Best Samsung Smartphones of 2026: Ultra, Foldable, Affordable

Best Samsung Smartphones of 2026: Ultra, Foldable, Affordable

Alternative Samsung Phones to Consider

If a Samsung device isn’t mentioned in this guide, it may be due to its limited accessibility in the US, making it challenging to evaluate. Nevertheless, here are several other Samsung phones we’ve assessed.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra for $2,100: An upgrade from the Z Fold7, the Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for foldable phone aficionados willing to pay for excellence. Its book-style layout features a 6.5-inch cover display and unfolds to reveal an 8-inch tablet-sized screen with a less prominent crease and improved hinge durability. It provides top-notch performance, extended battery life, and features Samsung’s best camera in a folding format, boasting a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE for $700: The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is a capable phone providing robust battery life, a large display, and a dependable triple-camera system; however, the added $100 over the nearly identical S25 FE is hard to rationalize. The only significant enhancement is a marginally better processor, while Samsung even downgraded the USB-C port to USB 2.0 in the S26 FE. You might be better off choosing the S25 FE while it’s still available.

Z Fold7 for $2,000 or Z Flip7 for $1,100: For a Samsung foldable that’s budget-friendly, consider the 2025 Galaxy Z Fold7 or Galaxy Z Flip7, particularly if available at a discount. The Fold7 is marginally thicker, features a more prominent screen crease, and has average battery life, but the differences from the Fold8 Ultra are not significant. Likewise, the Flip7 only has slight variations compared to the Flip8, which includes minor hinge upgrades, a more refined design, a more efficient processor, and enhanced software for the external display.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge for $1,300: Have you ever desired an exceptionally slim and lightweight phone? The Galaxy S25 Edge attempts to fulfill that need with its 5.8-mm thickness, sacrificing certain features like a stylus, a telephoto camera, and battery size for its sleek profile. While the thin design is striking, its 3,900-mAh battery life is short-lived – regular charging was essential. Nonetheless, if you are often near a power source and lean toward a slender design, it may suit you.

Samsung Galaxy A17 5G for $249: On paper, the Galaxy A17 seems to provide excellent value, featuring six years of software updates, an AMOLED display, expandable memory, and a decent camera; however, its performance is curtailed by the 4 GB RAM in the US variant. The insufficient RAM leads to a less stable user experience, making it inadequate for urgent needs. If your needs are minimal, it could be a viable choice.

If saving money is your aim, the Galaxy S24 series from 2024 may be worthwhile, provided their prices are significantly reduced from the original retail values. These products will continue to receive support and remain relevant. Older models are not advised.

Investing in Samsung’s Ecosystem

Samsung provides an ecosystem comparable to Apple, with hardware that includes smartphones, the <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/HJ99Tbj4dgEhtDLnr

The Galaxy Card: Samsung's Answer to the Apple Card

The Galaxy Card: Samsung’s Answer to the Apple Card

“Cards are fundamentally commodities; the ways in which you set them apart is vital,” Riley asserts. “The crucial factor is how you use your card.” Riley employs one card for groceries and another for Amazon purchases to optimize his points.

“A significant hurdle with rewards is often not fully capitalizing on them because of revolving balances,” Riley elaborates, alluding to interest fees diminishing rewards worth.

Riley takes issue with the Apple Card for being excessively praised. While it has an attractive appeal, it did not manage to change the credit card landscape, as the majority of households operate several cards—one for everyday expenses, one for emergencies, and perhaps one geared toward travel.

Sara Rathner, a credit card authority at NerdWallet, concurs. “The Apple Card isn’t as groundbreaking as the iPhone,” Rathner observes. “It’s merely another cash-back card.” These cards are designed to cultivate brand loyalty. Accumulating a lot of points with Hyatt makes you more likely to select them for your upcoming stay, and consistent purchases through Samsung Wallet could prompt you to obtain the Galaxy Card.

Rathner highlights the benefit of a 3 percent cash reward for transactions conducted via Samsung Wallet, labeling it a robust rate. For example, utilizing Samsung Wallet to pay at a New York City subway turnstile earns you 3 percent back on each journey, which she considers enticing.

Although Rathner sees the Apple Card as inadequate, she recognizes Apple’s innovative features. For example, Apple allows users to examine possible interest and credit rates prior to a credit check, a function that other cards are beginning to implement. The application and card are well-crafted, the physical card activates seamlessly by tapping on an iPhone, and cash rewards are credited daily rather than monthly.

“If other cards incorporate similar attributes, it improves all credit cards as consumer offerings,” Rathner concludes. “We’ll observe the effects on Samsung phone users.”

Samsung's Outstanding OLED Displays Are Discounted by Up to 38% for Prime Day

Samsung’s Outstanding OLED Displays Are Discounted by Up to 38% for Prime Day

Samsung manufactures some of the best OLED monitors, and several of its premier gaming monitors are enjoying significant discounts for Prime Day.

The top offer on the market is on the Odyssey G6 (G61SH). This 27-inch monitor represents one of the newest additions from Samsung, boasting a 240-Hz refresh rate at a resolution of 2560 x 1440. It’s currently available at a 36 percent discount for Prime Day, priced at $385 (down from $500). While it has seen price reductions in recent months, this marks its lowest price yet.

We assessed a previous model of the G6 in late 2024, but the key difference lies in the reduced refresh rate of the latest iteration. It was significantly more expensive back then, with even the 360-Hz variant now marked down to $600 (from $900). Each option delivers an impressive gaming monitor experience. In SDR, it reaches merely 250 nits, yet in HDR gaming, it can achieve up to 1,000 nits of brightness.

OLED technology ensures rapid response times and exceptional motion clarity in gaming compared to conventional IPS screens.

One of the standout aspects of Samsung’s OLED monitors is their elegant and contemporary design, highlighted by their thin profiles and flat bases, which help to minimize desk space usage.

The Odyssey G5 is also discounted. Last updated last year, it shares numerous qualities with the G6, offering OLED technology with the same resolution. The main distinction is a lower refresh rate of 180 Hz, complemented by a different base and stand design. It’s priced at $334, representing a solid choice at $50 less than the G6.

The significant drop in OLED monitor prices over recent years is worth noting. Once considered a premium choice for buyers spending upwards of $1,000, OLED is now more reachable for mainstream PC gamers. Samsung’s polished design is additionally appealing to content creators or anyone wanting a high-end display for professional use.

Although not personally evaluated, Samsung’s ultrawide G75F is also available at $630, which is its lowest price in months. This 49-inch monitor, while not OLED, features a curved design and a 180-Hz refresh rate. Finally, Samsung’s budget-friendly Odyssey G30D, providing 1080p resolution, is on offer for under $200.

Be sure to check out the complete list of the best Amazon Prime Day deals we’ve been curating all week.

9 Best Android Smartphones of 2026, Evaluated and Assessed

9 Best Android Smartphones of 2026, Evaluated and Assessed

Other Phones to Explore

We have evaluated numerous Android smartphones. Although we appreciate the models listed below, the earlier mentioned options may serve you better. For additional recommendations, refer to our Top Budget Phones and Best Foldable Phones.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Photo: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE priced at $650: If the Google Pixel 10 doesn’t excite you, this Samsung model that hovers around $500 (frequently discounted) is certainly worth a look. The Galaxy S25 FE is a “lite” variant of the Galaxy S25, offering a 6.7-inch display, a larger battery capacity, and a triple-camera setup, featuring a 3