This invention relates to a phase detection method. An input signal (51, 91, 111) is sampled (13, 14, 15, 16) for obtaining several samples (1, 2, 3) at different points in time which are defined by a clock (C). A phase control signal (4, 5) is obtained (17, 8, 19, 20) form said several samples (1, 2, 3). The phase control signal (4, 5) may be zero, positive or negative. The phase detection method is a rising phase detection method (52; 69; 93, 94), if a zero phase control signal (4) is produced, if a falling slope is detected, or a falling phase detection method (55; 70; 96, 97), if a zero phase control signal (5) is produced, if a rising slope is detected. The invention further relates to a corresponding rising and falling phase detectors, respectively.