As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked
- Best budget: Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked
- Best premium: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked
- Best for a large battery: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is the practical pick for a large screen, 5,000mAh battery and lower-cost shopping.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is the compact foldable choice, with a 3.4-inch cover screen and flexible design.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked adds a 50MP main camera and a 4,000mAh battery to the foldable format.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked balances a large 120Hz display, capable cameras and a flagship-style feature set.
- Compare storage, screen design, battery capacity and update support before choosing a Black Friday 2026 phone.
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is the better fit for shoppers who value a roomy conventional screen and long battery life, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is for people who want a pocketable foldable. Both are strong starting points for a Black Friday 2026 phone search, but they serve very different routines.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven phones to build this guide around the Galaxy A35 versus Galaxy Z Flip5 decision. The picks include foldable alternatives, Samsung upgrades and non-Samsung options, so you can match screen size, camera hardware and battery needs before choosing. Best bet: start with the style of phone you want to carry every day.
How We Picked
- Compared core specifications such as display size and refresh rate, battery capacity, camera hardware and storage.
- Reviewed owner feedback and published reviews to identify recurring strengths and practical trade-offs.
- Included conventional smartphones and foldables to make the Galaxy A35 versus Galaxy Z Flip5 choice easier to evaluate.
- Prioritized models with useful everyday features, including water resistance, optical image stabilization and fast refresh displays.
- Selected phones with distinct shopper appeal rather than filling the list with near-identical models.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Battery | Main camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked | Large-screen everyday use | 6.6-inch, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 50MP with OIS |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked | Pocketable foldable design | 6.7-inch inner; 3.4-inch cover | 3,700mAh | 12MP with OIS |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked | A newer Samsung flip phone | 6.7-inch inner; 3.4-inch cover | 4,000mAh | 50MP with OIS |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked | Samsung features without a fold | 6.7-inch, 120Hz | 4,700mAh | 50MP |
| Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked | Straightforward everyday value | 6.5-inch, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | 50MP with OIS |
| Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked | A larger cover screen on a flip phone | 6.9-inch inner; 3.6-inch cover | 4,200mAh | 50MP with OIS |
| Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked | Google software and photography | 6.1-inch, 120Hz | 4,492mAh | 64MP with OIS |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best value-focused pick for shoppers who want a large screen and dependable battery, with a 5,000mAh capacity.
Best for: Large-screen everyday use
- Display
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Main camera
- 50MP with optical image stabilization
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large, smooth 120Hz display
- High-capacity 5,000mAh battery
- IP67 dust and water resistance
- Less compact than a foldable phone
- 25W wired charging is not the fastest
Is the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is a sensible Black Friday 2026 choice for shoppers who want a conventional Android phone with a large screen and long-lasting battery. The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.6-inch 120Hz display and 5,000mAh capacity suit everyday use.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is the best compact foldable for shoppers who want a full-size screen that folds small, with a 3.4-inch cover display.
Best for: Pocketable foldable design
- Cover display
- 3.4-inch
- Main display
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Battery
- 3,700mAh
- Storage
- 256GB
- Folds into a compact shape
- Useful cover screen for quick interactions
- IPX8 water resistance
- Smaller battery than the Galaxy A35
- Foldable screen needs more care than a standard slab phone
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is worth considering for shoppers who prioritize a compact folded shape over maximum battery capacity. The 3.4-inch cover screen handles quick checks, while the 6.7-inch inner display opens up for full phone use.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked is the best foldable upgrade for shoppers seeking stronger camera hardware, with a 50MP main camera.
Best for: A newer Samsung flip phone
- Cover display
- 3.4-inch
- Main display
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Battery
- 4,000mAh
- Main camera
- 50MP with optical image stabilization
- Higher-resolution main camera than the Flip5
- Larger battery than the Flip5
- Compact folding design
- Still has less battery capacity than the Galaxy A35
- Foldable design costs more to repair than a standard phone
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked is a good fit for shoppers who want a foldable with a 50MP main camera and a 4,000mAh battery. Choose it over the Flip5 when those hardware upgrades matter more than a lower-cost older model.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4 · Top pick
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is the best large-screen Samsung alternative for shoppers who want a capable all-rounder, with a 6.7-inch 120Hz display.
Best for: Samsung features without a fold
- Display
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Water resistance
- IP68
- Large, smooth display
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Versatile camera system
- Larger body is less pocketable than the Flip5
- 128GB storage gives less room than the 256GB foldable picks
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is a strong choice for shoppers who want a large Samsung screen without a foldable hinge. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked's 6.7-inch 120Hz display, 4,700mAh battery and IP68 rating make it an appealing everyday alternative.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best basic Samsung pick for budget-minded shoppers, with a 5,000mAh battery and 120Hz display.
Best for: Straightforward everyday value
- Display
- 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Main camera
- 50MP with optical image stabilization
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large battery capacity
- Smooth AMOLED screen
- Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack
- Less powerful hardware than the premium picks
- Older design than the Galaxy A35
Is the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked suits shoppers who want core Samsung features and a large battery without paying for a foldable design. The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked's 6.5-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and 50MP stabilized main camera cover common daily needs.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked
The Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked is the best alternative foldable for shoppers who want a large outer screen, with a 3.6-inch cover display.
Best for: A larger cover screen on a flip phone
- Cover display
- 3.6-inch
- Main display
- 6.9-inch pOLED, 120Hz
- Battery
- 4,200mAh
- Main camera
- 50MP with optical image stabilization
- Large outer screen for a flip phone
- Roomy 6.9-inch inner display
- 4,200mAh battery
- Software experience differs from Samsung One UI
- Foldable construction needs careful handling
Is the Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked is a worthwhile alternative for shoppers drawn to flip phones but seeking a larger cover display. The Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked's 3.6-inch outer screen and 4,200mAh battery give it a distinct advantage over compact-screen foldables.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked
The Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked is the best camera-focused standard phone for shoppers who prefer Google software, with a 64MP main camera.
Best for: Google software and photography
- Display
- 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz
- Battery
- 4,492mAh
- Main camera
- 64MP with optical image stabilization
- Water resistance
- IP67
- Compact body and bright OLED screen
- 64MP stabilized main camera
- Google software experience
- Smaller display than the Galaxy A35
- No foldable cover screen
Is the Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked is a smart alternative for shoppers who favor a compact phone and Google software. The 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display and 64MP stabilized main camera offer a different balance from the larger Samsung Galaxy A35.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, the Galaxy A35 or Galaxy Z Flip5?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is better for battery life and a large conventional screen, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is better for a compact folding design and 3.4-inch cover screen. The right pick depends on whether you value everyday practicality or pocketability.
The Galaxy A35 brings a 6.6-inch 120Hz display and a 5,000mAh battery. The Flip5 folds a 6.7-inch inner display into a smaller shape, but its battery capacity is 3,700mAh. Choose the A35 for fewer compromises around charging and screen use; choose the Flip5 for its flexible form factor.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A35 a good Black Friday 2026 phone?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is a good Black Friday 2026 phone for shoppers who want a balanced Android device with a 6.6-inch AMOLED screen and a 5,000mAh battery. Its large display, 120Hz refresh rate and IP67 rating deliver useful everyday features.
The Galaxy A35 is also a sensible choice for video, browsing and long days away from a charger. Shoppers who prioritize a foldable design or a more advanced camera system should compare the Galaxy Z Flip6 or Galaxy S24 FE before deciding.
Which foldable phone is the best alternative to the Galaxy Z Flip5?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked is the closest Samsung upgrade, while the Motorola Razr 2024 256GB Unlocked offers a larger 3.6-inch cover screen. Both models keep the flip-phone format and open to a large inner display.
Pick the Galaxy Z Flip6 for its 50MP main camera and Samsung interface. Choose the Motorola Razr 2024 for its broader outer display and 4,200mAh battery. Shoppers who do not need a folding screen get a simpler, battery-forward option in the Galaxy A35.
What should you compare before choosing a Black Friday phone?
Compare display style, battery capacity, camera hardware and storage before choosing among the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked and alternatives. Those four factors shape daily comfort more than a feature list alone.
A standard phone is generally the simpler choice for shoppers who value battery capacity and a continuous screen. A foldable gives you a compact closed shape and quick outer-screen access. Also check carrier compatibility, software support details, water resistance and whether 128GB or 256GB better matches your photo library.
Which phone is best for battery life and everyday use?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked lead this list with 5,000mAh batteries. Both are standard phones, so neither asks shoppers to trade battery capacity for a folding design.
The Galaxy A35 adds a 6.6-inch screen, IP67 protection and a 50MP stabilized main camera. The A25 also has a 5,000mAh battery and 120Hz AMOLED display, making it a straightforward value alternative. For a bigger camera upgrade or a foldable screen, compare the other picks instead.
Buying Guide
Choose your phone shape first
A standard phone such as the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked offers a continuous screen and a larger battery. A flip phone such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked folds into a compact shape.
Match battery capacity to your routine
The 5,000mAh batteries in the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked suit shoppers who want fewer charging breaks. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 3,700mAh battery.
Check camera needs and storage
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB Unlocked and Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked have high-resolution stabilized main cameras. Consider 256GB storage for a larger offline library; 128GB fits lighter app and photo use.
Review compatibility and protection
Confirm that an unlocked model supports your carrier bands and preferred network features. Water-resistance ratings differ: the Galaxy A35 is IP67, while the Galaxy Z Flip5 is IPX8, so compare each rating with your needs.
FAQ
Is the Galaxy A35 better than the Galaxy Z Flip5?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is better for shoppers who prioritize a 5,000mAh battery and a large conventional screen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is better for a compact foldable design and a 3.4-inch cover screen.
Which phone has the better battery, Galaxy A35 or Galaxy Z Flip5?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked has the larger battery, with 5,000mAh compared with 3,700mAh in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked. Battery life also depends on network use, brightness, apps and other settings.
Is the Galaxy Z Flip5 still worth considering in 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked is worth considering in 2026 for shoppers who want a compact foldable with a 3.4-inch cover screen and 6.7-inch inner display. Compare it with the Galaxy Z Flip6 if camera and battery upgrades matter.
Which Samsung phone is best for a large screen and long battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked combines a 6.6-inch 120Hz display with a 5,000mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked also has a 5,000mAh battery and a 6.5-inch 120Hz display.
Should I choose a foldable or a regular phone for Black Friday 2026?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB Unlocked if a compact folded shape and cover screen are priorities. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked for a conventional display, 5,000mAh battery and straightforward everyday use.