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Buying Guides19 Jun 2026Posted byLiam Harris

Best Samsung Phones of 2026 Ranked From Flagships to Budget Models

Best Samsung Phones of 2026 Ranked From Flagships to Budget Models

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 S25 Ultra is the value pick. After something compact? The S26. Love foldables? The Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 7 FE bring the wow factor. On a budget? The S24 FE and A36 punch well above their 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

    $1,849

    Best overall flagship

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    $1,149

    Best camera & value flagship

    Samsung Galaxy S26

    $1,049

    Best compact flagship

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

    $749

    Best big-screen foldable

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE

    $749

    Best compact flip foldable

    Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

    $529

    Best mid-range value

    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 S25 Ultra


    If the S26 Ultra is more phone than you need, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers nearly the same Ultra experience for several hundred dollars less, which is exactly why it's our pick for best value flagship and best camera per dollar. You still get the massive, vibrant display, the productivity of the built-in S Pen, and that class-leading 200MP quad-camera system that rivals dedicated gear for detail and zoom.

    Performance feels effortless thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, and the Galaxy AI tools carry over almost wholesale. For most people who want flagship power without the very top price, this is the smarter buy.

    Pros:

    • Massive, vibrant display
    • Top-tier 200MP camera and industry-leading zoom
    • Productivity features like a built-in S Pen
    • Big savings compared to the S26 Ultra

    Cons:

    • Still an expensive phone
    • Some AI features are inconsistent
    • A year-older chip than the S26 Ultra

    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 FE & A Series: Mid-Range Value

    Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

    The Galaxy S24 FE is where flagship features trickle down to a price that makes sense for most budgets. "FE" stands for Fan Edition, and it borrows the best bits of the S24 line: a big 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the full Galaxy AI suite, and a genuinely capable triple camera led by a 50MP main sensor with a 3x telephoto, which is rare at this price.

    The Exynos 2400e keeps things smooth for everyday use while sipping power, and the 4,700mAh battery comfortably lasts the day. Add IP68 water resistance and seven years of updates, and it lands as one of the best value Samsung phones you can buy.

    Pros:

    • Flagship-style 50MP triple camera with telephoto
    • Large, bright 120Hz AMOLED display
    • Long-lasting 4,700mAh battery
    • Seven years of updates plus IP68

    Cons:

    • Exynos 2400e trails Snapdragon flagships
    • 25W charging is middling
    • Bigger and heavier than the compact S-series

    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. You get a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED at 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery, fast 45W charging, and a dependable 50MP main camera, the essentials done well.

    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

    Samsung Galaxy Z Series ā€“ 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 7 FE

    The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE brings the fun, foldable flip-phone form to its most affordable point yet. It folds down into a compact square that disappears in a pocket or small bag, then opens to a full 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the 3.4-inch cover screen handles notifications, replies, and selfies without flipping it open.

    The Exynos 2400 keeps things smooth, the 50MP main camera takes share-worthy shots, and One UI 8 makes the cover screen genuinely useful. If you love the flip aesthetic but not the flagship price, this is the one to get.

    Pros:

    • Compact, pocketable flip design
    • Large 6.7-inch 120Hz main screen
    • Useful 3.4-inch cover display
    • The most affordable new Flip

    Cons:

    • Smaller 4,000mAh battery
    • 25W wired charging only
    • FE trims specs versus the standard Flip 7

    Best Samsung Mobiles in Australia ā€“ 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 S25 Ultra

    Snapdragon 8 Elite

    12GB / 256/512GB/1TB

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

    5000mAh

    Galaxy S26

    Exynos 2600

    12GB / 256/512GB

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

    4300mAh

    Galaxy S24 FE

    Exynos 2400e

    8GB / 128/256/512GB

    50MP + 12MP + 8MP (Rear) / 10MP (Front)

    4700mAh

    Galaxy A36 5G

    Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

    6/8/12GB / 128/256GB

    50MP + 8MP + 5MP (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 7 FE

    Exynos 2400

    8GB / 128/256GB

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

    4000mAh

    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 7 FE and the value-packed A36. Whether you're chasing the best camera, the biggest screen, the longest battery, or simply the lowest price, there's a Samsung here that fits your lifestyle.

    And if you want a great phone without breaking the bank, check outĀ refurbished Samsung mobile phones. They're fully tested, perform like new, and let you enjoy everything a Samsung device offers while saving money. Don't miss out on the best deals on Samsung phones.

    Posted by Liam Harris

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    Liam Harris

    Liam Harris

    Iā€™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.


    Whatā€™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.