Samsung is one of the biggest phone manufacturers in the world, and with good reason — it makes some pretty incredible phones, combining outstanding hardware design with long lists of handy features that differentiate its phones from the competition. The Galaxy Note 9 is the company’s top phone, but the S9 and S9+ offer a similar experience in a smaller package.
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The Galaxy Note 9 is one of the most powerful phones on the market, with every high-end spec you could name packed into a stunning glass and metal design. It features dual cameras with a telephoto lens for getting a closer shot, and the battery lasts all day and then some. Of course, you also get the S Pen, which is new and improved with the ability to wirelessly control features like your camera shutter or music playback.
$879 at Amazon
Runner-up
Samsung Galaxy S9+
The Galaxy S9+ isn’t much different from its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing. This phone is all about giving you the most features in the most beautiful package. You get top-end specs across the board, plus all of the hardware features you expect: waterproofing, wireless charging, microSD support, a headphone jack, and more. The camera even features dual apertures, and the secondary camera uses a telephoto lens.
$695 at Amazon
Best small phone
Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 shrinks the Galaxy S9+’s proven formula into a size that easily fits in your hand and pocket with a 5.8-inch display and an otherwise nearly identical experience. Of course, there are a few fringe differences; the S9 doesn’t have a secondary rear camera, and it has a smaller 3000mAh battery. But if you’re not a power user and don’t want to spend the extra money, the Galaxy S9 will get everything you need done and do it in style.
$650 at Amazon
Best durable phone
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
The S8 Active may be a generation old at this point, but it’s still the most rugged phone Samsung makes. It trades in the curved glass design for a tough plastic exterior that’s equal parts shatter-, water-, and dust-resistant. Beyond the hardware, it offers an identical core experience to the regular S8, down to every little feature like wireless charging and specific hardware components, but it has a gargantuan 4000mAh battery.
$850 at AT&T
Quad vision
Samsung Galaxy A9
If you’re not quite looking to get into flagship territory but you still want a premium-feeling phone, the Galaxy A9 is the answer. It features a huge 6.3-inch 18.5:9 display, a Snapdragon 660 chipset, and most notably, four rear cameras; a primary 24MP shooter, an ultra-wide lens, a telephoto lens, and a depth camera. The A9 comes in a few nice gradient finishes, too — Lemonade Blue and Bubblegum Pink.
$535 at Amazon
Best budget phone
Samsung Galaxy J8
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality Samsung phone. The Galaxy J8 is available unlocked, and works great on both AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S. It features a 6-inch 18.5:9 display, a rear fingerprint sensor, dual rear cameras, and a 3500mAh battery, all for just over $300. It’s made of metal, so it feels every bit as premium as the more expensive options, and look! No Bixby button!
$310 at Amazon
We still think the Galaxy Note 9 is the best phone in Samsung’s roster, but it’s definitely not made for people with smaller hands; those people will want to look at the Galaxy S9. If you like the size of the Note 9 but don’t need the S Pen, the S9+ is a great alternative, and although a bit dated, the Galaxy S8 Active will give you the Note 9’s incredible battery life in a much more durable package.
