Samsung has such a zoo of models today that it’s hard to keep track: A-series, S-series, FE, foldables, plus the semi-gray F and M lines. And not every Galaxy smartphone in 2026 is worth its price. Some devices are either overpaying for the brand, outdated hardware at new-model prices, or a complete gamble with activation. Let’s get straight to the list.
We don’t recommend buying these Samsung smartphones
Galaxy F and M Series — What Are These Smartphones
Opening the list of the worst Samsung smartphones for buyers, and the issue here isn’t about specs. The Galaxy F and M series are not officially sold in Russia — these are devices made for online markets in India and Asia, brought in only through gray imports. And that comes with very real risks. First, Samsung smartphones from other regions often refuse to activate with a local SIM card, and unlocking them costs a pretty penny and weeks of waiting. Second, over-the-air updates may simply not arrive if the firmware region doesn’t match.
These smartphones are meant for other countries — it’s better not to buy them locally
So if you’re wondering which Galaxy phones to avoid, start with the F and M lines. For the same money, there’s the honest, official A-series without any headaches.
Galaxy A55 — An Outdated A-Series at A57 Prices
Next on the list of Samsung phones not worth buying is the no-longer-young Galaxy A55. The phone itself isn’t bad: if you look closely, the differences from the current Galaxy A57 and especially the A56 aren’t that many. But the problem is the price tag. This is a two-year-old model that in some places is still being sold at the price of the fresh A36 and A56.
We’re definitely skipping the A55
There’s zero logic in this: for the same money, you get a new generation with a more current processor, fresh One UI, and a longer update support period. Buying the Galaxy A55 in 2026 only makes sense with a significant discount, when it’s genuinely cheaper than the newer models. If it’s priced on par with them, it’s a textbook example of which Samsung is not worth buying. Just look at the Galaxy A56 or A57, and the choice becomes obvious.
Galaxy S24 FE — A Good But Unprofitable Phone
This one is a tricky case. The Galaxy S24 FE is a solid Samsung sub-flagship, and the phone itself raises no complaints. But in 2026, with the S25 FE and A57 alive and well, buying the old FE is rash. If the price tag is almost the same as the new generation, you’re overpaying for an outdated Exynos chip and slow charging at just 25W.
The Galaxy S24 FE is already very outdated, yet it’s not cheap
So it makes the worst Samsung smartphones ranking with a caveat: not as a bad phone, but as an unprofitable purchase at full price. Only grab it at a discount — otherwise, the extra cost for the current FE is worth it. It’s simpler to just buy the Galaxy S25 by paying an extra 8,000 rubles and becoming a flagship owner.
Galaxy S26 Ultra — Why You Shouldn’t Buy It in 2026
Closing the list is the most expensive Galaxy smartphone in 2026, and once again, this is a question of price, not quality. The Galaxy S26 Ultra hasn’t strayed far from last year’s S25 Ultra — the upgrade is more cosmetic than anything. Buying the most expensive flagship at launch at maximum price makes little sense, since most people overpay for the 200 MP camera and powerful zoom that they barely use in everyday life.
Seriously, what’s the point of getting the S26 Ultra if it’s basically the same S25 Ultra?
Last year’s S25 Ultra delivers practically the same experience for noticeably less money. So if you’re thinking about which Galaxy to avoid first, the new Ultra is a classic trap. Don’t fall for it!
Let’s sum it up. None of these smartphones can be called outright bad, but each of them in 2026 is either bought at an inflated price or comes with unnecessary risks. Take a closer look at neighboring models, and you’ll almost always find a better deal.
