Which Samsung Galaxy should I buy in 2026?
Galaxy S26, S26 Ultra, Z Fold8, Z Flip8 or a Galaxy A? Our take on every Samsung phone worth buying in 2026, with today's Australian prices side by side.
In this guide
Samsung sells more phone models in Australia than anyone else, and the names don't make choosing easy. In 2026 the range splits into four families: the Galaxy S flagships, the Z Fold and Z Flip foldables, and the cheaper Galaxy A. Here's how we'd choose, with every price checked this morning.
The whole range, side by side
| Store | Samsung Galaxy A27 | Samsung Galaxy A57 | Samsung Galaxy S26 FE | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JB Hi-Fi | — | $849 128GB | $1,149 128GB | $1,649 256GB | $2,199 256GB | — | — |
| Harvey Norman | $499 128GB | — | — | $1,147 256GB | $2,199 256GB | $1,949 256GB | $2,699 256GB |
| The Good Guys | $549 128GB | $849 128GB | $1,149 128GB | $1,647 256GB | $2,197 256GB | $1,949 256GB | $2,699 256GB |
| Mobileciti | $497 128GB | $747 128GB | $1,147 128GB | $1,147 256GB | $2,197 256GB | $1,947 256GB | $2,698 256GB |
| Samsung Store | $549 128GB | $849 128GB | $1,149 128GB | $1,649 256GB | $2,299 256GB | $1,949 256GB | $2,699 256GB |
| amaysim | — | $749 128GB | $1,149 128GB | $1,549 256GB | $2,199 256GB | — | — |
| Costco | — | — | — | $1,449.99 256GB | $2,099.99 256GB | — | — |
| digiDirect | — | — | — | $1,547 256GB | $2,197 256GB | — | — |
| Betta | — | $849 128GB | — | $1,649 256GB | $2,299 256GB | — | — |
| Mwave | — | $699 128GB | — | — | $2,197 256GB | — | — |
Our take, family by family
Galaxy S26: the one most people should buy
Flagship speed and cameras in a size you can use one-handed, starting at 256GB.
The S26 is the Samsung we recommend most. It's small, quick, and has the same software support as the Ultra. The S26+ is the same phone with a bigger screen; we'd only buy it on sale. The full breakdown is in Galaxy S26 vs S26+ vs Ultra.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: if the camera and S Pen matter
The best camera Samsung makes, a 6.9-inch screen and the S Pen built in.
With the S Pen gone from the Fold line, the Ultra is now the only Samsung phone with one built in. If you take notes or sign documents on your phone, that alone decides it.
Galaxy Z Flip8: a flagship that folds into your pocket
The fun one. A full-size screen that folds in half, with a cover screen you can use without opening it.
Compare it with the S26 in the table above: with the Flip8 you're paying for the fold, not a better camera, so buy it because you love the shape.
Galaxy Z Fold8 or Fold8 Ultra: a phone and a tablet
The new, wider Fold. Our pick of the two for most people.
Samsung's book foldables are the most expensive Galaxy phones. They make sense if you'd otherwise carry a tablet. Fold8 vs Fold8 Ultra explains the difference, and iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8 compares them with Apple's new foldable.
Galaxy S26 FE: the flagship look for less
Much of the S26's look for less. Check the gap to the S26 in the table above: it's sometimes small.
Galaxy A57 and A27: the value picks
The best mid-range Samsung: a 6.7-inch screen and a 50MP camera for a fraction of the flagship price.
We compare the A57 with Google's mid-ranger in Pixel 10a vs Galaxy A57.
Our verdict in one line each
- Most people: Galaxy S26.
- Best camera: Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Best value: Galaxy A57.
- Most fun: Galaxy Z Flip8.
- Phone and tablet in one: Galaxy Z Fold8.
Where to buy
Telcos and big retailers both sell Samsung phones, and the cheapest store changes often. The price tables above are recalculated every morning. If you're thinking of a plan, read phone outright vs plan first, and buy direct from Samsung or a retailer? for warranty and returns.
