The best Samsung smartphones of 2021

The best Samsung smartphones compared:

	Editor's choice	Best value-for-money	3rd place	4th place	5th place	6th place	7th place	8th place	9th place
Device name	Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy A52 5G	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3	Samsung Galaxy S20 FE	Samsung Galaxy S21	Samsung Galaxy A72	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3	Samsung Galaxy A32 5G	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
MSRP	from $1,049	from $469	from $924	from $699	from $999	from $549	from $1,599	from $224	from $1,199
Image
Technical specifications	6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 3200x1440 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 128/256/512 GB ROM  12/16 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 108 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera 1: 10 MP Telecamera 2: 10 MP 5,000 mAh January 2021	6.5-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 128/256 GB ROM 6/8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 64 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Macro camera: 5 MP Depth camera: 5 MP 4,500 mAh March 2021	6.67-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2640x1080 pixels 1.9 inches, AMOLED 260x512 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 128/256 GB ROM 8 GB RAM Dual camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP 3,300 mAh August 2021	6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 128/256  GB ROM 6/8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 64 MP 4,500 mAh September 2020	6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 128/256  GB ROM 8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 64 MP 4,000 mAh January 2021	6.7-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Snapdragon 720G 128/256  GB ROM 6/8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 64 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 8 MP Macro camera: 5 MP 5000 mAh March 2021	7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2208x1768 pixels 6.2-inch Super-AMOLED 2268x832 Pixel Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 256/512 GB ROM 12 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 12 MP 4,400 mAh August 2021	6.5-inch LCD 1600x720 pixels MediaTek MT6853 Dimensity 64/128 GB ROM 4/6/8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 48 MP Ultra wide-angle: 8 MP Macro camera: 5 MP Depth camera: 2 MP 5,000 mAh January 2021	6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 3088x1440 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 128/256/512  GB ROM      8/12  GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 108 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 12 MP 4,500 mAh August 2020
Pros	Bold design AMOLED with WQHD + & 120 Hz Powerful Snapdragon 888 SoC Most versatile photo module on the market including 10x zoom Good battery life OneUI 3.1 is convincing	Very stylish 120 Hz AMOLED display Good battery life Good main camera IP certification Nice workmanship 4 years of security updates	Exciting design Super compact Rear camera can double up as a front camera	120 Hz AMOLED display Snapdragon 865 is still fast even in 2021 Good battery life Good quality plastic IP68 certification 3x optical zoom	Comparatively compact Fast pace, also comparable to Plus & Ultra Surprisingly sturdy plastic back Long software update period Exynos 2100	Longevity thanks to 4 years of software updates IP67 certification Good battery life Versatile camera Headphone jack	IPX8 certification 80% more robust screen Unique design Support for the S Pen	Amazing screen Three years of operating system updates Four years of security updates Headphone jack Battery life	Good camera setup Unbeatable S-Pen operation great high-end equipment Chic design (new colors!)
Cons	Exynos 2100 (Europe/Asia only) is not more powerful than the Snapdragon 888 SoC No charger included No microSD port Fast charging at only 25 watts Superfluous S-Pen Its price	Secondary cameras are not so convincing Limited SoC performance Fast charging technology is slower than the competition No telecamera option Unrefined vibration motor	Price is still barely affordable Display has a crease Battery capacity is below average for this class	Slow loading times No headphone jack 30x zoom is just marketing fluff	Exynos 2100 (Europe/Asia only) is not more powerful than the Snapdragon 888 SoC Battery life is too short No S-Pen support No UWB chip No expandable memory	No adaptive refresh rate Fast charging at only with 25 watts	Software still needs some refining Can see crease in the display Competition offers faster quick charging	Pretty boring design Inconsistent camera quality	Incredibly expensive Over-the-top marketing Exynos SoC in EU/Asia models
Ratings	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Offer*	Check price	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer

As of September 2021, you will be able to find Samsung smartphones from six different product families on the market. Each of these normally occupies their very own price niche. We have divided this article into the various product families accordingly, revealing our favorites for each product family to you and, of course, presenting the alternatives. The shortcuts in the table of contents will take you directly to the respective Galaxy series.

Quick links:

• Galaxy Z: Foldable smartphones from $999 to $1,799
• Galaxy S: Flagship smartphones from $699 to $1,199
• Galaxy A: Mid-range smartphones from $200 to $550
• Galaxy M: Entry-level handsets from $100 to $250
• Galaxy Note: Will the original S-Pen range retire?
• Galaxy Xcover: Rugged smartphones

Galaxy Z: Foldable smartphones from $999 to $1,799

	Editor's choice	Best value-for-money	3rd place
Device name	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
MSRP	from $1,799	from $999	from $1,799
Image
Technical specifications	7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2208x1768 pixels 6.2-inch Super-AMOLED 2268x832 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 256/512 GB ROM 12 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 12 MP 4,400 mAh August 2021	6.67-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2640x1080 pixels 1.9 inches, AMOLED 260x512 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 128/256  GB ROM 8 GB RAM Dual camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP 3,300 mAh August 2021	7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2208x1768 pixels 6.2-inch Super AMOLED 2260x816 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 256/512 GB ROM 12 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 12 MP 4,500 mAh August 2020
Pros	IPX8 certification 80% more robust screen Unique design Support for the S Pen	Exciting design Super compact Rear camera can double up as a front camera	Optimized one-handed operation Solid hinge Almost bezel-less display when open Generous secondary display Intuitive multitasking Powerful Snapdragon 865+ SoC
Cons	Software still needs some refining Can see crease in the display Competition offers faster quick charging	Price is still barely affordable Display has a crease Battery capacity is below average for this class	Price Average camera performance Battery life Foldable modes could be improved
Ratings	Review	Review	Review
Offer*	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer

August 2021 marked a paradigm shift for Samsung's smartphones. Instead of a new generation of Galaxy Notes, the South Korean company presented a couple of foldables from the Galaxy Z series: the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3. For "bargain hunters", the older Galaxy Z Fold 2 generation handsets may be an exciting option.

From a technical point of view, the most impressive of the two would be the Galaxy Z Fold 3, where Samsung packs in everything possible including S-Pen support and an under-display camera. The 'wow' factor certainly lies with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, which is really super compact when folded - and hardly compromises in terms of hardware. 

For fans of the Z-Fold form factor, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 could be an exciting option simply because it is a little bit cheaper. Last year's foldable device was already available several times in the summer for less than $1,000. You can read a detailed breakdown of the differences between the two generations here:

• Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Fold 2: Is it worth the upgrade?

I found it interesting that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 slipped well below the $1,000 mark just a few weeks after its launch. No other foldable smartphone experienced such a steep price drop so soon after its launch.

• The best foldable smartphones

Samsung Galaxy S: Flagships from $699 to $1,199

	Editor's choice	Best value-for-money	3rd place	4th place
Device name	Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy S20 FE	Samsung Galaxy S21	Samsung Galaxy S21+
MSRP	from $1,049	from $699	from $999	from $999
Image
Technical specifications	6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 3200x1440 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888  128/256/512 GB ROM  12/16 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 108 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera 1: 10 MP Telecamera 2: 10 MP 5,000 mAh January 2021	6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 128/256  GB ROM 6/8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 64 MP 4,500 mAh September 2020	6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 128/256  GB ROM 8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 64 MP 4,000 mAh January 2021	6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 128 / 256 GB ROM 8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 64 MP 4,800 mAh January 2021
Pros	Bold design AMOLED with WQHD + & 120 Hz Powerful Exynos 2100 SoC Most versatile photo module on the market including 10x zoom Good battery life OneUI 3.1 is convincing	120 Hz AMOLED display Snapdragon 865 is still fast even in 2021 Good battery life Good quality plastic IP68 certification 3x optical zoom	Comparatively compact Fast pace, also comparable to Plus & Ultra Surprisingly sturdy plastic back Long software update period	Brillant 120 Hz display Exynos 2100 performs well Fresh design Solid build quality Great triple camera performance OneUI 3.1 and long software update policy
Cons	Exynos 2100 (Europe/Asia) is not more powerful than the Snapdragon 888 SoC No charger included No microSD port Fast charging at only 25 watts Superfluous S-Pen Its price	Slow loading times No headphone jack 30x zoom is just marketing fluff	Exynos 2100 (Europe/Asia) is not more powerful than the Snapdragon 888 SoC Battery life is too short No S-Pen support No UWB chip No expandable memory	Exynos 2100 (Europe/Asia) is not more powerful than the Snapdragon 888 SoC Telecamera performance is deceptive No microSD slot 4,800 mAh battery life is not outstanding Not S-Pen compatible Not innovative enough
Rating	Review	Review	Review	Review
Offer*	Check price	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer

In the first quarter of each year, Samsung introduces new Galaxy S models. In 2021, we saw the Galaxy S21 Plus and the Galaxy S21 Ultra revealed in addition to the basic Galaxy S21 model. Apart from that, there was a so-called “Fan Edition” for the very first time last year as Samsung introduced the Galaxy S20 FE in October 2020, with its successor, the Galaxy S21 FE tipped to arrive in the coming weeks.

Having scored 4.5 out of 5 possible stars, the Galaxy S21 Ultra certainly performed well in its review. No wonder: the smartphone is almost unrivaled in all aspects and therefore - if your budget allows it, it is also our absolute favorite from this year's Galaxy S21 series. Compared to the other S21 models, the "Ultra" stands out in particular because of the amazing camera configuration and performance.

If you can live with a few compromises, then the Galaxy S20 FE is also a very viable candidate at the moment. This flagship device costs less than half the price of the Galaxy S21 Ultra after all. Please note that the Galaxy S20 FE is available in three different versions: With Exynos and Snapdragon SoCs, and with LTE or 5G connectivity. You can check out our detailed comparison between the Galaxy S20 FE and the S20 FE 5G here.

When it comes to the Galaxy S20 FE in particular, you get great value in a smartphone at its price point. But do be aware that its successor, the Galaxy S21 FE is tipped to arrive in the coming months.

If you are still looking for alternatives apart from Samsung devices, then do check out our comparison article of the best smartphones that is featured in the link below. For those who love capturing photos with their handset, we have also compiled our own list of the best camera smartphones.

• Best smartphones in 2021
• Best smartphones for camera freaks

Samsung Galaxy A: Mid-range smartphones from $200 to $550

	Editor's choice	Best value-for-money	3rd place	4th place	5th place	6th place	7th place
Device name	Samsung Galaxy A52 5G	Samsung Galaxy A32 5G	Samsung Galaxy A72	Samsung Galaxy A52s	Samsung Galaxy A52	Samsung Galaxy A22 5G	Samsung Galaxy A22
MSRP	from $469	from $224	from $549	from $530	from $444	from $205	from $279
Image
Technical specifications	6.5-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Snapdragon 750G 128/256 GB ROM 6/8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 64 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Macro camera: 5 MP Depth camera: 5 MP 4,500 mAh March 2021	6.5-inch LCD 1600x720 pixels MediaTek MT6853 Dimensity 64/128 GB ROM 4/6/8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 48 MP Ultra wide-angle: 8 MP Macro camera: 5 MP Depth camera: 2 MP 5,000 mAh January 2021	6.7-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Snapdragon 720G 128/256  GB ROM 6/8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 64 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 8 MP Macro camera: 5 MP 5000 mAh March 2021	6.5-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Snapdragon 778 5G 128 / 256 GB ROM 6 / 8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 64 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Macro camera: 5 MP Depth camera: 5 MP 4,500 mAh August 2021	6.5-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels Snapdragon 720G 128 / 256 GB ROM 4 / 6 / 8 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 64 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Macro camera: 5 MP Depth camera: 5 MP 4,500 mAh March 2021	6.6-inch Super AMOLED 2400x1080 pixels MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 64 / 128 GB ROM 4 / 6 / 8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 48 MP Ultra wide-angle: 5 MP Depth camera: 2 MP 5,000 mAh June 2021	6.4-inch Super AMOLED 1600x720 pixels MediaTek Helio G80 64 / 128 GB ROM 4 / 6 GB RAM Quad camera Main camera: 48 MP Ultra wide-angle: 8 MP Macro camera: 2 MP Depth camera: 2 MP 5,000 mAh June 2021
Pros	Very stylish 120 Hz AMOLED display Good battery life Good main camera IP certification Nice workmanship 4 years of security updates	Amazing screen Three years of operating system updates Four years of security updates Headphone jack Battery life	Longevity thanks to 4 years of software updates IP67 certification Good battery life Versatile camera Headphone jack	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed
Cons	Secondary cameras are not so convincing Limited SoC performance Fast charging technology is slower than the competition No telecamera option Unrefined vibration motor	Pretty boring design Inconsistent camera quality	No adaptive refresh rate Fast charging at only with 25 watts	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed
Rating	Review	Review	Review	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed
Offer*	Check offer	Check offer	Check offer	-	Check offer	-	Check offer

The Galaxy A series begins from $200 onwards and goes all the way to the Galaxy A72, which costs just under $600 featuring 256 GB of storage space. This means that the mid-range handsets are more broadly positioned than many other smartphone manufacturers with their entire portfolio. The handsets of the Galaxy A series from 2021 are - as far as we have reviewed them - a rock-solid choice in any case.

You can read more about the differences between the Galaxy A and Galaxy S series in the following article:

• Samsung Galaxy A and Galaxy S: What's the difference?

Samsung is of course, not alone in the market with its Galaxy A series devices. If you are looking for alternatives outside the Samsung bubble, we would recommend this article of the best mid-range smartphones to choose from. 

• Best mid-range smartphones for less than $400 in 2021
• The best smartphones for under $300

Samsung Galaxy M: Entry-level handsets from $100 to $250

Samsung has placed its entry-level phones under the Galaxy M series. The smartphones cover a price range between $100 and $250. Unfortunately, we have not had the chance to review any of the Galaxy M series to date and therefore, we are unable to provide you with any recommendations. 

We are still working on obtaining review units of the Galaxy M models in the future. Until then, you will find our favorites in the following linked article of the best sub-$200 smartphones.

• The best smartphones you can buy today for under $200

Samsung Galaxy Note: Will the original S-Pen range retire?

	Editor's choice	Best value-for-money
Device name	Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G	Samsung Galaxy Note 20
MSRP	from $1,199	from $999
Image
Technical specifications	6.9-inch Super AMOLED Plus 3088x1440 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 128/256/512 GB ROM 8/12 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 108 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 12 MP 4,500 mAh August 2020	6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus 2400x1080 pixels Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 256 GB ROM 8 GB RAM Triple camera Main camera: 12 MP Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP Telecamera: 64 MP 4,300 mAh August 2020
Pros	Good camera setup Unbeatable S-Pen operation great high-end equipment Chic design (new colors!)	Great AMOLED screen Versatile photo module Good everyday performance
Cons	Incredibly expensive Over-the-top marketing Exynos SoC in EU/Asia models	Poor battery life Exynos 990 (Europe/Asia) has overheating issues Plastic chassis
Rating	Review	Review
Offer*	Check offer	Check offer

Even if there was no new Note model (yet) in 2021: The Note 20 series from 2020 is still available in stores and offers a great smartphone experience, where some of these stocks are now available at reasonable prices. And who knows? Perhaps the Galaxy Note 20 will eventually experience a surge in value by virtue of being a collector's item as it could very well be the last Note of all time ;-)

Almost exactly a year after its launch, the spectacular Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is already available for well below $1,000. And if you can live with the "normal" Note 20, you can find it for around $700. At that price, you enjoy great workmanship, fantastic cameras, Samsung's successful One UI user interface, and of course, the S-Pen experience with a specially dedicated slot for it on the chassis.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover: Rugged smartphones

	Editor's choice	Best value-for-money	3rd place
Device name	Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro	Samsung Galaxy XCover 5	Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4s
MSRP	from $425	from $365	from $265
Image
Technical specifications	6.3-inch LCD 2340x1080 pixels Exynos 9611 64 GB ROM 4 GB RAM Dual camera Main camera: 25 MP Ultra wide-angle: 8 MP 4,050 mAh January 2020	5.3-inch LCD 1480x720 pixels Exynos 850 64 GB ROM 4 GB RAM Single camera Main kamera: 16 MP 3,000 mAh March 2021	5.0-inchLCD 1280x720 pixels Exynos 7885 32 GB ROM 3 GB RAM Single camera Main camera: 16 MP 2,800 mAh July 2019
Pros	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed
Cons	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed
Ratings	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed	Not yet reviewed
Offer*	Check offer	-	Check offer

When you first take a look at the technical specifications, the Galaxy XCover series is not very sexy at all. But you will definitely receive maximum protection with the IP68 rating. This means these smartphones should definitely be able to survive everyday sports or even get abused at a construction site. After all, the most modern hardware is of little use to you if the smartphone screen cracks on its very first drop. 

Do take note that there is also an Enterprise Edition of these handsets. These models offer an extended warranty as well as options for remote maintenance and management by administrators. 

How to buy smartphones at great prices

Depending on when you read this article, the wait for discount campaigns or sales can be even more worthwhile. These are campaigns such as Black Friday, where you can pick up smartphones for a wee bit cheaper than usual. I have collated the information for you in the following table.

• Also read: Will your Samsung smartphone receive Android 12?

While we are on the subject of compiling everything: How do you rate our list of the recommended Samsung devices? Let us know in the comments and win... okay there is nothing to win but I'm still interested in your feedback!