Galaxy A12
Simply the fundamentals (Replace: Restricted availability)
Samsung has a rising assortment of Galaxy telephones to select from. In case you have an enormous finances and need a large display screen with Samsung’s finest digital camera, the $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely is your most suitable option. However there’s additionally the budget-friendly Galaxy A12, which prices lower than $200. On prime of that, there are many selections in between.
Samsung simply launched the Galaxy S23 lineup in February, which means you should not have to fret about these fashions feeling outdated anytime quickly. We’ll replace this listing periodically as we take a look at extra Samsung gadgets.
Samsung Galaxy telephones in contrast
| Mannequin | US beginning worth (at launch) | Display dimension |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S23 Extremely | $1,200 | 6.8 inches |
| Galaxy S23 Plus | $1,000 | 6.6 inches |
| Galaxy S23 | $800 | 6.1 inches |
| Galaxy S21 FE | $700 | 6.4 inches |
| Galaxy A53 5G | $450 | 6.5 inches |
| Galaxy Z Fold 4 | $1,800 | 6.2 inches (cowl); 7.6 inches (foremost) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 4 | $1,000 | 1.9 inches (cowl); 6.7 inches (foremost) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 3 | $900 (new lower cost as of 8/22) | 1.9 inches (cowl); 6.7 inches (foremost) |
| Galaxy A12 | $180 | 6.5 inches |
Methods to decide the best Samsung cellphone for you
Like many buying choices, deciding which Samsung cellphone is best for you comes right down to what you need in a cellphone and the way a lot you are prepared to spend. If you need the most important display screen obtainable on a typical Samsung cellphone, take pleasure in notetaking with a stylus and want a digital camera with a considerably nearer zoom, the Galaxy S23 Extremely is the best alternative. However you may additionally must be prepared to spend greater than $1,000 except you rating a trade-in deal.
Those that do not want the stylus, want extra compact gadgets and nonetheless need a top-notch digital camera ought to think about the Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus. And for those who actually simply need the fundamentals, like a spacious display screen, 5G and an honest digital camera, think about the Galaxy A53 5G. These on the lookout for the flashiest tech round — who even have deep pockets — ought to think about the Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Galaxy Z Flip 4. Samsung usually releases new variations of its foldable telephones in August, so think about whether or not you’d reasonably wait to see what the subsequent mannequin has in retailer.
It is also essential to think about whether or not now’s the best time to improve. In case you have a comparatively new cellphone that is two to 3 years previous and nonetheless features correctly, you possibly can in all probability wait. Samsung has additionally dedicated to supporting 4 generations of Android working system updates for gadgets just like the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy A53 5G, which improves their longevity.
Watch this: Galaxy A53 5G Evaluation: Samsung’s $450 Cellphone Feels Extra Costly Than It Is
Discovering one of the best Samsung cellphone will in the end come right down to desire. Selecting amongst so many choices can get sophisticated, so this is methods to resolve which Samsung cellphone is finest for you. Try our cellphone shopping for information for extra tips about how to decide on the best system. Unsure whether or not it is value upgrading to the Galaxy S23? We’ve a information for that too.
Greatest Samsung telephones in 2023
The Galaxy S23 is so much, however in a great way. It is greater than most individuals want in a cellphone, however that does not make it any much less spectacular. Samsung made enhancements to the digital camera’s decision (200 megapixels in contrast with 108 megapixels), shade tones and dynamic vary, whereas retaining the identical edgy design and big 6.8-inch display screen as its predecessor. There’s additionally a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized particularly for Samsung’s telephones, which brings sooner efficiency in contrast with the Galaxy S22 Extremely.
Beginning at $1,200, it might be an understatement to name this cellphone costly. However these prepared to pay extra for a large display screen and a high-quality, versatile digital camera will not be disillusioned. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely evaluation.
The Galaxy S23 Plus is the Goldilocks of smartphones. It isn’t too large, but it surely’s not too small both. The S23 Plus’ 6.6-inch display screen is giant sufficient to fulfill those that want bigger telephones, but it surely does not really feel as gargantuan because the 6.8-inch Galaxy S23 Extremely. In contrast with the Galaxy S22 Plus, the S23 Plus has a brand new processor, an even bigger battery and extra storage within the base mannequin, though the digital camera is kind of the identical. If you need a cellphone with an enormous display screen that does not really feel gigantic, a high-quality digital camera and a beautiful design, the Galaxy S23 Plus is the way in which to go. Learn our Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus evaluation.
Android followers on the lookout for a petite cellphone do not have a lot to select from. However the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 offers a compelling choice for individuals who need a cellphone that feels compact however nonetheless offers sufficient display screen area. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a recent processor (a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that is been optimized for Samsung’s telephones), a barely new design and a higher-resolution selfie digital camera. Nevertheless it’s the Galaxy S23’s bigger battery that makes it value recommending. Learn our full evaluation of the Galaxy S23.
The Galaxy A53 offers the fundamentals for roughly half the value of the Galaxy S23. It has a a lot bigger display screen and extra versatile digital camera than Apple’s budget-friendly cellphone, the $429 iPhone SE, although Apple delivers snappier efficiency.
Nonetheless, Samsung followers will admire what they’re getting right here contemplating the reasonably priced worth. The Galaxy A53 5G has an ultrawide lens for taking images with a broader discipline of view and in addition helps night-mode images. Picture high quality is not nearly as good as what you’d get on a costlier Samsung cellphone just like the Galaxy S21 FE or Galaxy S22, but it surely’s definitely clear and colourful sufficient for fundamental photographs. Different highlights embrace a long-lasting battery, 4 assured generations of Android working system updates and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Total, the Galaxy A53 5G is an appropriate alternative for individuals who prioritize having a big display screen and lengthy battery life for lower than $500. Simply take into accout you may need to take care of some occasional lag, and the digital camera is not as superior as these discovered on pricier telephones. Additionally keep in mind that Samsung simply introduced the Galaxy A54, which matches on sale in April. Learn our Samsung Galaxy A53 5G evaluation.
Normally priced at $1,800 (yikes!), the Galaxy Z Fold 4 nonetheless prices considerably greater than your common smartphone. However the newest model of Samsung’s book-style foldable is crammed with small enhancements that add as much as a way more nice total expertise. The hinge is thinner, the system is barely lighter and the duvet display screen is a bit wider, making it really feel extra pure to make use of as a cellphone when closed. That is on prime of different routine smartphone upgrades like a greater digital camera that is much like the Galaxy S22’s and a brand new processor. Our reviewer Patrick Holland known as it his “favourite Android pill.”
If you have already got a Z Fold 3, it isn’t value upgrading. However for those who’re prepared to spend large (or can discover a good trade-in deal) and are interested by a cellphone that may double as a pill, the Z Fold 4 is the way in which to go.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 evaluation.
If the Galaxy Fold is a pill that folds in half to grow to be a cellphone, the Z Flip is a cellphone that folds in half to grow to be a smaller cellphone. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a era older than the newly launched Galaxy Z Flip 4. However we suggest it over the Z Flip 4, because it’s cheaper whereas nonetheless providing lots of the similar advantages. The Z Flip 4 has a brand new processor, bigger battery, a brand new foremost sensor for taking higher low-light images and a barely tweaked design. That may sound like so much, however these modifications come collectively to make solely a barely improved expertise over final 12 months’s Flip 3.
With the Z Flip 3, you are still getting a 6.7-inch show that folds in half and may simply slide right into a denims or jacket pocket. The duvet display screen can also be the identical dimension on each telephones, and the Z Flip 3 and 4 every have related cameras and 5G connectivity. At round $1,000, it is now probably the most reasonably priced foldable cellphone Samsung sells. Until you’ll find the Z Flip 4 at a reduction that makes it the identical worth because the Z Flip 3, we suggest going for final 12 months’s cellphone.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 evaluation.
The Galaxy A12 is likely one of the least expensive telephones Samsung sells and it is the one to think about for these of you who merely need a cellphone for all of life’s necessities. Should you do not take care of extravagant cameras or supercomputer-levels of processing energy, you will not must pay for them with this mannequin. It does not have 5G, but it surely does have 4 rear cameras, a 6.5-inch show and a capacious 5,000-mAh battery. Given the commonly low calls for of the specs, that battery ought to simply final a full day.
The digital camera is likely one of the largest elements that distinguishes the Galaxy A12 from Samsung’s different inexpensive telephones. Throughout CNET’s testing, the Galaxy A12 took noticeably higher images than the cheaper Galaxy A03S and Galaxy A02S, particularly in low mild. Simply keep in mind you may probably have to purchase a microSD card because the A12 solely comes with 32GB of built-in storage.
Simply keep in mind, there are newer variations of this cellphone, together with 2022’s Galaxy A13 and the lately launched Galaxy A14, each of which help 5G and provide different enhancements. We’ll replace this story as soon as we have examined these gadgets. Because the Galaxy A12 is an older system, it is also getting troublesome to search out. Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless discover a refurbished model on Amazon or a brand new mannequin from AT&T.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy A12 evaluation.
The primary S20 “Fan Version” severely impressed us with its stability of efficiency and worth, and the Galaxy S21 FE took that additional in 2022 with a strong triple digital camera, a vibrant show and the identical highly effective processor discovered within the Galaxy S21 from 2021. It has a 6.5-inch display screen, making it an excellent alternative for individuals who need a cellphone that is bigger than the common Galaxy S22 or S23 at a extra cheap worth. Though it is lacking among the Galaxy S22 and S23’s bells and whistles — like improved night time images and a more moderen processor — this cellphone has a sharper front-facing digital camera for selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S21 FE faces some robust competitors from Google’s Pixel 6A, however for those who’re after an excellent total Samsung cellphone and do not need to pay prime greenback for the flagships, then the S21 FE is properly value contemplating.
Learn our Samsung Galaxy S21 FE evaluation.
Samsung cellphone FAQs
Why purchase a Samsung cellphone as a substitute of different Android telephones?
The suitable cellphone for you is determined by a wide range of elements, reminiscent of your finances, your present cellphone and whether or not you personal different cellular equipment from the identical firm (like earbuds or smartwatches). Many individuals want to stay with telephones from the identical firm as a result of the expertise is extra constant and there is much less of a studying curve when switching to a brand new system.
The identical holds true for Samsung; the corporate’s One UI software program (its personalized model of Android) might be discovered throughout its cellphone lineup. Samsung’s One UI 5 launched a extra customizable lock display screen and the flexibility to reply a cellphone name via a textual content message as a substitute of talking.
Consistency apart, there are some advantages to picking a Samsung cellphone over gadgets from different Android cellphone makers. Samsung often excels in the case of show high quality and brightness, and it usually gives quite a lot of alternative when it comes to dimension and pricing. Samsung telephones often provide first rate battery life — particularly the middle-sized to giant telephones — and the cameras are often among the many finest, particularly on the Galaxy S23 lineup. Samsung additionally gives 4 years of Android model updates for many of its new smartphones, which is longer help than even Google offers for its Pixel telephones.
Nonetheless, Google’s Pixel gadgets even have stellar cameras together with particular software program options you possibly can’t get elsewhere. The OnePlus 11 can also be cheaper than the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Extremely at common worth with no trade-in and gives sooner charging speeds. It could possibly be a better option for individuals who need to pay rather less however nonetheless need a large 6.7-inch display screen and triple rear digital camera.
Which Samsung cellphone sequence is finest, Galaxy A or Galaxy S?
Samsung’s Galaxy A and S households serve totally different functions, so which one is best for you will rely in your wants and finances. The Galaxy A lineup is Samsung’s midtier and finances line, and it is the only option for those who’re on the lookout for a cellphone below $500 with no trade-in deal. These telephones usually provide core options like an enormous display screen, giant battery and a number of cameras at a less expensive worth.
However you additionally get what you pay for. Samsung’s least expensive telephones have very restricted space for storing, poorer cameras in comparison with the pricier fashions and typically battle with juggling a number of duties. Nonetheless, costlier telephones just like the Galaxy A53 5G present nearly every thing most individuals need in a fundamental cellphone, though you may nonetheless must compromise a bit on digital camera high quality and common efficiency.
The Galaxy S sequence, then again, is Samsung’s flagship smartphone line. Galaxy S telephones often embrace one of the best tech that Samsung has to supply on the time and embrace options you’d anticipate on any high-end cellphone, reminiscent of a premium design, 5G help, screens with excessive refresh charges and a number of high-end cameras. The largest updates that launched with the Galaxy S23 lineup, for instance, included the bump to a 200-megapixel foremost digital camera on the Extremely and larger batteries for the smaller fashions. Nonetheless, you may must be prepared to pay a whole lot of {dollars} greater than you’d for a Galaxy A sequence cellphone usually.
How we take a look at Samsung telephones
We take a look at Samsung telephones much like the way in which we take a look at most smartphones: by evaluating core traits like digital camera high quality, battery life, software program, efficiency, design and total worth in comparison with competing gadgets.
To evaluate the digital camera high quality, we take images in numerous lighting situations to see how the digital camera performs in several eventualities. Then, we examine these outcomes to the identical images taken on competing gadgets or earlier fashions (in lots of circumstances each.) We additionally take a look at numerous taking pictures modes utilizing totally different lenses, particularly specializing in new or distinctive options (just like the Galaxy S23’s Extremely’s zoom).
We typically take a look at battery life by assessing how lengthy the battery lasts throughout a typical day, and by seeing how shortly the battery drains after streaming a YouTube video for 3 hours at full brightness. This take a look at is not all the time included in our preliminary evaluation as a result of it will probably take a full day to finish since we often run it 3 times to verify outcomes are constant. Older critiques previous to 2023 used a special battery drain take a look at that assessed how lengthy the battery lasts throughout steady native video playback.
Efficiency is measured anecdotally through the use of the cellphone and thru benchmarking apps. Design is subjective, however we search for issues like construct high quality, how snug the cellphone feels to carry and the way a lot display screen area it offers for the dimensions. For software program, we search for distinctive options that will not be obtainable on different telephones, ease of use and replace longevity.
