AT&T is one of the nation’s oldest wireless carriers, and we’ve been covering it for several decades. The company’s 5G network faces stiff competition from T-Mobile and Verizon, but many of today’s top phones are compatible with its frequencies. The compelling Apple iPhone 17, the artist-friendly Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the AI-enhanced Google Pixel 10 Pro stand out for their modern 5G radios, which support AT&T’s specific C-band spectrum. However, all of the phones we’ve selected are worth a look if you’re an AT&T customer, so make sure to click through to our in-depth reviews of each for all the pros and cons. We also provide some additional details below our picks that you should keep in mind while shopping for your next AT&T phone.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
December 22, 2025: With this update, we replaced the TCL Flip 3 with the TCL Flip 4. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated a dozen new phones for potential inclusion in this roundup.
- Best value among iPhone 17 models
- Fast performance
- Competitive battery life
- Speedy wireless connections
- Pro-level display
- Flexible cameras
With the iPhone 17, Apple has upgraded the base model in meaningful ways that level it up against the rest of the iPhone 17 family—and competing flagship phones. With more than 24 hours of battery life, fast charging, modern radios, and high-quality hardware, it’s a near-total package and the best value proposition among the new iPhone 17 family.
Most iPhone buyers: The iPhone 17 is a strong contender for your dollars, with a near-perfect balance of features for the price. It adopts the best aspects of the Pro models (the screen, the radios, the boosted storage) and costs hundreds of dollars less.
The selfie-obsessed: The latest iPhones’ new front camera captures vertical or horizontal shots while you hold the phone in portrait, making framing easier and giving you a more secure grip.
Operating System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19
Dimensions
5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,622 by 1,206 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
24 hours, 31 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Review
- Class-leading performance
- Powerful AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Sharp, anti-reflective screen
- Better ergonomics than previous Ultras
- Long software support window
- Expensive
- Less S Pen functionality than previous generation
The S25 Ultra is one of the most powerful Android smartphones available. It offers a large, pixel-rich display, outstanding battery life, top-tier performance, and a flexible camera setup for capturing photos near and far. Furthermore, it’s the only phone to ship with Samsung’s S Pen Stylus for jotting notes and drawing pictures. Its fun and useful Galaxy AI features are additional highlights.
Artist and note-takers: If you enjoy jotting down notes or mind mapping, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an excellent option. It houses an S Pen stylus, which is always available when inspiration strikes. The Ultra’s tough screen means you can write away without worrying about damage, while its Notes software launches quickly so your fleeting thoughts don’t escape.
Power users: The S25 Ultra is one of the most capable smartphones, bar none. It features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, paired with ample RAM to handle tasks efficiently. Samsung’s software puts productivity on a pedestal. Features like app pairs (lets you launch two apps at a time), Edge panels (hideable taskbars), and the DeX environment (a windowed, desktop-like experience) make the Ultra a power user’s pick.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
- Exceptional hardware
- Excellent displays
- Solid performance
- Powerful software
- Strong radios
- Outlandishly expensive
- Only average battery life
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s best folding phone yet. It’s thinner and lighter than previous iterations, has a more durable design, and comes with genuinely useful Galaxy AI features. Both screens are bright and beautiful, the performance is excellent, and the cameras take superb pictures. The software experience continues to be top-notch as well, particularly for those who like to multitask.
Early adopters: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a marvel of engineering. When closed, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks the same size as many other modern smartphones, which is a testament to its thin profile. Opening up the Z Fold 7 reveals a huge flexible screen. The Z Fold 7 is like holding the future in your hands.
People who want two devices in one: If you often carry a phone and a tablet, the Z Fold 7 may make things easier because it combines the features of both devices. Your phone and tablet are always in your pocket, ready to go.
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
2,184 by 1,968 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review
- Powerful performance
- Excellent cameras
- Useful Google AI
- Seven-year software support commitment
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- No reverse wireless charging
Google’s software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 9a brings you that experience—along with seven years of Android updates and many AI features—at an affordable price. Its cameras are excellent, too, and it handles AT&T’s network well.
Budget-conscious Google fans: The Pixel 9a offers a highlight reel of Google features without the flagship price tag. Advanced AI makes image and video editing a breeze, while Google’s camera expertise helps you capture the world around you in excellent color and detail.
People who like to use the same phone for many years: Google promises seven years of OS, security, and feature updates for the Pixel 9a. That level of support keeps the phone secure, delivers new features over time, and makes the 9a a smarter buy if you want a device that stays useful for years.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 9a Review
- Refined and appealing hardware
- Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Long-term support
- Battery life should be longer
- No physical SIM card support
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro packs the company’s best hardware and software into a tough, midsize phone. You get premium construction, a bright, detailed screen, strong photography, and AI that runs locally to speed everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you rarely find elsewhere.
Android enthusiasts: The Pixel Pro line offers the most comprehensive Google experience, with the two models differing only in screen size and battery capacity. The Pixel 10 Pro is the smaller and less expensive of the Pros, giving you Google’s most powerful processor for on-device AI features in a more affordable package that’s easier to carry every day.
People who want the latest software ASAP: If getting the latest Android features immediately makes you happy, the Pixel is the way to go. Pixel phones receive updates before any other Android phones, which is a great way to stay current.
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G5
Dimensions
6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
12 hours, 40 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 10 Pro Review
- Excellent value
- Good performance
- Above-average cameras
- Splashproof
- Six-year support window
Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G features a pleasingly large display, a decent processor, a serviceable set of cameras, and ample battery life to get you through the day. Moreover, Samsung plans to support it with security updates for six years, allowing you to hold onto it for a considerable period.
People looking for a starter phone: If you or your child is seeking a modern smartphone that handles the basics without breaking the bank, the A16 is an excellent choice. It can seamlessly handle browsing, shopping, and social media.
People just getting on the 5G bandwagon: The Galaxy A16 connects to the latest wireless networks, allowing it to access 5G for quick download and upload speeds. If you’ve been holding on to an older 4G LTE-only phone, the A16 is a fine upgrade on AT&T’s network.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours 46 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review
- Affordable
- 5G and Wi-Fi
- Long battery life
- Quick performance
- Limited third-party apps
- Poor cameras
- Embedded battery
The TCL Flip 4 is a great voice phone with a big internal battery, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It also features a 5MP camera, which is useful in a pinch. Finally, Wi-Fi connectivity and email access can help keep you in the communications loop.
Technophobes: If you aren’t interested in owning a smartphone, the affordable TCL Flip 4 confidently performs basic phone functions. To that end, the speakerphone and earpiece sound quite clear.
Fans of mindfulness: The Flip 4 lets you stay connected while saving you from thousands of apps and their related notifications. Texting requires commitment because you must use the number keypad for input. It’s hard to be distracted with the Flip 4.
Operating System
KaiOS
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
Dimensions
4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches
Screen Size
3.2 inches
Screen Resolution
240 by 320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
20 hours
Learn More
TCL Flip 4 5G Review
- Outstanding cameras
- Top video features
- Category-leading battery life
- Terrific screen
- Fast performance
- High-quality hardware
- Might be too big for some
- Most expensive iPhone
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is packed with everything Apple has to offer. It features a large screen, a battery that lasts over 34 hours, a Camera Control button that provides more creative flexibility, and upgraded radios for faster wireless performance on AT&T. Additionally, it comes equipped with advanced video capture tools that are among the best available on any phone.
Apple power users: If you’ve got a MacBook Pro or Mac Studio at home and want portable creative power, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the perfect companion, offering remarkable performance in your hand. You can accomplish complex tasks directly from the iPhone 17 Pro Max or have it seamlessly connect to your other Macs for more advanced workflows.
People who want the best iPhone: Simply put, this is the best iPhone to get if you want all the latest features, the best video camera, and the longest battery life.
Operating System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19 Pro
Dimensions
6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,868 by 1,320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
32 hours, 11 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review
- Bright displays
- Category-leading battery life
- Powerful performance
- Fun folding form factor
- Middling cameras
- Mediocre AI
The Motorola Razr Ultra for 2025 embraces its dual-screen design in a way many alternatives don’t; you can run virtually any app you want on either the vivid 4.0-inch outer display or the expansive 7.0-inch inner panel. We also like its IP48 waterproof rating, stylish design, competitive performance, and fast 68W wired charging.
Trendsetters: The Razr Ultra is unlike the vast majority of smartphones, so if you’re looking for a phone that stands out, this is an outstanding choice. Folded, the Razr is a tiny pocket phone with fun Pantone colors on the back. Unfolded, the Razr reveals a large internal display perfect for watching videos, browsing social media, and more.
Fans of tiny phones: The Razr’s outer screen is not just a gimmick; Motorola ensured that you can use a closed Razr just like you would any Android phone. Virtually every app runs on the external display, allowing you to work with a device that is easily grippable and also fits into small pockets.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
Dimensions
6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed
Screen Size
7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,992 by 1,224 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP; 50MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
22 hours, 3 minutes
Learn More
Motorola Razr Ultra Review
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The Best AT&T Phones for 2026
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Buying Guide: The Best AT&T Phones for 2026
Is AT&T’s 5G Network Good?
AT&T typically ranks third in national network surveys, but it still has excellent 4G and 5G performance nationwide. Although the carrier once confusingly sold its 4G network as 5G Evolution (or 5G E), it has since dropped that name from ads.
AT&T uses a mix of low-band, mid-band (C-band), and high-band (mmWave) frequencies for its 5G networks. Low-band frequencies can reach faraway phones, but the trade-off is lower speeds. If your phone connects to AT&T’s low-band 5G frequencies, it will display “5G” on the screen. You may experience speeds below 100Mbps on this connection.
Mid-band frequencies range from 2 to 10GHz, and this is where you find C-band. In the US, C-band refers to frequencies between 3.7 and 3.98GHz. These allow for good range and better-than-LTE speeds, so it’s important that your 5G phone supports them. Signals can reach about half a mile from their towers, and connection speeds can exceed 1Gbps.
Meanwhile, mmWave/high-band frequencies are short-range and can provide speeds of over 3Gbps. However, physical objects can block or reflect these frequencies, thus interfering with connections and speeds more so than with low-band or mid-band frequencies. AT&T labels its mid-band and mmWave network as “5G+.”
Apple iPhone 17 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
What Should You Look for in an AT&T Phone?
Many people get their phones with a monthly plan (typically over 36 months with AT&T), so even premium models are viable for many subscribers. It’s not difficult to get the latest and greatest phones via one promotion or another.
Unlocked phones are also an option, though their high up-front costs might not be feasible for everyone. Just make sure to check that AT&T officially supports the unlocked phone you want before you buy it. Any new Apple, Google, or Samsung phone is a reasonably safe bet for compatibility; however, some handsets from Motorola and OnePlus may not be.
If you want your phone to be a long-term investment, the most important spec to consider is support for C-band. Phones in the current Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Flip/Fold 7, Google Pixel 10, and the iPhone 17 lineups all take advantage of AT&T’s C-band. If you look into a phone on AT&T’s website, you can open the Features & Specs section and then go to the Wireless Technology portion. Look for either “C-band” or “n77” to see if it supports the right spectrum.
Recommended by Our Editors
More generally, if you are weighing several different options for your AT&T phone, be sure to check for any deals that may offer a better one at a lower cost.
The Best Flip Phone for AT&T
If you’re interested in a flip or voice phone, you should buy one that supports voice over AT&T’s 4G or 5G network, as the carrier turned off its 3G service in 2022.
If you need more help buying a cellphone, check out our story on the best cheap phones. While you’re at it, look at our lists of the best phones for T-Mobile and Verizon.
