Best Samsung phone 2023: The top Galaxy handsets tested and reviewed



Introduction

Samsung has become synonymous with Android phones, and we’ve had the privilege of reviewing nearly every device they’ve released in the past decade.

Through our extensive experience reviewing Samsung phones, we’ve developed a strong understanding of which ones are the best – and which ones are best avoided. We’re well-acquainted with their standout features as well as their limitations.

This list represents the culmination of our hours upon hours of testing, featuring only the very best Samsung phones that are currently available for purchase.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Samsung’s phone lineup isn’t solely focused on high-end, powerful devices. They also offer several more affordable options for budget-conscious consumers. Samsung is at the forefront of innovation with foldable devices, and we’ve included the finest examples of these in our list. Expect to see more of these arrive before the end of 2023.

Each Samsung phone included in this list has undergone rigorous testing by one of our expert smartphone reviewers, who has used it as their primary device for at least a week – although often a lot longer. They have evaluated the phone in real-world scenarios as well as in controlled lab conditions. Our reviewers have gone so far as to transfer their apps, photos, and messages to the device to ensure their experience reflects that of an average user. Our aim is to provide you with trustworthy purchasing advice that you can rely on.

We have curated other best lists if you’re looking for a more specific handset. Our best camera phone round-up focuses on a device’s photographic and videography skills, while our best cheap phone and best mid-range phone lists focus solely on more affordable options depending on your budget.

Best Samsung phone

How we test

How do we test Samsung phones? All the phones included in our Best Samsung phone list have been thoroughly tested and used by one of our product experts. We never review a phone based purely on specs and benchmark scores. We use them as our everyday device for the review period, which is usually at least five days but often a lot more.Whenever you read a phone review published on Trusted Reviews, you should be confident that the reviewer has put their personal SIM card into the phone, synced across their most-used apps and logged into all their typical accounts. We do this so you’ll feel confident in our review and trust our verdict.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The best high-end Samsung phone

Pros

200MP camera delivers in both well-lit and low-light conditionsTop-notch performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyAll-day battery lifeStunningly detailed 6.8in 120Hz display

Cons

Very expensiveRelatively slow 45W chargingDifficult to use one-handed

If you want the absolute best of the best that Samsung has to offer, and don’t mind the hefty price tag that comes with it, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the smartphone to go for.

It offers a combination of best-in-class display tech, processing power and camera performance that trumps not only every other Samsung phone, but most of the Android competition – though its 6.8-inch display means it’s also one of the biggest phones on the market right now, and not that easy to use one-handed.

Still, that 6.8-inch display is one of the main reasons to opt for the top-end model with Samsung’s dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, LTPO tech that allows the display to go up to 120Hz and down to 1Hz to improve battery efficiency, and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision makes it an absolute treat for watching movies.

It’s also a great canvas for the built-in S Pen stylus that allows you to draw and write on the display with an impressive 2.3ms latency that’s among the fastest in the market.

Another feature you won’t find on many other phones – and certainly none of the cheaper Samsung phones included within this list – is a fantastic zoom camera. While the other models have decent wide and ultrawide cameras, it’s the expanded zoom skills of the Ultra model that really set it apart when we reviewed it.

The capabilities on offer easily beat the competition from Apple and Google. We’re not talking about hitting 100x – these shots still look grainy – but at 10x and below the results are fantastic and a real reason to pick up this phone over a rival. It also has a whopping 200-megapixel main camera that delivers stunning results both during the day and at night, with the latter representing a real upgrade compared to the already-capable Galaxy S22 Ultra.

It boasts a 5,000mAh battery that’ll comfortably provide all-day use even with the WQHD+ resolution and high refresh rate enabled, and it’s among the most powerful phones around due to the inclusion of the Samsung-exclusive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset. There’s also a great long-term software upgrade promise that’ll keep it feeling fresh for years to come.

So yes, it’s certainly the most capable of Samsung’s current smartphone collection, but the overall size – and premium price tag – may put some off. That’s why we have a few more options recommended below.

Reviewer: Lewis Painter

Full review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review

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Samsung Galaxy S23

The best Samsung phone under £1000/$1000

Pros

Pocketable, minimalistic designAll-day battery lifeTrue flagship performance

Cons

Near-identical to Galaxy S22Slow charge speedsDisplay only drops to 48Hz

There’s no doubt that the top-end Galaxy S23 Ultra is the most capable Samsung smartphone around, but we’ve got a lot of love for its smaller sibling, the Galaxy S23. It’s not only much cheaper than the top-end Ultra model but it’s easier to hold, especially one-handed, with a pocketable compact design that’s still very much premium.

In fact, the Galaxy S23 is one of few Android smartphones to offer truly premium specs in a smaller chassis. The 6.1-inch display, while smaller than the 6.6 inches of the S23 Plus and 6.8 inches of the S23 Ultra, boasts the same dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colours and impressive brightness.

We found it perfectly fine for watching TikToks and YouTube videos, but those who like to watch Netflix on the go may prefer the larger, but near-identical, Galaxy S23 Plus.

That premium experience extends to the chipset, using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (which is exclusive to the S23 range, by the way) to deliver top-end performance with benchmarks that comfortably surpass the standard 8 Gen 2 used in many competing flagships. The improved battery efficiency also means it’s a comfortable all-day device despite packing a relatively small battery, fixing one of the biggest issues with last year’s model.

We also love the versatility of the camera system, sporting three rear sensors including a rather powerful 3.5X telephoto zoom and an ultrawide for expansive shots. As you’d expect, images are reliably detailed and well-lit, even as light levels begin to drop, though it does suffer from Samsung’s signature OTT vibrancy which can be a little too much in some shots.

There are also a bunch of ‘nice to have’ features like wireless charging, full IP68 dust and water resistance and a long-term software update promise of four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

It’s not perfect, lacking the impressive main 200MP sensor of the top-end Ultra model, and it’s slow to charge at just 25W, but it’s a tempting pocketable flagship that ticks most boxes.

Reviewer: Lewis Painter

Full review: Samsung Galaxy S23 review

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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The best mid-range Samsung phone

Pros

A very complete packageBright, colourful screenAn IP rating and Qi charging

Cons

Overpriced compared to the competitionCamera not as good as Pixel 6Average battery life and charging speeds

Sitting below the S22 series, the cheaper Galaxy S21 FE is a very good, mid-range Samsung phone that focuses on getting all the basics right. Based on our time with it the FE manages to offer great value for money as a result. It has a bright, colourful display along with strong performance and handy extras like wireless charging and an IP rating for added protection.

While the S21 moniker might give the impression this is an older device, its release actually came closer to the S22 than the S21 thanks to numerous delays.

In many ways, the feature set is better than the original S21 series even though it comes with a lower price. The Snapdragon 888 chipset totes 5G and performed well in our rigorous lab tests, alongside real, everyday use. The three cameras on the back can’t match up to the similarly priced Pixel 6, but they still churn out decent shots from three distinct focal lengths based on our tests.

If you don’t want to spend more on the S22 series, then the S21 FE ticks most of the boxes and will be a good phone for a number of years.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review

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Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

The best affordable Samsung phone

Pros

Great screen for videoDecent battery lifeGood camera systemFairly attractive design

Cons

No adaptive refresh rateNo wireless chargingNo charger included in the boxNo 3.5mm headphone jack

Samsung’s A series might not be as flashy as the other phones we’ve listed, but if you’re on a tighter budget then the Galaxy A53 5G represents impressive value. This still feels like a Samsung phone, with a bright OLED screen, Samsung’s own unique take on Android and a reliable camera system that produces good quality shots.

But paying less does limit the feature set somewhat. There’s no wireless charging, no adaptive refresh rate like the S22 Plus has and a build that’s constructed mostly from plastic.

One of the best features here, especially when you consider the price, is the 6.5-inch screen. The OLED tech produces deep blacks and vibrant colours, while the 120Hz refresh rate gives a smooth touch to scrolling and gaming. You’ll struggle to find a screen as good as this for this price.

This is one of the better Samsung phones when it comes to battery life, though considering the simplified feature set and the large 5000mAh cell that doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Compared to the S22 Plus, we got more juice from a single charge.

The camera system is a predictable step down from the S21 FE, throwing out slightly more saturated images that aren’t detailed. There’s also a fairly useless macro camera added, which our reviewer found wanting. But, even with these compromises, it’s still the best affordable option on this list.

Reviewer: Peter Phelps

Full review: Samsung Galaxy A53 5G review

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The best foldable phone

Pros

Smart UI tweaksCamera no longer an issueThe form factor really does work

Cons

Lack of apps making true use of the big inner screen limits usefulnessCrease and thick body remain from the previous iterationPrice still puts it out of reach for most

Samsung has one of the most varied lineups of any smartphone maker, offering everything from budget devices to high-end, futuristic foldables like the Z Fold 4. Just beware you’ll have to have deep pockets for this one.

Samsung’s latest edition of its flagship foldable is the best we’ve reviewed. It matches the Galaxy S22 Plus for camera quality, packs a number of smart software tweaks that make it a far more productive device than the S23 Ultra and doesn’t suffer from any of the durability issues that plagued some previous entries.

The biggest reason to pick this up over another Samsung phone is the large inner display that folds out when you need it. When you don’t want a tablet-sized 7.6-inch display there’s a smaller outer panel for texting, phone calls and the like.

If you’re after a foldable that’s a little cheaper, and a little smaller, there’s the Z Flip 4. This is Samsung’s other foldable and it mimics the look of a classic flip phone.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Best clamshell foldable

Out of the two foldables in Samsung’s range, the Z Flip 4 is the cheaper, more consumer-friendly option. If you’re keen on trying out a foldable phone, but don’t want something quite as elaborate as the Z Fold 4 then we recommend the Flip.

Instead of utilising a foldable screen to give you a tablet-sized screen in a phone, the Z Flip 4 takes a regular 6.7-inch display and lets you fold it in half. This creates a small, pocketable device that doesn’t skimp on features or tech.

When unfolded, the OLED display is sharp and colourful with just a small crease running across the middle. When you have the phone closed, there’s a Cover Display that highlights calls, the time, notifications and so on.

Updates over the Z Flip 3 are minimal, but this is still the better overall phone. The bezel around the screen is slimmer, the cameras are better in low-light conditions and the Qualcomm chipset inside is faster. More importantly, the battery is larger and lasted longer in our tests.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review

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FAQs

Do all the Samsung phones come with a charger? None of the phones here come with a charger in the box, however, they all support USB-C charging and do come with a cable so you just have to provide a plug. Are all these phones 5G capable? All of the phones listed have some form of 5G support. You’ll want the S23 Ultra or S23 Plus (or last year’s S22 variants) if you’re in an area that supports mmWave 5G.

Trusted Reviews test data

If you want the best of the best, the S23 Ultra is the choice. It has the most accurate display that can get very bright and impresses in various tests.

Geekbench 5 single core

Geekbench 5 multi core

Max brightness

1 hour video playback (Netflix, HDR)

30 minute gaming (intensive)

30 minute gaming (light)

1 hour music streaming (online)

1 hour music streaming (offline)

Time from 0-100% charge

Time from 0-50% charge

30-min recharge (no charger included)

15-min recharge (no charger included)

3D Mark – Wild Life

3D Mark – Wild Life Stress Test

3D Mark – Sling Shot Extreme

GFXBench – Aztec Ruins

GFXBench – Car Chase

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

1489

4527

7 %

5 %

91 min

28 Min

51 %

28 %

3766

3726

55 fps

68 fps

Samsung Galaxy S23

1551

4819

6 %

7 %

81 min

29 Min

27 %

51 %

3741

90 fps

106 fps

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

3083

1091

10 %

12 %

12 %

2 %

1 %

90 min

50 Min

1249

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

483

1683

7 %

2286

3511

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

1120

3667

453 nits

13 %

12 %

6 %

1 %

1 %

30 min

91 Min

7813

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

1118

3656

11 %

12 %

7 %

1 %

1 %

80 min

30 Min

7787

UK RRP

USA RRP

EU RRP

CA RRP

AUD RRP

Manufacturer

Screen Size

Storage Capacity

Rear Camera

Front Camera

Video Recording

IP rating

Battery

Wireless charging

Fast Charging

Size (Dimensions)

Weight

Operating System

Release Date

First Reviewed Date

Resolution

HDR

Refresh Rate

Ports

Chipset

RAM

Colours

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

£1249

$1199

Samsung

6.8 inches

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

5000 mAh

Yes

Yes

8.9 x 163.4 x 163.4 MM

234 G

Android 13 (OneUI 5.1)

2023

3088 x 1440

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy

12GB, 8GB

Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

Samsung Galaxy S23

£849

$799

Samsung

6.1 inches

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

50MP + 12MP + 10MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

3900 mAh

Yes

Yes

7.6 x 70.9 x 146.3 MM

168 G

Android 13 (OneUI 5.1)

2023

06/03/2023

1080 x 2340

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy

Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

£699

$699

AU$999

Samsung

6.4 inches

128GB, 256GB

12MP + 12MP + 8MP

32MP

Yes

IP68

4500 mAh

Yes

Yes

74.5 x 7.9 x 155.7 MM

177 G

Android 12

2022

03/01/2022

1080 x 2400

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

Snapdragon 888

6GB, 8GB

Black, Green, Purple, White

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

£388

Samsung

6.5 inches

128GB

12MP + 64MP + 5MP + 5MP

32MP

Yes

IP67

5000 mAh

Yes

74.7 x 8.1 x 159.9 MM

189 G

Android 12

2021

17/03/2022

120 Hz

USB-C

Exynos 1280

6GB

Peach, Blue, Black, White

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

£1649

$1649

€1799

CA$2500

AU$2688

Samsung

7.6 inches

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

50MP + 12MP + 10MP

10MP + 4MP

Yes

IPX8

4400 mAh

Yes

Yes

15.8 x 67.1 x 155.1 MM

263 G

Android 12

2022

09/08/2022

2176 x 1812

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1

12GB

Black, Gray Green, Beige

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

£999

$999

€1109

CA$1279

AU$1499

Samsung

6.7 inches

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

12MP + 12MP

10MP

Yes

IPX8

3700 mAh

Yes

Yes

187 G

Android 12

2022

10/08/2022

2640 x 1080

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1

8GB

Purple, Blue, Gold, Graphite



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