Samsung Galaxy S — What Each Generation and Model Actually Means
Samsung's Galaxy S line is one of the most recognisable smartphone series in the world. But with multiple models per year, annual generations, and an alphabet of suffixes — S, Plus, Ultra, FE — it can be difficult to know what you're actually getting when you buy refurbished.
How Samsung Names Its Galaxy S Phones
| Variant | What It Is |
|---|---|
| S[XX] | Standard model — balanced, compact |
| S[XX]+ | Larger screen, bigger battery, same specs |
| S[XX] Ultra | Top of range — best camera, S Pen, maximum specs |
| S[XX] FE | Fan Edition — affordable, last year's internals |
The Standard S — Best Balance
The standard Galaxy S model hits the sweet spot between size, performance, and battery. Key characteristics:
- Compact 6.1-6.2" display — more manageable one-handed
- Snapdragon 8 Gen or Exynos flagship processor
- Triple camera with optical zoom
- IP68 water resistance
- 120Hz AMOLED display — incredibly smooth
- 5G as standard from S20 onwards
The S Ultra — The Maximum Everything Phone
The Ultra is Samsung's statement device. Notable for:
- Built-in S Pen — stylus stored inside the phone
- 100x Space Zoom (from S21 Ultra) — best-in-class telephoto
- Largest display — typically 6.8"
- Maximum RAM and storage options
The S FE — Fan Edition, Better Value
The FE uses last year's processor with a reduced camera spec at a lower price. Refurbished FE models offer outstanding value — a Galaxy S21 FE is a capable, modern phone at a very accessible price.
Generation Comparison — Which Year Is Worth Buying?
| Generation | Highlights | Still Worth Buying? |
|---|---|---|
| S20 (2020) | First 5G, 120Hz, first with 100x zoom (Ultra) | Good budget option |
| S21 (2021) | Snapdragon 888, integrated S Pen on Ultra, improved cameras | Excellent value refurbished |
| S22 (2022) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Nightography camera, 45W charging | Strong choice — sweet spot |
| S23 (2023) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (exclusive chip), excellent battery | Recent, premium value |
| S24 (2024) | Galaxy AI features, 7 years Android updates, titanium frame on Ultra | Latest — highest refurb price |
Samsung Galaxy S vs iPhone — Brief Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Customisation | Highly customisable Android | More controlled iOS |
| Display | AMOLED — excellent colour | Super Retina — excellent |
| Camera | More zoom versatility | Stronger video |
| Charging | 45-65W fast charging | 20-30W (slower) |
| Software updates | 4-7 years (newer models) | 5-6 years |
Which Galaxy S Should You Buy?
| Your Situation | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Best value right now | Galaxy S22 or S21 refurbished |
| Want S Pen built-in | Galaxy S21 Ultra or S22 Ultra |
| Budget-conscious, modern 5G phone | Galaxy S21 FE |
| Latest features, AI capabilities | Galaxy S24 |
| Compact size preference | Standard S variant (not Plus/Ultra) |
| Big screen for media | S22+ or S23+ |
ithaven tip: For most people, a refurbished Galaxy S22 hits the ideal sweet spot — modern enough for 4+ years of Android updates, excellent camera, 45W fast charging, and meaningfully cheaper than the S23 or S24 refurbished. One of our most recommended phones.
