Best Samsung phones Android Central 2021
Samsung is the largest phone manufacturer in the globe. This is due to its outstanding phones that combine a great hardware design with useful features that set it apart from the rest. While the Galaxy S21 is a great phone for its hardware and value, there are many other options available at different price points and sizes. These are our top picks that you can purchase right now.
Although it may not be compact, the Galaxy S21 is packed with features. The best part is that it costs $200 less than its predecessor. Samsung did this by reducing its resolution to FHD+ (the Galaxy S20 had a QHD+ screen) and removing the glass back in favor of a plastic option. The 6.2 inch AMOLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth browsing, scrolling through social networks, and gaming. The latest internal hardware is also included in this model, a Snapdragon888 chipset and Sub-6 and 5G connectivity. The box does not include a microSD slot or charger, but the base model comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Reliable cameras are included, as well as all-day battery life and all extras such IP68 water resistance, reverse wireless charging and 15W wireless charging. The Galaxy S21's best feature is its software. Samsung will provide monthly security updates, three Android version updates guaranteed, and four years worth of patches. This alone makes the S21 different from other smartphones, and it also costs less than the predecessor. Pros: Gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED panel
More affordable
Snapdragon 888 with Sub-6 & mmWave
Reliable cameras
The Cons: Great battery life
There is no microSD slot
No bundle charger
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Best flagship
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best choice if you want to upgrade to a flagship phone with all the bells & whistles. Samsung's best innovations were reserved for the S21 Ultra, which features a 6.8 inch QHD+ AMOLED display with dynamic refresh. It scales from 11Hz - 120Hz. The S21 Ultra also features the most recent cameras, including a 108MP primary camera and two zoom lenses with 10x optical zoom. The S21 Ultra offers significant camera improvements over the S20 series. It also starts at $200 less than the regular S21. The S21 Ultra's new feature this year is the compatibility with Samsung's S Pen. This allows you to use the stylus from Samsung with your phone. This device features the latest Snapdragon888 chipset, which delivers exceptional performance across the board. The new design, with its matte finish and a 5,000mAh battery, lasts for more than a day. The box doesn't include a charger and there is no microSD slot. However, the base model has 128GB storage so you won't run out. The S21 Ultra is a flagship worthy of its name. You can't go wrong with the Samsung S21 Ultra if you are looking for a flagship Samsung smartphone. Pros: Sublime QHD+ AMOLED panel
Snapdragon 888 with global 5G
Compatible with S Pen
Stellar battery life
Amazing cameras with 10x optical zoom.
There is no microSD slot
No bundle charger
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G flagship smartphone - Smartphone The benchmark for flagship smartphones in 2021, the S21 Ultra delivers all you need in a flagship phone and looks great doing it. Amazon: $1,000
Best Buy - $1,200
$1,200 at Samsung
3. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Best value flagship
Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE has radically changed the value equation, and it is still one of the most popular Android phones available even a year later. It offers the same features as the Galaxy S20 last year, but it's unlocked and priced at less than $600 making it an exceptional value. You get 5G connectivity and the same Snapdragon 865 chipset as the Galaxy S20. The screen is the same AMOLED as the Galaxy S20 FE and features a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes everyday interactions smooth. The best thing about it is the 12MP primary sensor that's found in the S20. This ensures you can take great photos regardless of the lighting conditions. Samsung has not removed any extras. The Galaxy S20 FE is IP68 water and dust resistant, has 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. The battery is 4,500mAh and can last for a full day. There's also 25W wired charging. The Galaxy S20 FE is now running the One UI 3.1 update. This means you have all of the latest features from Android 11. Although the phone has a glass back, the polycarbonate material is not as durable as glass. However, the matte texture hides the fact that the phone has a plastic construction. You can save money by purchasing the S20FE instead of the regular Galaxy S21. Pros: Incredible 120Hz display
High-end specifications
Incredible cameras
5G connectivity
Cons: 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast Charging
Polycarbonate build
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Smartphone is the best value smartphone. The S20 FE offers outstanding internal hardware and amazing cameras, while costing several hundred more than the S20. Amazon: $550
Best Buy: Starting at $550
$550 at Samsung
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3: Best for productivity
Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 proves that foldables have become mainstream. While the design is not significantly different from the Z Fold 2 last year, there are many improvements that make this foldable even more appealing. The Z Fold 3's aluminum alloy chassis makes it more durable, while the phone is also water resistant to IPX8, making it comparable with flagships. Samsung has made the Z Fold 3 launch in place of the Note series. This means that you can use your stylus with the phone just like you would with a Note portfolio phone. This is possible due to the new plastic screen. Samsung used a thinner, stronger, and more tactile material. The inner screen will feel just like a regular phone. This was a problem with previous foldables so it's huge for Samsung to address this issue. The hardware has also been upgraded. The Z Fold 3 has the Snapdragon 888 internal hardware. It also features 120Hz AMOLED panels on the inner and outer screens. This ensures smooth visuals for everyday use. The Z Fold 3 comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. While the cameras are the same as last year, the Z Fold 3 takes better photos due to better software tuning. One UI 3.1 based upon Android 11 will be available for the software. The device will also receive three Android version updates and four years of security upgrades. The best part about the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is that it starts at $200 less than the last year's model. Pros: The fold-out screen is great to increase productivity
Now works with the S Pen
The most recent internal hardware
Much more durable design
120Hz screens both inside and outside
IPX8 water resistance Cons: No zoom lens
Battery life average
Costly
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: Best foldable
Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is undoubtedly one of the most interesting phones of the year. The Z Fold 3 has a sturdy chassis that resists water ingress. There's also a new, plastic screen cover that mimics the interaction with regular glass panels. The front has many interesting features. The screen that covers the phone's cover is larger than last year makes it easier to view incoming calls and notifications. The Galaxy S21+ is almost identical in hardware. It has a 120Hz AMOLED display screen that folds in half, along with great cameras and the most recent internal hardware. The Z Flip 3 is one of the most compact phones you will find. Its unique design makes it easy to carry around and allows you to easily access the large inner screen. The only problem with this device is the battery. It barely lasts one day on a full charge. Pros: Water resistance and durable design
Larger cover screen
Great cameras
Unique foldable design
The latest internal hardware cons: Expensive
No zoom lens
Regular flagships last twice as long as battery.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the best foldable smartphone. The Z Flip 3 has a unique design and excellent hardware, making it an outstanding choice. $999 at Samsung
Amazon: $999
Best Buy: $999
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Best for stylus fans
Source: Apoorva Bhardwaj/ Android Central
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is last in the Note series. If you are looking for a high-end phone that has a large screen and traditional design, then this is your best choice. It features a 6.9-inch Dynamic MOLED panel and the Snapdragon 865+ chipet. Standard features include 12GB RAM and a choice of storage options, ranging from 128GB up to 512GB. If you are looking for the largest smartphone on the market, the Note 20 Ultra is the one you should choose. This large screen is ideal for playing games or watching videos. The 120Hz AMOLED panel delivers stunning colors and HDR10 content on Netflix and other streaming services. Stereo sound is also available. The stylus is another feature. The Note 20 Ultra has many features that you will love if you are used to using a stylus with older Note devices. Samsung has made it much easier to take notes with its lower latency and improved handwriting recognition, making the device a great tool for productivity. The device also features a 108MP rear camera, a 12MP zoom lens with a 50x hybrid zoom, a 12MP wide-angle lens, as well as a 10MP front camera. The new bold design is stunning and allows you to capture 8K video. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is an excellent choice for anyone looking to use their phone for productivity. The best stylus experience of any phone
Outstanding performance
Large AMOLED screen
Fast charging and excellent battery life
Expandable storage Cons: No headphone jack
Costly
Some might find it too large
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Smartphone is best for stylus lovers. The Note 20 Ultra is the perfect phone for those who love styluses. Amazon: $1,100
Best Buy - $1,300
$1,000 at Samsung
7. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G: Best mid-range option
Source: Apoorva Bhardwaj/ Android Central
Samsung's mid-range phones are the Galaxy A52/5G and A52 5G. The default choice in the U.S. is the Galaxy A52 5G, which is loaded with the most recent innovations Samsung has to offer. It has the same 120Hz AMOLED display as the Galaxy S21. The back of the phone is beautiful with a matte finish. This makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use. The phone is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7500G platform and comes standard with Sub-6 5G connectivity. The 64MP camera on the back takes excellent photos in almost any lighting situation. Additionally, the phone is compatible with all U.S. 5G carriers. IP67 dust and waterproof resistance makes the A52 5G completely immune to the elements. It will receive three Android updates every month, along with security updates. This phone is almost identical to the flagship S21 Series. There will be a lot of bloatware in the box. However, it is easy to uninstall. You get a great phone for the price of the Galaxy A52 5G. Pros: Gorgeous design
120Hz AMOLED screen
Solid hardware for 5G
Stellar battery life
Three years of updates Cons : Lots of bloatware
No 4K video at 60fps
8. Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: The best on a tight budget
Source: Apoorva Bhardwaj/ Android Central
The Galaxy A42 5G is a budget-friendly option that may be the right phone for you. This phone uses the same Snapdragon 5G platform as the A52 5, which means it has incredible hardware and is built to last. The phone also has Sub-6 5G connectivity. If you are looking to switch to 5G on a tight budget, the Galaxy A425G is a great option. It has a beautiful design at its back and a 48MP camera which takes excellent photos. There's also a 20MP selfie cam that is decent. AMOLED screens are also available. While the resolution of 720p is not ideal, they have vibrant colors. The Galaxy A42 5G's most notable feature is its battery life. The phone's 5000mAh battery will provide a two-day charge. The phone will receive three Android updates from Samsung, making it an excellent choice for budget-minded 5G phones. The pros: Budget 5G
Amazing battery life
Striking design
Powerful hardware
Three years of updates Cons : 720p display
Samsung Galaxy A42/5G - Smartphone that lowers the barrier to 5G. The Galaxy A42/5G offers outstanding battery life and powerful hardware, all at a reasonable price. Best Buy - $400
$400 at Samsung
9. Samsung Galaxy A12: Best entry-level pick
Source: Samsung
You want a Samsung phone that costs less than $200 You should check out the Galaxy A12. You should take a look at the Galaxy A12. It has a huge 5000mAh battery, which can easily lasts more than two days on a single charge. There's a 48MP rear camera, decent hardware that's reliable in everyday use, and a modern design, which belies the budget-friendly price tag. It has a 6.5 inch 720p display. While it's not as bright as other AMOLED panels Samsung uses, it's still bright and does not have many problems. If you have used a Samsung smartphone before, the software should be familiar to you. Overall, the Galaxy A12 is a good entry-level phone. The Pros: A two-day battery life
Modern design aesthetic
48MP camera
3.5mm jack
Stellar value Cons: Older chipset
Screen limit to 720p
Samsung Galaxy A12: The best entry-level phone. Although the Galaxy A12 may not be the most powerful, it is a reliable choice and offers a great user experience. Samsung Galaxy A12 starting at $105
The Galaxy S21 is the best Samsung smartphone in 2021
Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central
