Are Samsung smartphones good?
Samsung smartphones have an average overall score of 8.2, ranking #4 among all smartphone brands, and a user rating of 9.3, placing them at #1 based on user reviews.
Samsung smartphones are a strong choice if you want a wide range of options, from budget devices to high-end flagships. The brand is known for its Galaxy series, which includes the affordable Galaxy A models and the premium Galaxy S and Galaxy Z foldable lines.
High-end models feature bright AMOLED displays with high refresh rates, powerful processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen series or Samsung’s Exynos chips, and versatile camera systems with multiple lenses for wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots. Software support is among the best in the Android market, with up to four years of major updates and five years of security patches.
Battery life varies across models, but many include fast charging, wireless charging, and large capacities above 4,500 mAh. Storage options can reach 1 TB on some models, and RAM goes up to 12 GB or more in flagship versions. Samsung also integrates its ecosystem features, so if you use Galaxy Buds, tablets, or smartwatches, you get smooth device pairing and extra functionality.
This combination of variety, quality, and long-term support makes Samsung one of the most reliable brands in the smartphone market.
(Note: A total of 37 brands were evaluated in the comparison in the first paragraph. Only those with at least six smartphones in our database that were released after 2022 were included.)
The best currently available Samsung smartphones (with the highest overall score) are as follows:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G (12GB + 512GB) Overall score: 8.54
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (12GB + 256GB) Overall score: 8.47
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12GB + 512GB) Overall score: 8.46
The chart below ranks smartphone brands based on their overall scores.
[horizontal-chart-14855520977915281854131920228859147337322180876303]What are the main advantages of Samsung smartphones?
The main advantages of Samsung smartphones are as follows.
- Superior AMOLED displays: Samsung equips its smartphones with Super AMOLED screens that deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks contrast ratio up to 2,000,000: 1. These displays support high refresh rates like 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming, and they reach peak brightness of 1,750 nits in models such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Users experience sharp visuals with QHD+ resolution (3088x1440 pixels), and the screens resist glare in bright outdoor conditions.
- Advanced camera systems: Samsung integrates multi-lens setups with up to 200MP main sensors in flagships like the Galaxy S24, which capture detailed photos in low light via large 1/1.3-inch sensors. Features include 100x Space Zoom for distant shots and 8K video recording at 30fps, and AI enhancements process images to reduce noise and improve clarity. Night mode combines multiple exposures for brighter results, and pro controls allow manual adjustments to ISO and shutter speed.
- Powerful performance: Devices run on Exynos or Snapdragon processors, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with up to 3.4GHz clock speeds and 12GB RAM in premium models. They handle multitasking and heavy apps efficiently, scoring over 1,800,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks, and integrated GPUs support ray tracing for realistic gaming graphics. Cooling systems with vapor chambers prevent throttling during extended use, and storage options reach 1TB with UFS 4.0 for fast data access.
- Long battery life: Samsung fits large batteries like 5,000mAh in the Galaxy S series, which last up to 16 hours of video playback or 30 hours of talk time on a single charge. Fast charging at 45W recharges from 0% to 100% in about 60 minutes, and wireless charging at 15W works with compatible pads. Battery optimization software extends life by managing app power usage, and reverse wireless charging shares power with other devices at 4.5W.
- Customizable One UI software: Samsung's One UI overlays Android with user-friendly interfaces that support one-handed navigation and theme customizations via Good Lock app. It includes features like Secure Folder for encrypted data storage and DeX mode for desktop-like experiences when connected to monitors. Regular updates deliver security patches monthly and OS upgrades for up to 7 years, and Bixby assistant handles voice commands for tasks like setting reminders or controlling smart home devices.
- Expandable storage and connectivity: Many models feature microSD slots that support up to 1TB expansion, so users add space for photos and apps beyond internal 512GB options. Connectivity includes 5G with download speeds up to 10Gbps, Wi-Fi 6E for stable connections, and Bluetooth 5.3 for low-latency audio. NFC enables contactless payments, and ultra-wideband (UWB) tracks compatible accessories precisely within 10cm accuracy.
- Durable build quality: Samsung uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch resistance (survives drops from 1 meter) and aluminum frames in IP68-rated designs that withstand water submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold5 employ flexible UTG glass that endures 200,000 folds, and armor aluminum enhances impact protection. Eco-friendly materials include recycled plastics, and repairability scores high with easy access to parts.
What are the main disadvantages of Samsung smartphones?
Samsung smartphones have the following disadvantages.
- Higher prices: Flagship models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra start at £1,200, which exceeds competitors' prices by £170-£255 for similar specs. Mid-range options such as the Galaxy A series cost £255-£425 yet lack premium features, and accessories like cases add £45 or more. Global pricing varies, and promotions rarely drop costs below £850 for top-tier devices.
- Software bloatware: Pre-installed apps from Samsung and partners consume up to 20GB of storage and run in the background, which slows boot times by 10-15 seconds. Users must manually uninstall or disable them, and some apps duplicate Google services like calendars or browsers. Carrier versions include extra bloat that affects performance, and ads appear in system apps occasionally.
- Inconsistent update speeds: While flagships receive 7 years of support, budget models get only 4 years, and rollout delays can last 2-3 months after announcements. Regional differences mean some countries wait longer for features, and beta programs limit access to new Android versions. Security patches arrive irregularly for older devices, and not all models support seamless updates without reboots.
- Heavier designs: Premium phones weigh 200-250 grams due to large batteries and glass builds, which cause hand fatigue during prolonged use. Foldables like the Z Flip5 at 187 grams feel bulky when closed, and thick cases add 50 grams more. Balance issues arise in larger screens over 6.8 inches, and they fit poorly in small pockets.
- Limited color options: Some models offer only 4-5 colors per region, such as black, white, green, and violet, while exclusive shades remain online-only or carrier-specific. Customization lacks in basic variants, and matte finishes attract fingerprints more than glossy ones. Global availability restricts rare colors like lavender to certain markets, and stock shortages occur frequently.
- Occasional overheating: Intensive tasks like 4K video editing or gaming cause temperatures to rise to 45°C, which triggers performance throttling after 20-30 minutes. Processors generate heat in hot environments, and cooling is less effective in slim designs. Users notice frame warmth during charging, and prolonged exposure reduces battery longevity over time.
