Samsung Phones: Alternatives to the S24 & Fold6 – Reviewed

Samsung’s smartphone lineup in 2026 offers a diverse range of options, from premium flagships to budget-friendly devices. Navigating this breadth of choices can be challenging, but understanding the strengths of each model can help consumers find the best fit for their needs. While the Galaxy S25 and S25+ represent solid all-around performers, and the S25 Ultra pushes the boundaries of camera technology, several other models deserve consideration, depending on specific priorities.

For those prioritizing portability and a sleek design, the Galaxy S25 Edge presents an intriguing option. With a remarkably slim 5.8-mm frame – significantly thinner than the 8.2-mm S25 Ultra – it aims to appeal to users who value a lightweight device. However, this pursuit of slimness comes with compromises. The S25 Edge sacrifices features like a stylus and a dedicated telephoto camera, and its battery capacity is substantially reduced. The 3,900-mAh battery requires careful management, particularly with average to heavy usage, a drawback that echoes the challenges faced by previous thin-and-light phones. Rumors suggest the Edge may not continue beyond 2026, potentially due to underwhelming performance.

At the more affordable end of the spectrum, Samsung offers the Galaxy A17 5G and the Galaxy A36. The Galaxy A17, priced around $200, boasts six years of software support, an AMOLED screen, expandable storage, and a decent camera. However, its performance is hampered by a limited 4 GB of RAM, which can significantly impact the user experience. Samsung cautions that the A17 should only be relied upon in emergency situations due to its performance limitations. The Galaxy A36, at $395, offers a more refined experience, with a good camera system, all-day battery life, and a vibrant AMOLED screen, alongside the same six years of software updates. However, its performance is described as “choppy,” falling short of competitors from Nothing and Motorola.

Samsung’s folding phone lineup, represented by the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, continues to innovate in form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold6 aims for a more conventional smartphone experience when closed, featuring a 6.3-inch exterior screen. When unfolded, it reveals a expansive 7.6-inch AMOLED display, effectively transforming the device into a compact tablet. The Galaxy Z Flip6, while not as advanced as the newer Z Flip7, remains a compelling option, particularly for those seeking a pocketable device. The Z Flip7’s larger and brighter cover screen represents a significant improvement, but the Z Flip6 offers a viable alternative, especially if purchased at a discounted price. Both folding phones suffer from less-than-ideal battery life.

For consumers looking to save money, older Samsung models like the Galaxy S23 range and the Galaxy S23 FE remain viable options, provided they are available at significantly reduced prices. These devices will continue to receive software updates for some time, offering a good value proposition. However, purchasing models older than these is not recommended.

Beyond individual phone features, Samsung’s strength lies in its broader ecosystem. The company offers a range of complementary devices, including the Galaxy Watch8 smartwatch, Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds, Galaxy Ring fitness tracker, Galaxy Tab S11 tablet, and Galaxy laptops. This interconnectedness provides certain benefits, such as exclusive features when pairing a Galaxy Ring or Watch8 with a Samsung phone, and seamless device switching for earbuds. While not essential, this ecosystem offers a level of integration that can appeal to users invested in the Samsung brand.

A key differentiator for Samsung’s recent devices is “Galaxy AI,” a suite of artificial intelligence features powered by Google’s Gemini large language models. Introduced with the Galaxy S24 series and expanded in the S25 lineup, Galaxy AI offers features like real-time call translations, transcriptions in the Voice Recorder app, text summarization in Samsung Notes, and tone adjustments in the Samsung Keyboard. The S25 series further integrates Gemini as the default voice assistant and introduces Drawing Assist, which generates images from sketches or prompts, and real-time video processing even on the cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip7. These features can be toggled on or off in the phone’s settings.

Samsung DeX, launched in 2017, provides a desktop-like experience when connecting a Samsung phone to an external monitor. Compatible with select Samsung phones, including the Galaxy Z Flip7, DeX allows users to resize and manage Android apps in separate windows, offering a more productive computing environment. While not a replacement for a traditional laptop, DeX is a useful tool for temporary workspaces or travel.

Choosing the right Samsung phone involves carefully considering individual needs and priorities. Whether it’s the cutting-edge features of the S25 series, the portability of the S25 Edge, the affordability of the A series, or the innovative form factors of the Z Fold and Z Flip lines, Samsung offers a compelling option for a wide range of consumers.