Samsung kicked off 2025 with a bang, releasing its newest lineup of flagship Android telephones, together with the extremely succesful Galaxy S25 Extremely. The brand new units spherical out the model’s versatile lineup of telephones, together with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and mid-range Galaxy S24 FE. Collectively, they’re among the greatest telephones we have examined in the marketplace — however which one do you have to purchase?
Additionally: The very best Android telephones to purchase in 2025
What’s the greatest Samsung telephone proper now?
After extensively testing the newest telephones in the marketplace, I’ve discovered that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is the perfect Samsung telephone proper now, with the corporate’s top-of-the-line options and specs, together with an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, a 200MP digital camera system, and essentially the most sturdy show on any Galaxy telephone but. The dimensions and abundance of options of the S25 Extremely could virtually be overwhelming for some customers.
Our runner-ups on this listing are simply as noteworthy. The smaller Galaxy S25 Plus variant is sort of as succesful because the Extremely mannequin however prices no less than $300 much less. You may lose the S Pen and 200MP digital camera however retain a lot of the software program AI options and AMOLED show. For one thing extra experiential, take into account the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which flips and folds right into a pocketable sq. and is accessibly priced.
Learn on for the remainder of our prime picks for the perfect Samsung telephones you should purchase at present.
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The very best Samsung telephones in 2025
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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is the perfect handset you should purchase of all Samsung telephones. The brand new Galaxy AI embedded within the system brings many generative AI capabilities, together with real-time telephone name translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced picture modifying, and a brand new AI Choose instrument that provides contextual shortcuts primarily based on what you hover over. Notably, I’ve discovered that the majority of those options outperform AI instruments supplied by competing Android telephones concerning pace, reliability, and practicality.
Like its predecessor, the S24 Extremely, the S25 Extremely is constructed with a big 6.9-inch AMOLED and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. Though the worth continues to be pretty inaccessible at $1,299, the telephone’s upgrades make it effectively value it for customers holding onto three to four-year-old units. It helps that the S25 Extremely is fabricated from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s new Gorilla Armor 2, which is good for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their units.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely
The S25 Extremely retains final 12 months’s anti-reflection display which, when paired with the bigger cooling chamber, makes it a incredible multimedia system — whether or not gaming or watching films. Underneath the hood, the S25 Extremely contains an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI options and 12GB of RAM.
The large improve for the brand new digital camera system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces larger element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro pictures. With the S25 Extremely, you may simply should stay with the truth that the S Pen now not helps Bluetooth gestures, which beforehand allowed customers to snap with a click on of the stylus key. And for those who’re tight on price range or not a fan of the Extremely mannequin’s boxier footprint, I might advocate a lower-tier S25 and S25 Plus fashions. Each choices supply comparable options however for much less cash.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show measurement: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP major, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Entrance digital camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Value: Beginning at $1,299
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The Galaxy S25 Plus could not have the flashiness of its Extremely sibling however priced $300 decrease; it is nonetheless a powerful contender for anybody looking for a considerable telephone improve. It has the identical Snapdragon 8 Elite processor because the Extremely and a 50MP major rear digital camera. The largest distinction is that the S25 Plus caps its inner storage at 512GB, half that of the Extremely; so for those who’re a photographer, chances are you’ll need to spring for the flagship telephone for extra storage.
In any other case, you are about the identical OneUI software program expertise, which incorporates AI instruments like enhanced Gemini and Generative Edit, in addition to Samsung’s dedication to seven years of updates. That is consistent with the business commonplace, and places the S25 sequence above some older fashions just like the S21, S22, and S23.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
The S25 Plus has the identical 4,900mAh battery as its predecessor, however with the brand new processor and improved AI-assisted effectivity, you need to be capable of squeeze a bit extra life out of the battery with every cost. To guard the fragile parts inside, the S25 Plus is constructed with Gorilla Glass and aluminum for an IP68 water resistance score.
At a beginning value of $999, the S25 Plus is good for customers who desire a large-screen Samsung telephone with out the arguably extreme options of the Extremely, such because the S Pen stylus and anti-reflective show coating. When you’re searching for an alternate, I might advocate final 12 months’s S24 Plus, which is now offered for much less, or the S25, which has a good smaller footprint however comparable inner options.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show measurement: 6.7 inches | Storage choices: As much as 512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP major, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto (3x) | Entrance digital camera: 12MP | Battery: 4,900mAh | Value: Beginning at $999
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The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable units that additionally function mini tablets. The Z Fold 3 improved on that telephone with two of essentially the most extremely requested options from Fold customers (S Pen help and IPX8 water resistance), whereas the Z Fold 4 improved the rear cameras and type issue, and the Z Fold 5 upgraded the processor.
Unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July 2024, the Z Fold 6 delivers essentially the most refined design but, that includes flatter edges, a wider inner show, and a lighter construct than its predecessor. It is also extra sturdy, because of a brand new Twin Rail Hinge that higher distributes shock, a folding edge designed to withstand stress and sharp objects, upgraded armor aluminum for improved scratch resistance, and, for the primary time, an IP48 score for mud resistance. I examined the foldable telephone for many of final fall, and the sturdy design gave me larger consolation when utilizing the telephone outdoor.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
One of many largest upgrades within the Z Fold 6 is the Galaxy AI options, together with Circle to Search, Observe Help, Interpreter (stay translations and transcriptions), PDF overlay (transcribe and overlay copy on a PDF), Sketch to Picture (apply generative AI on prime of pictures), and extra. These hybrid AI instruments — which means they run on-device and on the cloud — are powered by a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM.
Although the Z Fold 6 has practically an identical digital camera {hardware} because the Z Fold 5, it introduces new AI-powered picture processing and modifying instruments. Beginning at $1,900, it is one of many priciest telephones obtainable, however Samsung provides engaging trade-in offers to assist carry down the fee. When you’re searching for a big-screen foldable that prices much less, take into account the OnePlus Open or Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Principal show: 7.6 inches | Cowl show: 6.3 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB storage choices | Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP broad angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cowl display, and 4MP beneath major show | Battery: 4,400mAh | Value: Beginning at $1,899
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The flashiest smartphone options are likely to exist solely on flagships, however many will discover enchantment in Samsung’s humble Galaxy A16 5G. It boasts 5G connectivity, a large 5,000mAh battery, and a budget-friendly $200 price ticket — a compelling bundle at a time when customers are reducing down on spending.
Do not let the decrease price idiot you; the Galaxy A16 5G has all of the specs you’d need for a possible cellular companion, from the comparatively sizable 6.7-inch 90Hz AMOLED — a rarity on this value vary — to the expandable storage (as much as 1TB) to Samsung’s four-year dedication to safety patches. Oh, and the 2024 mannequin will get a notable 50MP major lens that I discovered adequate for day-to-day pictures and movies.
Additionally: The very best low cost telephones ZDNET’s examined
I examined the Galaxy A16 5G mannequin for slightly greater than per week, and whereas the telephone will not really feel like one million {dollars}, it is surprisingly sturdy to carry. The 90Hz show, which is smoother than the shows you’d usually discover on this value vary, additionally seemed nice for app looking and scrolling. One Finest Purchase buyer assessment put it greatest: “(Galaxy A16 5G) is a 200-dollar telephone… It will not blow you away, however for the worth, it packs a punch.”
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G tech specs: Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Show: 6.7 inches | RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP broad, 5MP broad, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing digital camera | Battery: 5,000mAh | Value: Beginning at $199
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If bang to your buck is what you are after, I might say skip the S and Z sequence of units and look to the Galaxy A35 5G. There are actually three key the reason why you should purchase the Galaxy A35 5G over some other sub-$400 telephone: You get a incredible 6.6-inch AMOLED that ramps as much as a 120Hz refresh price, a triple-camera setup that features a 50MP major sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.
Clearly, Samsung is aware of what options customers worth essentially the most, and even when you have preferences past that listing, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with sufficient confidence that it’ll meet your cellular wants. Coming from the older A34 5G, the newest mannequin includes a glass backing, a extra performant Exynos chipset, and an improved digital camera system. Reddit customers appear to agree that the battery life on the A35 5G has been one among its brilliant spots.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The A-series of smartphones additionally fall beneath Samsung’s five-year dedication to software program and safety updates, which is a serious benefit in comparison with competing telephones by Motorola and OnePlus. The Galaxy A35 5G begins at $399, which competes effectively with the likes of Motorola, OnePlus, and Google. If you would like a telephone with a extra thrilling design, I might advocate the Nothing Telephone 3a. If you would like a quicker charging telephone, take into account the OnePlus 13R.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G tech specs: Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 | Show: 6.6 inches| RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB | Cameras: 50MP broad, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing digital camera | Battery: 5,000mAh | Value: Beginning at $399
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Whereas the Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s greatest foldable, it is the Z Flip 6 that may seemingly promote essentially the most and enchantment to the plenty. Not solely is the clamshell handset cheaper than the Z Fold, however it’s extra compact and moveable and has a extra user-friendly studying curve.
Form-shifting shows apart, the Z Flip 6 is similar to the usual Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, with a big 6.7-inch AMOLED that is crisp and brilliant, as much as 512GB of storage for these high-resolution photos and movies, and a wholesome 4,000mAh battery powering all of it — an improve from the Z Flip 5. There’s additionally now a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the primary vapor cooling chamber ever on a Z Flip system, each of which ought to make the telephone run extra effectively, decreasing battery drainage. The telephone is thinner and lighter than earlier fashions, too.
Assessment: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Z Flip 6’s digital camera system will get a pleasant enhance, too, with an improved 50MP major sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide. You may additionally discover an improved AI-powered Auto Zoom characteristic, which routinely detects the variety of individuals within the body and potential background objects the consumer could need to maintain within the shot and digitally repositions them accordingly. That is particularly ultimate for digital content material creators.
The Flex Window, or outer show of the flip telephone, additionally will get some enjoyable new options within the Z Flip 6, together with interactive wallpapers, instructed replies to textual content messages, and a brand new Interpreter Mode for stay translations. At $999, the Z Flip 6 is among the extra accessible foldables you should purchase at present. However for those who’re searching for one thing cheaper, take into account the Motorola Razr Plus or an older-generation Z Flip mannequin.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Principal show: 6.7 inches | Cowl show: 3.4 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB storage choices | Cameras: 50MP broad angle, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP selfie | Battery: 4,000mAh | Value: Beginning at $999
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Whereas the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely sits on the prime of this 12 months’s rating listing (for now), here is a wider scope of ZDNET’s greatest picks and their respective characteristic units.
| Samsung telephone | Value | Show | Cameras | Battery |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | $1,299 | 6.9 inches | 200MP broad, 50MP with 5x optical, 10MP with 3x optical, and 50MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing digital camera | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus | $999 | 6.7 inches | 50MP broad, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front-facing digital camera | 4,900mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | 7.6 inches | 50MP broad, 10MP with 3x optical, and 12MP ultrawide, 10MP cowl display, 4MP beneath major show | 4,400mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 50MP broad, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front-facing digital camera | 4,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | $399 | 6.6 inches | 50MP broad, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 32MP front-facing digital camera | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | $199 | 6.7 inches | 50MP broad, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front-facing digital camera | 5,000mAh |
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Whereas earlier comparisons have positioned Apple forward of Samsung concerning the general telephone expertise, Samsung is arguably the most suitable choice in 2025. One motive is the number of fashions throughout totally different value factors, from the A-series that encapsulates the sub-$500 market to the S-series for premium buyers. Having examined the newest handsets from each manufacturers (and others), I discover that the Samsung Galaxy continues to supply essentially the most options and capabilities at comparatively aggressive costs.
Contemplating its model reputation, Samsung provides way more strong help, together with a larger number of instances and equipment and extra licensed restore technicians.
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Select this Samsung telephone… |
If you would like… |
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely |
The highest-of-the-line flagship Samsung telephone with all of the bells and whistles in a standard type issue. It is pricier than most, however is definitely worth the cash if you’d like a no-frills handset that may do nearly all the pieces. |
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus |
A Galaxy telephone able to undertaking 90% of what the Extremely mannequin can do and prices much less. The Galaxy S25 Plus can also be barely smaller, making it simpler to handle. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
A pill/smartphone hybrid foldable and one of the crucial revolutionary Samsung units obtainable. It is arguably the perfect foldable telephone in the marketplace, too. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 |
A trendy and pocket-friendly smartphone that does not compromise on efficiency. When you’re buying to your first foldable telephone, that is the perfect place to start out. |
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
You are buying on a $400 price range. Even then, you may obtain a beneficiant suite of premium options like a 120Hz OLED, a triple-camera setup, and a long-lasting battery. |
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Samsung Galaxy A16 5G |
You are buying on a $200 price range, however nonetheless desire a good handset. It is tough to impress on this value vary, however the A16 5G will get the job completed. |
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ZDNET writers like myself spent months testing each telephone on this greatest listing whereas additionally sourcing opinions and proposals from business consultants and analysts who’ve additionally examined the units. Listed below are the important thing elements that we search for when curating the highest picks.
- Design: Not like how we might evaluate the perfect Android telephones, evaluating Samsung telephones throughout totally different value factors largely boils right down to the {hardware}. How a telephone is designed, what supplies the producer chooses, and whether or not the system can take a success or two are thought of when selecting the perfect.
- Cameras: The digital camera programs on Samsung telephones have gotten excellent over the previous few years, a lot so that you simply’re effectively off even for those who go for a mid-ranger just like the Galaxy A56.
- Particular options: If there’s one factor that differentiates most Samsung telephones from different producers, it is distinctive options. From the S24 Extremely with its built-in stylus and 200MP digital camera to the foldable screens of the Z Fold and Z Flip, you may really feel a way of wonderment when utilizing one thing that is constructed otherwise.
- Availability: Samsung has a status for bringing the wildest telephones to the press, even when they don’t seem to be available. That is why each choose on this listing could be bought on the time of writing, whether or not that is on Samsung’s web site or at a neighborhood service retailer.
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ZDNET’s assessment crew spends upwards of a 12 months testing the ins and outs of each Samsung mannequin, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digital camera high quality, battery life and endurance, and extra. Here is a breakdown of each issue we take into account earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone seems and feels performs an enormous function in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we take into account these points closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Subsequently, we usually start our evaluations with a completely charged handset, all background duties closed, and essentially the most secure cellular connection potential.
- Digicam high quality: ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing a whole lot of pictures and movies of assorted topics and in numerous lighting situations. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also vital for us to judge how lengthy telephones final beneath gentle, average, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined units from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully carry added worth to customers, not the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Past price range issues, we additionally observe if a telephone is obtainable within the US or solely internationally.
For a extra in depth breakdown, try our complete telephone testing methodology web page.
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Kerry Wan’s smartphone recommendation
I’ve used dozens of smartphones previously 12 months alone, studying the ins and outs — the ideas and tips — to take advantage of out of my handset. Listed below are my three largest tips on taking good care of your smartphone in 2025:
Rushing up your smartphone
One thing I all the time do when organising a brand new Android telephone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You are able to do this by turning on Developer Choices, a backend catalog of system settings meant for builders to entry (guidelines have been meant to be damaged, proper?).
To activate Developer Choices, go into your About Telephone web page within the settings and search for the Construct Quantity. Faucet on that seven occasions, and you need to see a pop-up indicating that Developer Choices has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will seem in the principle settings listing. From there, scroll down till you discover Home windows, Transition, and Animator length scale. Faucet into every and change from 1x (default) to 0.5x to double the pace of your telephone’s animations.
Optimizing your battery well being
To protect your telephone’s battery life, it is best to cost it between 20% and 80% and by no means let it drop to 0% or cost absolutely to 100%. It’s because the warmth generated from overcharging the telephone can burn (or degrade) the battery, decreasing its variety of cost cycles. This phenomenon is the explanation why you should not cost your telephone in a single day or go away it plugged in for an prolonged time period.
When unsure, after a 12 months or two of utilization, take into account getting your telephone’s battery swapped to refresh its cost cycles. You may be amazed at how effectively it features once more.
How you can maintain your telephone clear
Except you are invested in a repairs and guarantee plan like Samsung Care, take into account suiting your telephone with a protecting case and/or tempered glass display protector. Past drop safety, the 2 equipment will stop the telephone from getting scratches, scuffs, and different blemishes and might enormously cut back the possibility of water harm. For what it is value if a producer claims its telephone is rated IP68, meaning the system can stand up to mud ingress and be submerged in water for as much as half-hour at 1 meter deep.
Additionally: Finest satellite tv for pc telephones: Fashions examined from SpaceX, Garmin, & Extra
The newest model of Android, Android 15, is anticipated to reach on supported Samsung Galaxy telephones beginning in early 2025. Appropriate fashions embrace Galaxy S sequence (S21 or newer), Galaxy Z sequence (Z Flip 3 or newer), Galaxy A sequence (A14 or newer), Galaxy F sequence (F15 or newer), Galaxy M sequence (M15 or newer), and Galaxy Tab sequence (Tab S8 or newer).
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Samsung’s One UI 7 has formally launched, beginning with the brand new Galaxy S25 sequence of smartphones. It is anticipated to come back to older fashions, too, together with the Galaxy S21 sequence and newer, Z Flip and Fold 3 sequence and newer, and A16 sequence and newer. Choose M and F sequence smartphones may also obtain the One UI 7 replace.
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Whereas the A and S sequence of Samsung Galaxy telephones cater to 2 totally different clients, there may be an overlap in options and designs making each fashions worthy of consideration.
You can purchase the A sequence if…
- You desire a great-value smartphone that will not break the financial institution (lower than $500).
- There is a beneficiant installment plan or sign-on supply out of your service.
You can purchase the S sequence if…
- You need essentially the most premium smartphone expertise that Samsung provides and do not thoughts paying for it.
- You worth innovation and/or having the perfect show and digital camera efficiency.
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The latest Samsung telephone is the S25 sequence: Extremely, Plus, and the bottom S25 mannequin. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, with a 256GB storage capability, begins at $1,299.
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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely has the perfect digital camera of any Samsung telephone and the most effective total cameras in the marketplace. It includes a 200MP major digital camera together with 4 accompanying cameras, permitting it to take extraordinarily high-quality pictures, together with close-up pictures and ultrawide pictures. The S25 Extremely also can video document in as much as 8K UHD high quality at 30fps, making it one of the crucial succesful telephone cameras cash should buy.
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Two years later, the Samsung Galaxy S23 continues to be value shopping for. In comparison with 2024 and 2025 S sequence telephones, the earlier era primarily falls quick on Galaxy AI options and digital camera efficiency. Even then, for a now depreciated promoting value, the Galaxy S23 covers a superb 80% of the S25 expertise. That makes it the proper various to the newest Samsung telephones, even when they’re now two years older.
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The ZDNET crew ran in depth assessments on the highest Android telephones in 2025, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely took the highest spot, with one of many sharpest and most color-accurate shows in the marketplace, ample quantity of RAM and storage, and an distinctive digital camera system that is dependable even in dimmer environments.
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Different Samsung telephones we examined
You’ll want to try ZDNET’s comparisons of the perfect telephones and Android telephones obtainable. I’ve additionally listed the highest Samsung picks that did not make our listing to your additional consideration,
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
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