Buying Guide
Best Samsung Galaxy: Which Model Should You Buy in 2026?
Samsung's 2026 lineup is broad — five S25 variants, two foldables, and the A-series. Most placed at MKBHD's Smartphone Awards across 2024 and 2025. Here's every Galaxy ranked by which buyer it's right for.
Updated · By SmartphoneAwards Editorial
Galaxy S25 Ultra — best Galaxy overall
Runner-up Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. The S25 Ultra is the most capable Android phone in 2026 — S Pen, 200MP main, 5x periscope, brightest mainstream display, and 7-year update commitment. Who should buy it: power users who want everything Samsung makes, photographers who want the best Android zoom system, and anyone replacing a Galaxy S22 or earlier.
Galaxy S25 Edge — slim flagship pick
Runner-up Best Design at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. The slimmest Android flagship ever made (5.8mm). Same 7-year update commitment as the S25 Ultra in a dramatically more pocketable body. Who should buy it: design-first buyers who want a Galaxy in a slim form factor, and anyone who's used to thicker phones and wants something different. Tradeoff: smaller battery and dual-camera (no telephoto).
Galaxy Z Fold 7 — best book-style fold
Won Best Foldable at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Thinnest, lightest book-fold yet. 8.0-inch inner display + 6.5-inch outer. Who should buy it: productivity users who'd actually use a tablet-sized inner display daily, video watchers, and anyone replacing both a phone and a small tablet.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 — most pocketable Galaxy
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Most pocketable flagship Android. 4.1-inch cover screen now usable as a standalone for most quick tasks. Who should buy it: pocketability-first buyers who want a flagship that doesn't dominate their pocket, and anyone tired of 6.7-inch slabs. Tradeoff: shortest battery life in this list.
Galaxy S24 Ultra — best discounted Galaxy
Won both Phone of the Year and Best Big Phone at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Now $300+ off launch — same camera array, same S Pen, and same 7-year update commitment as the S25 Ultra. Who should buy it: budget-conscious buyers who want full Galaxy capability at a meaningful discount, or anyone who isn't drawn to Galaxy AI's newest features.
Samsung · From $1299
Galaxy A54 — cheapest reliable Galaxy
Won Best Value at MKBHD's 2023 Smartphone Awards. Now $249–$299 with updates through 2027. IP67 water resistance and a bright AMOLED display. Who should buy it: budget buyers who want a real Galaxy under $300, first-time smartphone buyers, and anyone setting up a child's first phone.
Quick decision: which Galaxy in 60 seconds
- **Want everything Samsung makes** → Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,299) - **Budget-conscious** → Galaxy S24 Ultra at the discount ($899–$999) - **Slim design** → Galaxy S25 Edge ($1,099) - **Want a tablet experience** → Galaxy Z Fold 7 ($1,899) - **Want pocketability** → Galaxy Z Flip 7 ($999) - **Compact non-folding** → Galaxy S24 ($599–$699 discounted) - **Cheapest** → Galaxy A54 ($249–$299)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best Samsung Galaxy in 2026?
Galaxy S25 Ultra — runner-up Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Most capable Android phone in 2026.
Should I buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra?
S24 Ultra at the discount — same camera array, S Pen, and 7-year update commitment as the S25 Ultra at $300+ less. The S24 Ultra was MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year.
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 worth $1,899?
Only if you'll actually use the inner display daily for productivity, video, or reading. For most buyers, the S25 Ultra at $1,299 is the more practical buy.