Samsung Phone Deals

Samsung's seven year update commitment, and who gets it

Samsung introduced a seven year software support commitment with the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024, covering seven generations of Android and One UI upgrades plus seven years of security updates. It has applied the same commitment to subsequent flagships.

The Galaxy S26 series, announced in February 2026 and on sale from March, launched with One UI 8.5 on Android 16 and carries the full seven year commitment, putting support into the early 2030s. The foldable range has been covered since the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 generation.

The important qualification is that this does not apply across the whole Samsung range. Galaxy S23 and older flagships were sold with a shorter commitment of four years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates. Mid-range and budget A series handsets receive shorter periods again, and some A series models sold recently are already approaching their final Android update.

This matters more on Samsung than on most brands because the range is so wide. Two Samsung phones at similar monthly prices can have very different remaining support lives, and that difference is not visible in a price comparison. Check the support position for the specific model rather than assuming the brand-level figure applies.

Two launch cycles a year

Samsung runs two release cycles rather than one, which creates two separate points in the year when prices on existing models tend to move.

Flagship Galaxy S models are announced at the start of the year and go on sale shortly afterwards. The Galaxy S26 series was announced in February 2026 and went on sale in March. Foldables follow around the middle of the year.

The practical effect is that there is usually a recently superseded model available at a reduced price at some point in most quarters. If you are flexible on exact model, comparing the outgoing flagship against the current one on total cost is frequently worthwhile, particularly since both may carry the same seven year support commitment.

The range runs wider than any other brand

Samsung is the only manufacturer we list that spans genuine budget handsets through to foldables costing several times as much. That breadth is an advantage when comparing, but it means brand reputation is a poor guide to what any individual model offers.

Three practical differences run across the range. Software support periods vary, as set out above. Camera and display specifications differ far more between Samsung tiers than they do within most other brands' ranges. And water and dust resistance is not consistent across the range, which our guide to IP ratings on phones explains how to read.

If budget is the constraint, comparing a mid-range Samsung against a previous generation flagship from the same brand often produces a better result than either alone, because an older flagship can cost less than a current mid-range handset while offering stronger specifications.

Storage and expandable memory

Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series has not included expandable storage since the Galaxy S21 generation, so the capacity you choose at purchase is fixed on current flagship models in the same way it is on an iPhone. Some models elsewhere in Samsung's range have retained memory card support, so this is a specification to check per model rather than assume.

Where expandable storage is not available, storage becomes a decision that cannot be revised, and it moves the handset between price tiers. Our guide to what storage size do I need on a phone covers how to judge the tier you need before filtering on price.

Foldables and what to check

Samsung's foldable range sits at the top of its pricing, and the total contract cost on a foldable is frequently double that of a standard flagship. Three things are worth checking specifically.

Contract length, because foldables are often sold on the longest available terms to bring the monthly figure down, which raises the total substantially. Water and dust resistance ratings, which differ from standard handsets because of the hinge. And availability, since foldables are stocked by fewer networks than mainstream models, which reduces price competition.

Foldables carry the same seven year support commitment as recent flagships, so software life is not the differentiator here. The decision is about whether the form factor justifies the total cost.

What to compare when choosing a Samsung phone

Compare Samsung phones on the total amount payable across the full term. Because the range is so wide, also check the software support position for the specific model, since a mid-range handset and a flagship at similar monthly prices can differ by several years of remaining updates.

Settle storage before filtering on price, as current flagships do not support memory cards. Check how many networks stock the model, since foldables and older handsets are carried by fewer networks and therefore see less price competition.

If you would rather own the handset outright, you can compare SIM-free phones. If avoiding annual increases matters, Tesco Mobile freezes the price on its Clubcard Prices deals and Mozillion states that its pay monthly pricing is fixed, and both stock Samsung handsets. You can also see the full list of all networks and how their terms differ.

If you are moving from another provider and want to keep your existing number, our guide on how to keep your number when switching explains the process. If you are deciding how much data to pay for, our guide to what is a good data allowance covers what different types of use consume.