The Evolution of the Samsung Galaxy S Series
From its 2010 debut to the latest AI-powered lineup, the Samsung Galaxy S Series has consistently set new standards for smartphone design and performance. Each generation has introduced new ways to connect, create, and capture the world, making the Galaxy S one of the most influential mobile series in history.
A Legacy of Innovation
From the first Galaxy S to the upcoming S25, Samsung’s dedication to progress has helped to shape the smartphone world. The Galaxy S line continues to combine creativity, power, and practicality, offering users new ways to connect and create with every generation.
2010
Samsung Galaxy S
LAUNCHED:
June 4, 2010
UNITS SOLD:
~24 million
(as of 2013)
RETAIL PRICE:
~$399
(USD)
Specifications
DISPLAY
4.0-inch Super AMOLED display
CAMERA
5 MP rear, 720p video recording
PROCESSOR
1 GHz Hummingbird
SENSORS
Accelerometer, proximity, compass
2011
Samsung Galaxy S II
LAUNCHED:
May 2, 2011
UNITS SOLD:
~40 million
(as of 2013)
RETAIL PRICE:
~$549
(USD)
Specifications
DISPLAY
4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus
CAMERA
8 MP rear, 1080p video, 2 MP front
PROCESSOR
Dual-core Exynos 4210
SENSORS
Gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity
2012
Samsung Galaxy S III
LAUNCHED:
May 29, 2012
UNITS SOLD:
>80 million
(as of 2013)
RETAIL PRICE:
~$599
(USD)
Specifications
DISPLAY
4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED
CAMERA
8 MP rear, 1.9 MP front
PROCESSOR
Quad-core Exynos 4412
SENSORS
Accelerometer, gyro, compass
2013
Samsung Galaxy S4
LAUNCHED:
April 27, 2013
UNITS SOLD:
>80 million
Worldwide
RETAIL PRICE:
~$649
(USD)
Specifications
DISPLAY
5.0-inch Full HD Super AMOLED
CAMERA
13 MP rear, 2 MP front
PROCESSOR
Octa-core Exynos 5410
SENSORS
Temperature, humidity, gesture sensors
2014
Samsung Galaxy S5
LAUNCHED:
April 11, 2014
UNITS SOLD:
12 million
In first three months of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
~$649
(USD)
Specifications
DISPLAY
5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED
CAMERA
16 MP rear, 2 MP front
PROCESSOR
Snapdragon 801
SENSORS
Fingerprint, heart rate, barometer
2015
Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge
LAUNCHED:
April 10, 2015
UNITS SOLD:
6 million
In first month of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $649 USD
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge)
DISPLAY
5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (dual edge)
CAMERA
16 MP rear, 5 MP front
PROCESSOR
Exynos 7420 (14 nm)
SENSORS
Fingerprint, heart rate
2016
Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge
LAUNCHED:
March 11, 2016
UNITS SOLD:
48 million
In first year of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $669
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge)
DISPLAY
5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED
CAMERA
12 MP Dual Pixel
PROCESSOR
Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820
SENSORS
Barometer, heart rate, fingerprint
2017
Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8+
LAUNCHED:
April 21, 2017
UNITS SOLD:
41 million
In first year of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $749
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S8)
DISPLAY
5.8-inch Quad HD+ Infinity Display
CAMERA
12 MP rear, 8 MP front
PROCESSOR
Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835
SENSORS
Iris scanner, fingerprint, barometer
2018
Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9+
LAUNCHED:
March 11, 2018
UNITS SOLD:
~35 million
Worldwide
RETAIL PRICE:
from $719
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S9+)
DISPLAY
6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED
CAMERA
Dual 12 MP variable aperture
PROCESSOR
Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845
SENSORS
Iris, heart rate, fingerprint
2019
Samsung Galaxy S10 / S10+ / S10e
LAUNCHED:
March 4, 2019
UNITS SOLD:
~37 million
Worldwide
RETAIL PRICE:
from $749
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S10+)
DISPLAY
6.4-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED
CAMERA
Triple-lens system (12 MP + 12 MP + 16 MP)
PROCESSOR
Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, gyro, proximity
2020
Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra
LAUNCHED:
March 6, 2020
UNITS SOLD:
~28 million
Worldwide
RETAIL PRICE:
from $999
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra)
DISPLAY
6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
CAMERA
108 MP main, 100x Space Zoom
PROCESSOR
Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, proximity
2021
Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21 Ultra
LAUNCHED:
January 29, 2021
UNITS SOLD:
13.5 million
In first six months of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $799
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra)
DISPLAY
6.8-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
CAMERA
108 MP quad camera
PROCESSOR
Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, gyro
2022
Samsung Galaxy S22 / S22 Ultra
LAUNCHED:
February 25, 2022
UNITS SOLD:
25 million
In first year of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $799
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra)
DISPLAY
6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
CAMERA
108 MP quad camera, 10x optical zoom
PROCESSOR
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, compass
2023
Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23 Ultra
LAUNCHED:
February 17, 2023
UNITS SOLD:
~28 million
In first year of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $799
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra)
DISPLAY
6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED 120 Hz
CAMERA
200 MP main sensor
PROCESSOR
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, accelerometer
2024
Samsung Galaxy S24 / S24 Ultra
LAUNCHED:
January 31, 2024
UNITS SOLD:
37 million
In first year of availability
RETAIL PRICE:
from $799
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra)
DISPLAY
6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED 2X (2600 nits)
CAMERA
200 MP main, 50 MP telephoto
PROCESSOR
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, barometer
2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 / S25 Ultra
LAUNCHED:
February 7, 2025
UNITS SOLD:
~23 million
(as of July 2025)
RETAIL PRICE:
from $799
(USD)
Specifications (Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra)
DISPLAY
6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, adaptive 1–120 Hz
CAMERA
Next-gen AI-enhanced 200 MP system
PROCESSOR
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy
SENSORS
Ultrasonic fingerprint, advanced environmental sensors
2010: Galaxy S
Released June 4, 2010
The original Galaxy S marked Samsung’s entry into the premium smartphone category. It featured a vivid Super AMOLED display that made colours pop and delivered smooth performance thanks to the 1 GHz Hummingbird processor. This device set the tone for Samsung’s reputation for display quality and multimedia excellence.
Retail Price
~$399 USD
Trade-in value
$50 CAD
Units Sold
~24 million (as of 2013)
Spotlight:
Galaxy S
Featured Highlights:
Super AMOLED Display: Brighter and more efficient than LCD screens
1 GHz Processor: Smooth Android experience
5 MP Camera: Impressive detail for its time
2011: Galaxy S II
Released May 2, 2011
The Galaxy S II refined everything about its predecessor. It was thinner, faster, and introduced Samsung’s dual-core Exynos processor. Its larger screen and sleek profile made it one of the most popular Android phones ever released.
Retail Price
~$549 USD
Trade-in value
$60 CAD
Units Sold
~40 million (as of 2013)
Spotlight:
Galaxy S II
Featured Highlights:
Dual-Core Exynos Processor: Faster multitasking and performance
Super AMOLED Plus Display: Enhanced colour accuracy
8 MP Rear Camera: First Galaxy with full HD video recording
2012: Galaxy S III
Released May 29, 2012
The Galaxy S III became a global hit, introducing a more rounded, nature-inspired design and intelligent software. It was designed for “human interaction,” featuring gesture controls and early voice commands.
Retail Price
~$599 USD
Trade-in value
$75 CAD
Units Sold
>80 million (as of 2013)
Spotlight:
Galaxy S III
Featured Highlights:
Smart Stay: Screen stayed on while you looked at it
S Voice: Samsung’s first voice assistant
Quad-Core Processor: Smooth app and media performance
2013: Galaxy S4
Released April 27, 2013
The Galaxy S4 focused on lifestyle features like gesture navigation and fitness tracking, making smartphones more personal and interactive. It also offered a sharper Full HD display that became a benchmark for clarity.
Retail Price
~$649 USD
Trade-in value
$80 CAD
Units Sold
>80 million
Spotlight:
Galaxy S4
Featured Highlights:
Full HD Super AMOLED Display: Ultra-crisp visuals
Air Gesture Controls: Hands-free scrolling and swiping
13 MP Camera: Advanced photo modes for creativity
2014: Galaxy S5
Released April 11, 2014
Samsung emphasized practicality with the Galaxy S5, adding IP67 water resistance, fingerprint security, and heart rate monitoring. It was one of the most durable flagships of its time.
Retail Price
~$649 USD
Trade-in value
$90 CAD
Units Sold
12 million in first three months of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S5
Featured Highlights:
Water and Dust Resistance: Enhanced durability
Fingerprint Scanner: Added security and convenience
Heart Rate Sensor: Fitness-focused innovation
2015: Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
Released April 10, 2015
This was the year Samsung overhauled its design. The Galaxy S6 traded plastic for glass and metal, while the S6 Edge introduced curved screens that became a Samsung signature.
Retail Price
from $649 USD
Trade-in value
$115 CAD
Units Sold
6 million in first month of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S6 Edge
Featured Highlights:
Curved Display: Unique dual-edge design
Wireless Charging: Cutting-edge convenience
16 MP Camera: High-quality photos in any light
2016: Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge
Released March 11, 2016
Samsung refined its formula, bringing back expandable storage and improving low-light photography. The S7 series became one of the brand’s best-loved generations.
Retail Price
from $669 USD
Trade-in value
$130 CAD
Units Sold
48 million in first year of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S7 Edge
Featured Highlights:
Dual Pixel Camera: Faster and more accurate focusing
IP68 Water Resistance: Stronger protection
Always-On Display: At-a-glance updates
2017: Galaxy S8 and S8+
Released April 21, 2017
The Galaxy S8 lineup introduced the Infinity Display, eliminating the home button and creating one of the most immersive screens of its era. It also debuted Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby.
Retail Price
from $749 USD
Trade-in value
$150 CAD
Units Sold
41 million in first year of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S8+
Featured Highlights:
Infinity Display: Minimal bezels and bold design
Iris Scanner: Added biometric security
DeX Mode: Turned the phone into a desktop experience
2018: Galaxy S9 and S9+
Released March 11, 2018
The Galaxy S9 built on the S8’s design but focused on camera versatility, introducing a dual-aperture lens that adjusted to lighting like the human eye.
Retail Price
from $719 USD
Trade-in value
$200 CAD
Units Sold
~35 million
Spotlight:
Galaxy S9+
Featured Highlights:
Dual Aperture Camera: Superior performance in any lighting
Stereo Speakers: Tuned by AKG
Super Slow-Mo Video: 960 fps recording
2019: Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e
Released March 4, 2019
To mark ten years of Galaxy innovation, Samsung launched the S10 family. It introduced the Infinity-O display with an in-screen camera and the world’s first ultrasonic fingerprint reader.
Retail Price
from $749 USD
Trade-in value
$275 CAD
Units Sold
~37 million
Spotlight:
Galaxy S10+
Featured Highlights:
Infinity-O Display: Edge-to-edge screen with punch-hole camera
Wireless PowerShare: Charge other devices on the go
Triple-Lens Camera: Expanded creative flexibility
2020: Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Released March 6, 2020
The Galaxy S20 lineup took smartphone photography to new heights with 8K video and up to 100x zoom. It also introduced 5G connectivity across the range.
Retail Price
from $999 USD
Trade-in value
$350 CAD
Units Sold
~28 million
Spotlight:
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Featured Highlights:
108 MP Camera: Incredible detail capture
5G Connectivity: Ultra-fast mobile speeds
120 Hz Display: Ultra-smooth scrolling
2021: Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra
Released January 29, 2021
The Galaxy S21 series introduced a bold new contour-cut camera design and continued Samsung’s push into premium materials and features like 8K video and improved AI processing.
Retail Price
from $799 USD
Trade-in value
$400 CAD
Units Sold
13.5 million in first six months of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S21 Ultra
Featured Highlights:
108 MP Pro Camera System: Exceptional zoom and clarity
S Pen Support: Bridged the Note and S lines
Dynamic AMOLED 2X: Bright and energy-efficient display
2022: Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra
Released February 25, 2022
Samsung merged the S and Note series by introducing the S Pen directly into the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The design became sleeker, the cameras smarter, and the software even more optimized.
Retail Price
from $799 USD
Trade-in value
$550 CAD
Units Sold
25 million in first year of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S22 Ultra
Featured Highlights:
Integrated S Pen: Built-in precision and creativity
Nightography Camera: Exceptional low-light shots
Armor Aluminum Frame: Stronger durability
2023: Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra
Released February 17, 2023
The Galaxy S23 series focused on raw performance and camera refinement. The S23 Ultra introduced a new 200 MP main sensor and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, built specifically for Samsung.
Retail Price
from $799 USD
Trade-in value
$600 CAD
Units Sold
~28 million in first year of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Featured Highlights:
200 MP Main Camera: Incredible detail and clarity
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Exclusive high-speed chipset
Longer Battery Life: Improved efficiency and endurance
2024: Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra
Released January 31, 2024
The Galaxy S24 lineup ushered in the Galaxy AI era, bringing smart translation, summarization, and enhanced creative tools directly into the device.
Retail Price
from $799 USD
Trade-in value
$700 CAD
Units Sold
37 million in first year of availability
Spotlight:
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Featured Highlights:
Galaxy AI: Intelligent real-time assistance
200 MP Camera: Pro-level photography
Titanium Frame: Durable and refined
2025: Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra
Released February 7, 2025
The Galaxy S25 generation arrives with a bold leap into mobile AI, renewed design focus and high-end performance for today’s tech-savvy users. With next-gen camera systems and refined materials, it delivers real innovation rather than just iteration.
Retail Price
from $799 USD
Trade-in value
estimated $750 CAD
Units Sold
~23 million (as of July 2025)
Spotlight:
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Featured Highlights:
Next-Gen AI Integration: Smarter features and on-device intelligence
Upgraded Camera System: High-resolution sensors and enhanced low-light capture
Eco-Conscious Materials: Built with recycled and sustainable components
Samsung Price History
Resources
Galaxy S (2010)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-3115.php
Galaxy S II (2011)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s-ii?tab=specs
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s-ii-lte?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9100_galaxy_s_ii-3621.php
Galaxy S III (2012)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s-iii?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9300_galaxy_s_iii-4238.php
Galaxy S4 (2013)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s4?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9500_galaxy_s4-5125.php
Galaxy S5 (2014)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s5?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s5-6033.php
Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge (2015)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s6?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6-6849.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge-7079.php
Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge (2016)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s7?tab=specs
- https://www.phonearena.com/phones/Samsung-Galaxy-S7_id9817
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7-7821.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_edge-7945.php
Galaxy S8 / S8+ (2017)
- https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/media-assets/galaxy-s8-2?tab=specs
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8-8161.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8+-8523.php
Galaxy S9 / S9+ (2018)
Galaxy S10 Series (2019)
- https://www.samsung.com/latin_en/smartphones/galaxy-s10/specs/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s10-9536.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s10+-9535.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s10e-9537.php
Galaxy S20 Series (2020)
- https://www.samsung.com/levant/smartphones/galaxy-s20/specs/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s20-10081.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s20_ultra_5g-10040.php
Galaxy S21 Series (2021)
- https://www.samsung.com/ae/smartphones/galaxy-s21-5g/specs/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s21_5g-10626.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra_5g-10596.php
Galaxy S22 Series (2022)
- https://www.samsung.com/ca/business/smartphones/galaxy-s22/models/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s22_5g-11253.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s22_ultra_5g-11251.php
Galaxy S23 Series (2023)
- https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s23-lite-no-3-party/specs/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s23-12082.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s23_ultra-12024.php
Galaxy S24 Series (2024)
- https://www.samsung.com/ca/smartphones/galaxy-s24/specs/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24-12773.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php
Galaxy S25 Series (2025)
- https://www.samsung.com/ca/smartphones/galaxy-s25/specs/
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s25_ultra-13322.php
- https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s25-13610.php
Galaxy S26 Series (2026)
