrayed in a highly consumable manner; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. While the foldable doesn’t match its S26 Ultra sibling spec-for-spec, the foldable has a versatile camera system and reliable performance.

Best small Samsung phone: Samsung Galaxy S26

Why we like it: There is something about a small phone with flagship specs that gets our juices flowing. Not many phone makers produce flagship phones with 6.2-inch (or smaller) screens. They’re attractive because they’re more comfortable to use one-handed without compromising on specifications. Sure, the battery is smaller — it has to be, but beyond that, the Galaxy S26 is a powerful phone that checks all the right boxes.

With the S26 serving as the base model for the lineup that also includes the S26 Plus and the S25 Ultra, it rounds out a selection of phones of all sizes, sharing the same specifications throughout the lineup. So you’re not missing out on anything by choosing the smallest (and least expensive) flagship in Samsung’s arsenal. The company also upgraded the battery this year, so it can last an entrie day on medium use.

Best Samsung phone under $400: Samsung Galaxy A37 5G

Why we like it: For those prioritizing excellent value — getting the most “bang for your buck” — the Galaxy A37 5G presents a compelling case, potentially steering buyers away from the pricier S and Z series. There are three standout reasons why this device arguably surpasses other sub-$400 options: it boasts a fantastic AMOLED screen that smoothly ramps up to a 120Hz refresh rate, features a versatile triple-camera system headlined by a 50MP main sensor, and includes a 5,000mAh battery that lasted me well into the night.

With the A37 5G, Samsung focused on the features users value most at this price point. Compared older A-series devices, this model offers tangible upgrades like a more premium glass back. It is powered by a devcent Exynos 1480 chip, paired with 6GB/8GB of RAM, and enhancements to the camera system. Crucially, its inclusion in Samsung’s long software and security update commitment offers longevity rarely matched by competitors in this price bracket.

Best cheap Samsung phone: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

Why we like it: The Galaxy A16 5G brings desirable features like 5G connectivity and a large 5,000mAh battery to an impressively low $200 price point. This makes it a compelling option for consumers focused on value and essential capabilities.

For its budget price, the A16 5G includes some of the better specs I’ve seen in this range, including a sizable 6.7-inch 90Hz AMOLED display, expandable storage up to 1TB, a capable 50MP main camera for day-to-day shots, and four years of security updates. My hands-on testing found the phone surprisingly sturdy to manage, with a smooth display that’s great for browsing and watching shows.

Why choose a Samsung as your smartphone of choice?

While previous comparisons have placed Apple ahead of Samsung regarding the overall phone experience, Samsung is arguably the best option in 2026. 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.

When compared to the Google Pixel lineup specifically, Samsung wins out by having a more robust software experience, with greater customizability for users to modify settings, home screen setups, app behaviors, and more. Historically, Google has leaned on Samsung to debut the latest software features, such as Circle to Search and enhanced Gemini, so you can count on Galaxy phones to field more innovative capabilities sooner.

Which Samsung phone is right for you?

Factors to consider when choosing a Samsung phone

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 A37 or A57 5G.
• Special features: If there’s one thing that differentiates most Samsung phones from other manufacturers, it’s unique features. From the S26 Ultra with its built-in stylus and 200MP camera to the foldable screens of the Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, 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.

How we test Samsung phones

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.

Latest news on Samsung phones

Samsung recently announced the Galaxy S26 FE, which is more expensive than before. You are better off buying the Galaxy S26 or S26 Plus instead of the new FE. The company also announced all-new foldables a couple of months ago, and the wide-screen Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been a fan favoritre.

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 2026:

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.

FAQ on smartphones in 2026

Latest updates

• August 2026: Overhauled the best list and replaced several models, based on our recent testing. The new models included are Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy A37 5G.
• February 2026: Added information about Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event, where we expect to see the Galaxy S26 series unveiled.

Other Samsung phones we tested

Best compact alternative: Samsung Galaxy S25

Besides the Z Flip 7, the Galaxy S25, with its 6.2-inch display, can be considered one of the best compact Samsung phones available right now.

It doesn’t flip or fold, but the Galaxy S25 still packs a 4,000mAh battery, a more capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and enough RAM to power its suite of Galaxy AI features.

Best durable alternative: Samsung Galaxy XCover7

If you’re looking for a modern Samsung phone that can handle drops, bumps, and harsh environments, consider the XCover7 model, which features a large screen and rugged build.