Best Samsung phones 2022

If you want the best Samsung phones, don’t look any further than the new Galaxy S22 models. All three introduce excellent new features — bright displays, great performance and improved cameras — while maintaining the same price range as the Galaxy S21 models introduced a year ago.

But flagship phones are expensive, even the entry-level S22, which starts at $799. If that’s too much for your budget, don’t despair — Samsung offers other top devices that rank among the best phones, and they can be had for less. That’s especially true if you’re willing to consider the phone maker’s more affordable Galaxy A midrange models.

We’ve got a list of reasons to buy and skip the Galaxy S22 as well as why you might want to buy the Galaxy S22 Ultra, if you’re trying to decide among the latest phones. Our Pixel 6a vs. Galaxy A53 comparison shows how Samsung’s top budget phone measure up to the upcoming Pixel, should you be more focused on lower-cost devices.

No matter what model has caught your eye, picking the best Samsung phone for you comes down to figuring out what kind of phone you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to pay. No matter what the answers to those questions are, there’s likely a device for your needs among the best Samsung phones. And if you do pick one up, make sure you check out what the first app you should install on your Samsung Galaxy phone is and all of other Samsung hidden features that will change the way you use your phone.

What are the best Samsung phones?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the ultimate Samsung flagship, and its our pick for the best Samsung phone right now. If you don’t want to pay more than $1,000 for a phone, the Galaxy S22 Plus gives you a big-screen device that’s less expensive than the Ultra, and the Galaxy S22 lets you save even more, with the lowest price among Samsung flagships.

There are cheaper options than the S22. The Galaxy S21 FE gives you a way to enjoy the key features of Samsung’s flagship lineup, though it draws its inspiration from last year’s S21 lineup. A better choice would be the Galaxy A53, which gives you a capable 5G phone for less than $500.

As for Samsung’s foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the more impressive addition to Samsung’s phone lineup, thanks to a giant screen that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. But the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is still a compelling option, thanks largely to its lower price tag. You can now order a customized version of the Z Flip 3 where you get to pick your own color combination, if you’re willing to pay a little bit more.

The best Samsung phones you can buy right now

1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Looking for the best Samsung phone? Then look no further than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the crown jewel in Samsung’s new lineup of flagship phones. The S22 Ultra rises to the top of our list by drawing upon an old familiar phone to Samsung fans — the design looks like a Galaxy Note model, right down to the slot for the included S Pen.

This is more than just a rehash of the Galaxy Note, though, as the Galaxy S22 Ultra delivers the brightest display we’ve yet tested, a new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and terrific camera improvements. The larger sensor on the new Ultra’s main camera lets in more light for better low-light photography, and we also appreciate software improvements like the more advanced Portrait mode. Samsung has even begun to roll out updates for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra camera, including a performance upgrade to portrait mode.

We wish battery life was a little better, though we appreciate that Samsung has gone back to 45W charging for this model. All told, this is a fine phone that should appeal to any Samsung fan who wants the best possible handset.

2.Samsung Galaxy S22

As good as the Galaxy S22 Ultra is, it also has the second-highest starting price of any new Samsung phone — only the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will cost you more out of the gate. While you certainly get what you pay for with the Ultra, you can get a lot of the same features for hundreds of dollars less with the Galaxy S22.

The Galaxy S22 boasts the same chipset found in more expensive S22 models, and it also has a brighter screen than its predecessor, even if the S22 Ultra and S22 Plus outshine it. Samsung also improved the cameras on the Galaxy S22, which takes excellent low-light photos and compelling portrait shots. Unlike other flagship phones in its price range, the Galaxy S22 even has a dedicated telephoto lens which now supports a 3x optical zoom.

You won’t get the fast wired charging found in other Galaxy S22 models, and the S22’s battery life leaves a little bit to be desired. But at $799, this model delivers the right balance of premium features and value for your money.