Samsung Galaxy comparison: Which smartphone is right for me?

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The portfolio of Samsung smartphones is immense. Hardly any other company offers so many different models – at prices from around 100 to 1,800 euros. Samsung has divided its devices into various series.

Which Galaxy series are there?

  • Galaxy S Series: This is where top cell phones like the Galaxy S21 Ultra can be found. The related Galaxy Note series is discontinued, but the Note-typical S Pen works in the S21 Ultra.
  • Galaxy A Series: Mid-range devices like the Galaxy A52s are cheap, but they lack extras like wireless charging, top cameras, and fast processors.
  • Galaxy M series: Devices like the Galaxy M12 or the M32 are technically similar to the A models, but offer more battery power. In Germany they often only appear on Amazon.
  • Galaxy Z Series: There are innovative folding cell phones, from the small Galaxy Z Flip 3 clamshell cell phone to the fold-out Galaxy Z Fold 3 mini tablet.

The Galaxy S21 series in comparison: Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra.

Test winner: Galaxy S21 Ultra

  • Super display – large, sharp, high-contrast and extremely bright
  • WiFi 6E
  • Big and heavy
  • No memory card slot

The S-Class is Samsung’s top-of-the-line range. Technically, Samsung has always set standards here and was the first manufacturer to consistently install high-contrast OLED screens. The Galaxy S21 Ultra wins the Samsung test comparison with a great large display, outstanding double zoom camera and new video tricks. Within the published in January 2021 Galaxy S21 series it is technically far ahead. And thanks to the optional S Pen (screen pen), it can even be used as a replacement for the sidelined Galaxy Note series. But there is one important note to consider: the Galaxy S22 series will appear at the end of February, and with it a new and probably even better Ultra model. However, the S22 Ultra will initially be significantly more expensive than the S21 Ultra (around 1,300 euros), so the S21 Ultra could be worthwhile even then. Price of the S21 Ultra at the time of testing: 990 euros.
Samsung Galaxy A52s

The Galaxy A52s comes with three cameras on the (pleasantly matt) back, but there is no telephoto.

Price tip: Galaxy A52s 5G

  • Waterproof
  • Good pace of work
  • No tele lens
  • No wireless charging

The price tip Galaxy A52s impresses with good technology, sufficient working speed and waterproof housing. The “s” stands for speed in two ways: the processor is more powerful than the normal Galaxy A52, and 5G is also on board. The main difference between the A series and the S models is the low working speed and the weaker camera. Price at the time of testing: 319 euros.
COMPUTER BILD battery test

COMPUTER BILD battery test: A programmed robotic arm simulates hours of continuous use.

This is how COMPUTER BILD tests smartphones

The COMPUTER BILD laboratory subjects each smartphone to an extensive test course. In the mobile phone camera test, for example, hundreds of photos are evaluated in a standardized procedure under different conditions, for example with regard to lighting and zoom magnification, both by established analysis software and in the visual test. And for the COMPUTER BILD mobile phone battery test, the laboratory programmed a robot in such a way that it abused the smartphone in an endless loop with typical applications (e.g. surfing, telephoning, video recording) until the battery was empty. The charging progress is not determined using the imprecise percentage display, but with a suitable measuring instrument.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The treat in the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the quad camera with dual zoom lenses.

The cheapest S-Class: The Fan Edition

  • Bright, high-contrast display
  • 120Hz display

If you are looking for an inexpensive Galaxy but value extras such as wireless charging, fast working speeds and a good camera with zoom, you should take a look at the “Fan Edition” of the S series. If LTE and an older top processor are sufficient, the cheaper LTE version of the Galaxy S20 FE is a real buy. The successor Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a bit handier, has a faster processor – and the new 5G mobile phone technology. At the time of testing, the Galaxy S20 FE cost 409 euros and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G 600 euros.

Samsung for beginners: Galaxy A22 5G

  • Very good stamina
  • Clear image
  • Dark screen
  • Not waterproof

Last year’s model, the Galaxy A22 5G, is a suitable device for beginners. The display has a bit of low contrast and is dark, but it is an acceptable size at 6.5 inches. It is also well equipped with NFC and 5G. And the camera takes decent photos, at least in daylight – the quality is poor in low light and zoom. The battery life is good. However, the pace of work is slow. Price at the time of testing: 229 euros.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 (left) and Flip 3 tested by COMPUTER BILD department head Christian Just: folding cell phones sometimes big, sometimes small.

Flip cell phone with wow effect: Galaxy Z Flip 3

  • Fits in every pocket
  • Very bright display with strong colors
  • Folding display somewhat sensitive
  • No telephoto camera

You’re not a techie, but just want to try a slightly different mobile phone design? Then the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is definitely worth a look. When unfolded, it is a smartphone with an officially large display (6.7 inches), but when closed it even fits in the front pocket of jeans and is even waterproof. Price at the time of testing: 790 euros.

Fold-out mini tablet: Galaxy Z Fold 3

  • Giant display in cell phone format
  • Great contrasts and colors
  • Sensitive folding display
  • Folding curvature visible in the display

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a dream device for power users. When closed, it can be used almost like a normal cell phone via an external display (6.2 inches), even if the thickness of the case and the wide frame are a bit annoying. When opened, however, a comparatively lavish 7.6-inch display opens up. The excellent camera performance was also surprising in the test. And: The Fold 3 is also waterproof. Price at the time of testing: 1,325 euros.

2400 x 1080 pixels (408 ppi)

2400 x 1080 pixels (407 ppi)

from 633 euros (5G: 730 euros)

2400 x 1080 pixels (421 ppi)

2400 x 1080 pixels (394 ppi)

3200 x 1440 pixels (515 ppi)

10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

10 megapixels, 10x optical zoom

Samsung Galaxy: Current models at a glance

Galaxy S series

The S series includes the best Samsung smartphones with a classic design. The following models with different equipment (display diagonals in brackets) are currently important:

Galaxy A series

The A class stands for mid-range devices and offers decent technology at a reasonable price. Current A-Series models:

  • Galaxy A03s (extremely slow; 6.5 inches)
  • Galaxy A12 (slow; 6.5 inch)
  • Galaxy A22 (slow, but with OLED; 6.4 inches)
  • Galaxy A22 5G (5G, but only with LCD; 6.5 inch)
  • Galaxy A32 5G (LCD only, passable camera; 6.5 inch)
  • Galaxy A42 5G (rather fast, OLED; 6.6 inches
  • Galaxy A52 (LTE, OLED, waterproof; 6.5 inch)
  • Galaxy A52s 5G (with 5G and faster; 6.5 inch)
  • Galaxy A72 (LTE, large OLED, zoom; 6.7 inches)

Galaxy Z series

This is where the innovative folding display technology comes into play.

Conclusion: Galaxy smartphones in the test

If you want a smartphone with a large screen and top technology, you can go for the Ultra model from the S series. It’s probably worth it here Galaxy S22 Ultra to wait, which the manufacturer will present on February 9, 2022 and will be on the market at the end of February. The large folding cell phone is also for power users who work a lot on their smartphones or watch videos Galaxy Z Fold 3 Interesting. If you are looking for a good but affordable Galaxy, the Galaxy S21 FE is the right choice, or if you have lower demands on the camera and working speed, you can also use the Galaxy A52s 5G well served. Even cheaper devices like the A22 or A12 are not much fun and, with their slow working speed, are only recommended for infrequent users.

FAQ: The most important questions about Samsung smartphones

Which Samsung Galaxy is the best?

As of January 2022, the Galaxy S21 Ultra was the best smartphone. It offers a very large and excellent screen, a sophisticated camera system with four lenses on the back (with two zoom focal lengths) and a fast processor.

What is the difference between Samsung A and S series?

The S series offers the best technology, such as fast processors, cameras with good zoom and bright OLED screens. There are also extras such as inductive charging, the option of connecting an HDMI-USB-C adapter for a monitor or TV (including a Windows-like Samsung DeX interface), waterproof housing and more. The A-Class, on the other hand, does not have any extras, only a few models are waterproof here – and the working speed and camera are significantly worse.

Which Samsung smartphone is good and cheap?

With the “Fan Edition” (FE) of its S series, Samsung has been offering inexpensive variants of its top models with really good technology since 2020. Both the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S21 FE 5G are solid choices here. If you are only looking for a better mid-range device, you can also use the even cheaper Galaxy A52s 5G.

How long will there be updates for Samsung smartphones?

Samsung guarantees three years of operating system updates and four years of security patches for its Galaxy models from the year of release. There are monthly security updates for the top models (S and Z series), otherwise one update per quarter.

Which Samsung smartphones have a jack socket?

A jack socket for classic headphones or headsets with a cable can only be found in models from the A series. In order to connect wired headphones to other Galaxy models, Samsung offers a “USB Type-C to 3.5 mm” adapter for less than 10 euros.



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