The Samsung Galaxy S series has been a flagship smartphone series for over a decade. Since its inception in 2010, Samsung has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, introducing groundbreaking features and innovations that have shaped the modern smartphone landscape. The Galaxy S series has become synonymous with premium design, cutting-edge performance, and advanced camera capabilities. But with so many models released over the years, it's easy to get lost in the sea of options.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking of every Galaxy S phone from worst to best, based on a combination of factors including performance, design, camera quality, battery life, and overall user experience. We'll delve into each model's strengths and weaknesses, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
The Lower Rungs: Exploring the Earlier Generations
The Galaxy S series has witnessed tremendous growth and evolution over the years. Let's start by exploring the earlier models that laid the foundation for the series' success. While these devices may not be considered cutting-edge today, they hold a special place in the history of smartphones.
14. Samsung Galaxy S (I9000)
Released in 2010, the original Galaxy S marked Samsung's entry into the high-end smartphone market. Its sleek design, Super AMOLED display, and powerful processor made it a strong contender against other flagship phones of the time. However, it faced limitations in its camera resolution (5 megapixels) and its lack of a front-facing camera.
Key Features:
- Super AMOLED Display: This display technology, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, became a hallmark of Samsung's Galaxy S series.
- 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor: This processor provided a smooth user experience, though it's considered underpowered by today's standards.
- 5-megapixel rear camera: Limited camera capabilities compared to contemporary smartphones.
- Lack of a front-facing camera: This limitation prevented users from utilizing video calls or taking selfies.
While the original Galaxy S set the stage for the series' success, its limitations in camera technology and lack of a front-facing camera make it a far cry from the modern flagship experience.
13. Samsung Galaxy S Plus (I9001)
Released in 2011, the Samsung Galaxy S Plus was a minor upgrade over its predecessor. While the design remained largely the same, it featured a faster processor, a slightly larger display, and a slightly better camera. However, it still lacked a front-facing camera, which continued to be a significant drawback.
Key Features:
- 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor: This processor offered a slight performance improvement over the original Galaxy S.
- 4-inch Super AMOLED display: The larger screen size provided a more immersive viewing experience.
- 5-megapixel rear camera: The camera quality was slightly improved over the original Galaxy S.
- Lack of a front-facing camera: The absence of a front-facing camera remained a significant limitation.
The Galaxy S Plus was a modest upgrade over the original Galaxy S, but its lack of a front-facing camera continued to be a major drawback.
12. Samsung Galaxy S II (I9100)
The Samsung Galaxy S II was a game-changer, representing a major leap forward in both design and performance. Released in 2011, it featured a significantly upgraded processor, a larger and more vibrant display, and a much improved camera experience. It was also the first Galaxy S phone to include a front-facing camera.
Key Features:
- 1.2GHz dual-core processor: The powerful processor provided a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display: The larger and more vibrant display offered a more immersive viewing experience.
- 8-megapixel rear camera: The improved camera captured higher-quality photos and videos.
- 2-megapixel front-facing camera: The addition of a front-facing camera enabled video calls and selfies.
The Galaxy S II was a significant improvement over its predecessors, ushering in a new era of high-end Android smartphones.
11. Samsung Galaxy S III (I9300)
Released in 2012, the Samsung Galaxy S III continued the legacy of its predecessors, offering a refined design, powerful performance, and enhanced camera capabilities. The phone was also known for its innovative features, such as Smart Stay, which kept the screen on as long as the user was looking at it, and S Voice, an intelligent voice assistant.
Key Features:
- 1.4GHz quad-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display: The larger and more vibrant display offered a more immersive viewing experience.
- 8-megapixel rear camera: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S III solidified the Galaxy S series' position as a leading flagship smartphone series.
10. Samsung Galaxy S4 (I9500)
Released in 2013, the Samsung Galaxy S4 was a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering an enhanced display, faster processor, and improved camera capabilities. It also featured a range of new software features, such as the dual-shot camera that allowed users to capture photos from both the front and rear cameras simultaneously.
Key Features:
- 1.9GHz quad-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5-inch Super AMOLED display: The larger and more vibrant display offered a more immersive viewing experience.
- 13-megapixel rear camera: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 2-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S4 was a popular choice for its advanced features and powerful performance, but it also faced criticism for its plastic design and bloatware.
9. Samsung Galaxy S5 (SM-G900F)
The Samsung Galaxy S5 was a notable departure from its predecessors, offering a sleek new design and a heart rate sensor. It also featured a faster processor, a larger display, and an improved camera. However, it faced criticism for its plastic design and its tendency to overheat.
Key Features:
- 2.5GHz quad-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display: The larger and more vibrant display offered a more immersive viewing experience.
- 16-megapixel rear camera: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 2-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S5 was a solid phone, but its overheating issues and plastic design left some users wanting more.
8. Samsung Galaxy S6 (SM-G920F)
The Samsung Galaxy S6 marked a significant shift in the Galaxy S series' design philosophy. It ditched the plastic design in favor of a premium glass and metal construction. It also featured a powerful processor, a stunning Quad HD display, and an impressive camera. However, it lacked expandable storage and a removable battery.
Key Features:
- 1.5GHz octa-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display: The stunning display offered vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- 16-megapixel rear camera: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 5-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S6 was a significant upgrade over its predecessors, offering a premium design, powerful performance, and excellent camera capabilities.
7. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925F)
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge was a visually stunning phone with its curved edges that extended the display to the sides. It offered the same impressive hardware and software features as the Galaxy S6, but with the added benefit of a unique and immersive display experience. However, it also faced similar criticisms regarding its lack of expandable storage and a removable battery.
Key Features:
- 1.5GHz octa-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges: The stunning display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience.
- 16-megapixel rear camera: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 5-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S6 Edge was a premium smartphone that offered a unique and immersive display experience, but it also faced the same drawbacks as the Galaxy S6.
6. Samsung Galaxy S7 (SM-G930F)
The Samsung Galaxy S7 brought back the beloved features that were missing in the Galaxy S6. It featured expandable storage, a water-resistant design, and a removable battery. It also boasted a stunning Quad HD display, a powerful processor, and an impressive camera with enhanced low-light capabilities.
Key Features:
- 2.3GHz quad-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display: The stunning display offered vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- 12-megapixel rear camera with dual pixel autofocus: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 5-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S7 was a well-rounded flagship smartphone that addressed the shortcomings of the Galaxy S6.
5. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (SM-G935F)
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge was the larger and more premium version of the Galaxy S7, featuring a curved display that extended to the sides. It offered the same impressive hardware and software features as the Galaxy S7, but with the added benefit of a unique and immersive display experience.
Key Features:
- 2.3GHz quad-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges: The stunning display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience.
- 12-megapixel rear camera with dual pixel autofocus: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 5-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S7 Edge was a premium smartphone that offered a unique and immersive display experience, but it also faced the same drawbacks as the Galaxy S7.
The Pinnacle of Innovation: Exploring the Modern Era
The Galaxy S series has continued to evolve and improve over the years, culminating in a series of smartphones that offer unparalleled performance, design, and camera capabilities. Let's explore these modern marvels that represent the pinnacle of innovation.
4. Samsung Galaxy S8 (SM-G950F)
The Samsung Galaxy S8 marked a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a near bezel-less display and a powerful processor. It also featured an improved camera, an innovative iris scanner, and a sleek design. However, it was criticized for its lack of a headphone jack and its high price tag.
Key Features:
- 2.3GHz octa-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.8-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges: The stunning display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience.
- 12-megapixel rear camera with dual pixel autofocus: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S8 was a premium smartphone that offered a near bezel-less display, powerful performance, and an improved camera, but it also faced drawbacks like the lack of a headphone jack and its high price tag.
3. Samsung Galaxy S8+ (SM-G955F)
The Samsung Galaxy S8+ was the larger version of the Galaxy S8, featuring a larger display and a slightly larger battery. It offered the same impressive hardware and software features as the Galaxy S8, but with the added benefit of a more immersive display experience and longer battery life.
Key Features:
- 2.3GHz octa-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 6.2-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges: The stunning display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience.
- 12-megapixel rear camera with dual pixel autofocus: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S8+ was a premium smartphone that offered a larger display, longer battery life, and a more immersive viewing experience, but it also faced drawbacks like the lack of a headphone jack and its high price tag.
2. Samsung Galaxy S9 (SM-G960F)
The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a refined iteration of the Galaxy S8, featuring a more powerful processor, an improved camera, and a new slow-motion video mode. It also featured a stereo speaker system for an enhanced audio experience.
Key Features:
- 2.7GHz octa-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5.8-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges: The stunning display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience.
- 12-megapixel rear camera with variable aperture: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S9 was a refined and powerful smartphone that offered an improved camera, a stereo speaker system, and a powerful processor, but it also faced drawbacks like the lack of a headphone jack and its high price tag.
1. Samsung Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965F)
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ was the larger version of the Galaxy S9, featuring a larger display, a dual rear camera system, and a larger battery. It offered the same impressive hardware and software features as the Galaxy S9, but with the added benefit of a more immersive display experience, enhanced camera capabilities, and longer battery life.
Key Features:
- 2.7GHz octa-core processor: The powerful processor offered a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 6.2-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges: The stunning display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a more immersive viewing experience.
- Dual 12-megapixel rear camera system with variable aperture: The improved camera captured high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera: The front-facing camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy S9+ was a premium smartphone that offered a larger display, a dual rear camera system, longer battery life, and a more immersive viewing experience, but it also faced drawbacks like the lack of a headphone jack and its high price tag.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S series has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, delivering a range of innovative and powerful smartphones. From the original Galaxy S to the latest Galaxy S23 series, each model has its strengths and weaknesses.
This ranking aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the Galaxy S series, allowing you to understand the evolution of the series and identify the model that best suits your needs. It's important to note that this ranking is subjective and based on a combination of factors, including performance, design, camera quality, battery life, and overall user experience. Your individual preferences may differ.
Ultimately, the best Galaxy S phone for you depends on your budget, needs, and priorities.
FAQs
1. What is the most powerful Samsung Galaxy S phone?
The most powerful Samsung Galaxy S phone is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and offers exceptional performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
2. Which Samsung Galaxy S phone has the best camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts the best camera system in the Galaxy S series. It features a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor, and a 10MP 10x telephoto sensor. This impressive setup delivers exceptional image quality, versatile zoom capabilities, and advanced features for capturing professional-grade photos and videos.
3. Which Samsung Galaxy S phone has the longest battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers the longest battery life among the Galaxy S series. Its 5000mAh battery is capable of powering the phone for an entire day, even with heavy usage. It also supports 45W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
4. What is the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S and the Samsung Galaxy S Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S Plus is a minor upgrade over the original Samsung Galaxy S. It features a faster processor, a slightly larger display, and a slightly improved camera. However, both models lack a front-facing camera.
5. Why are the earlier Samsung Galaxy S phones not ranked higher?
The earlier Samsung Galaxy S phones are not ranked higher because they lack features and capabilities found in modern flagship smartphones. They have limited camera capabilities, lack a front-facing camera, and have outdated processors and software. While they were considered cutting-edge for their time, they have been surpassed by the advancements in smartphone technology over the years.