Samsung is known for making some of the best Android phones on the market. It has a device for everyone, from the flagship S series to the innovative Z series and affordable A series. But which Samsung smartphone is right for you?
Here, we'll explore the best Samsung phones for 2023. We'll dive into each device, its features (including the shape-shifting Galaxy Z series), and how to activate an eSIM on your Samsung smartphone. Ready to get started? Let's dive in.
In this article:
- The best Samsung S series phones
- The best Samsung Z series phones
- The best Samsung A series phones
- How to activate an eSIM on a Samsung device
The Best Samsung Phones (S Series) for 2023
Samsung has once again released a new series of its flagship smartphones. Its 2023 models include the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S23.
All Samsung S series phones have the following features:*
- Armor Aluminum frame
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen
- Water-resistant
- Exclusive Samsung tools and programs (e.g., Samsung Health and Samsung Wallet)
- 5G network support
- 256 GB storage capacity
- Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
- Astrophoto mode
- eSIM-compatible
*Please note that the specifications included in this article may vary by country, region, or mobile network provider.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series offers a range of features to meet different user needs. Here's a closer look at each device in the series.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G smartphone is this series' newest and most advanced device. It's also one of the most powerful Android phones on the market.
Its basic specifications are:
- Display size and resolution: 6.8" Super AMOLED (3088 x 1440px)
- Device size: 3 x 6.21 x 0.3"
- Storage capacity: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
- RAM: 8GB or 12GB
- Weight: 233g
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh (up to 26 hours of video playback)
- Power: 45W
It has one of the best mobile cameras around, with a total of five cameras (a front-facing selfie camera and rear quad camera):
- Front-facing camera: 12MP (megapixels)
- Rear quad-camera:
- 200MP wide-angle lens (the first for a Samsung device)
- 12MP ultrawide lens
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom
- 10MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom
- Digital zoom up to 100x
It's available in eight different colors:
- Green, Phantom Black, Lavender, and Cream
- Online exclusives: Lime, Sky Blue, Graffiti (Lead), and Red
Other features include mobile support for the S Pen (sold separately) and 8K video recording. However, one of its drawbacks is that it doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack or external memory card slot, and a power adaptor doesn't come with the phone.
Samsung Galaxy S23+
The new Samsung Galaxy S23+ mobile phone has the following specifications:
- Display size and resolution: 6.6" Super AMOLED (2340 x 1080px)
- Device size: 3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35"
- Storage capacity: 256GB and 512GB
- RAM: 8GB
- Weight: 195g
- Battery capacity: 4700mAh (up to 27 hours of video playback)
- Power: 45W
The camera specifications are similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, with a few variations. Its wide-angle lens is 50MP instead of 200MP, there's only one telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom, and the digital zoom is 30X rather than 100X.
It's available in six different colors:
- Green, Phantom Black, Lavender, and Cream
- Online exclusives: Lime and Graffiti
The phone box includes a pre-installed screen protector, USB Type-C cable, and metal pin to eject the SIM tray. However, the phone has no headphone jack, and the power adaptor must be purchased separately.
Samsung Galaxy S23
The new Samsung Galaxy S23 5G is the least expensive, with a 6.1-inch screen and 8GB of RAM.
Its basic specifications are:
- Display size and resolution: 6.1" Super AMOLED (2340 x 1080px)
- Device size: 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm
- Storage capacity: 128GB and 256GB
- RAM: 8GB
- Weight: 168g
- Battery capacity: 3900mAh (up to 22 hours of video playback)
- Power: 45W
It has the same camera features as the Galaxy S23 Plus: 12MP front-facing camera, 50MP wide-angle lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP telephoto lens with a 3x optical zoom.
It's also available in the same six colors:
- Green, Phantom Black, Lavender, and Cream
- Online exclusives: Lime and Graffiti
The mobile box includes a pre-installed screen protector, a USB Type-C cable, a metal pin to eject the SIM tray, Quick Start Guide booklets, and a mobile warranty. Like the Galaxy S23 Plus, it doesn't come with a headphone jack or power adaptor.
The Best Samsung Phones (Z Series) for 2023
Samsung is known for producing high-quality smartphones with innovative designs, and it certainly delivered with the Galaxy Z series. As TechRadar says of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4: "Foldable devices are about to be not just a thing, but THE thing."
The Z series phones feature an innovative foldable design that allows for a larger screen while maintaining a compact size. Let's take a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 features a 6.7-inch foldable AMOLED display with 1080 x 2640px resolution. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, has 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and is water-resistant. Plus, it's eSIM-compatible!*
One of the main advantages of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is its foldable design, which allows it to have a larger screen while maintaining its compact size when folded.
It features a high-quality camera with wide and ultra-wide lenses for versatile photography:
- 12MP wide-angle lens
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 10MP front-facing camera
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is available in four colors:
- Pura Violet, Gray, Rose Gold, and Blue
- A Bespoke edition allows you to get those creative juices flowing and choose your own color palette.
One downside to the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is that its foldable design may be easier to damage, making it a less durable option than more traditional devices. Still, it's protected by armored aluminum, the strongest and most resilient frame in the Samsung galaxy.
When you open the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 mobile box, you'll find the phone itself, a charger, a USB-C cable, and headphones.
*Please note that eSIM-compatibility may vary depending on the country and region where you purchase your device. You can always reference our list of devices that support eSIMs if you're unsure!
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
According to Forbes, the Z Fold 4 is "unmatched in terms of productivity and multitasking." As we dive into the details, you'll see why!
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is basically a tablet and smartphone in one. Unfolded, it has a 7.6-inch main screen with a 1768 x 2208px resolution. Folded, it's the size of a typical smartphone, with a 6.2-inch screen and 832 x 2268px resolution.
Like the Z Flip 4, it's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and has 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It also has eSIM capability, making it even more versatile.
It's available in eight different colors:
- Green, Phantom Black, Lavender, and Cream
- Online exclusives: Lime, Sky Blue, Graffiti (Lead), and Red
The Z Fold 4 takes fantastic photos thanks to the following camera specs:
- 50MP wide-angle lens
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom
The front of the phone has a 10MP selfie camera, and the inside display has a 4MP lens.
When you open the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 mobile box, you'll find the phone itself and a USB-C cable.
The Best Samsung Phones (A Series) of 2023
Samsung's A series includes a wide range of smartphones with different features and specifications, making it easy for customers to find the phone that best suits their needs and budget.
The one downside of the A series devices is they aren't eSIM-compatible. If you're looking for a device that supports eSIM technology, you'll want to stick to one of these Samsung smartphones.
Here are the best Samsung Galaxy A series phones on the market.
Samsung Galaxy A04
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is an affordable smartphone that offers great value for money. It has a 6.5-inch Infinity-V Display, a 50MP main camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 5MP front-facing camera. And the storage space is up to 1TB with an SD memory card.
You can find it in three colors: black, white, and copper (color availability varies by country). The A04 has up to 4GB of RAM and a large 5000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy A13
Samsung Galaxy A13 is another budget-friendly smartphone with a great range of features for its price. Here are its basic specs:
- Display size: 6.6" Infinity-V Display
- Storage capacity: 32, 64, and 128 GB (up to 1TB with a MicroSD memory card)
- RAM: up to 3GB, 4GB, or 6B (depending on the version)
- Weight: 195g
- Processor: 2GHz and 1.8GHz
- SIM(s): Dual SIM (no eSIM)
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
And, for its camera:
- 50MP primary lens
- 5MP ultra-wide lens (with a viewing angle of up to 123 degrees)
- 2MP macro lens with bokeh effect
- 2MP depth lens
- 8MP front-facing camera (with bokeh effect)
Samsung Galaxy A14
The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers good value for its price. Here's what you can expect from this Samsung smartphone:
- Display size: 6.6" with 1080 x 2408px (FHD+) resolution
- Storage capacity: 64 and 128 GB (up to 1TB with a MicroSD memory card)
- RAM: up to 4GB and 6GB
- Weight: 201g
- Processor: 2GHz and 1.8GHz
- SIM(s): Dual SIM (no eSIM)
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
It’s available in four different colors depending on country and region:
- Black, light green, silver, and dark red
The main difference between the Galaxy A14 and A13 is the quality of the front-facing camera, which has a 12MP lens. Its rear cameras include:
- 50MP primary lens
- 5MP ultra-wide lens
- 2MP macro lens
- 2MP depth lens
Samsung Galaxy A23
The Samsung Galaxy A23 is a slim, mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of price and performance. If you choose this device, here's what's in store:
- Display size and resolution: 6.6" FT V-Cut Display (1080 x 2408px FHD+)
- Storage capacity: 64GB, 128GB, and up to 1TB with a MicroSD memory card
- RAM: up to 4 and 6GB
- Weight: 195g
- Processor: 2GHz and 1.9GHz
- SIM(s): Dual SIM (no eSIM)
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
- Available colors: black, white, and blue
The A23 has a quad camera that allows you to capture video without blur. Here's what else you can expect:
- 50MP primary lens
- 5MP ultra-wide lens (with a viewing angle of up to 123 degrees)
- 2MP macro lens (with bokeh effect)
- 2MP depth lens (8MP with bokeh effect)
- 12MP front-facing camera (with bokeh effect)
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A73 is the stand-out of the A series. A couple of features that set it apart are its spill-resistant exterior and thin, lightweight frame. The A73 is a great choice if you're looking for a premium experience without the steep price tag.
Its other specs include:
- Screen: 6.7" with FHD+ AMOLED technology and a 120Hz refresh rate
- Storage capacity: 128GB, 256GB, and up to 1TB with a MicroSD memory card
- RAM: up to 8GB
- Weight: 195g
- Processor: Snapdragon 778 G
- SIM(s): Dual SIM (no eSIM)
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
- Power: 25W
Here's what you can expect from the A73's camera:
- 108MP primary lens
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 5MP macro lens
- 5MP depth lens
- 32MP front-facing camera (with bokeh effect)
How To Activate an eSIM on a Samsung Device
Instead of switching out your SIM card while traveling with your Samsung phone, did you know you can install an eSIM? An eSIM works just like your SIM card, except it's 100% digital! You can download a plan, activate it when you arrive, and instantly connect to a local network. Sounds good, right?
How to check if your Samsung phone is eSIM-compatible:
- Go to Settings
- Tap SIM card manager, then Add mobile plan
- If “Add mobile plan” is available, your Samsung smartphone supports eSIMs!
Here are three ways to install and activate an eSIM on your Samsung smartphone:
Install a Plan from Your Provider
Some providers will allow you to load your mobile plan onto your device's eSIM automatically. First, check with them to see if you have automatic activation enabled.
If your provider asks you for your EID, here’s where to find it: Go to Settings > About phone > Status.
If your Samsung device is eligible for automatic activation, you can follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap SIM card manager and Add mobile plan
- Your mobile plan will automatically be downloaded and activated on the eSIM
Scan a QR Code
If you've purchased a plan from an eSIM provider (like Airalo), you can scan a QR code to start the installation process. Here's how:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM card manager and Add mobile plan
- Tap Add using QR code
- Scan the QR code associated with your eSIM
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to install it
Install an eSIM Manually
If you prefer, you can also manually install an eSIM from your carrier or an eSIM provider. Here's how to do it:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM card manager and Add mobile plan
- Tap Add using activation code
- Enter the activation code provided by your mobile carrier or eSIM provider
You're all set!
Samsung's latest smartphones come with a range of features and innovations, from high-end cameras to versatile foldable phones and eSIM compatibility. No matter which one you choose, you'll have a first-rate smartphone at your fingertips.
Where will you take your Samsung smartphone? Stay connected in 200+ countries and regions worldwide with an Airalo eSIM!
