Samsung's current phone lineup ranges from around $200 to $1,600 depending on the model and where you buy

Samsung releases new phones throughout the year, and prices vary by retailer, carrier, and whether you buy outright or on a payment plan. The Galaxy A series starts lowest, the Galaxy S series sits in the middle-to-premium range, and the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldables cost the most. Prices also drop over time — a phone that costs $800 at launch might cost $600 six months later.

The price you see online is often not the price you pay. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer trade-in credits that can reduce the cost by $200 to $400. Retailers like Best Buy and Amazon sometimes run sales. And if you buy through a carrier's monthly payment plan instead of upfront, the total cost spreads across 24 or 36 months but stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung's Galaxy A phones cost $200 to $400, Galaxy S phones cost $800 to $1,200, and foldable phones cost $1,600 to $2,000.
  • The same phone model often costs different amounts at different retailers, and prices drop several months after launch.
  • Carrier trade-in offers can reduce the out-of-pocket cost by $200 to $400 if you have an older phone to turn in.
  • Monthly payment plans spread the cost over 24 or 36 months but do not reduce the total amount you pay.

Galaxy A series: budget phones under $400

The Galaxy A series is Samsung's entry-level line. These phones have smaller screens, older processors, and fewer camera features than the S series, but they handle everyday tasks like texting, social media, and video calls. The Galaxy A15 and A25 typically launch around $200 to $250. The Galaxy A35 and A55 cost $350 to $400.

A-series phones often go on sale within weeks of launch. If you wait a month or two, you may find the same model $50 to $100 cheaper at Best Buy or Amazon. Carrier trade-in offers on A-series phones are usually smaller than on flagship models — often $50 to $150 — because the phones themselves cost less to begin with.

Galaxy S series: mainstream flagships from $800 to $1,200

The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra make up Samsung's main flagship line. The S24 starts around $800, the S24+ around $900, and the S24 Ultra around $1,200. These phones have larger, brighter screens, faster processors, and better camera systems than the A series. The Ultra model adds a periscope zoom lens and stylus support.

Carrier trade-in offers on S-series phones are substantial. If you trade in an older Galaxy S or another recent flagship, you might receive $300 to $500 off the new phone's price. Best Buy and Amazon sometimes offer $100 to $200 discounts on S-series phones during sales events, though these are less common than A-series sales.

The S24 and S24+ are often the better value within this line. The Ultra adds features that most people do not use — the stylus, the extra zoom lens, the larger screen — and costs $300 more. If you use your phone for photos, video, and everyday apps, the standard S24 or S24+ handles those tasks well.

Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip: foldable phones from $1,600 to $2,000

Samsung's foldable phones are the most expensive in the lineup. The Galaxy Z Fold6 costs around $1,900 and unfolds into a tablet-sized screen. The Galaxy Z Flip6 costs around $1,100 and folds in half like a compact mirror. Both phones have the same processor and camera quality as the S24 Ultra, but the foldable form factor adds cost.

Foldable phones appeal to people who want a larger screen in a smaller pocket size, or who like the novelty of the folding mechanism. They are not necessary for any task that a regular phone cannot do. Carrier trade-in offers on foldables are often $400 to $600, which brings the effective cost closer to $1,300 to $1,500 if you have a phone to trade in.

How carrier trade-in offers work

When you buy a phone through a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, you can trade in your old phone and receive a credit toward the new one. The credit amount depends on the age, condition, and model of your old phone. A phone in good condition from the last two years might be worth $200 to $400. A phone from five years ago might be worth $50 to $100. A phone with a cracked screen is worth less.

The carrier sends you a prepaid shipping label, you mail in the old phone, and the credit appears on your bill or account within a few weeks. If the phone arrives damaged or does not power on, the carrier may reduce or deny the credit. Take photos of your phone before shipping it to document its condition.

Trade-in offers are carrier-specific. Verizon's offer on a particular phone model may differ from AT&T's or T-Mobile's. Check each carrier's website or visit a store to see what your old phone is worth before you decide where to buy.

Where to buy and how prices compare

Samsung phones are sold through multiple channels: carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), big-box retailers (Best Buy, Costco), online marketplaces (Amazon), and Samsung's own website. Prices are usually the same across these channels at launch, but they diverge quickly.

Carrier stores often have the best trade-in offers and can activate your phone on the spot. Best Buy sometimes offers price matching and has frequent sales on older models. Amazon occasionally discounts new phones, especially during Prime Day or Black Friday. Samsung's website sometimes offers exclusive bundles — like free earbuds or a case — but does not usually undercut the retail price.

If you are not trading in a phone, compare prices across at least two retailers before you buy. A $50 to $100 difference is common, and waiting a few weeks for a sale can save more. If you are trading in, visit the carrier's store or website to see the trade-in value first — that often matters more than the base price.

Monthly payment plans and total cost

All major carriers and retailers offer monthly payment plans for phones. You pay the full price of the phone divided by 24 or 36 months, usually with no interest if you keep the phone and stay on the carrier's network. A $1,000 phone on a 24-month plan costs about $42 per month. On a 36-month plan, it costs about $28 per month.

The total amount you pay is the same whether you pay upfront or in installments — the plan just spreads the cost over time. Some carriers offer discounts if you pay upfront, but these are rare. If you switch carriers before the plan ends, you usually have to pay off the remaining balance.

Monthly plans make sense if you want to upgrade every two to three years and do not have the cash to buy outright. They make less sense if you keep phones for five or more years, because you will have paid off the phone long before you replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Samsung phone prices drop after launch?

Yes, typically within one to three months. A phone that costs $800 at launch often drops to $700 or $650 by month three. The drop is steeper for older models when a new generation launches. If you are not in a hurry, waiting a few weeks can save $100 to $200.

What is the difference between buying from a carrier and buying from Best Buy?

Carriers offer better trade-in values and can activate your phone immediately. Best Buy sometimes has lower prices and price-matches competitors. If you are trading in a phone, the carrier's offer usually outweighs Best Buy's price advantage. If you are not trading in, compare both before you decide.

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra worth the extra $300 over the S24?

Only if you use the stylus, the periscope zoom lens, or want the larger screen. For most people — texting, social media, photos, video — the S24 does everything the Ultra does. The Ultra is worth it if you draw, edit photos, or zoom in on distant subjects regularly.

Can I use a Samsung phone with any carrier?

Yes, as long as the phone supports that carrier's network bands. A phone sold by Verizon works on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most smaller carriers. A phone sold by Samsung's website or an international retailer may not work on all carriers. Check the carrier's website or call their support line to confirm before you buy.

What happens if I trade in a phone with a cracked screen?

The carrier will likely reduce the trade-in credit or deny it entirely. Some carriers have a threshold — minor cracks might be accepted, but large ones are not. Ask the carrier what condition your phone needs to be in before you mail it. If the screen is cracked, get a repair quote first; it might be cheaper to fix it than to lose the trade-in credit.