The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best Samsung phone to come out in 2026. This device has some of the best cameras on the line, it has a battery which according to one of the reviewers will last more than 24 hours with screen brightness turned up, and also a built-in S Pen. Should $1,300 be too expensive, the Galaxy A57 worth $549.99 will offer the best screen/battery combo at an affordable price.
Samsung markets its smartphones in four categories: S series flagship, the foldable phones, A series mid-range, and FE series. All the listed phones are currently available for purchase.
How we picked them. Comparisons were made between specs available in literature and product reviews, and lab test results on TechRadar, Tom’s Guide and GSMArena. References for all sources have been provided at the end. Prices shown are US launch prices, so you can expect them to vary in your locality.
The top Samsung phones to own in 2026 in brief
|
Phone |
Best for |
US launch price |
Standout spec |
|
Galaxy S26 Ultra |
Best overall |
$1,299.99 (256GB) |
200MP main camera, 5,000mAh battery |
|
Galaxy S26 |
Best compact flagship |
$899 (256GB) |
6.3-inch screen, up to 1,950 nits |
|
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra |
Best foldable |
$2,099 (256GB) |
8-inch inner screen, 3x telephoto |
|
Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
Lighter foldable |
$1,899 (256GB) |
Light and pocketable |
|
Galaxy Z Flip 8 |
Best flip phone |
$1,199 (256GB) |
6.9-inch inner, 4.1-inch cover screen |
|
Galaxy A57 |
Best value |
$549.99 (8GB/128GB) |
45W charging, 6.9mm body |
|
Galaxy A37 |
Cheapest A-series pick |
$449.99 (6GB/128GB) |
6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
|
Galaxy S25 FE |
Flagship features for less |
$649 (128GB) |
3x telephoto, 7 years of updates |
Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung’s S26 Ultra was released on February 25, 2026, and its availability date is March 6, 2026. The new device does not represent the upgrade of the previous one, so the latter becomes obsolete, but follows the former’s example. At the same time, innovations are made primarily in the areas visible to all people: camera, battery, and privacy screen.
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with 120Hz and Privacy Display
- Chip and memory: 8 Elite Gen 5 Snapdragon for Galaxy with 12 or 16GB RAM
- Camera: Main: 200MP, Telephoto: 50MP 5x, Telephoto: 10MP 3x, Ultra-Wide Angle: 50MP, Selfie: 12MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh capacity battery, 60 W wired charger, 25 W wireless charger
- Software: Android 16 at its launch had a maximum of 7 OS updates
- Prices: 256 GB for 1.299,99 € 512 GB for 1.499,99 € 1 TB for 1.799,99 €
The camera alone serves as a reason for spending the money. The larger aperture settings of the main and 5x lenses help to lower the noise levels of the nighttime images, and, based on the information from TechRadar’s review, the image quality can rival that of an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The battery life is just as impressive too. The same reviewer got over 24 hours with full brightness at 120 Hz and nearly two days at less brightness. GSMArena mentions 60 W charging to nearly 75 percent in 30 minutes.
Pros come with cons. Titanium has been traded for aluminum frames. The Privacy Display makes the screen slightly dull and narrows the view angle. The magnets for Qi2 work only when encased. Besides, there are many AI-based features and not all of them do what they should. In one of the tests, the Gemini app stated to have booked a ride that was not booked.
If you want to get the best Samsung camera, go ahead and buy it, knowing that you’ll have it for many years.
Best compact flagship: Samsung Galaxy S26
If large-sized phones put you off, then this is the perfect phone for you. The Galaxy S26 features a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1,950 nits of brightness, 50MP primary camera, 12GB of RAM with either 256GB or 512GB storage. It costs $899.
It comes with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy in most parts of the world, while in some places, they receive the Samsung Exynos 2600. Its charging capacity is 25 watts wired and 15 watts wireless.
Drawbacks include the fact that it costs more than the previous year’s model and the cameras, which have not been upgraded. Battery life is also lower compared to the Ultra. Tom’s Guide found its battery life to be 11 hours and 28 minutes, while the Ultra lasted 16 hours and 10 minutes.
Best Samsung folding phones: Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8
The latest foldable from Samsung was released in August 2026. Samsung currently has two different models of its Fold series, which have been increased by $100 from last year’s price point.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: best foldable ever
The phone Ultra is fitted with an 8-inch interior screen and 6.5-inch cover screen, all of which have 120Hz AMOLED. The following cameras are included in this smartphone: 200MP Primary Camera, 50MP Ultra-wide Angle Camera, and 10MP 3X Telephoto Camera. It uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for the Galaxy processor and features 12GB/16GB RAM with 45 watts wired and 20 watts wireless charging. The price of the smartphone in the US consists of 2,099 for 256GB, 2,299 for 512GB, and 2,699 for 1TB.
Pros in Tom’s Guide review include: The brilliant and non reflective screen, the battery and both rear and front facing camera. Cons in the review are: Poor telephoto camera, lack of S Pen and an increase of $100 in its price.
Galaxy Z Fold 8: the lighter, cheaper Fold
The Fold 8 comes with the 8 inches screen, and 6.5 inches screen but weighs less than the other model. The main camera is 50MP and 50MP ultrawide while lacking a telephoto lens. The base price for 256GB is $1,899.
These differences exist; there is no dust protection, no S Pen, and some applications do not yet work well with its large inner display. Go with this one if you prioritize weight over zoom capability.
Galaxy Z Flip 8: the best flip phone
The Flip 8 has a 6.9 inch inner display, a 4.1-inch cover screen, a 50-megapixel rear camera, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide. It uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, with 12GB or 16GB of RAM.There are 25W wired charge and 15W wireless charge. Its price is set at $1,199 for 256GB and $1,399 for 512GB.
It’s faster than the Flip 7, remains highly visible outdoors, and is very small to be carried in one’s pocket. However, it’s also $100 more expensive, its battery life gains are negligible, it looks old-fashioned, and its camera systems have not been upgraded.
These prices for Fold 8 and Flip 8 in the US are based on third-party information of Samsung’s prices in the US market. Please check the Samsung store before purchasing.
Best value Samsung phones: Galaxy A57, A37 and S25 FE
Not everything must cost $1,000 to be a good Samsung phone. The A-Series and FE models pretty much meet the needs that a phone fulfills.
Galaxy A57: the best mid-range Samsung
Samsung’s A57 features a Super AMOLED+ screen that measures 6.7 inches with 120Hz refresh rate and can go up to 1,900 nits bright. Samsung A57 Camera Specifications include 50 MP main camera, 12 MP Ultra-Wide camera, 5 MP Macro, and 12 MP Selfie camera. It has a processing speed of Exynos 1680 with 8GB/12GB RAM, and a 5000 mAh battery with 45 watts charging.
It comes equipped with One UI 8.5 and Samsung provides six years of updates for the OS and security. Its price in the United States is $549.99 for 8GB and 128GB, while $609.99 for 8GB and 256GB.
Tom’s Guide enjoys the battery performance, camera, and the fact that it comes equipped with the same AI technology as the S26. However, people criticize the return of the 5MP macro camera, lack of upgrades compared to the previous model, and a $50 increase in the price.
Galaxy A37: the cheaper A-series pick
The A37 has all the features that come with the A57, including a 6.7 inch 120 Hz Super AMOLED display, 5,000 mAh battery, 45W fast charging and support for six years of updates. However, the phone comes with less powerful hardware, an Exynos 1480 chipset, 8 MP ultrawide camera and is bulkier at 7.4 mm thickness and 196g weight.
According to the TechRadar comparison, the A57 is the superior device, while the A37 is the one to opt for when price is the most important factor. The less powerful processor of the A37 could also be responsible for its marginally longer battery life, but this aspect had not been tested.
Galaxy S25 FE: flagship features for less
The Fan Edition of last year is still worth getting for $649. It features a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED panel, the Exynos 2400 processor, 8GB of RAM and triple camera setup with 8MP 3x telephoto lens, which is not available in the A-series. Samsung gives out seven years of software support, and the charging power is 45W wired and 15W wireless.
But the issue is the battery life, which Tom’s Guide clocks at 10 hours and 22 minutes compared to 11 hours and 13 minutes on the A57. The differences from the S24 FE are very few.
How to pick the right Samsung phone
Firstly, find out the type of budget that you need to make.
- Under $500: The Galaxy A37 boasts a good screen and a long battery life, addressing the basic needs satisfactorily.
- $500 to $650: In conclusion, the Galaxy A57 is the superior all-around phone. Select the S25 FE in lieu of a telephoto camera and a seven-year update period.
- Around $900: Galaxy S26 should be your choice if you need a small yet speedy phone.
- Around $1,300: For the phone that has the best camera, the longest battery life, and the S Pen, it is the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Foldable, big screen: Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. If you prefer to save money and weight, go for the Fold 8.
- Foldable, small pocket: The Galaxy Z Flip 8.
This is what you have to look out for prior to payment:
- Which chip your region gets. The S26 model has the Exynos 2600 rather than the Snapdragon.
- How long updates last. The A57 and A37 receive six updates, while the S25 FE receives seven updates. The S26 Ultra will have up to seven major operating system updates.
- Storage. Because the S26 Ultra lacks an expansion slot for microSD cards, get the one you will need for three years.
The prices stated herein are US launch prices. It is necessary to mention the fact that the cost of local tax and warranty varies, so it is better to contact several retailers first.
FAQs about Samsung phones in 2026
Which Samsung mobile phone is the best in 2026?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. This mobile phone is equipped with a 200 MP primary camera, 6.9 inches, 120Hz display, 5000 mAh battery, and S Pen, with a basic cost of $1,299.99.
What is the best camera on a Samsung phone?
The camera specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra phone include a 200MP primary camera, 50MP 5X periscope telephoto, 10MP 3X telephoto, and 50MP ultra-wide camera.
What is the best cheap Samsung phone?
The Galaxy A37 costing $449.99 is the most affordable among the selected ones. The Galaxy A57 at $549.99 is recommended for those who afford it.
Which Samsung phone has the best battery life?
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. The battery life in the Tom’s Guide review was 16 hours 10 minutes, which is the best for Samsung models according to this source. TechRadar’s reviewer managed to get more than 24 hours with the screen brightness set to 120Hz.
What is the best Samsung foldable?
For a large interior display and the best camera system on a folding phone, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the way to go. However, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 would be a better option for a compact device.
How long do Samsung phones get software updates?
A57 and A37 will receive six years of operating system and security updates, while the S25 FE and S26 Ultra will receive seven years and seven major Android updates respectively.
Is there a Samsung Y21?
No. We haven’t come across any Samsung mobile with that name. Y21 is the name of a Vivo device released in 2021. If you were looking for a cheap Samsung, the Galaxy A37 and A57 listed above are your best bet.
Sources
This information was taken from these sources, accessed on October 26, 2026.