Best Samsung Phones in 2026: Talkmobile's Top Picks

Key Points:

• The best Samsung phone in 2026 overall is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. 
• More wallet-focused prospective buyers may want to consider the standard Galaxy S26 or the cheaper Galaxy A57 5G instead. 
• Premium Samsung smartphones to weigh up include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, which both flip and fold, respectively. 

The best Samsung phones in 2026 are those models that push what's possible from Android hardware, offer unparalleled functionality, leading style, stellar battery lives, and excellent software. As (arguably) the most well-known Android manufacturer, there's no shortage of current-generation (and still relevant) previous-generation offerings worth considering right now. From flagship slates and foldables to budget-minded and more wallet-friendly mid-range picks, these are our top picks to pair with your Talkmobile SIM Only plan right now.

Most people don't really need the S26 Ultra or the Fold7. Unless you're a power user or a mobile phone enthusiast, you may be better suited to the standard Galaxy S26 or the mid-range A57 5G if you're more of a casual user.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is not only our top pick for the best Samsung phone, but it's one of the best smartphones ever made by the South Korean hardware giant. It perfectly blends function and form with its staggering performance capabilities, chiefly in how well integrated the leading Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor is in powering intensive multitasking, high-level gaming, productivity tasks, and more. You get an incredible display here as well, one of the best on any Android phone,m with the 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, complete with a privacy filter, so only you can see what's on the screen. It's more than just a shield; it blurs side views when out in public for added peace of mind.

That's to say nothing of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's amazing camera system. Samsung has been well-known for its mobile shooters for some time, sure, but the latest model kicks things up substantially. It has a sweeping 200MP quad-camera array, being particularly geared for low-light photography and video, which are famously hard to capture from sensors as small as what you find on today's smartphones. What's more, there's 60W Fast Charging, and even the S Pen from the previous Note series makes a triumphant reappearance here, giving you full, free rein of your productivity. If you consider just one Samsung phone to upgrade to, then this could be it.

Why we recommend it: 

• Built-in S-Pen and privacy display 
• 200MP quad camera setup 
• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor 

While (largely) sharing the DNA of the full-fat flagship offering, the standard Samsung Galaxy S26 impresses with its comparable level of performance without the four-figure price tag that's usually associated. Things are a little smaller and sleeker here: a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, but it's wrapped up in the same ultra-durable Armour Aluminium frame, complete with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so the same premium design language is followed. The camera system is solid, despite not being as game-changing, with a triple 50MP setup this time around, all the power that's ready for Galaxy AI's extensive toolkit, and a pocket-friendly overall size and weight.

Why we recommend it: 

• Compact ergonomics 
• ProVisual AI processing 
• Full Galaxy AI access 

The cheaper of Samsung's two current-generation folding devices, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, offers a level of performance and style that's rarely seen at its price point. Yes, it's a pricey phone at a touch over a grand; however, its feature set and design outclass that of far more expensive competition. We're particularly fond of the 4.1-inch FlexWindow (front display), which gives you the full functionality for apps, the camera system, and games on a much sleeker and smaller form factor. That includes how Galaxy AI can be scaled onto this smaller screen, meaning you only have to get it out of your pocket to use it, rather than unfolding it. Unlike some other flipping phones, you get a decent battery life here with the 4,300 mAh battery inside, too.

Why we recommend it: 

• Compact pocketability 
• Large cover screen utility 
• FlexCam versatility 

For as good as the flagship S26 lineup and the foldable devices can be, not everyone has the cash (or the interest). If you want a reliable, solid-performing, and easy-to-use modern smartphone that still gets to benefit from Samsung's One UI Android wrapper and Galaxy AI, then the Samsung Galaxy A57 impresses. Hardware-wise, you're getting a huge 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a solid 5,000 mAh battery, and a stellar 50MP main camera system. The design also shares a few cues from its pricier siblings, namely in the IP68 water and dust resistance. In short, for under £500, this is more than just a budget pick; it's a cost-effective and viable alternative across the board in 2026.

Why we recommend it: 

• Exceptional value for money 
• Outstanding 5,000mAh battery for its price point 
• Smart camera backed by Samsung AI 

It doesn't come cheap, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 ranks among the ultimate Samsung phones available in 2026. That's due in part to its phenomenal performance, which is bolstered by its true 2-in-1 functionality. When folded, you get a full 6.5-inch display that works as a traditional slate handset. However, unfold to its full potential, and this capable smartphone transforms into a bona fide tablet with a full 8-inch span. The display is the star of the show here; a peak brightness of 2,600 nits for its Dynamic AMOLED panel, all wrapped up in a super-thin and light chassis. Additionally, you get the same 200MP shooter and the unrivalled power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor under the hood, too. If you have the funds, this is the best technical showing of what a Samsung phone can be.

Why we recommend it: 

• Unrivaled 2-in-1 productivity 
• Slim and refined hinge system 
• Laptop-style multitasking that's rarely possible from a smartphone 

Samsung S-series is much better than Samsung A-series. The former are the slate (non-folding) flagships, whereas the latter are far more accessible, affordable and (arguably) less exciting. 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a remarkable phone; however, it was officially and effectively replaced by the Samsung Galaxy S26 line in March 2026.