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? We explore it all in this comprehensive guide.

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 sensational Galaxy S26 series released in 2026.

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 S24. Within each core Galaxy S release there are variations such as the Galaxy S24 and S24+ and in recent years there has been an ‘Ultra’ model which is even bigger and better still. With so many exceptional S series phones your only difficulty will be deciding on the right one for you.

Please note: the Galaxy S series (S26, S25, S24, 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.

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).

What is the latest Samsung S series phone?

The spectacular Galaxy S26 series is the latest Samsung Galaxy S series smartphone release. With three phenomenal phones available in the S26 series, it is the most powerful and long-lasting generation of Galaxy S Series smartphones yet. This new series of AI phones benefits from a range of AI Smarts, dynamic displays, powerful chipsets and AI Cameras. Boasting the most advanced display yet, dazzling camera innovation, and powerful Galaxy AI, the S26 series turns heads for all the right reasons.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The epic Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra marks the arrival of The AI phone, equipping you with the latest Galaxy AI smarts to simplify your everyday. It features the most immersive display yet, so you can dive into another world whether you’re battling bosses or binge-watching blockbusters. The Privacy Display¹ helps to keep your content watchable only to you, even in busy spaces, as it limits side-angle visibility. And with our most powerful processor yet, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for galaxy, the S26 Ultra packs a serious punch.

You’ll be able to game non-stop and run graphic-intensive apps worry-free, with the newly designed vapour chamber with Thermal Interface Material, improving heat dissipation by up to 21%². When the huge 5,000mAh³ battery needs a boost, the 60W Super-Fast Charging 3.0⁴ and the 25W Super-Fast Wireless Charging⁵ help you power back up quickly and get on with your day. And to protect against the occasion bump or scrape, the AI display is fronted by Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2, so your AI phone will always look its best.

Galaxy AI6 promises a unique AI experience, helping with everything from generative image editing via Photo Assist⁷, to personalised reminders based on your interactions with Now Nudge⁸. Not only is the AI Camera able to adjust settings based on what’s in frame, but Now Nudge can provide time-saving and context-aware suggestions to keep you on track. It can read your messages – so when friends ask you to share the photos from last night, it’s already finding them. Or if they enquire about your availability, it’ll analyse your calendar to come up with a suggested reply based on your free time.

Samsung Galaxy S24+

With an impressive 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the Galaxy S24+ is perfect for bingeing on the latest Netflix series or playing epic graphic intensive games. With Adaptive Vision Booster technology built in to the super-bright display, you'll never struggle to watch a show on a sunny day, or be dazzled by it in the dark. Combined with latest Exynos 2400 processor and 12GB of RAM, you can unlock higher frame rates and enjoy sharper, more vivid graphics, so even the most demanding online multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze.

Like all the models in the S24 series, the Galaxy S24+ is packed with powerful AI tech. You can now enjoy the likes of Circle to Search¹ which lets you find out about anything on your phone screen; from holiday spots to hair styles, simply circle the object and voila, instant search results. Or why not remove the language barriers on calls, and let both people speak and hear in their own language with Live Translate². You can even hand over note taking to Transcript Assist – it writes up conversations, including who said what, leaving you free to listen and contribute in meetings – now that’s smart!

The AI fun doesn’t stop there. The Galaxy S24+’s mind-blowing camera setup boasts AI Nightography and high-quality lenses that are optimised to capture super-bright, incredibly crisp images, even after dark. And to create attention-grabbing videos? Effects like super slow-mo and long exposure add a professional touch. Benefitting from stunning AI capabilities and 5G connectivity there's no need to worry about running out of power. The Galaxy S24+ has an upgraded 4,900mAh (typical) battery³ *, 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 Charging⁴ will get you back doing what you love most in no time.

Designed with an enhanced Armor Aluminium frame and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 - the toughest glass on a Samsung smartphone - the Galaxy S24+ is super durable and long-lasting.. 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 minutes⁵.

Samsung Galaxy S24

The Galaxy S24 revolutionises video and photography 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. The impressive 10MP telephoto lens brings the action closer with 3x optical zoom and a super-accurate, AI-powered 30x space zoom. And when it comes to editing, your photos now look even more impressive thanks to Photo Assist, which makes recommendations and automatic edits, like erasing objects and removing reflections so you can achieve the perfect composition.

Discover more about the Samsung Galaxy S series and how the models compare, in our ‘Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S25' guide.

Which Samsung S Series has the best camera?

The spectacular Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is now not only the leading camera smartphone in the S series but in fact the whole Galaxy range. With a quad-camera set up at the rear, plus new features like Nightography Video, this camera is truly next level.

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.

Discover the latest Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.

Most common questions

Explore answers to frequent queries below.