Samsung releases many new smartphones annually that deliver enhanced capabilities and usability. However, selecting the optimum device can be challenging with such a robust lineup from which to choose. This article aims to guide the decision by assessing Samsung’s leading phones for 2024, as highlighted by the tech website Tom’s Guide.
Each model will be scrutinized by closely evaluating its distinguishing traits, costs, and how well it fulfills the requirements of different user types. The goal is to determine the best matches based on individual needs and priorities.
Samsung is one of the leading smartphone manufacturers, producing high-end devices in various price ranges. Choosing the best Samsung phone with new devices and yearly improvements can be complicated. Each phone will be examined in detail according to critical specifications and features, and findings will be reviewed to help determine the right choice.
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung’s best and most advanced smartphone. It has lightning-fast performance thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The large 6.8-inch screen has vibrant and smooth visuals. It takes incredible photos with its quad rear camera led by a 200MP sensor. Multiple lenses, including telephoto options, provide versatile zoom. The 40MP front camera is also excellent. With a massive 5,000mAh battery, it lasts well over 12 hours. It supports all the latest connectivity and has a generous 1TB of storage. Regular software updates mean it will stay current for years to come. The Ultra is genuinely a future-proof flagship device.
Best for Most People: Samsung Galaxy S24
The Galaxy S24 strikes the ideal balance of being a full-featured flagship at an affordable price of $799. It offers lightning-fast performance through the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Users get a gorgeous 6.1-inch AMOLED screen with crisp visuals. The improved 13MP front camera takes excellent selfies. Its triple rear camera system captures high-quality photos and 8K video. In testing, the S24 lasted over 10 hours per charge. This mid-sized phone supports all the latest connectivity, like 5G, without compromising. It provides the best blend of features and value within Samsung’s lineup, making it the ideal choice for most users.
Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A54
The Galaxy A54 provides excellent value at just $449. It performs well for basic tasks thanks to the Exynos chip. Users get a large, vibrant 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Where it stands out is the impressive camera system. It uses the same mighty 50MP primary sensor as Samsung’s top flagship phones.
Additional lenses and a high-res selfie camera deliver great shots. The massive 5,000mAh battery ensures a solid 10-hour battery life, too. For under $500, this is a well-rounded smartphone with key specs resembling much pricier models, especially in photography.
Best Screen for Under $1,000: Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
The Galaxy S24 Plus is the top pick for those wanting a large screen without the Ultra’s high price. Priced at $999, it has a big 6.7-inch AMOLED display that is crisp and colorful thanks to Quad HD+ resolution. Performance matches the regular S24 as it has the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Its versatile triple-camera system takes excellent photos and videos. Despite its big, high-resolution screen, it exceeded all siblings in battery life by lasting over 16 hours on a single charge. It delivers Samsung’s best big-screen experience for under $1,000. With power and cameras equivalent to those of its siblings, it offers immense value.
Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
For those who want to experience the revolutionary power of a foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the top choice. Starting at $1,799, its unique configuration includes a 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen that folds in half but expands to a tablet-sized experience. Powered by the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the flexible display of the Z Fold 5 has no lag, even when multitasking. What makes the Z Fold 5 such an improvement is its sophistication compared to previous models.
Thanks to the improved Flex Hinge, it can lie flat with no visible creases – ideal for video viewing. It’s thinner and even lighter than before. There was also a significant improvement in battery life, with the Tom Guide tests lasting over 11 hours. This endurance was unheard of in previous folding phones and allowed the Z Fold 5 to last all day. It has a triple 12MP rear camera, 10MP cover screen selfie camera, 4MP under-performance selfie camera, and click high-quality photos. The Z Fold 5 is Samsung’s cutting-edge foldable and will appeal to those who want to experience the future of smartphone form factors today.
Most Affordable Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
As a more compact and cheaper folding option, the $999 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the most affordable Samsung foldable recommended for 2024. Its Flip design opens into a 6.7-inch screen perfect for on-the-go use, then collapses into a pocket-friendly size. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip’s performance is smooth and power efficient. Unlike previous Flip models, the Z Flip 5 closes completely flat thanks to improved Folding Glass protection and the new Flex Hinge.
This also makes it more durable than before. Its dual 12MP rear and 10MP front cameras capture decent photos. Long battery life in testing rose to over 8.5 hours, which is commendable for a device of this size. For just under $1,000, the Z Flip 5 makes folding technology more accessible. It has a sleek yet sporty design for active and intuitive business and entertainment. Samsung continues to refine its clamshell form factor to make it an innovative but affordable fiber option.
Low-Cost Telephoto Lens: Galaxy S23 FE
The Galaxy S23 FE provides flagship features at an affordable price of $599, making it the most expensive Samsung Galaxy S23 model. Powered by the fast and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate allows for smooth visuals during use. Its triple rear camera setup is impressive, housing the same potent 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide primary lenses as the S23 lineup.
However, it also includes an 8MP telephoto lens for 3x optical zoom, a rare feature at this price point. Photo quality from all three lenses matches the performance of Samsung’s other S23 phones. While battery testing showed it could last around 8 hours, overall, the S23 FE delivers a flagship-level experience, especially in terms of its versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, for under $600.
In summary, Samsung’s 2024 lineup offers many good smartphones. There are extensive capabilities like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Z Fold 5, dedicated cameras like the S24 FE, and more affordable options like the Galaxy A54 and Z Flip 5. Rating each model’s main characteristics, features, and reviews, this Samsung phone is the top suggested offer. Be specific about needs, budget, and priorities.