Best Samsung phones in 2026 – a complete guide to the Galaxy

The Galaxy S26 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s smartphone engineering in 2026. If you’re asking, ‘what’s the best Samsung phone overall?’, the S26 Ultra consistently earns that title – a photography powerhouse with premium performance across every metric.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, 12GB / 16GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB*

• Cameras: 200MP (f/1.4) main + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP 5x tele + 10MP 3x tele, 12MP front

• Battery: 5,000mAh, 60W wired / 25W wireless charging

• Special features: S Pen included, Privacy Display, Samsung DeX

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• OS: Android 16 with One UI 8.5 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 214g

• Colours: Cobalt Violet / Black / White / Sky Blue

What we love 

The 200MP main sensor with f/1.4 aperture captures remarkable detail – its wide aperture lets significantly more light in, delivering superb low-light performance alongside outstanding clarity in bright conditions. This makes the S26 Ultra the best Samsung phone for photography enthusiasts. The Advanced ProVisual Engine powered by Galaxy AI enhances every shot and the Nightography system delivers brilliant quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The dual telephoto setup provides exceptional versatility – the 50MP 5x optical zoom brings distant subjects close and maintains quality, while the 10MP 3x serves as the ideal portrait focal length. The performance matches the camera capabilities, with the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offering outstanding speeds for multitasking, video editing, and gaming.

The included S Pen enables precise notetaking, detailed sketching, and accurate photo editing – a functionality no other Android phone offers. Combined with Samsung DeX, which transforms your phone into a desktop environment, the S26 Ultra replaces multiple devices for productivity users, making it the best Samsung phone for work.

Things to consider 

The 214g weight is substantial, which you’ll feel during extended one-handed use. The 6.9-inch display can feel unwieldy for smaller hands, and the starting price represents serious financial commitment, though Samsung’s seven-year updates and our trade-in options help justify the investment.

Perfect for 

Power users refusing to compromise, photography enthusiasts, creative professionals needing S Pen functionality, productivity-focused users benefiting from Samsung DeX, and anyone planning on long-term ownership.

Buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 

*At Vodafone, you can purchase the Galaxy S26 Ultra with either 256GB or 512GB storage.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers tablet-sized productivity in a pocketable form, featuring an 8-inch main display that transforms mobile working and content consumption.

Key specifications 

• Display: 8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (main) + 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (cover), both 120Hz

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 12GB / 16GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB

• Cameras: 200MP main + 10MP 3x tele + 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP cover + 10MP front

• Battery: 4,400mAh, 25W wired / 15W wireless charging

• Special features: Flex Mode, Samsung DeX

• Water and dust resistance: IP48 rating

• OS: Android 16 with One UI 8 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 215g

• Colours: Jetblack / Blue Shadow / Silver Shadow

What we love 

The 8-inch main display revolutionises productivity – you can run three apps simultaneously side by side, and the 6.5-inch cover screen handles quick tasks without unfolding. Flex Mode enables hands-free video calls and content viewing, while Samsung DeX transforms the device into a desktop experience. The 200MP camera system rivals the S26 Ultra’s outstanding photography capabilities.

Samsung finally addressed the camera compromise with a 200MP main sensor, delivering flagship photography in a foldable. The hinge mechanism feels robust, the crease is barely noticeable, and, at 215g, it’s surprisingly light. For professionals seeking on-the-go productivity or anyone consuming significant media, this changes how you work and watch content on the move.

Things to consider 

It’s extremely expensive. The device requires more careful handling than traditional phones – the internal screen needs protection from sharp objects and excessive pressure. Battery life is decent, but not superb, given the large displays.

Perfect for 

Serious multitaskers, business professionals needing portable productivity, content creators requiring large displays, and tech enthusiasts wanting Samsung’s most advanced technology.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 

The Galaxy S26+ hits the sweet spot between the compact S26 and the feature-packed S26 Ultra, balancing flagship performance and brilliant battery life without being too heavy.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive

• Processor: Exynos 2600, 12GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB

• Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP 3x tele, 12MP front

• Battery: 4,900mAh, 45W wired / 20W wireless charging

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• OS: Android 16 with One UI 8.5 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 190g

• Colours: Cobalt Violet / Black / White / Sky Blue

What we love 

The 6.7-inch display balances screen real estate with a manageable size. The Exynos 2600 processor delivers premium performance, the 4,900mAh cell provides remarkable screen-on time for heavy users, and, at 190g, it’s wonderfully light. It offers exceptional value while retaining flagship power, comprehensive Galaxy AI features, and impressive battery longevity.

Things to consider 

No S Pen support, the 50MP camera can’t match the Ultra’s versatility (particularly missing the 5x telephoto for serious zoom), and you’re capped at 512GB storage.

Perfect for 

Users wanting large screens without the Ultra’s weight, anyone valuing balance between performance and battery, and savvy buyers recognising that this delivers most of the Ultra’s premium experience at a more accessible price point.

Buy Samsung Galaxy S26+

The Galaxy S26 delivers flagship performance in a genuinely pocketable fashion, proving that you don’t need massive size for remarkable specs.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive

• Processor: Exynos 2600, 12GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB

• Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP 3x tele, 12MP front

• Battery: 4,300mAh, 25W wired / 15W wireless charging

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• OS: Android 16 with One UI 8.5 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 167g

• Colours: Cobalt Violet / Black / White / Sky Blue

What we love 

The AI phone with the same flagship processor as the S26+, just smaller. The 6.3-inch display is refreshingly manageable for one-handed use, and, at 167g, it’s comfortably light. Seven years of updates ensure long-term value and the battery life is impressive for such a compact device. Plus, you’re getting comprehensive Galaxy AI features, solid cameras, and premium build quality.

Things to consider 

No S Pen support, 50MP versus 200MP main camera, FHD+ rather than QHD+ resolution, and slower 25W charging compared to the Ultra’s 60W.

Perfect for 

Compact phone lovers tired of unwieldy giants, practical buyers who don’t need every feature, and anyone upgrading from mid-range devices while wanting flagship power.

Buy Samsung Galaxy S26

The Galaxy Z Flip7 combines the nostalgic flip phone design with cutting-edge technology and transforms usability with its 4.1-inch cover screen.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (main) + 4.1-inch Super AMOLED (cover), both 120Hz

• Processor: Exynos 2500, 12GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB

• Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP front

• Battery: 4,300mAh, 25W wired / 15W wireless charging

• Special features: Flex Mode, cover screen apps

• Water and dust resistance: IP48 rating

• OS: Android 16 with One UI 8 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 188g

• Colours: Jetblack / Blue Shadow / Coralred

What we love 

The 4.1-inch cover display means that you can reply to messages, control music, and run apps without opening the phone. The photo quality benefits from using the cover screen as a viewfinder with the rear cameras for flawless selfies. The fashion appeal is undeniable – this phone turns heads wherever you take it. It folds to half size, slipping easily into tiny pockets.

Things to consider 

The Exynos processor doesn’t quite match the Snapdragon performance. The battery life is adequate, but not outstanding. No telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities. You’re paying a premium price for the folding factor.

Perfect for 

Style-conscious buyers valuing design as much as specs, compact phone lovers, anyone nostalgic for flip phones but wanting modern technology, and fashion-forward users who view their phone as an accessory.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

Last year’s flagship remains superb. With prices dropping thanks to the S26 launch, it represents outstanding value for anyone wanting flagship features without top-tier pricing.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB

• Cameras: 200MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP 5x tele + 10MP 3x tele, 12MP front

• Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired / 15W wireless charging

• Special features: S Pen included, Samsung DeX

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• OS: Android 15 with One UI 7 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 218g

• Colours: Titanium Silverblue / Titanium Gray / Titanium Black / Titanium Whitesilver

What we love 

The S25 Ultra delivers virtually everything the S26 Ultra offers – the 200MP camera remains brilliant, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor stays blazingly fast, and you’re getting seven years of updates through 2032. The battery life is excellent, the S Pen functionality matches the newer model, and, for daily needs, you genuinely won’t notice the difference from the S26 Ultra.

Things to consider 

You’re buying last year’s technology – the S26 Ultra’s improved processor offers better efficiency, its updated camera sensors capture marginally better photos in challenging conditions, and charging is slower at 45W (instead of 60W).

Perfect for 

Value-conscious buyers wanting flagship features without paying absolute top dollar, existing Samsung users upgrading from older devices, and anyone who doesn’t need the absolute cutting edge.

Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

At just 5.8mm thin and weighing only 163g, the Galaxy S25 Edge is one of the lightest flagships ever made, proving premium phones can be sleek and slim.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB

• Cameras: 200MP main + 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP front

• Battery: 3,900mAh, 25W wired / 15W wireless charging

• Special features: 5.8mm thin profile, advanced cooling system

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• OS: Android 15 with One UI 7 (seven years of updates)

• Weight: 163g

• Colours: Titanium Silver / Titanium Icyblue / Titanium Jetblack

What we love 

It slips into pockets effortlessly and feels impossibly light. Despite the slim profile, build quality remains excellent. The inclusion of the 200MP main camera in such a thin body is impressive engineering. The performance matches that of the thicker S26 phones and the advanced cooling system manages temperatures well, even during gaming.

Things to consider 

The 3,900mAh battery is the smallest in Samsung’s flagship lineup – you’ll likely need a recharge by dinnertime with moderate-to-heavy use. 25W charging is slower than other flagships. No telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities. You’re paying a premium price for the thin design.

Perfect for 

Style-conscious buyers valuing design as much as specs, anyone finding modern flagships too heavy, commuters appreciating true portability, and users realistic about battery limitations.

Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

The Galaxy A56 5G delivers impressive value, providing genuinely satisfying experiences and making intelligent compromises to hit its target price.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz

• Processor: Exynos 1580, 8GB RAM

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB

• Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro, 12MP front

• Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging

• Water and dust resistance: IP67 rating

• OS: Android 15 with One UI 7 (six years of updates)

• Weight: 198g

• Colours: Awesome Lightgray / Awesome Graphite / Awesome Olive / Awesome Pink

What we love 

The 5,000mAh battery can stretch to multiple days for moderate users. The Super AMOLED display looks stunning with vibrant colours, the 50MP camera captures decent photos in good light, and six years of security updates ensure long-term protection. The 45W charging gets you back to full power quickly, plus the IP67 water and dust resistance adds welcome protection for a mid-range device.

Things to consider 

The mid-range processor shows limitations with demanding apps, the camera performance drops noticeably in low light, and the glossy glass finish feels slippery without a case.

Perfect for 

Budget-conscious buyers wanting modern features, anyone stepping up from entry-level phones, users prioritising battery life over cutting-edge performance, and first-time Samsung buyers.

Buy Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

The Galaxy A36 5G is Samsung’s answer to budget-conscious buyers wanting a proper Samsung smartphone with 5G, delivering surprising value at its price point.

Key specifications 

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz

• Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 8GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB

• Cameras: 50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro, 12MP front

• Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging

• Water and dust resistance: IP67 rating

• OS: Android 15 with One UI 7 (six years of updates)

• Weight: 195g

• Colours: Awesome Lavender / Awesome Black / Awesome White / Awesome Lime

What we love 

The 5,000mAh battery delivers superb longevity – you’ll comfortably make it through a full day, lighter users might stretch to multiple days. The Super AMOLED display looks lovely with its smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 5G connectivity provides valuable future-proofing and the 50MP main camera captures surprisingly decent photos in good light. Plus, at this price point, the IP67 water and dust resistance is rare.

Things to consider 

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor shows limitations with demanding tasks and the 8GB RAM can lead to apps closing during heavy multitasking. The camera struggles in low light and the build quality feels less premium with the plastic frame.

Perfect for 

First-time smartphone buyers, budget-conscious users prioritising essential features, parents buying phones for children or teenagers, and anyone needing a reliable backup device.

Buy Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Samsung dominates the Android market in 2026, offering comprehensive device lineups from premium flagships to affordable options. The question ‘what’s the best Samsung phone?’ doesn’t have a single answer – it depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and how you use your device daily.

Samsung’s seven-year update commitment represents a compelling reason to choose Galaxy models. Every Galaxy S, Z, and FE series device receives seven years of major Android OS upgrades and security patches, which means that phones purchased in 2026 remain secure through 2033 – significantly outpacing many competitors offering just two or three years.

At Vodafone, you can access the best Samsung phones with connectivity that matches their potential. As the UK’s reliable, award-winning network powering 82% of Emergency Services and covering 99% of UK homes, with 5G widely available across our platform, you’ll experience Samsung’s full potential.

• Vodafone Together – save on every additional plan

• Trade-in Guarantee – get value for your old device

• Vodafone EVO – 0% APR payment plans available

• Lifetime Service Promise – extended warranty and battery refresh

• Tech Team experts – help choosing, setting up, and maintaining your device

Find your nearest Vodafone store