The Complete Samsung Galaxy Timeline – From Galaxy S to Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S is one of the most iconic cell phone series in the world. Just like the iPhone family of phones, Samsung remains one of the world’s most popular phone manufacturers, and for good reason.
The company’s Galaxy S smartphones typically feature cutting-edge technology, innovative designs, and user-friendly functionality. They are always pushing the boundaries, bringing forward each model to a new era in mobile phone technology.
The Galaxy S range has become synonymous with Android itself. Ask around, and it’s likely that someone you know will refer to any Android device, regardless of manufacturer, as a “Galaxy.” Such is the prevalence of the Galaxy S series.
Let’s take a look at the history of this epic smartphone, from the very beginnings in 2010, all the way up to the present day in 2022. From the Samsung Galaxy S to the Samsung Galaxy S22, the entire range is here in chronological order.
2010 The Samsung Galaxy S, which debuted in June 2010, ran Android 2.1 and featured an 800 x 480 Super AMOLED display. In addition, it featured a 1GHz single-core processor and 0.5GB of RAM.
The rear camera had 5 megapixels, whereas the front-facing camera had only 0.3 megapixels. Android’s customization was the feature that stood out the most.
Although we had seen TouchWiz on other devices, it appeared to function properly on the Galaxy S.
Samsung Galaxy S
Launched: June 2010 Units sold: 24 million Fun Fact: In 2010, the price of the phone was $399, or about $514 in 2022 dollars.
2010 The Samsung Galaxy S, which debuted in June 2010, ran Android 2.1 and featured an 800 x 480 Super AMOLED display. In addition, it featured a 1GHz single-core processor and 0.5GB of RAM.
The rear camera had 5 megapixels, whereas the front-facing camera had only 0.3 megapixels. Android’s customization was the feature that stood out the most.
Although we had seen TouchWiz on other devices, it appeared to function properly on the Galaxy S.
2011 The phone, also known as the Samsung Galaxy S II, was released in April 2011 and featured the same 800 x 480 resolution as its predecessor.
The processor was upgraded to dual-core and 1.2GHz, and the RAM was increased to 0.75GB. This time around, the rear camera was 8 megapixels and the front-facing camera was 2 megapixels.
With the Galaxy S II, Samsung embraced widgets, a strategy that rival HTC was heavily promoting.
Samsung Galaxy S II The “more is more” phone
Launched: May 2011 Units sold: 40.2 million Fun Fact: Samsung sold 3 million units of the Galaxy S2 in its first 55 days.
2011 The phone, also known as the Samsung Galaxy S II, was released in April 2011 and featured the same 800 x 480 resolution as its predecessor.
The processor was upgraded to dual-core and 1.2GHz, and the RAM was increased to 0.75GB. This time around, the rear camera was 8 megapixels and the front-facing camera was 2 megapixels.
With the Galaxy S II, Samsung embraced widgets, a strategy that rival HTC was heavily promoting.
2012
The Samsung Galaxy S III was the first device in the series to sport an HD screen when it was released in May 2012. At the time, its 1280 x 720 resolution was quite innovative. It also had Ice Cream Sandwich, version 4.0, of Android.
At launch, the device had a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, but Samsung stayed with an 8-megapixel rear camera. It appeared as though Samsung intended to push the design a little further because it was a little more contoured than the prior phone.
Samsung Galaxy S III
Launched: May 2012 Units sold: 80 million + Fun Fact: Samsung sold 10 million units of the Galaxy S3 in just 55 days after it became available in stores.
2012
The Samsung Galaxy S III was the first device in the series to sport an HD screen when it was released in May 2012. At the time, its 1280 x 720 resolution was quite innovative. It also had Ice Cream Sandwich, version 4.0, of Android.
At launch, the device had a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, but Samsung stayed with an 8-megapixel rear camera. It appeared as though Samsung intended to push the design a little further because it was a little more contoured than the prior phone.
2013
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was a huge success. It sold 40 million units in the first 6 months.
The S4 featured a 5-inch Full HD screen. The processing speed was increased to a 1.9GHz quad-core CPU with 2GB of RAM. With this model, Roman numerals were abandoned, thankfully! Nobody used them anyway!
The back camera increased as well, to 13 megapixels. The Galaxy S4 was a terrific phone; it just looked and felt right. The design sense we had from the S3 truly showed through here.
Samsung Galaxy S4
Launched: May 2013 Units sold: 80 million + Fun Fact: Samsung sold 80 million units of the Galaxy S4. It is the best-selling Android phone of all time and the best-selling Samsung phone of all time.
2013
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was a huge success. It sold 40 million units in the first 6 months.
The S4 featured a 5-inch Full HD screen. The processing speed was increased to a 1.9GHz quad-core CPU with 2GB of RAM. With this model, Roman numerals were abandoned, thankfully! Nobody used them anyway!
The back camera increased as well, to 13 megapixels. The Galaxy S4 was a terrific phone; it just looked and felt right. The design sense we had from the S3 truly showed through here.
2014 The S5, which was released in April 2014, likewise had a Full HD screen but a slightly larger one that measured 5.1 inches (an LTE-A model eventually upped that to 2560 x 1440).
Samsung Galaxy S5
Launched: April 2014 Units sold: 25 million Fun Fact: In 2014, the price of the phone was $649, or about $771 in 2022 dollars.
2014 The S5, which was released in April 2014, likewise had a Full HD screen but a slightly larger one that measured 5.1 inches (an LTE-A model eventually upped that to 2560 x 1440).
2015 Quite a big move was made by Samsung on this model of the Galaxy S6. In an effort to give the Galaxy S line a more upscale appearance and feel, Samsung got rid of the previous phones’ detachable plastic backing in favour of a glass back. In addition, the S6 featured a metal unibody chassis that highlighted Samsung’s premium aspirations.
Samsung Galaxy S6
Launched: April 2015 Units sold: Around 50 million (S6 & S6 Edge) Fun Fact: The Galaxy S6 cost $649 in 2015, which translates to $770 in 2022 currency.
2015 Quite a big move was made by Samsung on this model of the Galaxy S6. In an effort to give the Galaxy S line a more upscale appearance and feel, Samsung got rid of the previous phones’ detachable plastic backing in favour of a glass back. In addition, the S6 featured a metal unibody chassis that highlighted Samsung’s premium aspirations.
2015
At the same time, Samsung debuted yet another Galaxy S6 model, the Galaxy S6 Edge. This smartphone looked quite similar to the conventional Galaxy S6 but featured curved glass on either side of the display. With the Galaxy Note Edge, Samsung experimented with curved glass on the right side of the screen.
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Launched: August 2015 Units sold: Around 50 million (S6 & S6 Edge) Fun Fact: The Galaxy S6 Edge cost $749, which translates to almost $888 in 2022 currency.
2015
At the same time, Samsung debuted yet another Galaxy S6 model, the Galaxy S6 Edge. This smartphone looked quite similar to the conventional Galaxy S6 but featured curved glass on either side of the display. With the Galaxy Note Edge, Samsung experimented with curved glass on the right side of the screen.
2016
The 5.1-inch Quad HD (QHD) display of the Galaxy S7 was among its many features when it was unveiled in February of 2016. (2560 x 1440). It was the flat-screen version of two previous phones, the S6 and S6 Edge, and included an improved octa-core processor and a 12-megapixel camera with dual-pixel technology for improved low-light performance.
The phone supported Samsung Pay, which could be used with NFC or magnetic strip readers.
Samsung Galaxy S7
Launched: June 2016 Units sold: Around 55 million (S7 & S7 Edge) Fun Fact: The IR blaster is a function that was removed from the Galaxy S7 range and has never been replaced. This made it possible for you to use your smartphone as an all-purpose TV remote control.
2016
The 5.1-inch Quad HD (QHD) display of the Galaxy S7 was among its many features when it was unveiled in February of 2016. (2560 x 1440). It was the flat-screen version of two previous phones, the S6 and S6 Edge, and included an improved octa-core processor and a 12-megapixel camera with dual-pixel technology for improved low-light performance.
The phone supported Samsung Pay, which could be used with NFC or magnetic strip readers.
2016
Every aspect of the Galaxy S7 edge made it a top-tier smartphone. Its 5.5-inch dual edge QHD display was introduced alongside the device in February 2016.
It had the same capabilities as the S7 and a somewhat less angular design than the S6.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Launched: June 2016 Units sold: Around 55 million (S7 & S7 Edge) Fun Fact: The price of the Galaxy S7 Edge was $769, or about $901 in 2022 dollars.
2016
Every aspect of the Galaxy S7 edge made it a top-tier smartphone. Its 5.5-inch dual edge QHD display was introduced alongside the device in February 2016.
It had the same capabilities as the S7 and a somewhat less angular design than the S6.
2017
The Infinity Display, first shown on the Samsung Galaxy S8, was the result of the company’s efforts to create a screen that extended almost entirely to the edges of the device.
The home button, which had previously been located on the front of the device, has been relocated to the back, albeit in an unnatural spot. The standard Galaxy S8 had curved edges, but there was also a variation with a larger screen and a superior battery called the S8 Plus.
Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus
Launched: April 2017 Units sold: Around 50 million Fun Fact: The Galaxy S8 launched with Android 7.0 Nougat. Its final official update was Android 9 Pie.
2017
The Infinity Display, first shown on the Samsung Galaxy S8, was the result of the company’s efforts to create a screen that extended almost entirely to the edges of the device.
The home button, which had previously been located on the front of the device, has been relocated to the back, albeit in an unnatural spot. The standard Galaxy S8 had curved edges, but there was also a variation with a larger screen and a superior battery called the S8 Plus.
2018
It’s easy to mistake the S9 for last year’s model, the S8. The phone maintained its rounded corners and 5.8-inch OLED display, and it was water resistant once more.
The Galaxy S9 also featured augmented reality (AR) emoji, which can scan your face to build a 3D avatar and then use it to generate a set of unique emoji for you to use. These can replace the standard emoji in your WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger conversations.
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ also arrived alongside the S9 offering a dual aperture main camera that was a step up from the previous year.
Samsung had to correct the problems that plagued the Galaxy S8. Samsung addressed the most common complaint about the S8 series by moving the fingerprint sensor to the front of the device with the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. The sensor was moved to its proper position in the middle of the back.
Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9 Plus
Launched: March 2018 Units sold: Around 35 million Fun Fact: In 2018, the price of the Galaxy S9 was $719, or about $805 in 2022 dollars. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S9 Plus started at $839, or about $939 in 2022 dollars.
2018
It’s easy to mistake the S9 for last year’s model, the S8. The phone maintained its rounded corners and 5.8-inch OLED display, and it was water resistant once more.
The Galaxy S9 also featured augmented reality (AR) emoji, which can scan your face to build a 3D avatar and then use it to generate a set of unique emoji for you to use. These can replace the standard emoji in your WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger conversations.
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ also arrived alongside the S9 offering a dual aperture main camera that was a step up from the previous year.
Samsung had to correct the problems that plagued the Galaxy S8. Samsung addressed the most common complaint about the S8 series by moving the fingerprint sensor to the front of the device with the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. The sensor was moved to its proper position in the middle of the back.
2019
A larger S10+, cheaper S10e, and a 5G-enabled variant all debuted alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S10. The design of Samsung’s 2019 flagship phone was largely consistent with that of previous years’ models.
The UltraSonic fingerprint sensor is only one example of the cutting-edge technology integrated into this model’s plethora of improvements.
The inclusion of a triple camera setup, intelligent auto-camera suggestions, and wireless reverse charging makes this an additional flagship to rival. A front-facing camera was accessible via a punch hole.
Samsung has updated the look of the whole Galaxy S line, not just the newer versions. To accommodate the front-facing camera sensors, it pioneered the use of punch-hole cuts in the screen. In-display fingerprint sensors (or, in the case of the Galaxy S10e, a side-mounted sensor) made it possible for the front of the phone to be almost entirely devoted to the display.
Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10e
Launched: March 2019 Units sold: Around 30 million Fun Fact: The Galaxy S10 range officially cost more than twice as much as the original Galaxy S, which debuted in 2010 for $399, with a starting price of $899 for the basic Galaxy S10.
2019
A larger S10+, cheaper S10e, and a 5G-enabled variant all debuted alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S10. The design of Samsung’s 2019 flagship phone was largely consistent with that of previous years’ models.
The UltraSonic fingerprint sensor is only one example of the cutting-edge technology integrated into this model’s plethora of improvements.
The inclusion of a triple camera setup, intelligent auto-camera suggestions, and wireless reverse charging makes this an additional flagship to rival. A front-facing camera was accessible via a punch hole.
Samsung has updated the look of the whole Galaxy S line, not just the newer versions. To accommodate the front-facing camera sensors, it pioneered the use of punch-hole cuts in the screen. In-display fingerprint sensors (or, in the case of the Galaxy S10e, a side-mounted sensor) made it possible for the front of the phone to be almost entirely devoted to the display.
2020
The Samsung Galaxy S20 was the company’s top of the line smartphone for 2020. The S20+ and S20 Ultra were pricier premium versions of the S20. To further develop the Infinity Display concept, the standard smartphone virtually completely removes the bezel. In addition, it repositions the front camera to the middle of the display instead of the punch hole.
The S20 and S20+ have Quad HD+ (3200 x 1440) displays with 6.2 and 6.7 inches of screen space, respectively. Like the S10 series before it, these contain a fingerprint scanner embedded in the display.
The triple-lens cameras on the S20 and S20+, as well as the added Time-of-Flight camera on the S20+, are among the most notable upgrades over the previous generation. Both phones support 5G networks, and the S20 also comes in a 4G variant.
Samsung Galaxy S20
Launched: March 2020 Fun Fact: It is claimed that the Snapdragon 865 processor, which is substantially more expensive than its predecessor, is one of the main reasons the Galaxy S20 series is so pricey.
2020
The Samsung Galaxy S20 was the company’s top of the line smartphone for 2020. The S20+ and S20 Ultra were pricier premium versions of the S20. To further develop the Infinity Display concept, the standard smartphone virtually completely removes the bezel. In addition, it repositions the front camera to the middle of the display instead of the punch hole.
The S20 and S20+ have Quad HD+ (3200 x 1440) displays with 6.2 and 6.7 inches of screen space, respectively. Like the S10 series before it, these contain a fingerprint scanner embedded in the display.
The triple-lens cameras on the S20 and S20+, as well as the added Time-of-Flight camera on the S20+, are among the most notable upgrades over the previous generation. Both phones support 5G networks, and the S20 also comes in a 4G variant.
2020
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Ultra included a massive 6.9-inch, Quad HD+ (3200 x 1440), 120Hz display, but its enormous rear camera unit is likely to be the device’s defining design feature. The Ultra has a 108-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel 10x telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, in addition to a Time-of-Flight sensor. It is also capable of up to 100x “Space Zoom” for some beautiful long range shots.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Launched: March 2020 Fun Fact: The starting price of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra was $1,399. This makes it one of the most expensive “normal” smartphones Samsung’s ever launched.
2020
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Ultra included a massive 6.9-inch, Quad HD+ (3200 x 1440), 120Hz display, but its enormous rear camera unit is likely to be the device’s defining design feature. The Ultra has a 108-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel 10x telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, in addition to a Time-of-Flight sensor. It is also capable of up to 100x “Space Zoom” for some beautiful long range shots.
2020
A late edition to 2022, Samsung released a cheaper version of the S20 called “S20 FE”, which stands for “Fan Edition.”
This lesser variant of the Galaxy S20 was very much like a Galaxy S20e.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Launched: October 2020 Fun Fact: The Galaxy S20 FE features the same processor and a lot of the same integral specs as the rest of the S20 series.
2020
A late edition to 2022, Samsung released a cheaper version of the S20 called “S20 FE”, which stands for “Fan Edition.”
This lesser variant of the Galaxy S20 was very much like a Galaxy S20e.
2021
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 and S21+ flagship phones represent a shift in strategy for the company. While they are slightly less expensive than the S20 models announced in 2020, they have made certain compromises, including dropping the resolution of the display to 1080p and switching to a plastic back instead of a glass one. Even though the resolution is just 1080p, the display will be able to adapt to provide 120Hz, making these devices worthy of the flagship category. However, this little downgrade makes the S21 Ultra 2021’s undisputed Samsung flagship.
Samsung Galaxy S21
Launched: January 2021
2021
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 and S21+ flagship phones represent a shift in strategy for the company. While they are slightly less expensive than the S20 models announced in 2020, they have made certain compromises, including dropping the resolution of the display to 1080p and switching to a plastic back instead of a glass one. Even though the resolution is just 1080p, the display will be able to adapt to provide 120Hz, making these devices worthy of the flagship category. However, this little downgrade makes the S21 Ultra 2021’s undisputed Samsung flagship.
2021
S21 Ultra’s massive rear camera is somewhat diminished in size by its a Phantom Black finish. Samsung’s flagship smartphone has a high-end design and feel. Now that the S21 lineup has been trimmed down a bit, all eyes are on the S21 Ultra and its potential to rectify the shortcomings of its predecessor. Samsung hopes to reclaim itself as the flagship phone to covet by including new display technology and reimagining the cameras on the back, making for a more attractive package.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Launched: January 2021
2021
S21 Ultra’s massive rear camera is somewhat diminished in size by its a Phantom Black finish. Samsung’s flagship smartphone has a high-end design and feel. Now that the S21 lineup has been trimmed down a bit, all eyes are on the S21 Ultra and its potential to rectify the shortcomings of its predecessor. Samsung hopes to reclaim itself as the flagship phone to covet by including new display technology and reimagining the cameras on the back, making for a more attractive package.
2022
In January of 2022, just before of the release of the Galaxy S22 family of devices, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21 FE.
The S21 FE, like the S20 FE, is a great compromise between price and features; the only difference being a slightly inferior camera.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Launched: January 2022
2022
In January of 2022, just before of the release of the Galaxy S22 family of devices, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21 FE.
The S21 FE, like the S20 FE, is a great compromise between price and features; the only difference being a slightly inferior camera.
2022
The Galaxy S22 from Samsung is essentially a refined version of the S21. This time around, the S22 has a 6.1-inch screen, while the S22+ has a 6.6-inch screen. Besides their sizes, these phones are identical in every other respect, including the designs, builds, colours, processing power, and hardware. Batteries have different capacities, which is an obvious distinction.
Samsung Galaxy S22
Launched: February 2022 Fun Fact: Samsung referred to the plastic rear of the Galaxy S21 as “glasstic.” The Galaxy S22 has a conventional glass back, which is a blessing.
2022
The Galaxy S22 from Samsung is essentially a refined version of the S21. This time around, the S22 has a 6.1-inch screen, while the S22+ has a 6.6-inch screen. Besides their sizes, these phones are identical in every other respect, including the designs, builds, colours, processing power, and hardware. Batteries have different capacities, which is an obvious distinction.
2022
Since the Galaxy S22 Ultra can use the S Pen and stores data inside, it is being considered by some as a substitute for the Galaxy Note. While the form factor has changed significantly to accommodate these changes, the handset still sports Samsung’s best camera setup to date. It has the most up-to-date gear, including a 6.8-inch screen, a large battery, and a main camera with 108 megapixels.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Launched: February 2022
2022
Since the Galaxy S22 Ultra can use the S Pen and stores data inside, it is being considered by some as a substitute for the Galaxy Note. While the form factor has changed significantly to accommodate these changes, the handset still sports Samsung’s best camera setup to date. It has the most up-to-date gear, including a 6.8-inch screen, a large battery, and a main camera with 108 megapixels.
Jamie has been an avid gamer since the release of the Amiga 500 back in the early 1990s. He's the proud owner and author of makeawebsitehub.com a site that provides webmasters with valuable resources on how to build traffic and make money online from their blogs.