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We've picked the 10 best Samsung latest phones in 2026, covering the flagship S26, the folding Z Fold7, and the reliable A16. Find your next Galaxy.
Samsung’s phone lineup covers more ground than any other brand’s. At one end you have the Galaxy S26, a new flagship that redefines what a slab phone can do with AI and a blazing-fast processor. At the other is the Galaxy A16, a no-frills LTE phone that still handles the basics well. In between sit foldables like the Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 FE, the refined S25+, and the accessible A17. The hard part isn’t finding a Samsung phone. It’s figuring out which one actually fits how you live. We’ve sorted through every current model to build this guide to the best Samsung latest phones in 2026. Whether you want the biggest camera sensor, the thinnest folding design, or just a phone that lasts all day without fuss, there’s a Galaxy here for you.
The list includes the new Galaxy S26 (in two colors), the Galaxy Z Fold7 (also in two colors), the Galaxy A17 5G (two colors), the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, the Galaxy S25+, the Galaxy S25 FE, and the Galaxy A16. Each section covers what makes that phone genuinely different and who it suits best. Read through the comparison table for a quick overview, then dive into the detailed reviews.
TL;DR: The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the overall top pick: the fastest processor, best AI tools, and a brilliant display. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is the ultimate productivity device with its 8-inch unfolding screen. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G delivers the best balance of features for most people. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is the compact foldable that fits any pocket. The Samsung Galaxy A16 is a reliable entry-level option for basic use.
| # | Product | Storage | Display | Processor (Key Feature) | Camera (Best Spec) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy S26 (Black) | 256GB | Immersive AMOLED | Fastest Galaxy processor yet, AI-accelerated | 50MP (wide) + wider front camera | The one most people should buy |
| 2 | Samsung Galaxy S26 (Sky Blue) | 256GB | Immersive AMOLED | Fastest Galaxy processor yet, AI-accelerated | 50MP (wide) + wider front camera | Same flagship in a lighter color |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (JetBlack) | 512GB | 8″ main, 6.2″ cover | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 200MP main + Pro Visual Engine | Power users who want a tablet and phone in one |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (Blue Shadow) | 512GB | 8″ main, 6.2″ cover | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 200MP main + Pro Visual Engine | Same foldable in a blue finish |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (Black) | 128GB | 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED | Octa-core, 5G | 50MP triple lens | The best entry-level 5G Samsung with expandable storage |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (Blue) | 128GB | 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED | Octa-core, 5G | 50MP triple lens | Same capable phone in blue |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE (Black) | 256GB | 6.7″ FHD+ foldable | Snapdragon (AI-ready) | 50MP with FlexMode | Anyone who wants a compact foldable without spending top dollar |
| 8 | Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (Black) | 128GB + 4GB RAM | 6.7″ PLS LCD | Octa-core | 50MP triple | The most affordable Samsung for basic tasks and dual SIM |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy S25 FE (JetBlack) | 256GB | 6.7″ wide display | Exynos 2400e (AI-ready) | 12MP selfie + 50MP rear | The fan edition with a big battery and premium features |
| 10 | Samsung Galaxy S25+ (Navy) | 256GB | 6.7″ ProScaler AMOLED | Snapdragon 8 Elite | 50MP (AI Night Mode, Audio Eraser) | The large-screened flagship without the folding complexity |
To choose the best Samsung latest phones, we considered the factors that actually matter when you use a phone daily:

Pros
Cons
Best for: Anyone who wants the newest, fastest Galaxy phone with the best AI tools Samsung offers.
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The Galaxy S26 is Samsung’s latest and greatest traditional slab phone. It launches with a processor that Samsung calls its fastest and most powerful Galaxy chip yet, and it shows. Apps open instantly, multitasking is fluid, and AI features like Photo Assist run in real time without waiting. The display is bright enough to use outdoors and smooth at 120Hz. Text looks crisp, and HDR video pops without crushing shadows.
The camera system is a refinement rather than a revolution. The same 50MP main sensor from the S25 returns, but the software processing has improved. Low-light shots have less noise, and the wider front camera genuinely helps fit more people into group selfies without resorting to a selfie stick. The real upgrade is Galaxy AI. You can type or tap to remove objects from photos, restore old pictures, or apply new styles. It works faster than the S25’s AI and feels less like a gimmick. Now Nudge learns your habits and suggests actions before you think of them: setting an alarm after you end a call, or reminding you to leave for an appointment based on traffic.
If you need more than 256GB of storage, you’ll have to look elsewhere because there’s no microSD slot. And the glossy rear panel smudges easily, so a case is recommended. But for raw speed and the best AI tools Samsung makes, the S26 is the one to beat.

Pros
Cons
Best for: People who want the flagship S26 experience but prefer a lighter, more distinctive color.
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The Galaxy S26 in Sky Blue is identical to the Black version in every spec. Same 256GB storage, same AI features, same larger front camera, same 120Hz display. The only difference is the color of the back glass. Sky Blue is a pale, almost pastel blue that looks fresh and stands out from the sea of black and white phones. Some people prefer this finish because it hides fingerprints a bit better than the black gloss, though light colors can show pocket lint over time. If you like the S26 but want a splash of personality, this is your pick.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Professionals and power users who want a phone that also replaces a tablet for reading, note-taking, and light work.
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The Z Fold7 is the most ambitious phone Samsung makes. Unfolded, its 8-inch display gives you a near-tablet experience. You can run three apps side by side without them feeling tiny. Samsung’s software makes the most of that space: drag and drop between apps, pin a video in a floating window, or use the bottom third as a keyboard while reading an article above. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor keeps everything snappy.
The camera is a major upgrade over the Z Fold6. A 200MP main sensor with Samsung’s Pro Visual Engine captures images with impressive detail. It’s not quite as good as the S26’s processing in low light, but it’s close. The biggest surprise is that Samsung slimmed down the device without cutting battery life. It still lasts a full day with moderate use. The outer screen is wider than previous generations, but it’s still narrower than the S26. That’s a trade-off you live with for the folding design. The crease in the middle of the inner display is visible when the screen is off and slightly noticeable when scrolling, but you stop noticing it after a few days.
Durability is improved: Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 make it feel less delicate. The IP48 rating (dust and water resistance) is better than earlier folds, but still not as robust as the S26’s IP68.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Anyone who wants the Z Fold7 but prefers a blue color option over black.
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The Z Fold7 in Blue Shadow is exactly the same as the JetBlack version internally. The color is a dark, muted blue that looks almost gray in low light. It’s a bit more interesting than plain black but still conservative enough for an office. If you’re spending this much on a phone, you might want a color that reflects your style. Blue Shadow is a good middle ground.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Anyone who wants a modern Samsung phone with 5G, a great screen, and long software support without spending flagship money.
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The Galaxy A17 5G is the phone that most people should consider if they don’t need top-tier performance. The display is the star: a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution. Colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and it gets bright enough for outdoor use. It’s the same kind of screen you’d find on phones costing three times as much. The 50MP triple camera takes decent photos in good light, and the ultrawide lens lets you fit more into a shot. Low-light images are noisy and lack detail, but that’s expected at this level.
Samsung’s commitment to six OS upgrades and six years of security updates is a big deal. It means you can buy this phone and use it confidently for years without worrying about missing features or security patches. The IP54 rating means it can handle a splash of water or dust, but it’s not waterproof like the S series. The processor is fine for social media, streaming, and light gaming, but don’t expect to run demanding games at high settings. The 128GB internal storage fills up fast, but you can add a microSD card for photos and videos. Circle to Search works well: just circle anything on screen and Google finds it. It’s a handy trick that makes you feel like you’re using a more expensive phone.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Those who want the A17 5G but prefer a blue color option.
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The A17 5G in Blue is the same capable phone in a different color. The blue is a medium shade, not too dark, not too light. It’s a nice alternative if you find black phones boring. The rest is identical: same AMOLED display, same cameras, same expandable storage. If you’re choosing between colors, go with the one you’ll enjoy looking at every day.

Pros
Cons
Best for: People who want a folding phone for its pocketability and hands-free camera, and don’t need a large inner screen.
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The Z Flip7 FE is the most affordable foldable in Samsung’s lineup, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The hinge is solid, the 50MP camera takes sharp photos in good light, and FlexMode is genuinely useful. You can sit the phone on a table with the screen half-open and take a group photo with a wave of your hand. It’s also great for video calls: prop it up at the perfect angle without a stand.
The battery life is respectable for a compact phone. You can get through a full day with moderate use. The processor handles everyday tasks well, but heavy games will heat it up. The cover screen is small, so you can’t do much beyond checking notifications and quick replies. You’ll be unfolding it often. The lack of a telephoto lens is noticeable if you shoot from a distance, but the main sensor is good enough for most situations. If you want a folding phone that’s small when closed and still capable when open, the Z Flip7 FE is the pick.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Buyers outside the US or those on T-Mobile/MVNO who need a dirt-cheap Samsung with dual SIM and a large screen.
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The Galaxy A16 is Samsung’s entry-level offering. It lacks 5G, so streaming and downloads will be slower on modern networks. It also lacks an IP rating, so you’ll want to keep it away from rain. The display is a 6.7-inch PLS LCD panel, which is sharp but not as vibrant as AMOLED. The 50MP camera can take acceptable photos in bright light, but don’t expect much in dim conditions.
This model is sold as an international version, which means it supports dual SIM but has limited compatibility in the US. It works with T-Mobile and its MVNOs (like Metro by T-Mobile) but does not work with AT&T, Verizon, or their MVNOs. If you’re outside the US, that’s fine. The included case bundle is a nice bonus. The 128GB storage plus 4GB RAM is enough for light use: messaging, calls, social media, and occasional browsing. If you push it with many apps open, you’ll feel the slowdown. It’s a phone for the basics, nothing more. If that’s all you need, the A16 gets the job done.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Users who want a large screen, long battery life, and many premium features without paying flagship prices.
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The Galaxy S25 FE fills the gap between the A series and the full S series. It has a 6.7-inch display that’s smooth (likely 120Hz) and bright enough for outdoor use. The 4900mAh battery is large, and combined with the power-efficient processor, it easily lasts a full day and into the next. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP selfie shooter with Samsung’s ProVisual Engine. Selfies look natural with good skin tones, and the generative edit tool can erase unwanted objects or people from the background convincingly.
The body is aluminum with Gorilla Glass Victus+, so it feels solid. The main trade-off is the processor. It’s a generation behind the flagship chips, so gaming and heavy multitasking may show occasional hitches. The software experience is pure Samsung, with AI features like Circle to Search and Gemini integration. If you value battery life and screen size over absolute performance, the S25 FE is a smart choice.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Users who want a large, premium display and top-tier performance without the folding mechanism.
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The Galaxy S25+ sits in the sweet spot of Samsung’s lineup: it has the flagship processor (Snapdragon 8 Elite) and a large, vivid display with ProScaler technology that refines video and images automatically. The 4900mAh battery delivers consistent all-day battery life, and the fast charging (Super Fast Charging 2.0) tops it up quickly. The camera system is similar to the S26’s: a 50MP main shooter with excellent processing, plus an ultrawide. The highlight is the AI Audio Eraser, which can remove background noise from videos after you shoot them. It works surprisingly well for cutting out wind or crowd chatter.
The software includes advanced AI features like Now Brief, which gives you a morning summary of your schedule, weather, and news. You can also ask the assistant to perform multiple tasks at once, such as searching for a restaurant and texting the address to a friend. The S25+ lacks the periscope zoom of the S26 Ultra, so you won’t get 10x optical zoom. But if you don’t need that, the S25+ offers a fast, large, and capable flagship experience that feels every bit as premium as the S26.
Picking the right Samsung phone comes down to how you use your device, which features matter most, and how long you plan to keep it. Here are the factors that separate the models.
The processor determines how fast your phone feels now and how well it will handle future updates. The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25+ and Z Fold7 is the top performer. It handles heavy games, 4K video editing, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. The S26 uses a new Galaxy-exclusive chip that is slightly faster and optimized for AI workloads like real-time translation and photo editing. The A17 uses a mid-range octa-core chip that is fine for social media, streaming, and casual gaming. The A16 uses a basic chip that will start to lag with more than a few apps open. If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, invest in a flagship or FE model for a smoother experience over time.
Samsung makes some of the best smartphone displays. The S26 and S25+ have 120Hz AMOLED panels with high peak brightness for outdoor readability. The Z Fold7’s inner screen is an 8-inch AMOLED that’s great for reading and multitasking. The A17 has a Super AMOLED display that rivals much more expensive phones. The A16 uses a PLS LCD panel that is still large but lacks the deep blacks and vibrant colors of AMOLED. If you watch a lot of video or scroll through social media, an AMOLED display is worth seeking out.
The camera system ranges from a single 50MP lens on the A16 to a 200MP main sensor on the Z Fold7. The flagship models (S26, S25+) offer excellent processing, good low-light performance, and versatile features like Audio Eraser and Portrait Studio. The Z Fold7’s 200MP camera provides the most detail, but the S26’s computational photography is more consistent. The A17’s 50MP triple camera does well in good light but struggles at night. The Z Flip7 FE’s 50MP camera with FlexMode enables creative hands-free shots. If photography is a priority, choose an S series or the Z Fold7.
Battery capacity ranges from 4900mAh in the S25 FE and S25+ to 5000mAh in the A17 and A16. The Z Fold7 has excellent endurance for its form factor. The Z Flip7 FE lasts a full day with moderate use. The A17 supports Super Fast Charging, which can fill the battery quickly. The A16 lacks fast charging, so it takes longer to recharge. If you’re a heavy user, aim for at least 4900mAh and support for fast wired charging.
Samsung’s update policy varies by model. The S26, S25+, and Z Fold7 are guaranteed four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches. The A17 gets six OS upgrades and six years of security updates (a surprising win for a mid-range phone). The Z Flip7 FE and S25 FE get four upgrades. The A16 gets only two OS upgrades and four years of security patches. If you plan to keep your phone for a long time, the A17 or the S series are the best bets.
Flagship models (S26, S25+, Z Fold7) have IP68 water resistance (IP48 for the Fold7) and Gorilla Glass Victus+. The A17 has IP54 splash resistance, which is fine for light rain but not submersion. The A16 has no official rating and should be kept away from water. If you’re often outdoors or around children, an IP68 phone will survive accidental drops in puddles.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 has the highest resolution sensor at 200MP, but the Galaxy S26 produces the most consistently good photos across different lighting conditions thanks to its advanced AI processing. The S25+ is very close behind. For video, the S25+’s Audio Eraser is a standout feature.
Samsung promises six OS upgrades and six years of security updates for the A17 5G. That’s longer than many flagship phones from other brands and makes the A17 a smart choice if you keep your phone for several years.
Yes. The Z Fold7 uses an Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, and an IP48 water and dust resistance rating. It’s the most durable foldable Samsung has made. The inner screen still has a crease, but the hinge feels solid and the phone can withstand daily opening and closing.
No. The Galaxy A16 (International Model) is a 4G LTE phone. If you need 5G, look at the Galaxy A17 5G instead. Also, the A16’s carrier compatibility in the US is limited to T-Mobile and its MVNOs; it does not work on AT&T, Verizon, or their networks.
The S26 is newer, has a faster AI-optimized processor, and a wider front camera for group selfies. The S25+ has the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 4900mAh battery, ProScaler display, and the Audio Eraser feature. Both are excellent, but the S26 is better for AI features and future-proofing, while the S25+ is better for battery life and large-screen fans.
The Galaxy S25+ and Z Fold7 both use the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which is currently the fastest chip for Android gaming. The Z Fold7’s larger screen provides a more immersive experience, but the S25+ has a better aspect ratio for traditional games. The S26 is also very fast but uses a slightly different chip that may have compatibility quirks with some games initially.
Partially. The cover screen lets you check notifications, control music, take quick selfies, and reply to messages with templates. But for most tasks, you’ll need to unfold the phone to use the full 6.7-inch display. The FlexWindow supports Gemini Live and some apps, but it’s not a fully functional second screen.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is our top recommendation for most people. It offers the fastest performance, the best AI features, and a display that handles anything you throw at it. If you want a folding phone that can double as a tablet, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is unmatched for productivity, and its 200MP camera is the best on a foldable. For those who want a modern Samsung phone without spending too much, the Galaxy A17 5G is the clear winner: it has a superb AMOLED display, expandable storage, and six years of updates. The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is the best compact foldable for anyone who wants a phone that disappears in a pocket.
For the large-screen flagship lover, the Galaxy S25+ delivers a premium experience with a monster battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite speed. The S25 FE is a smart alternative if you value battery life and screen size over raw performance. And if you need the absolute lowest-cost Samsung phone, the Galaxy A16 handles the basics but watch its carrier restrictions.
If you’re still unsure, ask yourself what matters most: speed and AI (S26), multitasking and camera (Z Fold7), or all-round value and updates (A17 5G). Any of these three will serve you well for years.
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