Galaxy S, FE, Fold or Flip — picking the right Samsung

Samsung sells four meaningfully different kinds of phone, and picking the wrong family is the most common mistake we see.

Galaxy S (base): the sensible flagship Compact, fast, excellent screen. The S22, S23 and S24 are all superb second-hand buys. Battery is the one compromise on the smaller models — if you are a heavy user, go for the Plus.

Galaxy S Ultra: the do-everything phone The Ultra models are the only ones with the built-in S Pen and the 10x-class zoom. The S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra are outstanding value ex-UK. If you photograph anything at distance — wildlife, sport, a stage — nothing else comes close at the price.

Galaxy FE: flagship features, less money The Fan Edition takes the previous flagship's core and trims the extras. The S23 FE and S24 FE are the value picks in the entire Samsung range.

Galaxy Z Fold: a tablet in your pocket Genuinely transformative if you read, edit documents or run two apps side by side all day. Heavier and more expensive, and the cameras trail the S Ultra. The Fold 4 and Fold 5 are where prices have become sensible.

Galaxy Z Flip: style and pocketability The Flip is a normal phone that folds in half. The Flip 5 and 6 have a large, actually-useful cover screen. Battery life is the trade-off.

A note on ex-UK foldables We test every foldable through a full hinge cycle count and inspect the inner display for crease depth and delamination before it is graded. Foldables we cannot certify do not go on the site.