It’s that time of year when we take a look at our favorite brands and give them our report card. Samsung was the world’s largest smartphone maker in 2024, which was a big win. Its midrange and S series phones were very popular, but foldables did not have a good time. Let’s dig in.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A16 and A16 5G
Both Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy A16 and A16 5G are quite popular, and with good reason. Both phones have good displays, strong battery life and a 50MP main camera. They also have IP54 dust and splash resistance. Starting at less than €200 they are already a smash hit in many markets.
Winner: Galaxy A55
Samsung’s Galaxy A55 is the joint most popular Galaxy in our database. Its price starts at around €320 and it has flagship killer specs. It has a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, 4nm chipset, 5,000mAh battery, and IP67 water and dust protection. Its cameras are also capable.
It also has Samsung’s certified One UI and the promise of 4 major Android updates – a phenomenal feat in its price range. The phone easily outsells any device not called an iPhone in most of Europe and North America.
Winner: Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy S24+
We argued in our Galaxy S24 FE review that the S24+ was arguably the better deal. But, the thing with Samsung and its unique distribution network is that it covers so many markets that most of its devices start finding their niche. So, it’s either not an issue or a win for Samsung. You’re buying a phone anyway.
The Galaxy S24 FE and S24+ are very similar in specs with a slight edge for the Plus. Still, both are highly capable flagships and share Samsung’s stellar commitment to seven years of OS updates. If you’re looking for a good upmarket smartphone from an A-list phone manufacturer then any of these are a safe choice. And both are likely to sell well.
Winner: Galaxy S24
Last year’s Galaxy S23 outsold both the S23 Ultra and S23+. The smaller Galaxy S24 outsold the Plus model this year. It’s a win for Samsung and means there’s still hope for the compact phone world.
Winner: Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup is a bit confusing. There’s the regular model, the Classic (with rotating bezel), we had a Pro in 2022, and in 2024 we got an Ultra. A direct Apple Watch Ultra rival, the Galaxy Watch Ultra fills that niche for the Wear OS lineup and will likely be Android the default for some time.
It brings an excellent smartwatch experience as well as strong credentials. And it has a unique design with a square body and circular sapphire watchface.
Loser: Galaxy Watch7 (no Watch7 Classic)
But while the Ultra was a triumph, fans of the classic model with a physically rotating bezel were left with last year’s Galaxy Watch6 Classic as the only option.
The Galaxy Watch 7 doesn’t bring much in the way of improvements compared to the Galaxy Watch 6 – you have double the storage at 32GB, and a 30% more efficient processor, but the displays are the same, and the health-tracking features are the same too.
Winner: Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and S10+
Samsung’s top-tier tablets performed well and Samsung maintained its second position behind Apple in slate shipments. Its Galaxy tablets are versatile with stunning Super AMOLED displays and S Pen support.
Loser: Galaxy Z Fold6
Samsung has enjoyed seamless performance with book-style foldables in markets outside China for a few years. But all this is changing, and changing fast. Devices like the OnePlus Open and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold have wider cover displays than the Galaxy Z Fold6, making them better to use folded and challenging on all fronts. But the Honor Magic V3 makes the Galaxy Z Fold6 look pedestrian with a much slimmer body and a better camera system.
Now that competition is gaining momentum even in the software department, Samsung needs to reinvigorate its Fold lineup and it needs to do so in 2025.
Winner: Galaxy Z Flip6
The Galaxy Z Flip6, on the other hand, is meaningfully better than its predecessor. It improved battery life and zoom shots and was a handy alternative to the flip-foldable in many global markets this year. It certainly helped that the competition was still not paying that much attention to the segment.
Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra
Every year, Samsung’s biggest winner is its Galaxy S Ultra and 2024 is no different. Samsung’s most popular phone and most profitable in 2024, the Galaxy S24 Ultra adds a 50MP 5x telephoto camera and the latest chipset. The changes proved to be all that was needed – the phone sold tremendously and is one of the most popular flagships in people’s hands.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is not without rivals – Chinese flagships have overtaken it in terms of camera and battery in the second half of the year – but still few of them have been able to reach global markets to challenge Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
| 256GB 12GB RAM | ₹ 95,989 |
$774.67 |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | ₹ 111,950 |
$899.95 |
| Show all prices | ||
Still, Samsung may need to step up its flagship game before it looks as weak as the Z Fold6.
