What is the best Samsung S Series phone?

The Galaxy S series is Samsung's flagship smartphone range and the most popular Android phone series of all time. For many the Galaxy S series is the number one phone range in the Android community. Bursting with premium features, exceptional cameras and stunning design elements it's no wonder that the Galaxy S series is the industry leading phone range. So what is the Galaxy S series? Which model is best for you? And how does the Galaxy S series differ from other Samsung phone ranges?

Samsung Galaxy S Series explained

The Galaxy S series is Samsung's formidable smartphone range with dynamic displays, super fast processors and cutting edge cameras - each S series phone is impressive in its own right. Sitting right at the forefront of innovative phone technology, the S series has refined its offering to secure itself as Samsung’s premium line-up of handsets.

Samsung officially first unveiled the Galaxy S series in 2010 and at the time it was the most powerful phone on the market. It was an instant success with over 25 million units sold worldwide. Following the success of its predecessors Samsung continues to release new, upgraded versions of the S series each year with the latest jaw dropping Galaxy S23 range released in 2023.

How many Samsung S series phones are there?

Originating in 2010, the Samsung S series has continued to innovate and update its flagship S series each year with the most recent range being the Galaxy S23. Within each core Galaxy S release there are variations such as the Galaxy S23 | S23+ and in recent years there has been an ‘Ultra’ model which is even bigger and better still. 2023 saw the release of the latest noteworthy Galaxy S23 Ultra. With so many exceptional S series phones your only difficulty will be deciding on the right one for you.

Please note: the latest Galaxy S series (S22, S21, S20, S10) are guaranteed to receive three years of Android software updates and four years of security updates. Older models may no longer be supported and are therefore not available to buy from Samsung as new models.

Samsung S Series Release Dates

Preceding S Series Ranges: Galaxy S10 (2019), Galaxy S9 (2018), Galaxy S8 (2017), Galaxy S7 (2016), Galaxy S6 (2015), Galaxy S5 (2014), Galaxy S4 (2013), Galaxy S3 (2012), Galaxy S2 (2011) and Galaxy S (2010).

Please note: the latest Galaxy S series (S23, S22, S21, S20, S10) are guaranteed to receive three years of Android software updates and four years of security updates. Older models may no longer be supported and are therefore not available to buy from Samsung as new models.

What is the latest Samsung S series phone?

The dazzling Galaxy S23 range is the latest Samsung Galaxy S series smartphone release. With three phenomenal phones available in the S23 series, it is the most powerful and long-lasting generation of Galaxy S Series smartphones yet. Each model benefits from intelligent dynamic displays, awesome processors and innovative cameras. Boasting the latest in phone technology advancements and future proofed with 5G capability, the S23 range turns heads for all the right reasons.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The epic Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the ultimate Galaxy S series smartphone - equipping you with everything you need to power through the day. There s a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, with intelligent Adaptive Vision Booster technology and optimal 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-immersive viewing. With standout brightness, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is designed to be easy on the eyes whilst standing out from the crowd.

Whether it's work, play, or somewhere in between, your smartphone should always run smoothly. That's why with the latest Galaxy S23 Ultra and Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Processor, you'll experience improved CPU, GPU and cooling system features¹ that make small work of the big tasks. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the most powerful mobile chip in the Galaxy S series yet.

Do you love capturing photos and video after dark? With Galaxy S23 Ultra, you'll be wowed with the quad-lens camera setup, which includes a head-spinning 200MP Ultra High Resolution Rear Camera. The latest version of Nightography boosts colours and sharpens details and now it's even built into the 12MP Dual Pixel Front-Facing Selfie Camera too. When it comes to photo and video editing the integrated S Pen lets you edit the smallest details with absolute precision.

And that's not all, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a massive 5,000mAh (typical)² intelligent battery so you can stay connected day and night. Find yourself running low? No problem. With 45W Super Fast Charging³ you'll never be caught short, so there's no need to stop doing what you do best. Available with up to 1TB of storage you can make, capture and store memories until your heart's content. If you're looking for the phone of the future with sensational cameras, long battery life and most powerful chip look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S23+

With an impressive 6.6-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the Galaxy S23+ is perfect for bingeing on the latest Netflix series or playing epic graphic intensive games. With Adaptive Vision Booster technology built in to the Intelligent Display, you'll never struggle to watch a show on a sunny day, or be dazzled by it in the dark. Combined with latest Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Processor and 8GB RAM, you can unlock higher frame rates and enjoy sharper, more vivid graphics⁵, so even the most demanding online multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze.

Benefitting from stunning 8K video capabilities and 5G connectivity there's no need to worry about running out of power. The Galaxy S23+ has a noteworthy 4700mAh (typical)⁶ battery*, so whether it's chatting on socials, shooting your own vlog or catching up with work emails you'll be covered morning, noon and night. When it's time to recharge, Super Fast Charging will get you back doing what you love most in no time. 25W/45W Travel Adapter sold separately.

Designed with an Armor Aluminium frame and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 - the toughest glass on a Samsung smartphone - the Galaxy S23+ takes the title for our most durable range to date. Plus, it’s IP68 rated so there’s no need to worry if it accidentally finds itself in water. It's been tested to survive immersion in water that is 1.5 metres deep for 30 minutes.**

Samsung Galaxy S23

The Galaxy S23 revolutionises video and photograph with three superb rear cameras comprising a 10MP telephoto camera, a 12MP ultra wide camera and a 50MP wide-angle camera. There's also a 12MP front selfie camera so you can capture social feed-ready photos without the need for any editing. That’s not all, the AI analyses the environment around you, adapting to lighting and angles making sure all your pictures always look their best. Even video recording will be smoother, thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation. Capture content with the 50MP Wide lens for 4x wider dynamic range and 3x Optical Zoom to get you closer to the action without the noise.

Which Samsung S Series has the best camera?

The phenomenal Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is not only the leading camera smartphone in the S series but in fact the whole Galaxy range. With four cutting-edge rear cameras, rivalling any of the best camera smartphones on the market, the Galaxy S23 Ultra gives you all you want from your camera and more.

Are the Samsung S series phones water resistant?

All the latest models in the Galaxy S range have an IP68 rating¹⁰. This means they are protected for up to 30 minutes in 1.5m of water, so there’s no need to panic if it accidentally ends up in the sink or down the toilet! Submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30min (not advised for beach or pool use).

Chlorine and salty seawater aren't covered by the IP68 rating so best avoid jumping into the pool or sea with your phone to avoid damaging it.

What’s the difference between the Galaxy S series and A Series?

The Galaxy S series is Samsung's high-end range of flagship smartphones. You’ll find the latest in technology advancements, sublime design features and epic processing power. If you’re a photographer, vlogger, frequent gamer or use your phone intensively all day you won’t be disappointed with the highly acclaimed Galaxy S series.

By comparison the Galaxy A series is Samsung’s awesome mid-range of smartphones that combine innovative features with top quality software and hardware. The Galaxy A series is Samsung’s top selling range of smartphones - known for its affordability, all round great performance and long lasting battery. The A series is a great option for those looking for an exceptional all-round smartphone at an affordable price, for everyday use.

Most common questions

Explore answers to frequent queries below.