1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The very best for flagship lovers
With the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung kicked off the new year with a bang. Not a huge amount has changed externally from last year's Galaxy S22 Ultra, but the biggest new addition is the move to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which not only seriously improved performance, but battery life is significantly longer as well.
If you're in the market for a new flagship smartphone, there's simply nothing better. Samsung's latest all-singing and all-dancing smartphone has seen a major upgrade in the photography department, with a fancy new 200MP main sensor. What impressed us the most, in fact, was the S23 Ultra's zoom capabilities. With a pair of 3x and 10x telephoto lenses (as well as a primary 108MP sensor), the S22 Ultra's pictures looked absolutely sublime in our tests, capturing every detail with tonally perfect colours, no matter the lighting conditions.
The sublime 6.8in 120Hz screen also returns (perfect for doodling with the bundled S Pen). Sure, there are far cheaper handsets you can get your hands on in 2023, but if you're after the very best that Android (not just Samsung) has to offer, then this is definitely it.
Key specs – Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2; Screen: 6.8in, 3,088 x 1,440; Camera: 200MP, 10MP (10x zoom), 10MP (3x zoom), 12MP (wide); Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB; Operating system: Android 13
Also consider: Samsung Galaxy S23
Want to spend less on the latest Samsung flagship? The good news is that the regular Galaxy S23 is still a terrific option, that is provided you don't mind a few cutbacks.
The Galaxy S23 is a smashing alternative for the cost-conscious buyer. It uses the same top-spec Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, pumping out the same ultra-fast performance figures and its 50MP main camera impressed in testing as well. It also has the added benefit of being a lot smaller than the Ultra (6.1in vs 6.8in), so if large-screened handsets aren't really your thing, the entry-level S23 should be your next phone purchase.
2. Samsung Galaxy A21s: The best budget Samsung phone
If you aren't too keen handing over flagship-sized sums for the latest and greatest Samsung, then the Galaxy A21s is the perfect choice for the budget-conscious. It's not the flashiest smartphone on the market, but where it counts the Galaxy A21s is a remarkable smartphone that's filled to the brim with features for very little money.
Somehow, Samsung has managed to squeeze in a total of five cameras which, again, is rather generous considering how much it costs. It has a massive 48MP camera, which is excellent, as well as a macro, wide-angle and depth-sensing lens. Samsung certainly knows how to make a well-priced smartphone, and the Galaxy A21s, complete with Android 10, a snazzy design and a lovely screen, absolutely smashes our expectations.
Key specs – Processor: Samsung Exynos 850; Screen: 6.5in, 1,600 x 720; Camera: 48MP, 8MP (wide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth); Storage: 64GB; Operating system: Android 10
3. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Fan-tastic value
Not got a huge amount of money for a Samsung flagship but don't want to scrimp on features? Thankfully, the S21 FE pretty much has it all: high-end specs and a long list of flagship-worthy features at a reduced price.
Cheaper than the S21 but with similarly speedy performance, a dazzling display and a great set of rear cameras, the S21 FE (or, Fan Edition) is one of last year's best-value smartphones. If you're put off by the prices of this year's flagships, then the Galaxy S21 FE is easily the next best thing.
Key specs – Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888; Screen: 6.4in, 2,400 x 1,080; Camera: 12MP, 8MP (zoom), 12MP (wide); Storage: 128GB/256GB; Operating system: Android 11
4. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: Samsung's best-value smartphone
Alternatively, if you have even less money to spend on a new Samsung phone, and you still aren't willing to sacrifice too much in the way of features, then the mid-range Galaxy A54 5G is a safe bet.
With a large, colour accurate 6.4in screen, triple camera array and solid performance, there's very little to dislike. Not to mention that the battery life is exceptional, with the Galaxy A54 5G lasting almost 27 hours in our tests. The only downside is that the Display isn't HDR compliant, but this is a small niggle when you consider just how much stuff you're getting for relatively little money.
Key specs – Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380; Screen: 6.5in, 2,340 x 1,080; Camera: 50MP, 12MP (wide), 5MP (macro); Storage: 128GB, 256GB; Operating system: Android 13
