Best Samsung Smartphone Reviews 2018

In the world of electronics, you just can’t ignore the huge influence Samsung has. This time we are going to cover the brand’s smartphones, covering some great models with flexible budget options to ensure every loyal Samsung fan gets a perfect fit. If you want your choices to go beyond Samsung, you can go ahead and check our review on mixed smartphones. There are some great models there that won’t disappoint!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Display Size

Storage Space

Cameras

RAM

Battery

Our Top Choice

Samsung Galaxy S8+

Samsung is a major player in the Smartphone space and its products are well-received by customers across all regions.

Large, incredible 6.2-inch screen. Future-proof technology. Powerful performance. Stunning design. Good software experience.

Low-quality fingerprint scanner.

6.2 inches

64 GB

8MP/12MP

4GB

3500mAh

Best Value

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Samsung is a reliable and trusted brand for most electronic products, with over 7 decades of experience.

Wireless charging. Water-resistant. HD display. Lightweight. Advanced camera. Amazing battery power.

Overly reflective.

5.5 inches

32 GB

5MP/12MP

4GB

3600mAh

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Samsung has always been committed to producing quality products to enhance the lives of its customers.

Large 6.3-inch display. Impeccable full HD resolution. Stunning build and design. Well-implemented software and stylus. Sharp edges. Dual camera module.

Wildly expensive.

6.3 inches

64 GB

8MP/12MP

6 GB

3300mAh

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Samsung is a household name when it comes to smartphones, considering its vast experience in this market.

Unique design. Fast smartphone. Good-quality cameras. Long battery life. S-Pen included.

No expandable storage.

5.7 inches

32 GB, 64 GB

5MP/16MP

4 GB

3000mAh

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung can be defined in a single word: evolution. This is shown in every one of its products.

Amazing screen display. Powerful. Excellent camera experience. Better battery life.

Decent processor, but behind the times.

5.1 inches

16 GB

2MP/16MP

2GB

2800mAh

(Updated January 6, 2018)

Skip ahead and go directly to the reviews.

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Watch Our Samsung Smartphone Review

How Do I Choose the Best Samsung Smartphone?

Excellent news, folks: if you’re looking to get yourself a new smartphone, you can never go wrong with Samsung! Yes, we know the brand had its share of challenges when its disastrous Note 7 was recalled, but truth be said—this tech giant is really something! It has upped its game, and all its new flagships (as well as older smartphones) have taken the world by storm!

Since its explosion onto the electronics market, Samsung has held a top spot, especially when it comes to smartphones, tablets, smart televisions, and other devices. Although the playing field seems to be leveling as more brands expand their product base, Samsung still remains a highly recognized brand. Whether you are looking for Blu Ray players, home theater systems, large LED screens, or a quality smartphone, there is no reason you shouldn’t trust this brand!

Do you remember the first Samsung smartphone—the I7500 Galaxy? With only a 3.2-inch display and 128MB of RAM, people considered it a really big deal. These days, the brand has made its phones even bigger, adding more speed and better-quality cameras to suit different users. Ultimately, when it comes to choosing which Samsung smartphone is the best for you, it will come down to your personal needs, preferences, and budget. Our goal with this guide is to highlight some of the key features you need to keep in mind for that perfect purchase. Shall we get to it?

Price

Whether you are looking for a smartphone for basic calling, texting, and browsing tasks, or you’re a tech maniac and always want to rush and get the next hot product that comes along, you will find a variety of prices, from budget-friendly (around $60) to moderate (around $300) to high-end options ($500 and higher).

It all depends on what kind of features you anticipate getting. If you want a model with an impressive camera, both front and back, or one that has a large, edge-to-edge screen, be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets. Same case applies if you want a waterproof model or one that allows you to unlock using facial recognition.

On the other hand, if you can sacrifice any of the high-end features and get a standard camera, average performance, and a smaller screen, then you will save some bucks and get a more-affordable phone. Like we noted, it’s all about what you’re looking for!

But remember one thing: in this modern age, things are moving really fast and smartphones are getting smarter and smarter. As much as you want to save some dollars, don’t go for the really cheap Samsung smartphones as they might offer you the basic features that make a phone worthwhile—but won’t go any further than that.

Features

So, what is it that you should keep an eye on when purchasing a Samsung smartphone? To help you narrow down your choices, here are a couple of things to consider:

• Screen Size – Do you want a large screen display or just a small one that fits in your hands easily?
• Design – Is a sleek design a big deal to you? Do you fancy the edge-to-edge design?
• Camera – Are you a selfie fanatic, or don’t take many photos using your smartphone?
• Extras - What else does the smartphone offer you? This can include a waterproof design or even fingerprint scanners.
• Software - What software does your smartphone have? What generation of Android is it?
• Battery Life - This is a vital aspect of how much you’ll enjoy your phone. Will it last for at least a day on one charge, or longer?
• Screen Resolution - How is the quality of its screen resolution? Will it offer you the viewing you want?
• Storage – Are you looking to save a lot of videos and photos on your phone? Are you a tech manic who downloads a lot of apps?

Construction and Design

The construction and design of your Samsung smartphone may be the most important factor to consider. Within this, you’ll want to check up on a few things based on what you’re looking for: the screen size, storage space, and what extras it comes with. More info is below on each topic.

Screen Size - Do you love a small screen or a big phone? If you insist on getting one to help you handle basic tasks, you will do well with a smartphone with a 4.5-inch screen or less. Options such as the Samsung Galaxy J1 and J2 will serve you well.

On the other hand, if you plan to watch movies or play games on your smartphone, or just enjoy larger-screen displays, you could go for one with a 5-inch display or more. And yes, some of Samsung’s latest flagships, such as the Galaxy S8+ and Note 8, introduce large 6.2-inch and 6.3-inch displays, respectively.
Storage - Storage! Storage! Have you ever attempted to download an app only to be met with a harsh message that your phone is out of space? Well, this can be really frustrating, and it’s because of one simple reason—low storage space! If you want to save all your photos, movies, videos, and game downloads on your phone, it makes sense to go for an option with about 32GB and higher. If you just need a model for standard usage, say to download just the essential apps and videos on YouTube, you will do well with 16GB or 8GB.
Extras - How could we forget the extras! One of the things that make some Samsung smartphones unique is the extra features they come with. We are talking about stuff such as a fingerprint scanner, water-resistant body, MicroSD slot, and wireless charging (as is the case for the S7 Edge).

Performance and Ease of Use

There’s no point in buying a smartphone of any kind if it won’t offer you great benefits or serve the purpose you bought it for. Below is info on a few of the things you’ll want to look out for, including: the software, the camera quality, the battery life, and the screen resolution. Let’s take a look!

Software - Let’s start with the software. All Samsung Smartphones come with an Android operating system, with some allowing you the option to update your current version. If you don’t expect to handle many tasks on your phone, you could settle for Android 6, but if you’re interested in the recent goodies by Android, including battery-saving features, then opt for Android 7.0 and higher.

Camera Quality - We can’t talk enough about the camera quality. Look at the major flagships by smartphone companies and you will note one thing—they are all competing on what their cameras can do and their capabilities.

If you love selfies, it goes without saying that you need a good front camera that captures good photos, even in low light. Same case for those who love to capture every moment of their life! For a good smartphone, go for a front camera ranging from 2MP to 8MP, and for the back camera consider a range of 2MP to 16MP.

Battery Life - And now to the most contentious issue—the battery life! That’s right. Who wants a phone that can barely last a few hours with minimal usage—anyone? Guess not! While you could find some Samsung smartphones with around 2400mAh battery capacity lasting about one day, you could also find some models (such as the Note 8) with as much as 3300mAh, which could last almost 2 days with moderate use. Amazing, right?

Screen Resolution - Don’t forget about the screen resolutions as well. Some models will feature a HD resolution, while some will come with a better display of Full HD, giving you crisp, clear images. Such options are great if you’re planning to use your VR headsets.

What is the Best Samsung Smartphone?

Do you want to upgrade your phone to one of the latest Samsung flagships or just want a good Samsung smartphone that will serve your needs? Well, we have some great options for you. Now that you understand what it takes to get a good phone by this giant brand, let’s now head straight into our picks.

Our Top Choice

The Samsung S8+ 64 GB Unlocked Smartphone International Version is a clear example of Samsung’s masterclass in performance and engineering. With an incredible 6.2-inch screen, it serves your smartphone and tablet needs easily! Love everything about the S8+, but can’t afford it? Don’t worry; you can sacrifice the large screen and get a 5.8-inch display with the Samsung S8 and enjoy similar features.

Samsung Galaxy S8+ 64 GB Unlocked Smartphone International Version – Available in 5 Colors

Samsung Smartphone SM-G955F – Midnight Black

Features

With major smartphone providers releasing new phones in the market in early 2017, Samsung was not left behind. On March 2017, the company debuted with the S8 and S8+, two of the slickest Android phones they have ever made. From the design to the phone performance to the software experience, there’s no doubt these two phones are futuristic.

The S8+, which is our focus today, has a stunning design from every angle. We are talking about a huge, shiny, 6.2-inch display, a curved front and back that are designed to allow it to nestle in your hand perfectly, and a waterproof design. One of its centers of attention is the battery power. A 3500mAh battery will give you service for almost 2 days, whether you’re a browsing maniac, a game enthusiast, or a selfie aficionado.

Here are more features that make this smartphone stand out among many and explain why it’s worth every penny.

End-to-end display with no angles or bumps
Full HD resolution for crisp, clear images
64GB internal memory provides ample storage space for all your photos, videos, games, and apps
8mp front camera and 12MP rear camera to allow you to capture the beautiful moments of your life as they happen
Facial recognition for improved security
10nm processor and 4GB RAM for powerful and more efficient execution of programs
Dust and water resistance, allowing you to use the phone in any weather condition
International version, meaning it can be used with the majority of GSM carriers globally

The midnight black color that we feature looks stunning and is a favorite for many. However, if you fancy a different color you can always check out the available options, from arctic silver to coral blue to maple gold to orchid gray.

Samsung smartphones are now sharper, faster, and better. Get one today and spring into action!

Best Value

The Galaxy S7 Edge Phone 32 GB Unlocked features a 5.5-inch display screen, 12 MP rear camera that takes crisp, clear photos, and impressive 3600mAh battery life. Want to enjoy almost similar features, with the exception of screen size and battery capacity? Save some money and get the Samsung S7. It features a 5.1-inch display and 3000mAh battery capacity.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 32 GB Unlocked – Available in 3 Colors

Samsung Smartphone Galaxy S7 Edge - Titanium Silver

Features

Samsung is one of our favorite brands when it comes to Smartphones. In March 2016, Samsung proved that it’s still in the game when it comes to smartphones. It released the Galaxy S7 Edge, which had some significant upgrades from its sibling, the Galaxy S6. The phone is thicker and accommodates a larger battery that can help you keep browsing and making calls for up to 36 hours. Better yet, selfie lovers will appreciate the 5.0 MP front camera that delivers crisp, clear photos.

Let’s take a look at more of the features that this smartphone offers:

Lightweight smartphone, weighing only 157g
Quality HD display screen, thanks to the Super AMOLED captivities touch screen that offers 16M colors
5.5-inch display size and a screen-to-body ratio of 76.1%
Duo-core 2.3 GHz cortex-A53 CPU and an additional quad-core 1.6 GHZ Cortex-A53
Wireless charging capability
Water-resistant so you don’t have to worry if you use it in rain
Advanced cameras: 5.0MP front and 12MP rear
32 GB internal memory and 4GB of RAM—you can extend the memory with an SD card to up to 200 GB

You can purchase this phone in three color options: black, gold, and silver. Take you pick and use your phone in style!

We love the Edge7, but older models are great too. Want to save some money? Compare the Edge lineup.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Factory Unlocked Phone (US Version) is the company’s most recent flagship, with sharper edges than its predecessors and a square, dual camera module that capture stunning shots. Love the Note but prefer a smaller display? Why not get the Galaxy Note Edge and enjoy a 5.6-inch, edge-to-edge display and save some bucks? You’ll love it!

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Factory Unlocked Phone (US Version) – Available in Orchid Gray and Midnight Black Colors

Samsung Smartphone SM-N950UZVAXAA – Orchid Gray

Features

Just like most of its rivals in the smartphone space, Samsung’s developers forgo sleep in order to capture emerging markets with new technologies. And truthfully, they have done an awesome job.

After the disastrous recall and subsequent discontinuation of the Samsung Note 7, many people did not think that the Note 8 would ever happen. Well, they were wrong! Samsung returned to the phablet market with the Samsung Note 8, and this time with better, more innovative features. The phone boasts a gorgeous, curvaceous design, excellent stylus, and great software. As for the cameras, it features an 8MP front-facing camera that allows for iris scanning and impeccable selfies—and a 12MP back camera that’s praised for clarity, even in low light.

There’s a lot about the Note 8 that makes Samsung fans save up to own it. Here’s more that you will get with this device:

Large super AMOLED screen display, that still fits quite easily in the hands
A variety of color choices to suit different users
64GB storage space with removable SD slot that supports up to 256 GB
Built in S-pen to make your operations fun and easy
6GB RAM and 10nm processor for fast performance when multitasking or downloading files
Long battery life

Don’t love the orchid gray color? Don’t worry because the Note 8 is also available in midnight black. It’s all about what you fancy!

Multitask confidently with Samsung smartphones. Get one today and get the best experience!

The Galaxy Note 5 Mobile Phone incorporates a unique design of a curved screen and an improved S Pen that allows you to write your schedules on the phone by hand. If you’re looking for a basic smartphone—one with lower processing power and Android KitKat instead of 5.1.1 Lollipop—you can check out the Galaxy S4. It’s highly praised and quite affordable.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Mobile Phone – Available from 3 Carriers, in Black or White, and in 32 or 64GB

Samsung Smartphone Galaxy Note 5 – AT&T – Black – 32 GB

Features

Being one of the major players in the Smartphone game, Samsung could not be left behind in the innovation department, making a unique phone that no competitor had thought of. Truthfully unique, we present you with the Note 5.

Released in August 2015, the Note 5 comes with some incredible specs, especially when it comes to the screen size and overall design aesthetics. The phone is bigger, measuring 5.7 inches, and has an incredible 16MP rear camera. The phone is beautiful—incorporating curved glass for a better feel, not to mention its advanced S Pen.

Here are the features of the Note 5, and why you should be getting it today:

An improved S Pen to help you jot down schedules and reminders
Super AMOLED screen that tends to light so that your images can pop
Allows you to multitask by opening two apps at the same time, so you can answer your mail while reading news
32 GB storage space; also available as 64GB
3,000mAh battery that allows you to do more throughout the day—it can even recharge wirelessly
Exynos 7420 Octa-core processor and 4GB RAM give you the best performance and speed, making it loads faster whether you’re playing games or browsing
Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

You can also purchase this model in black or white, depending on your preference, and it’s available from AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. Get yours today!

Get things done every day with Samsung smartphones. Take a look at more Note models if this one isn't right for you.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 16GB Mobile Phone is a good phone if you’re looking for a model that you can take with you all day without recharging. It comes with a 2800mAh battery, guaranteeing that you’ll handle your tasks uninterrupted. If you’re okay with a model that offers 2550mAh battery, but is more powerful (3GB RAM), we’re sure you’ll love the Galaxy S6. Same screen size, same camera quality, but different speed and battery life!

Samsung Galaxy S5 16GB Mobile Phone – Available from 3 Carriers & in 4 Colors

Samsung Smartphone Galaxy S5 – Verizon – White

Features

Samsung evolves and continues to introduce better upgrades in all its products. From Smart TVs to home theaters, and now to smartphones—you name it and you will find a high-performing product.

The Galaxy S5 is made to deliver incredible detail in its HD display. It doesn’t matter if you’re standing in the scorching sun or in the rain; the phone dynamically adjusts itself to compensate for the ambient light, giving you a perfect viewing experience. When it comes to the camera, this smartphone has evolved from the S4 to give cleaner and faster snaps. To enjoy these features, you don’t have to break the bank; with this affordable phone, you will be making one of your greatest purchases ever!

Here are features that the S5 has in store for you:

Full HD 1080p Super AMOLED display
5.1-inch screen size for great viewing experience
Powerful 16MP rear camera that lets you capture moments as they happen
Built-in heart rate monitor that helps you keep track of your health
Water-resistant and dustproof design
Fingerprint scanner for added security

The Galaxy S5 is available in different colors. While we decided to feature the white version, you can get the phone in black, gold, and blue. You can also get the phone with 32 GB at a slightly higher price, and from different carriers.

Not what you're looking for? Take a look at other versions to see if one of them meets your needs.

Get the Best Samsung Smartphone of 2018!

We know that everyone doesn’t want a 6-inch phone or one that has a 12MP camera. We also know that some people prefer upgrading their phones to the latest in the market, while others just need a basic smartphone to help them navigate their daily activities—provided they are of good quality. As you can see from our review, we factored in everything. It’s our hope that you have found a phone that will serve you right!

Our Top Choice

Samsung Galaxy S8+

Best Value

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Samsung Galaxy S5