Best Samsung phones 2021: Galaxy S, Note, A and Z compared

 


(Pocket-lint) - From the flagship Galaxy Z folding models to the new Galaxy S and Galaxy Note ranges, Samsung has various choices within its smartphone portfolio.

As well as the older Galaxy S and Galaxy Note versions, there's also the sub-flagship Galaxy A range to remember. It's no simple task to choose the right Galaxy for you if you're after Samsung.

To help you select the best Samsung device for you and your budget, we've broken down the four core ranges - Galaxy S, Note, A and Z - and the devices available within each one.

Quick Summary


  • The key flagship smartphone line of the company is the Samsung Galaxy S range. Its models have a waterproof architecture of glass and metal, the most strength and the best cameras.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Note series is often more costly than the S range, but with the stylus built into a metal and glass build, it adds S Pen functionality. There are similar characteristics to the Galaxy S spectrum in the overall look.
  • The sub-flagship range of the Samsung Galaxy A is below the S range in terms of price, but in some models it borrows some of its design features, including full displays and under-screen fingerprint sensors.
  • The Samsung folding smartphones are the Galaxy Z series, sitting at the top of the portfolio in terms of price and offering the company's latest design developments.

Samsung Galaxy S


The S20, S20+ and the S20 Ultra are the 2020 flagships for the Galaxy S set. The S10 Lite is the sub-flagship apparatus. There were the S10e, S10 and S10+ galaxies in 2019. The S9 and S9+ from 2018, while not included in this feature, are still available to purchase. Thanks to a lack of software updates, we would not suggest moving further back than that.

Samsung Galaxy S20

    Size: 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm, 163g, IP68
    Display: 6.2-inch, Infinity-O, 3200 x 1440 (566ppi), 120Hz
    Cameras: key 12MP + ultra wide 12MP + zoom 64MP; front 10MP
    Storage: 128GB, microSD, microSDS
    Battery: 4000mAh

    The 2020 phones are based on the Samsung Galaxy S20, upgrading the Galaxy S10 with new hardware, a new 120Hz display, a bigger battery and new cameras.

    A new sensor with larger pixels and a more impressive zoom configuration provides the camera with up to 30X optical zoom, as well as 8K video capture. This model comes in 4G or 5G models as well. It's more economical than larger computers, plus there's a smaller monitor. It's a fine, strong phone overall.

    Samsung Galaxy S20+

      Size: 161.9, 73.7 x 7.8mm, 186g, IP68
      Display: 6.7-inch, Infinity-O, 3200 x 1440 (524ppi), 120Hz
      Cameras: key 12MP + ultra wide 12MP + zoom 64MP + Depth Vision; front 10MP
      Storage characteristics: 128/512GB, microSD,
      Battery: 4500mAh

      Switching things up, in terms of size, the S20+ is possibly the sweet spot for those in this series, but it only comes in many markets as a 5G smartphone, making it look comparatively pricey compared to the S10+ it replaces.

      It also provides plenty of power, the great 120Hz display for those who want it, and a new camera system that doesn't seem to do much - the same as the Galaxy S20 but with an added depth sensor. The battery makes this a good all-rounder and is respectable.

      Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

        Size: 166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8mm, 220g, IP68
        Display: 6.9-inch, Infinity-O, 3200 x 1440 (509ppi), 120Hz
        Cameras: key 108MP + ultra wide 12MP + zoom 48MP + DepthVision; front 40MP
        Storage characteristics: 128/512GB, microSD,
         Battery: 5000mAh

        The Galaxy S20 Ultra is set to be the biggest with everything in the Galaxy S family: big monitor, big battery, big camera resolutions. That, unfortunately, everything comes at a large price.

        It's a decent phone overall, but the battery might not last as long as you think and the cameras are a little oversold, so it doesn't really deliver the 100X zoom headline. The handset is 5G.

        Samsung Galaxy S10e

        • Dimensions: 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9mm, 150g, IP68
        • Display: 5.8-inches, 2280 x 1080 (438ppi), flat Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 16MP wide + 12MP main; 10MP front
        • Storage: 128GB or 256GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 3100mAh
        Originally the cheapest in the S10 series, the Samsung Galaxy S10e offered a flat display and a physical fingerprint sensor, rather than a curved panel and an under-display sensor. The S10e has a dual camera on the rear, instead of a triple one.

        A few of the features are missing, but the S10e still provides a fresh design, as well as beautiful build quality and decent hardware. However it is undercut by the impressive S10 Lite, which appears to provide more for the money.

        Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite

        • Dimensions: 162.5 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm, 186g
        • Display: 6.7-inches, 1080 x 2400 (394ppi), Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 48MP main + 12MP wide + 5MP; 32MP front
        • Storage: 128GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        This handset debuted alongside the Note 10 Lite at CES 2020 in early January, an addition to the S10 series.

        It fits above the S10e in the scale. About why? It features more cameras, a bigger screen, and a larger battery. In reality, it's the largest in the regular S10 series, with the same screen size as the 5G S10.

        Not least the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 platform under the hood, it also has some other premium specs. Confusing, but very convincing given the price.

        Samsung Galaxy S10

        • Dimensions: 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm, 157g, IP68
        • Display: 6.1-inches, 3040 x 1440 (550ppi), dual-edge Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 16MP + 12MP + 12MP, 10MP front
        • Storage: 128GB or 512GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 3400mAh
        A fantastic smartphone with a stunning design and many features, including an in-display fingerprint sensor and reverse wireless charging, is the Samsung Galaxy S10.

        There is a triple camera on the rear and the display of the 19.5:9 aspect ratio is fantastic, while the user experience is up there with the best experience.

        Samsung Galaxy S10+

        • Dimensions: 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8mm, 175g, IP68
        • Display: 6.4-inches, 3040 x 1440 (522ppi), dual-edge Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 16MP + 12MP + 12MP; 10MP front
        • Storage: 128GB, 512GB or 1TB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 4100mAh
        With an excellent display, brilliant sound quality and a great app interface full of features, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ features.

        The design is fantastic, it has a wide-angle camera that is fun and it offers strengths in all fields, delivering one of last year's best phones.

        Samsung Galaxy S10 5G

        • Dimensions: 1162.6 x 77.1 x 7.9mm, 198g, IP68
        • Display: 6.7-inches, 3040 x 1440 (505ppi), dual-edge Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 3D Depth + 16MP + 12MP + 12MP; 10MP front + 3D Depth Camera
        • Storage: 256GB or 512GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        A very similar design to the S10+ is followed by the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, but it is bigger, has a few extra cameras and most importantly, 5G-enabled.

        It's not cheap, but it has a decent design, great camera potential, and it's an option worth considering if you're after a 5G handset, as it should be available at good prices now that the S10 range has been replaced.


        Samsung Galaxy Note

        The Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra (and their 5G variants), both of which were released in August 2020, are the main models in the Galaxy Note series. If you are interested in the Note, do not forget the Note 10 Lite, Note 10 and Note 10+ too.

        As always, if you're going to use the S Pen stylus, just opt for a Note.

        Samsung Galaxy Note 20

        • Dimensions: 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm, 192g (LTE), 194g (5G), IP68
        • Display: 6.7-inches, 2400 x 1080 (393ppi), flat Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 12MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 64MP telephoto; 10MP front
        • Storage: 128GB/256GB (5G), 256GB (LTE), no microSD support
        • Battery: 4300mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is identical to the popular Note 10, but it opts for a flat display and moves the rear camera housing to a more pronounced offering. Instead of glass, there's also a 'glass' rear, but the overall design is lovely and neat.

        The camera system is the same as what you'll find in the Galaxy S20, so it should deliver great stuff, and while the display sticks to a refresh rate of 60Hz and there is no microSD support again, there's little better than the note-taking potential of this phone if you're looking for a phone with an integrated stylus.

        Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

        • Dimensions: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm, 208g, IP68
        • Display: 6.9-inches, 3088 x 1440 (496ppi), dual edge Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 12MP main + 108MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto; 10MP front
        • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB (5G), 256GB/512GB (LTE), microSD support
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is positioned at the top of the Galaxy Note series and provides the best Samsung technology to sell. It has a similar design to the Note 10+ but adjusts the housing of the rear camera as well as the make-up of the camera. A similar offering to the S20 Ultra is on board, but with a laser sensor that has fallen to 50X instead of 100X to assist with the zoom.

        The Samsung Galaxy Note series is still on top of its game after nearly 10 years on the cutting edge. Yeah, the Note 20 Ultra is easy to see as just another Note" - but that's because it's so right.

        Samsung Galaxy Note 10

        • Dimensions: 151 x 71.8 x 7.9mm, 168g, IP68
        • Display: 6.3-inches, 2280 x 1080 (401ppi), dual edge Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 12MP + 16MP + 12MP; 10MP front
        • Storage: 256GB, no microSD support
        • Battery: 3500mAh
        With a vertical rear camera setup and a centralized punch-hole front camera, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 offers a cleaner design than the S10 series.

        It was the first Note system that offered a smaller screen, but it retains all of the other models' S Pen output. There have been a few sacrifices, such as a lower resolution display and no support for microSD, but the Note 10 is a perfect choice for those who have always wanted a Note, but may have considered it too large. The choice of 4G and 5G models too is present.

        Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

        • Dimensions: 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9mm, 196g, IP68
        • Display: 6.8-inches, 3040 x 1440 (498ppi), dual edge Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 16MP + 12MP + 12MP + Depth; 10MP front
        • Storage: 256GB/512GB, microSD support (up to 1TB)
        • Battery: 4300mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, but on a bigger scale, has the same style as the Note 10. It also raises the lenses of the rear camera to four, instals a depth sensor and also increases the resolution and size of the screen.


        The S Pen stylus and its gesture controls are awesome, while the massive monitor and clean punch hole camera are all you'd expect from the Note series. Smooth and rapid operation is also available, making the Note 10+ a fabulous smartphone. There are 4G and 5G options, just like the regular Note 10.

        Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite

        • Dimensions: 163.7 x 76.1 x 8.7mm, 199g
        • Display: 6.7 inches, 2400 x 1080 (394ppi), Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP; 32MP front
        • Storage: 128GB, microSD
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        In January 2020, the Note 10 Lite arrived and is an entry to the Note range that represents what Samsung was trying to do with the S10e - having a cheaper variant that still maintained a premium brand.

        With an Exynos 9810 octa-core architecture underpinning it, it's no slouch and as compared to the main Note 10 versions, it just has a few corner cuts. It's also larger than the Note 10 normal, but significantly smaller than the Note 10+.

        However it does not yet have the specifications to contend with the S10Lite,

        Samsung Galaxy A


        Samsung also offers a wide range of A models, which, depending on what you want from your smartphone, may be worth considering. With Galaxy S phones, there's some overlap, particularly at the top end.

        Samsung Galaxy A90 5G

        • Dimensions: 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.4mm, 206g
        • Display: 6.7-inches, 2400 x 1080 (393ppi), Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 48MP + 5MP + 8MP; 32MP front
        • Storage: 128GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        The large monitor of the Samsung Galaxy A90 5G has a slight water drop notch at the top and a triple vertical camera at the rear, neatly located in the upper left corner. It's also the Snapdragon 855, but even though it's the 2019 flagship grade, this is the flagship grade.

        Onboard this unit, there are some excellent features, not only a beautiful design and build quality, but a triple rear camera, an under-display fingerprint scanner and 5G.

        Samsung Galaxy A80

        • Dimensions: 165.2 x 76.5 x 9.3mm, 220g
        • Display: 6.7-inches, 2400 x 1080 (392ppi), Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: Rotating 48MP + 8MP + HQVGA
        • Storage: 128GB, no microSD support
        • Battery: 3700mAh
        Thanks to the automatic slide-up rotary camera, the Samsung Galaxy A80 has a massive, uninterrupted display. We were not 100 percent sold on the longevity of the revolving mechanism, but the A80 is a beautiful looking system with some nice features.

        Under the hood, there are some nice specs, including plenty of RAM, a battery that will probably see you during the day as well as an under-display fingerprint sensor, offering loads of flagship features for less cash than the Galaxy flagship devices.

        Samsung Galaxy A71

        • Dimensions: 163.6 x 76.0 x 7.7mm, 179g
        • Display: 6.7-inches, 2400 x 1080 (392ppi), Super AMOLED Plus
        • Cameras: 64MP main + 12MP ultra wide + 5MP macro + depth sensor; 32MP (f/2.2) front
        • Storage: 128GB, microSD support up to 1TB
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        In early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A71 was released, basically an upgrade to the A70. That brings new hardware, but similar core specs, with it. For the show, there's a change to Infinity-O, with a punch hole instead of the A70. In certain countries, there is also a 5G variant.

        That's joined by a higher-resolution rear camera in this mid-range device, going after the megapixels. If you love the S10 range but you can't justify the price tag, with plenty to love, the A71 is half the price.

        Samsung Galaxy A51 5G

        • Dimensions: 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.7mm, 187g
        • Display: 6.5-inches, 2400 x 1080 (405ppi), Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP depth + 5MP macro; 32MP (f/2.2) front
        • Storage: 128GB, microSD support up to 1TB
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        There are a few slight variations between the versions of the Galaxy A51 and the Galaxy A71, but overall this is an improvement on the model of the A50, with a larger display, a higher resolution on the cameras and a larger capacity for the battery.

        It is still a mid-range unit, but in some regions it is available with 5G. The base level of storage with microSD expansion is generous and there is also a good punch hole monitor.

        Samsung Galaxy A41

        • Dimensions: 149.9 x 69.8 x 7.9mm, 152g
        • Display: 6.1-inches, 2400 x 1080 (431ppi), Super AMOLED
        • Cameras: 48MP main + 8MP ultra wide + 5MP depth; 25MP front
        • Storage: 64GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 3500mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy A41 upgrades the A40 with an under-glass fingerprint scanner and a larger battery, switching to a 0.2-inch larger display. It retains the display of the Infinity-U, so at the top there's a water drop notch, rather than the punch hole you'll find on the A51.

        The number of cameras on the A51 is a step-down, losing out on the macro sensor, but the A41 provides a good lightweight Samsung handset otherwise.

        Samsung Galaxy A21s

        • Dimensions: 163.7 x 75.3 x 8.9mm, 192g
        • Display: 6.5-inches, 1600 x 720 (270ppi), TFT LCD
        • Cameras: Quad rear 48MP (f/2.0) main + 8MP (f/2.2) ultra wide + 2MP (f/2.4) depth + 2MP (f/2.4) macro; 13MP front (f/2.2)
        • Storage: 32GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 5000mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy A21s has a large monitor in the upper left corner with a punch hole selfie camera, a huge battery that can see you during the day and a quad camera on the back in a camera housing that looks like the more expensive S20 series.

        For storage expansion, there is a physical fingerprint sensor on the rear and microSD support as well. The resolution is not the best, nor is the internal storage, but the A21s may be a good choice for those who want a Samsung with a large screen and a large battery for the price.

        Samsung Galaxy A21e

        • Dimensions: 147.4 x 69.7 x 8.4mm, 141g
        • Display: 5.8-inches, 1560 x 720 (296ppi), TFT LCD
        • Cameras: Dual rear 13MP (f/1.9) main + 5MP (f/2.2) ultra wide; 8MP front (f/2.0)
        • Storage: 32GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 3000mAh
        Instead of going for a waterdrop notch at the top, the Samsung Galaxy A21e does not have a punch hole camera like the A20s - making it look a little more dated. However there is a large enough monitor, a dual rear camera, and for the price, it still has a nice design.

        With the A21s, you get a little more, particularly with the battery, but the A21e still has an ultra-wide-angle rear camera to give you some interesting shots, as well as some software features for great front-facing selfies.

        Samsung Galaxy A10

        • Dimensions: 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9mm, 157g
        • Display: 6.2-inches, 1520 x 720 (271ppi), TFT LCD
        • Cameras: 13MP (f/1.9, AF, FHD video), 5MP front (f/2.0)
        • Storage: 32GB, microSD support up to 512GB
        • Battery: 3400mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy A10 is the cheapest A model unit, but its footprint still has a massive display, a large battery capacity that can see you easily through a day and then some and plenty of 512 GB microSD support storage.

        It doesn't have a fingerprint sensor and only offers a single rear camera and a single front camera, but the Galaxy A10 could be the one for you if you're after a cheap Samsung smartphone with a nice design and simple specifications.

        Samsung Galaxy Z


        In terms of price, the Samsung Galaxy Z series sits at the top of the Galaxy portfolio, primarily due to its folding designs. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Galaxy Z Flip are the two most recent versions. The Galaxy Fold still has the original folding unit, but it has had its problems, so the newer model is possibly the better choice.

        Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

        • Dimensions: 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9mm (unfolded), 159.2 x 68 x 16.8mm (folded), 282g
        • Internal display: 7.6-inches, 2208 x 1768 (372ppi), AMOLED
        • External display: 6.2-inches, 2260 x 816 (388ppi), AMOLED
        • Cameras: 12MP (f/1.8, AF, OIS), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (f/2.4), two 10MP front (f/2.0)
        • Storage: 256GB, no microSD support
        • Battery: 4500mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 succeeds the original Galaxy Fold, offering a vertical fold with the same book-style design but incorporating a range of refinements, including a redesign of the hinge. For a neater finish, there is also a larger external monitor onboard and punch hole front cameras.

        The Galaxy Z Fold 2 seems to have solved some of the biggest problems with the initial Fold, so the Galaxy Z Fold 2 could be the one for you if you are after a folding smartphone and the new innovation Samsung has to give in terms of design.

        Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

        • Dimensions: 167.9 x 73.6 x 7.2mm (unfolded), 87.4 x 73.6 x 17.3mm (folded), 183g
        • Internal display: 6.7-inches, 2636 x 1080 pixels (425ppi), AMOLED
        • External display: 1.1-inches, 300 x 112 pixels (303ppi)
        • Cameras: 12MP (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP front (f/2.4)
        • Storage: 256GB, no microSD support
        • Battery: 3300mAh
        The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is the second foldable smartphone from the brand, but it folds horizontally rather than vertically like the Fold, resulting in a very cool design for the clamshell. A bit like the older iteration of the Galaxy S, folded in half.

        The Z Flip allows you to have a larger display in your pocket, but without the length, and the hinge design provides different viewing angles. In terms of camera, battery and power, there are some sacrifices, but for those who are retro cool, the Z Flip might undoubtedly be the Galaxy for you.


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