Samsung phones continue to rule the Android market, moving into 2025. The company accounted for 23% of all phones sold in the US in 2024, significantly higher than the next-biggest player, Lenovo (11%). The Korean phone maker ensures its devices are competitvely priced and come with premium build quality as well as the latest hardware.
This article talks about five of the best Samsung phones to use in early 2025. Keep these on your radar while choosing your next smartphone.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.
Best Samsung phones to consider buying in early 2025
5) Samsung Galaxy A35 5G ($325)
The Galaxy A35 5G is a mid-range Samsung phone that competes directly with the iPhone SE. With a sleek modern design and vastly more capable camera setup, the device is a far better choice for regular users in early 2025. While this phone was launched for $400 in 2024, it is currently selling for $325 on multiple stores.
In terms of the underlying hardware, you get an Exynos 1380 chipset, which isn't the fastest on the market but packs enough processing prowess for day-to-day tasks and casual gaming. Samsung offers the device with 6-12 GB of memory. Storage-wise, you get to choose between 128 and 256 GB.
Pros:
- The Galaxy A35 is pretty affordable at $325.
- The 6.6-inch AMOLED screen is great to have on a budget device.
- It packs a large 5000 mAh battery, ensuring all-day battery life.
Cons:
- The Exynos 1380 isn't well-suited for heavy gaming and multitasking.
- It doesn't have a telephoto camera.
- The 25 W bundled charger takes a while to fill up the device.
4) Samsung Galaxy A55 5G ($500)
The Galaxy A55 is a more premium sibling of the A35 listed above. This phone targets the $500 market segment, one that was disbanded by Apple with the discontinuation of the Mini series. This Samsung phone has little to compete against, making it one of the best buys in the mid-range.
The phone is powered by the slightly more capable Exynos 1480 chipset. While it is still a step below the flagship 2400 processor, you can comfortably get decent gaming performance and multitask easily on this device. The phone bundles 6-12 GB of memory like its cheaper sibling. Storage-wise, you get the same 128 and 256 GB options.
Pros:
- The Exynos 1480 processor provides solid performance for gaming and multitasking.
- The phone packs a brilliant super AMOLED 120 Hz display.
- It offers expandable storage up to 1 TB is a welcome feature.
Cons:
- Its plastic back feels less premium compared to metal or glass.
- The cameras struggle in low-light conditions.
- No wireless charging despite the $500 price tag.
3) Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ($650)
The Galaxy S24 FE is a cut-down version of the flagship offerings from the Korean manufacturer. This Samsung phone cuts certain corners to bring the price down to ~$650. However, it retains the experience, feel, and quality of costlier devices, thereby offering a commendable value-for-money proposition.
The Galaxy S24 FE is powered by the same Exynos 2400 chipset as the remainder of the high-end lineup. You get a brilliant 6.4-inch AMOLED panel, custom-designed for content consumption and gaming. In terms of storage, you get to choose between 128 and 256 GB, as usual.
Pros:
- Its flagship-grade Exynos 2400/Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures smooth performance.
- The Dynamic AMOLED 120 Hz display delivers exceptional clarity and fluidity.
- Excellent value for money with premium features at a mid-tier price.
Cons:
- This Samsung phone lacks advanced camera features like telephoto or periscope zoom.
- Its battery life is slightly lower than competitors with similar specs.
- The plastic frame design detracts from the premium feel.
2) Samsung Galaxy S24 ($859)
Coming to the flagship Samsung phones, the Galaxy S24 is an option to consider. The device competes directly with the iPhone 16 with a similar price tag and performance figures. Given its unmatched display, capable camera setup, and powerful processor, the S24 is believed to be the best among Android.
The device is available in two variants, either with the Exynos 2400 chipset or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both chipsets are flagship-grade and offer some of the best performance metrics across gaming, AI usage, and multitasking. In terms of RAM, you only get 8 GB, which can lower than what heavy multitaskers want.
However, storage-wise, Samsung has you covered with 128, 256, and 512 GB offerings.
Pros:
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures top-notch performance for gaming and apps.
- Its triple-camera setup captures detailed photos with strong telephoto capability.
- The device's compact size makes it ideal for one-handed use.
Cons:
- Smaller 4000 mAh battery compared to others in this price range.
- Its base variant storage starts at 128 GB, which feels restrictive.
- Doesn't offer any significant upgrades from its predecessor for some users.
1) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 ($1,099)
Beyond traditional phones, Samsung makes some of the best foldable devices on the market. Over the past few generations, the company has perfected its folding technology, offering a smooth experience with the latest iterations.
We feel the Z Flip 6 is the more practical option for most users, given its small footprint and lower price compared to the Z Fold 6.
This Samsung phone packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. You get up to 512 GB of storage and 12 GB RAM, which is plenty in 2025. However, the smaller form factor and folding hardware means Samsung had to compromise on the battery capacity. With a 4,000 mAh cell, the phone could have difficulties operating for the entire day.
Pros:
- The flip design combines portability with cutting-edge screen technology.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures flagship-grade performance.
- Offers improved hinge durability enhances longevity.
Cons:
- The smaller 4000 mAh battery may not last a full day for heavy users.
- The crease on the foldable screen is still noticeable at certain angles.
- Expensive for the features it offers.
Overall, these are some of the best Samsung phones you can consider in early 2025. We have listed options at varied price points to highlight the Korean phone maker's versatility, and you can choose as per your budget.