On Samsung phones

Samsung make different series for their phones. The common ones that I know are Galaxy S series, A series, and Z series

Galaxy A series

  • mid-range phones - they have nice specifications and are more affordable than S and Z series
  • A series phones use memory cards. You may also check the specification to confirm this.
  • The following Samsung A Series: A26 5G, A36 5G, and A56 5G, support AI features.

Galaxy S series

  • These are Samsung flagship phones (the best of them all) as they are designed for premium features that make them competitive with other flagship phones
  • Galaxy Ultra phones are the most expensive. They come with S pen, reliable hardware, and incredible features. Here are the recent release: Galaxy S25 ultra/ 24 ultra / Galaxy 23 ultra. S25 ultra was released this year (January 2025), 24 ultra in 2024, and 23 ultra in 2023.
  • For affordability, if you check Ebay, Amazon, and other online stores, Galaxy ultra 23 will be the cheapest.
  • Galaxy S Plus are more expensive than just the basic Galaxy S. They are nice to hold and have good cameras. You may check Galaxy S25 plus, Galaxy S24 plus, and Galaxy S23 plus
  • Galaxy S is the cheapest of the S models. Considering an affordable premium Samsung phone, you may check Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23

Please note that price may depend on RAM and internal memory. Recent flagships from Galaxy S22 to S25 don’t support memory cards

Galaxy Z series

  • These are high-end foldable phones and they include two models- Galaxy Z flip phones and Galaxy fold phones. Recent release of this series includes: Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7
  • These are good phones too, but I am not sure about their durability since bend screens are new, and we don’t have enough data to show how durable they will be in the long run.

On Samsung tablets

The two series that I know include: Samsung Galaxy tab S series and Samsung Galaxy tab S series

Samsung Galaxy Tab A series

  • Just like the A series of Samsung phones, they are affordable and have decent performance. They are not high-end tablets. They do not have the performance level of S series.
  • They support memory cards.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S series

  • This series comes with premium features and compete with other high-end tablets like iPad.

  • They also support memory cards, that is they have memory card slot.

  • They come with S pen. If you are buying a used or an open box Samsung Tab S 8/9/10, please make it has pen with it. If it does not have a pen, I’d recommend you look elsewhere. Some open box/ used tablets come with case. New Samsung Tab S series come with pen by default. Whichever you settle for, please ensure you read the description

  • You may check out each of these models (15) from old to new. Type it on any online store to compare prices, and see the one that aligns with your budget:

    • Samsung Tab S7, Samsung Tab S7+, Samsung Tab S7 ultra
    • Samsung Tab S8,Samsung Tab S8+, Samsung Tab S8 ultra
    • Samsung Tab S9, Samsung Tab S9+, Samsung Tab S9 ultra
    • Samsung Tab S10, Samsung Tab S10+, Samsung Tab S10 ultra
    • Samsung Tab S11, Samsung Tab S11+, Samsung Tab S11 ultra (Latest model - It is very expensive)

There might also be back-to-school discount for certain devices at MSU technology store, but I am not sure if it applies to all devices. You may check in with them.

Please remember to check/ ask for the warranty/guarantee

Where to buy online

  • Amazon sells phones are that new, open box. It is secure. In most cases, one can return it if one does not like it.
  • Ebay sells used, new, open box too. Ebay also auctions phones too.
  • BestBuy

Please make sure the phone you want to buy is unlocked (not locked to any carrier).

  • Facebook marketplace
    • There are good deals in Facebook marketplace, but it comes with risks. I DO NOT recommend it. Nevertheless, in case you would like to try it, here are some tips (based on my experience)I would like to share with you.
      • If you are considering this option, I’d recommend you don’t go alone.
      • Meet at a public place like cafe, police station car park, etc.
      • Check the profile of the seller to ensure their account is legit. One way I check is if they have good number of friends on Facebook. I am skeptical of new accounts. Some scammers open Facebook for that purpose.
      • Check if the account is active for a good number of years, then I am fine with it.
      • Meet during the day.
      • Choose locations that are close to you. On Facebook marketplace, there is proximity setting to adjust to items that are close by.

I hope you find this note more helpful than confusing. Please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck shopping:).