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Buying GuidesLast updated: 03 Jul 2026Posted byLiam Harris

Best Samsung Phones 2026: Flagship to Budget (Refurbished)

Best Samsung Phones 2026: Flagship to Budget (Refurbished)

Looking for the best Samsung phone? You've probably already decided you want more than just a phone; you want a device that works as hard as you do. Samsung packs its phones with sharp cameras, fast processors, and batteries that won't quit before you do. Android has plenty of options, but Samsung consistently comes out on top.

Choosing the right model comes down to how you use your phone and your budget. We've tested and reviewed the latest Samsung phones, then sorted them by what each one does best, so you can pick a device that fits your lifestyle without the guesswork.

What is the Best Samsung Phone?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the flagship everyone talks about, and for good reason. It's loaded with just about everything you could ask for: a world-first Privacy Display, an upgraded 200MP camera, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, and the built-in S Pen. For most people, it's overkill, but if you want the absolute best, nothing else in the Samsung lineup comes close.

That said, "best" depends on you. Want the Ultra experience for less? The S24 Ultra is the value pick, with its 200MP camera and built-in S Pen. After something compact? The S26. Prefer a big-screen flagship without the Ultra price? The S25 Plus. Love foldables? The Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 6 bring the wow factor. On a budget? The A36 punches well above its price. The table further down breaks down which Samsung suits which buyer.

Best Samsung Phones in 2026

Best Samsung Phones at a Glance

Not sure where to start? Here's the quick version, so you can jump straight to the Samsung that matches your priority and your budget.

Phone

Price (AUD)

Best For

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

$1,599

Best overall flagship

Samsung Galaxy S26

$1,199

Best compact flagship

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

$829

Best large-screen value

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

$799

Best camera & S Pen value

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

$719

Best big-screen foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

$639

Best flip foldable

Samsung Galaxy A36

$349

Best budget

Samsung Galaxy S Series: Flagship Power

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra


The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's crown jewel, and it shows. This is the phone for people who want the absolute best and aren't willing to settle. Bigger screen, elite cameras, the built-in S Pen, and a world-first Privacy Display that narrows your screen's viewing angle so the person next to you sees nothing while you see everything perfectly.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, it handles anything you throw at it. The 200MP main camera with a wider f/1.4 aperture pulls in stunning shots even in low light, and Samsung finally bumped wired charging on the Ultra. S25 Ultra owners may not feel the urgency to upgrade, but anyone coming from an S23 Ultra or older will notice the difference immediately.

Pros:

  • World-first Privacy Display that actually works
  • Outstanding low-light camera performance
  • Blazing fast performance with the latest Snapdragon chip
  • Built-in S Pen plus seven years of updates

Cons:

  • S25 Ultra owners won't see a dramatic leap
  • Battery capacity unchanged for years running
  • Doesn't include a charger in the box

Samsung Galaxy S26


Not everyone wants a giant phone. The Galaxy S26 is the compact flagship for people who want top-tier performance in a body they can actually use one-handed. At 6.3 inches it's genuinely pocketable, and the flat AMOLED display runs at a buttery 120Hz with Gorilla Armor 2 protection.

It pairs the Exynos 2600 with 12GB of RAM, runs the latest One UI 8.5 on Android 16, and carries Samsung's seven-year update promise. The 4,300mAh battery is modest on paper, but the efficient chip stretches it through a full day. If you've been buying a Plus or Ultra just for the screen, the S26 proves you don't have to.

Pros:

  • Genuinely compact and one-handed friendly
  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED with Gorilla Armor 2
  • Seven years of OS and security updates
  • Flagship feel at a friendlier price

Cons:

  • Smaller 4,300mAh battery
  • Still only 25W wired charging
  • Exynos 2600 rather than Snapdragon in most regions

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus


Want a big flagship screen without stepping up to Ultra money? The Galaxy S25 Plus is the sweet spot. Its 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X runs at a silky 1–120Hz and hits 2,600 nits, so it stays sharp and readable anywhere, even in direct sunlight. Under the hood sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with 12GB of RAM, making it every bit as fast as the pricier models for gaming and multitasking.

A 4,900mAh battery with 45W wired charging comfortably powers a full day and tops up quickly, and the 50MP triple camera with 3x optical zoom captures crisp, vibrant shots. Add IP68 water resistance, Qi2-ready wireless charging, and seven years of updates, and it lands as the big-screen flagship most people should actually buy.

Pros:

  • Large, sharp 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED at 2,600 nits
  • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite performance with 12GB RAM
  • Big 4,900mAh battery with 45W fast charging
  • IP68 and seven years of updates

Cons:

  • No S Pen support like the Ultra
  • 3x telephoto rather than the Ultra's longer zoom
  • Ships without a charger in the box

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra


The Galaxy S24 Ultra brings the full Ultra experience, including the built-in S Pen and a 200MP camera, at a price that now makes serious sense. Its 6.8-inch flat QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X reaches 2,600 nits behind tough Gorilla Armor glass, and the titanium frame gives it a genuinely premium, durable feel.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy with 12GB of RAM, it still flies through anything you ask of it. The standout is that quad camera: a 200MP main, a 50MP 5x periscope, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide, backed by up to 100x Space Zoom. With a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, IP68, and seven years of updates, it's the smart way to own a flagship Ultra for less.

Pros:

  • 200MP quad camera with 5x periscope and 100x Space Zoom
  • Built-in S Pen for notes and productivity
  • Premium titanium frame with tough Gorilla Armor
  • 5,000mAh battery and seven years of updates

Cons:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a couple of generations behind the newest chips
  • 45W charging is unchanged and middling by 2026 standards
  • Large and heavy for one-handed use

Samsung Galaxy Z Series – Compact & Fun

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5


Want a tablet-sized screen that folds into your pocket without paying 2026 foldable prices? The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the smart way in. Its 7.6-inch Infinity Flex main display is a multitasking dream for split-screen apps, reading, and watching, while the 6.2-inch cover screen handles quick tasks just like a normal phone.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy still flies through everyday use and gaming; the triple camera with a 3x telephoto is versatile, and IPX8 water resistance adds peace of mind. As a refurbished pick, it delivers the full Fold experience for a fraction of the cost of the newest model.

Pros:

  • Huge 7.6-inch multitasking display
  • Versatile triple camera with 3x zoom
  • IPX8 water resistance
  • Big savings versus newer Folds

Cons:

  • 2023 chip, a few generations behind
  • Modest 4,400mAh battery
  • Heavier than a standard slab phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6


The Galaxy Z Flip 6 folds a full-size phone into a pocketable square, then opens to a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X that now hits 2,600 nits. The 3.4-inch cover screen handles notifications, replies, and selfies without flipping it open, and resizable widgets make it genuinely useful at a glance.

This generation finally moves to 12GB of RAM alongside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, so it's fast and smooth, helped by Samsung's first vapor chamber in a Flip. The upgraded 50MP main camera (shared with the Galaxy S24) takes share-worthy shots, the 4,000mAh battery is the biggest in any Flip yet, and an IP48 rating adds dust protection. As a refurbished pick, it's the fun flip form at a friendlier price.

Pros:

  • Compact, pocketable clamshell design
  • Bright 6.7-inch 120Hz main screen at 2,600 nits
  • Upgraded 50MP main camera and 12GB RAM
  • Biggest Flip battery yet with IP48 dust and water resistance

Cons:

  • 4,000mAh battery is still modest for heavy users
  • 25W wired charging only
  • No dedicated telephoto lens

Samsung Galaxy A Series: Budget Value

Samsung Galaxy A36

Galaxy A36

If budget is the priority, the Galaxy A36 5G proves you don't need to spend big for a solid Samsung. As the standout of the budget Samsung A series, it gets the essentials done well: a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED at 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery, fast 45W charging, and a dependable 50MP main camera.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 handles day-to-day tasks, social media, and casual gaming without fuss, and Samsung backs it with six generations of OS upgrades, which is unusually generous at this price. For a first phone, a reliable backup, or anyone who just wants the basics done right, the A36 is hard to beat.

Pros:

  • Large 120Hz Super AMOLED display
  • All-day 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging
  • Six generations of OS upgrades
  • Excellent value for money

Cons:

  • Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is mid-tier
  • The camera is fine, but not flagship-level
  • IP67 rather than IP68

Best Samsung Mobiles in Australia – Feature Comparison Table

Phone / Feature

Processor

RAM + Storage

Cameras

Battery

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

12/16GB / 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

200MP + 50MP + 10MP + 50MP (Rear) / 12MP (Front)

5000mAh

Galaxy S26

Exynos 2600

12GB / 256/512GB

50MP + 12MP + 10MP (Rear) / 12MP (Front)

4300mAh

Galaxy S25 Plus

Snapdragon 8 Elite

12GB / 256/512GB

50MP + 12MP + 10MP (Rear) / 12MP (Front)

4900mAh

Galaxy S24 Ultra

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

12GB / 256/512GB/1TB

200MP + 12MP + 50MP + 10MP (Rear) / 12MP (Front)

5000mAh

Galaxy Z Fold 5

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

12GB / 256/512GB/1TB

50MP + 12MP + 10MP (Rear) / 10MP + 4MP (Front)

4400mAh

Galaxy Z Flip 6

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

12GB / 256/512GB

50MP + 12MP (Rear) / 10MP (Front)

4000mAh

Galaxy A36 5G

Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

6/8/12GB / 128/256GB

50MP + 8MP + 5MP (Rear) / 12MP (Front)

5000mAh

Wrap Up

Samsung's 2026 lineup has something for every budget and every priority, from the powerhouse Galaxy S26 Ultra to the fun, compact Z Flip 6 and the value-packed A36. Whether you're chasing the best camera, the biggest screen, the longest battery, or simply cheap Samsung phones that deliver real value, there's a Samsung here that fits your lifestyle. 

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

Liam Harris

I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the newest Samsung phone?

The newest Samsung phone is the Galaxy S26 Ultra, released on March 11, 2026. It's Samsung's latest flagship, featuring a 6.9" display, 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and a world-first built-in Privacy Display.

What is the most affordable Samsung phone?

On this list, the Galaxy A36 at A$349 is the most wallet-friendly. You still get a 120Hz Super AMOLED screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and a dependable 50MP camera without breaking the bank.


What’s the difference between Galaxy A, S, and Z?

Think of it as tiers: the S-series are top-of-the-line flagships, the A-series (and the S-series FE models) are mid-range and budget-friendly, and the Z-series are Samsung's foldables with that wow factor.


Which Samsung phone is best for photography?

For photos, the S26 Ultra leads with its 200MP main camera and versatile zoom. The S25 Ultra is right behind it and costs noticeably less, making it the best camera per dollar.


Which Samsung phone is best for photography?

For photos, the S25 Ultra is the standout with its 200MP main camera and versatile zoom. The Z Fold 7 is also impressive if you want a big screen to frame your shots.

Are foldable Samsung phones worth it?

If you like something fun and different, yes. The Z Flip 7 FE is compact and playful, while the Z Fold 5 gives you a huge screen for multitasking without carrying a tablet, and buying refurbished makes both far more affordable.


How long will my Samsung phone get updates?

It varies by model. The newer S-series phones get up to seven years of OS and security updates, the A36 gets six generations of OS upgrades, and the older foldables get a shorter but still solid window.

What's the best budget Samsung phone in 2026?

The Galaxy A36 5G, from A$349. It offers a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging, a 50MP camera, and six generations of OS upgrades, unbeatable value at this price.

Is a refurbished Samsung worth it?

Yes. Refurbished Samsung phones are fully tested, perform like new, and let you grab flagship features for a fraction of the original price.