Samsung and its greatest tech rival, Apple, are involved in a never-ending smartphone fight. Some may argue that Samsung is the clear winner, if not on all fronts, at least in terms of value for money. Unlike its Californian rival, Samsung has inundated the market with a slew of Galaxy phone models ranging from the dirt-cheap Galaxy A12 to the colossal Galaxy S21 Ultra.
The Samsung phone you select will be determined by a number of factors. When making this decision, you’ll most likely consider your budget first, but you’ll also want to consider screen size, display quality, battery life, and camera features. Before you go to the store to buy your next Samsung phone, read our breakdown so you can make the best decision possible.
The best Samsung smartphones to buy
1. Samsung Galaxy S21/S21 Plus: The best for flagship lovers
Samsung made a strong start to the new year with the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus. Although not much has changed from last year’s Galaxy S20, if you’re looking for a new flagship smartphone as 2021 gets underway, there’s simply nothing better, regardless of which Galaxy S21 you choose.
To begin, Samsung’s latest all-singing, all-dancing smartphone has received a substantial cosmetic overhaul, with a new camera housing, matte finish, and color options. The huge 6.2in 120Hz screen is back, as is the triple camera array, but the modifications on the processor front are the most significant. Samsung’s Exynos chip is no longer behind its Qualcomm counterpart, and it not only outperformed its Qualcomm counterpart in our CPU testing, but it also has better battery life.
2. Samsung Galaxy A21s: The best budget Samsung phone
If you don’t want to spend flagship-sized sums on the latest and best Samsung, the Galaxy A21s is an excellent option. The Galaxy A21s isn’t the flashiest smartphone on the market, but where it counts, it’s a great smartphone that’s packed with features for a low price.
Samsung has managed to cram a total of five cameras onto the device, which is quite generous considering the price. It has a large 48MP camera with a macro, wide-angle, and depth-sensing lens, which is amazing. Samsung knows how to produce a good smartphone, and the Galaxy A21s, which comes with Android 10, a sleek design, and a beautiful screen, exceeds our expectations.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: The best foldable worth buying
Samsung’s next-generation foldable phone could be the first worth purchasing. The problems have been worked out, and the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a significant upgrade over prior models, with a new robust build and, for the first time, IPX8-rated waterproofing. With a stronger inner screen, improved hinge, and a more durable “Armour Aluminium” frame, it’s unquestionably the first clumsy-proof foldable.
It’s also a little less expensive than last year’s model, though it’ll still cost you a pretty penny if you decide to buy one. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the most expensive smartphone on the market right now, but it’s certainly worth it if you can afford it, especially since it has the most powerful mobile processor yet, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, and the new big-screen-friendly UI upgrades are a great delight. This is the phone to acquire if you want to get “ooh’s” and “aah’s” from your pals while simultaneously having a lot of money burning a hole in your pocket.
4. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Fan-tastic value
Now that the Galaxy S21 is out in stores, you might be tempted to save some money and go for the Galaxy S20 from last year instead. However, it’s possible that Samsung’s mid-generation update, the Galaxy S20 FE, snuck past you, and if that’s the case, it’s well worth considering as your next smartphone.
The Galaxy S20 FE (or, Fan Edition) is a complete package, cheaper than the S20, with improved battery life and speedier performance. If you’re put off by the newer Galaxy S21 lineup’s exorbitant costs, the Galaxy S20 FE is undoubtedly the next best thing.
