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When discussing the Android camp, Samsung is practically unavoidable. Its flagship models have consistently been among the top tier. Similar to Apple, Samsung has been extending software support cycles in recent years, providing longer updates for everything from system updates to security patches, which is a significant advantage for long-term use.

However, this is also the problem – Samsung has just too many product lines. From entry-level to flagship, there are models at every price point, which seems like a lot of choices, but can easily make people feel overwhelmed.

Ultimately, which one is more worthwhile depends on your budget and needs. I’ll now review some of the more representative models to help you clarify your choices.

Best Samsung phones recommended: Galaxy S26 and S26+

If you’re considering buying a Samsung phone, the Galaxy S26 should be your first choice. These phones don’t have many flashy upgrades, but they’re very reliable. The price is indeed a bit higher than the previous generation, but the base storage is now 256GB, which makes up for the lack of practicality.

The difference between the S26 and S26+ can be simply summarized as screen size. The S26 has a smaller 6.3-inch screen, while the S26+ has a larger 6.7-inch screen, making watching videos and playing games more comfortable. There are also some differences in details such as charging, but the core experience is actually quite similar.

In daily use, neither phone has any glaring weaknesses. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which can be reduced to 1Hz to save power depending on the usage scenario, achieving a good balance between smoothness and battery life. Performance-wise, it’s equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, handling it effortlessly. Battery life is consistently solid.

The imaging system retains Samsung’s familiar style, featuring a triple-camera setup covering the main camera, ultra-wide-angle lens, and 3x optical zoom, offering a good balance between photos and videos. New video features like Horizon Lock provide better stability when shooting while moving, proving quite practical. The front-facing camera also maintains flagship-level performance, sufficient for selfies and video calls.

If I had to choose, I’d lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S26. The experience is already quite complete, and the price is relatively more reasonable. The problem with the S26+ is its somewhat awkward positioning; the price is close to the Ultra, but the core differences aren’t that significant. If your budget allows, you might as well consider the Ultra directly, as it offers a more noticeable improvement in imaging and functionality.

Best upgrade option: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

If you want to go straight for the top-of-the-line model in this generation from Samsung, then it’s basically the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Its positioning is very clear: it gives you everything it can, with few compromises. One interesting point this year is the addition of the so-called “privacy display” feature.

Simply put, it means the screen is almost completely invisible from the side, and this feature is built into the hardware, not just a simple screen protector effect. You can also customize it, for example, by enabling it only when certain apps are open, or only for notifications. If you turn it to a higher intensity mode, the screen will become slightly washed out, but the content will still be almost completely invisible from the side, which is quite useful for handling some private information.

In terms of overall configuration, the S26 Ultra and the standard version share many similarities, and their appearance styles are also unified. However, its “flagship status” is still evident in the details. For example, it uses a more durable front panel glass, offers up to 16GB of storage and 1TB of RAM, and boasts faster charging speeds. In addition, with a more comprehensive cooling system, it offers better stability during extended gaming sessions or when running high-load applications.

The real difference lies in several key aspects of the user experience. First, there’s the S Pen. Those who don’t use it might not notice it, but once you get used to it, it’s hard to put down. In terms of imaging, this generation’s main camera has been upgraded to 200 megapixels, and it adds 5x optical zoom to the existing 3x zoom, significantly enhancing its practicality. Combined with a larger aperture, the resulting photos are more stable in brightness and detail, especially in low-light conditions where the difference becomes even more apparent.

Although the S26 Ultra is still the largest in the series, it has been optimized for thinness and lightness this year, so it doesn’t feel as heavy in the hand as before. Battery life remains a strong point, and with normal use, it can basically last until the next day, so you don’t need to look for the charger frequently.

Best foldable screen choice: Galaxy Z Fold7

If you’re looking to try a foldable screen and have a generous budget, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is arguably the most representative model in Samsung’s lineup right now. While its price is indeed high, the user experience is increasingly approaching that of traditional flagship phones, moving beyond just being an “early adopter.”

Compared to the S26 Ultra, the Fold7 isn’t as significantly different as one might imagine. It retains most of the essential daily functions, and the system experience is complete, without any noticeable sense of something being missing. The main differences lie in two areas: it lacks a built-in S Pen (at least not as standard), and it doesn’t offer 5x optical zoom. However, the difference in imaging isn’t as dramatic; both use a 200MP main camera, and the Fold7 retains 3x zoom, which is perfectly adequate for everyday photography.

The most noticeable change in this generation is the feel. Samsung has clearly put a lot of effort into controlling the thickness and weight; the entire device is thinner and lighter, and the body proportions are slightly wider, making one-handed operation and typing more comfortable than before. The large screen when unfolded is still very appealing for watching videos or multitasking. In terms of build quality, it maintains Samsung’s consistent standards; the hinge is stable, opening and closing is smooth, and creases do not significantly affect the appearance during normal use.

However, battery life is still an issue to be addressed. Light use can easily last a day, but if you frequently use the inner screen, such as watching videos or working for extended periods, the battery drain will be more noticeable, requiring more frequent charging.

If your only need is a phone that can be used as a tablet, and you’re not too concerned about the price, then the Fold7 is definitely one of the more reliable options currently available. However, if you value battery life or exceptional camera performance more, then a traditional flagship might be a better fit for you.

A more sophisticated clamshell design: Galaxy Z Flip7

If you’re looking for a lighter, more fun foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is arguably Samsung’s most mature offering to date. While I personally prefer Motorola’s flip phone design, this generation of Flip is definitely more “like a normal phone” than previous generations, making it less cumbersome to use.

The most noticeable change in this generation is the external screen. The size has increased to 4.1 inches, displaying more information and making everyday tasks like checking messages and controlling music much more convenient. However, it’s a bit awkward that if you want to run full applications directly on the external screen, you have to install an additional Multistar tool, making it less “out-of-the-box” usable.

When unfolded, it reveals a large 6.9-inch screen. The display quality is excellent, with good brightness and color reproduction, making for a great experience when watching videos or browsing content. Performance is also worry-free, running smoothly for everyday use and most applications. However, heat management is a minor issue; the device temperature rises noticeably during prolonged use or under heavy loads.

Battery life remains a persistent issue for this form factor. Light use can last a day, but if you frequently use the inner screen or take many photos and watch videos, you’ll generally need to charge it in advance—something to be prepared for. Imaging performance is adequate but not particularly impressive; there are no obvious weaknesses. Compared to competing products in the same category, it even falls short in some scenarios, which is somewhat unexpected.

Overall, the Flip7 feels more like a clamshell phone with a “more polished experience.” It may not be the strongest in its class, but it excels in balance and stability. Combined with its portability and design, it’s quite appealing for everyday use.

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