Samsung has been one of the leading smartphone brands for many years, often neck and neck with Apple’s iPhones for mobile domination — and for good reason. When it comes to Android devices, Samsung has been a real market leader, offering a diverse lineup of phones to suit a range of users and price points.
So, if you’re wondering what is the best Samsung phone, in this guide, we take a look at the best Samsung phone across different categories to help you find the device that will best suit your needs.
What is the Samsung Galaxy S range?
Samsung’s Galaxy S range is the flagship premium series released by Samsung each year. The current Samsung Galaxy S series includes the Galaxy S25, its larger counterpart, the Galaxy S25+, the powerful Galaxy S25 Ultra (with S Pen), the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge and lastly, the slightly more affordable Galaxy S25 FE.
Galaxy S25
The latest base S model, the S25 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and includes an Always-On display and adaptive refresh rate that switches between 1 and 120Hz, depending on your activity. This display is enhanced by Samsung’s Vision Booster technology for clearer visuals and colours in brightly lit environments.
The S25 range is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, which allows the S25 to process more AI functions on the device itself, rather than relying on the cloud.
The S25 features a 4,000mAh battery, on par with the Galaxy S24. However, updated software means you’ll get more use per charge on the S25 series, with an estimated 29 hours of video playback.
The back camera package includes a 50-megapixel (MP) main wide camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom. On the front you’ll find a 12MP selfie camera. This camera set up is the same found on the older S24 and S23 models, so those wanting better photography might not find it with the standard S25.
- Price: From $1,399
- Sizes: 256GB, 512GB
- Colours: Icyblue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow
Galaxy S25+
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ includes most of the same features as the base Galaxy S25, but in a larger package. The S25+ features a 6.7-inch display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,600 nits.
Complementing the S25+’s bigger display is a larger 4,900mAh battery, which is designed for all-day usage and up to 30 hours of video playback.
While not offering much extra on the S25 other than size, the S25+ could benefit those who enjoy having a bigger device, making streaming and mobile gaming bigger and better.
- Price: From $1,699
- Sizes: 256GB, 512GB
- Colours: Icyblue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow
Galaxy S25 Ultra (with S Pen)
The Samsung Galaxy Ultra series is Samsung’s play for former Galaxy Note users looking for a bigger screen and high-end design. The S25 Ultra features a 6.8-inch screen, slightly bigger than the S25+.
Much like the S25 and S25+, you’ll receive the Always-On display, a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a smooth 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, with adaptive colour tone and Vision Booster tech for better performance in sunlight. The S25 Ultra comes with a massive 5,000Ah battery capacity, with up to 31 hours of video playback from 100% charge.
Unlike the standard Galaxy S25 and S25+, the S25 Ultra’s camera comes with a slightly-revamped rear camera lineup. Alongside the 200MP main camera, 50MP periscope camera, and 10MP telephoto lens, you’ll get an upgraded 50MP ultra-wide camera. Next to tweaks to the camera hardware itself, the Ultra benefits from increased AI integration and new editing options, especially for video recording.
The enhanced S25 Ultra also includes the S Pen stylus for big-screen multi-tasking and productivity.
- Price: From $2,149
- Sizes: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Colours: Titanium Grey, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Silverblue
Galaxy S25 Edge
The Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung’s ‘beyond slim’ mode. Measuring just 5.8mm thick and weighing only 163g, it boasts a refined titanium frame and features a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display. Users will get a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and high peak brightness.
The S25 Edge features the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor as the rest of the S25 range. While the 3,900Ah battery is smaller than the rest of the S25 lineup, it’s still enough to comfortably get users through the day.
The S25 Edge is equipped with a high-resolution dual-camera system, including a powerful 200MP main wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide camera. You’ll find advanced features like Nightography and up to 10x AI Zoom, though it omits a dedicated telephoto lens for its slimmer profile.
- Price: From $1,849
- Sizes: 256GB, 512GB
- Colours: Titanium Silver, Titanium Icyblue, Titanium Jetblack
Galaxy S25 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) is a newer version of the flagship device range, boasting premium, fan-favourite features for a more accessible price point.
The S25 FE has a slightly weaker processor, the Exynos 2400 chip compared to the S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. It does, however, come with the same battery found in the S25+, with a 4,900mAh capacity. The triple-camera system delivers strong results, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. Users will find that the S25 FE comes equipped with the full suite of Galaxy AI features at their fingertips.
While the S25 FE doesn’t pack the full punch of the rest of the Galaxy S25 range, it does still make for a great value Samsung smartphone and would suit someone looking for an upgrade without a major price tag.
- Price: From $1,099
- Sizes: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Colours: Navy, Icyblue, Jetblack
What is the Samsung Galaxy A range?
The cheap phone space is a surprisingly crowded one, with phones from brands such as Nokia, Motorola, OPPO and TCL released every year with quality features packed into a more budget-friendly price tag. Samsung also competes in this space with its Galaxy A series, designed to offer a balance of essential and innovative features at an accessible price point.
While the A series doesn’t come with some of the flashy features seen on some other Samsung models, it balances functionality with affordability.
Galaxy A56 5G
Samsung’s A56 comes fitted with a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. With the Exynos 1580 chipset, the A56 offers an enhanced performance when compared to the previous year’s A series.
Both the A56 and A36 come with larger vapour chambers for longer gaming sessions, plus a 5,000mAh battery with 45-watt charging and SuperFast Charge 2.0 capability.
You’ll find a 12MP front lens with 10-bit HDR for brighter selfies, along with a triple camera system in the back. You’ll get a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
- Price: From $699
- Sizes: 128GB, 256GB
- Colours: Awesome Olive, Awesome Graphite
Galaxy A36 5G
The middle option in the 2025 A series lineup, the A36 has much of the same features as the A56 5G, with some slight differences. You’ll get the same 6.7-inch screen and 120Hz refresh rate, along with a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits.
The rear cameras include the same 50MP main lens as the A56, along with a 8MP ultra-wide camera and 5MP macro. You’ll also get the selfie-ready 12MP front-facing camera, plus a range of updated photography features including AI extras and night mode.
Samsung has included the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor for improved multi-tasking and gaming, and battery capacity is a hefty 5,000mAh. The A36 5G also comes with Awesome Intelligence features, plus Android 15 and One UI 7.
- Price: $549
- Sizes: 128GB
- Colours: Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black
Galaxy A26 5G
While not as powerful as other devices in the 2025 A series, the A26 does come with the Exynos 1380 processor, which is fast enough for everyday multi-tasking. It also has the same 5,000mAh battery size and supports 25W charging. Buyers will also get Awesome Intelligence, Android 15 and One UI 7.
Like the A56 and A36, the Galaxy A26 includes a triple camera rear lineup, plus a front-facing camera with a slightly-larger 13MP. The back cameras include a 50MP main lens, 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens.
- Price: $499
- Sizes: 128GB
- Colours: Black
What is the Samsung Galaxy Z range?
The Galaxy Z range is one of Samsung’s newest series, only dating back to 2019. The Z range is classed as Samsung’s ‘foldable’ series, which as the name suggests, means that the devices fold in some way. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are the latest releases in the Z Flip and Z Fold range, with improvements on features and specs from the previous models.
Galaxy Z Flip 7
If you’re looking for a more compact smartphone experience, the Z Flip 7 offers many premium Samsung features but with the added benefit of being able to fold in a more compact size. The Flip 7 features two displays; a 4.1-inch, 120Hz Super AMOLED FlexWindow cover screen and 6.9-inch folding Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display.
In previous versions of the Flip, customers weren’t able to access full integration on the cover screen. Now they can.
In the upgrades from the Flip 6 to the Flip 7, Samsung focused heavily on improving overall user experience. With improved hinge mechanism to minimize the visibility of the crease, a larger-than-ever 4,300mAh battery and the Exynos 2500 processor, the Flip 7 could make a great handset for someone wanting power with the convenience of a compact device.
- Price: From $1,799
- Sizes: 256GB, 512GB
- Colours: Coral Red, Jet Black, Blue Shadow
Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold is a more tablet-size device when fully opened, but can be folded in half to be the size of a standard phone. It features two displays; a 6.5-inch cover screen and a spacious 8.0-inch foldable internal screen, both with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
The internal display makes it easy for users to multitask with the ability to have multiple apps open and functioning simultaneously. The large-screen-optimized Galaxy AI has made tasks like photo editing easier, using its One UI 8 software.
For anyone after a phone that doubles as a work or creative productivity tool, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might offer the right multitasking and productivity features for your needs.
- Price: From $2,899
- Sizes: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Colours: Silver Shadow, Jet Black, Blue Shadow
What is the cheapest Samsung phone?
If you’re looking for cheap Samsung phones, you could consider older models from 2024 or earlier, or look at Samsung's mid-range phone releases.
Typically, the cheapest Samsung phone will be part of Samsung’s Galaxy A series. The Galaxy A series will often include a range of phones for different price points, with mid-range devices around the $700 AUD mark, and down to around $300 AUD.
What is the best Samsung phone?
The Samsung phone that will be best suited for you depends on things like cost, size, features and cameras. It is not surprising that the newest phones have the best technology and specs, however this does mean that these phones are the most expensive options.
Currently, the ‘best’ Samsung mobile phone, based on its premium features, is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is, of course, the most expensive phone in Samsung’s range.
Samsung phone plans
Where can I buy a Samsung phone-on-a-plan?
If you would prefer to avoid paying for your new Samsung mobile phone outright, you can choose to buy it on a plan from a telco, such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. While these telcos offer most of the latest phones from Samsung, they may not offer all devices in the range, so it is best to check with the telco directly.
Telstra phone plans for Samsung phones
Telstra offers a wide range of Samsung phones. However, considering the number of devices that Samsung releases each year, you might not find every Samsung phone available on a phone plan from Telstra.
Typically you’ll get the full suite of Samsung Galaxy S phones, along with the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold phones. Telstra might also stock some of the more budget-friendly phones in the Samsung Galaxy A series, but not all of them.
If you want your Samsung phone on a plan from Telstra, you’ll be able to pay off your device over a 12, 24 or 36-month payment period, or even outright. Whichever payment period you choose will determine how much you pay for your device each month, which you’ll then bundle with your choice of Telstra phone plan.
Optus phone plans for Samsung phones
Optus carries the big Samsung releases, including the Galaxy S series and Z Flip and Fold phones. You might also find stocks of selected budget-friendly Galaxy A phones on offer.
You can choose to pay off your Samsung phone over a 12, 24 or 36-month payment period, which will determine how much you pay for your device each month. Once you’ve selected your phone and payment period, you’ll then bundle with an Optus phone plan. All plans include 5G network access and once you use your fast data allowance, you can keep using your mobile data at the capped speed of 1.5Mbps.
Vodafone phone plans for Samsung phones
Like Telstra and Optus, Vodafone also carries a wide range of Samsung phones, including the premium Galaxy S series and Galaxy Z Flip and Fold phones. You might also find some of the Galaxy A series available if you’re looking for a cheaper phone.
You’ll be able to pay off your Samsung phone of choice over a 12, 24 or 36-month payment period and simply bundle with one of Vodafone’s phone plans. Vodafone’s postpaid plans offer 5G network access, plus you can keep using mobile data once you’ve gone over your plan’s inclusions, but at the capped speed of 2Mbps.
Best Samsung phone deals
For customers wanting to purchase their new Samsung outright, you might find Samsung runs its own sales throughout the year. Although, you may be able to find a better discount on your next Samsung phone through authorised sellers like Officeworks or JB Hi-Fi. Purchasing the phone outright means that as soon as you pay, even the discounted price, you own the phone completely.
Instead of purchasing the device outright, you can also find deals by committing to a phone-on-a-plan contract through a telco like Telstra, Optus or Vodafone. These plans allow you to purchase your phone over a 12, 24 or 36-month installments. The deals and discounts that you can get when you opt for a phone-on-a-plan are different from discounts when buying outright. The discounts are typically divided and taken off your monthly payments. This means that if you cancel before your contract length is up, you will likely forfeit your discount and have to pay whatever is remaining of the full-price cost of your phone.
When is the best time to buy a new Samsung?
There are a few times throughout the year when you can usually count on getting a discount on your new Samsung device.
- End of Financial Year sales (June/July)
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales (end of November)
- Boxing Day sales (26th December)
You can also often pick up discounts or bonus offers on the newest Samsung releases at launch (often when pre-ordering your device), while older devices might also be discounted around this time to make way for the latest series.
How do I choose the best Samsung phone for me?
While there are plenty of Samsung phones on the market, it might be a bit of an overwhelming choice. It may be tempting to choose one of the premium devices: after all, the more expensive the phone is, the better the phone is, right?
Choosing the best Samsung phone doesn’t always mean buying the most expensive phone. While a high-priced phone will usually have more advanced technology and specifications, that doesn’t mean cheaper phones don't also have good technology and features included.
Here’s a few things to consider when choosing which Samsung phone is best for you:
- Price: You’ll need to consider how much you are willing to spend on your new device. Weigh up the price against how often you’ll use any premium features.
- Use: It’s important to look at how you use your phone. Anyone who uses their phone for work or multitasking, might benefit from additional features like the S Pen or the Galaxy AI features.
- Size: If you like having a larger device and screen, you might benefit from the Galaxy S+, S Ultra or Galaxy Fold varieties.
- Camera: If you take a lot of photos and videos, a better camera setup might be a priority for you.
Ultimately, choosing the best Samsung phone will depend on your needs. While it’s tempting to buy a more expensive device, you might be able to save on the cost of your phone if you compromise on some features.
