Android 2.3.4,up to 4.1.2 In 2013, a "Plus" variant was released with only 8 GB of internal storage and slightly different chipset.

It features a split-screen feature whereby users can use two apps simultaneously (available from Android 4.1 up to 4.4.2 "Premium Suite Upgrade"),[2] an upgraded video player software which is first able to play in a movable and re-sizeable pop-up window for simultaneous watching during other tasks, and with motion thumbnails that can preview playing videos rather than only a static image,[3] an "Ambient Light" feature whereby the screen brightness can automatically adjust to the light level, a "Smart Stay" feature that can prevent the phone's screen from turning off by looking at the phone,[4] a personal assistant called S Voice,[5] the ability to tag faces in the phone's gallery,[6] an "S Beam" feature to transfer files via NFC,[7] an LED light on the front of the phone that can be used for notifications, a "Motion Gestures" feature whereby users can accomplish tasks by moving the phone,[8] color point effects for the camera,[9] and "smart alert" – an optional haptic feedback notification which vibrates the unit when picked up to notify the user.

[11] Like its predecessor, its rear camera has eight megapixels (3264×2448) and 1080p video recording, though the S3 adds stereo audio recording, as well as the ability to simultaneously capture 6 megapixel (3264×1836) photos while filming, which is the image sensor's highest 16:9 aspect ratio crop.

The "premium suite upgrade" delivered by Samsung through the update to Android 4.1 later the year retrofitted the split-screen feature from the Galaxy Note 2, allowing two apps on screen simultaneously.

[37][38] Its variants are the rugged and water-resistant S4 Active, the lower-priced mid-class S4 Mini, as well as the hybrid S4 Zoom, which is equipped with an optical zoom lens with 10× magnification, more powerful Xenon flash, tripod mount, and rotary knob lens ring, combining a mobile phone with a dedicated digital camera.

It improves upon the Galaxy S4 by adding a heart rate monitor,[39] IP67 water resistance,[40] a fingerprint scanner,[41] the ability to record 4K videos (2160p at 30fps) and 1080p at twice the frame rate (60 fps),[42] phase-detection autofocus which is faster than previously used contrast detection, the ability to take better photos in low light levels,[43] a "Download Booster" feature to increase download levels to the maximum bandwidth allowed,[44] the ability to restrict the usage of battery by limiting the phone's usage,[45] and USB 3.0.

"Quick glance" was replaced with "Air wake-up", which allows waking up the smartphone from stand-by mode by hovering over the proximity sensor.

The Galaxy S6 series improves upon its predecessors by adding the ability to quickly charge the phone with up to 15 watts using Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0,[50] virtual reality (compatible with the Galaxy Gear VR), a "Smart Manager" feature,[51] and the ability to customize the interface with themes.

The Galaxy S6 series removes several features, including some long-term key features, from its predecessors, such as the microSD card slot, Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) support, water protection, Air Gesture control, Air View, Smart Pause, Smart Rotation, Smart Scroll, the one-handed operation mode, increased sensitivity of the capacitive touch screen for use with gloves, and USB 3.0 support.

Justin Denison, then vice president of product strategy at Samsung, stated on stage at the Unpacked 2015 Episode 1 keynote event that they had opted for a built-in battery now that "consumers could feel confident in charging their phones".

[55] It is the first main model phone to feature optical image stabilization on the rear camera and also improves upon it with the brighter f/1.9 aperture that enables improved low-light performance for both photography and video recording, the first Samsung phone with a dedicated camera quick launcher (home button double-press) and also the first Samsung flagship device to capture slow motion video with audio and original framerate (120 frames per second) which can be edited in a precluded editor software accessible through the gallery software.

[47][48] The S6 Edge Plus, being released simultaneously with the Galaxy Note 5, is not equipped with an infrared transmitter for use as a remote control.

[62] A single-handed operation mode was added back after removal on the S6, but without on-screen buttons and shortcuts present on the S5.

A new feature called Samsung DeX was added, allowing the phone to get a desktop user interface when plugged in a monitor.

The fingerprint scanner on the back is relocated to below the rear-facing camera, and the earpiece becomes an additional speaker for stereo sound.

[68][69] A subsequent software update retrofitted the feature of warning the user about flaws in photographs such as blinking eyes and blur, which was first implemented on the Galaxy Note 9.

The Galaxy S10 series introduced many new features such as an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, ultra wide lens, reverse wireless charging, 5G and Samsung's first hole-punch selfie camera design.

In January 2020, the Galaxy S10 Lite was released, a mid-range variant of the S10 containing the same cameras and performance but with lower features.

In October 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was released, a mid-range variant of the S20 containing similar cameras and performance but with less functionality.

The Galaxy S20 series featured 120 Hz refresh rate displays with 20:9 aspect ratio.

[1] On an earlier keynote, a Samsung representative mocked the lack thereof of the Apple iPhone 7 on stage.

On 4 January 2022, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was released, a mid-range variant of the S21 containing similar cameras and performance but with lower features.

These smartphones lack the microSD expandable storage previously featured on the entire Galaxy S series except the 2015 S6.

The Galaxy S22 and S22+ added glass backs which was lacking on the S21 and S21+, the frames were also flattened similar to the iPhone 12 series.

In October 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE was released, a mid-range variant of the S23 containing similar cameras and performance but with less functionality.