We have everything you need to know about AT&T's network, along with the best smartphones we've tested for it.
ByIyaz Akhtar
Iyaz Akhtar
Mobile Analyst
My Experience
I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
Read Full Bio
UpdatedFebruary 20, 2024
Table of Contents
Now that you've chosen AT&T as your carrier, it's time to buy a phone. AT&T sells carrier-locked versions of Apple, Google, Motorola, and Samsung handsets, so there's no shortage of choice.
Many people get their phones with the help of a monthly plan (typically over 36 months with AT&T), so even premium models are viable choices for many subscribers. It's not difficult to get the latest and greatest devices either if you pay a few extra dollars per month for a fast-upgrade plan such as AT&T Next Up.
Unlocked phones are an option too, of course, though their high upfront costs might not be feasible for all. Just make sure to check that AT&T officially supports (link opens a PDF) the unlocked phone you want before you buy it. That linked list might not always be up-to-date, but any new Apple, Google, and Samsung phones are reasonably safe bets for compatibility. Devices from Honor, Motorola, OnePlus, and Oppo may not be.
You should also pay attention to which forms of 5G your device supports (we explain AT&T's naming scheme a bit later). What parts of the network you can use depends on your phone's modem and what AT&T allows on its end.
With all that in mind, below are the best smartphones we've tested for AT&T, along with additional details you should consider during your search. For more details on the best devices on any network, see our list of the best 5G phones right now.
Our Experts Have Tested 53 Products in the Mobile Phones Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Our Top Tested Picks
Best for Content Creators Jump ToDetails Best for Artists and Note-Takers Jump ToDetails Best Folding Phone Jump ToDetails Best Midrange Android Phone Jump ToDetails Best for Android Purists Jump ToDetails Best Affordable Android Phone Jump ToDetails Best iPhone for Most People Jump ToDetails Jump ToDetails Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Apple iPhone 15
The Best Phone Deals This Week*
- Google Pixel 8 Pro 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) — $699.00(List Price $999)
- Samsung Galaxy S23 5G 128GB (Verified Refurbished by Back Market) — From $380.65
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 512GB Unlocked Phone — $1,899.99(List Price $2,019.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- RELATED:
- Best Phones
- Best 5G Phones
- Best Cheap Phones
- Best T-Mobile Phones
- Best Verizon Phones
- Best Folding Phones
Best for Content Creators
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
4.5 Outstanding
- Fast, smooth performance
- Excellent cameras
- Long battery life
- Useful Action button
- USB-C connectivity opens up new features
- Lighter than previous Pro Max
- Expensive
- Big
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple's most capable phone thanks to its fast A17 Pro processor, large display, superb cameras, and excellent battery life. It's also quite rugged, with a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield panel, and IP68 rating. Pro Res support and the ability to record over USB-C to an external drive make it particularly suitable for video capture, too.
Content creators, this is the phone for you. Apple's priciest iPhone is for those who don't want to compromise on any advanced features.
Operating SystemiOS 17
CPUApple A17 Pro
Dimensions6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size6.7 inches
Screen Resolution2,796 by 1,290 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)20 hours, 15 minutes
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
4.5 Outstanding
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
- Big
- Expensive
The S24 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.
If you want the most capable Android phone—and want or need a stylus—the Galaxy S24 Ultra is by far your best option. Samsung's seven-year support commitment also means you can remain productive for years to come.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Screen Size6.8 inches
Screen Resolution3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours, 10 minutes
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Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review
Best Folding Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
4.5 Outstanding
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the ultimate phone for productivity. Its massive inner screen allows you to comfortably run multiple apps at a time, while its DeX software lets you pair it with a display for a desktop-like experience. Additionally, support for Samsung's S Pen stylus (not included) means you can write notes or scribble drawings with ease. On the entertainment front, the inner screen is an ideal canvas for watching movies and shows.
If you want the biggest possible screen in a still-pocketable device, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is for you. It's equally adept for work and play.
Operating SystemAndroid 13
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Dimensions6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches
Screen Size7.6 inches
Screen Resolution2,176 by 1,812 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP
Battery Life (As Tested)11 hours, 20 minutes
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
Best Midrange Android Phone
Google Pixel 7a
4.5 Outstanding
- Solid performance
- Above-average cameras
- Unique design
- Wireless charging
- Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing
Google's software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 7a brings you that experience—along with years of Android updates before anyone else gets them—at an affordable price.
Google's Pixel 7a offers plenty of power and commendable cameras at a reasonable price.
Operating SystemAndroid 13
CPUGoogle Tensor G2
Dimensions5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.1 inches
Screen Resolution2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)64MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)13 hours, 25 minutes
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Google Pixel 7a Review
Best for Android Purists
Google Pixel 8
4.0 Excellent
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
The Pixel 8 packs nearly all the features of its larger sibling for hundreds of dollars less. You get a quality screen, outstanding cameras, AI-assisted photo editing tools, and other Google Assistant features to make your life easier. It also uses Google's purest version of Android and will receive system updates earlier and for longer than most other phones.
Buyers who want a flagship phone for a midrange price should go for the Pixel 8 thanks to its excellent performance, appealing design, and easy-to-use hardware.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUGoogle Tensor G3
Dimensions5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.2 inches
Screen Resolution2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)10 hours, 20 minutes
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Learn More
Google Pixel 8 Review
Best Affordable Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4.0 Excellent
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
Samsung's Galaxy A15 5G has a pleasingly large display, a decent processor, a serviceable set of cameras, and all the battery life you need to get through the day. Moreover, Samsung plans to support it with security updates for five years, meaning you can hold onto it for a long time.
The Galaxy A15 is the perfect pick for anyone who wants a competent, low-cost smartphone. It doesn't make you feel like you're giving anything up.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUMediatek 6835
Dimensions6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size6.5 inches
Screen Resolution2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours, 3 minutes
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Review
Best iPhone for Most People
Apple iPhone 15
4.0 Excellent
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- USB-C port
- Dynamic Island
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
- Shorter battery life than other iPhones
Although it's the least expensive model in Apple's iPhone 15 lineup, the base iPhone 15 features a durable, waterproof design and is a comfortable size for all-day use. Its A16 Bionic processor delivers plenty of speed, its dual-camera arrangement takes sharp photos, and Apple's iOS platform provides access to literally millions of apps.
If you want a phone that covers the basics and then some, the colorful Apple iPhone 15 has an appealing mix of features and specs. It's the most affordable way to get all of the most recent iPhone features.
Operating SystemiOS 17
CPUApple A16 Bionic
Dimensions5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size6.1 inches
Screen Resolution2,556 by 1,179 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)48MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)16 hours, 15 minutes
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Apple iPhone 15 Review
Best Flip Phone
Nokia 2780 Flip
3.5 Good
- Good call quality
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- FM radio
- Affordable
- Operating system is a bit clunky
- Group texting could be better
- Several key apps are missing
- Middling battery life
The Nokia 2780 Flip is the best affordable flip phone. It handles calls without issue, doesn't cost much, and lasts longer than most modern smartphones. As a bonus, it includes Wi-Fi and FM radios.
If you yearn for the days of phones with a clamshell design, the Nokia 2780 Flip will satisfy your nostalgia itch.
Operating SystemKaiOS
CPUQualcomm 215 Mobile Platform
Dimensions4.33 by 2.28 by 0.77 inches
Screen Size2.7 inches
Screen Resolution320 by 240 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)3 hours, 24 minutes (LTE talk time)
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Nokia 2780 Flip Review
Buying Guide: The Best AT&T Phones for 2024
Is AT&T's 5G Network Good?
AT&T typically ranks third in national network surveys, but it still offers excellent LTE 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 has been slower in its 5G expansion than Verizon and T-Mobile. It currently runs a "nationwide 5G" network that sometimes is no faster than its 4G network. AT&T uses a mix of low-band, mid-band, and mmWave/high-band frequencies for its 5G networks. Low-band frequencies are capable of reaching far-away devices, but the trade-off is lower speeds. If your device connects to AT&T's low-band frequencies for 5G, it will display "5G" on the screen, and you could see speeds below 100Mbps.
Left to right: Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, and S24 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
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 away from their towers and connection speeds can exceed 1Gbps.
Meanwhile, mmWave/high-band frequencies are very short-range and can offer 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+."
What Should You Look For in an AT&T Phone?
If you want your phone to be a long-term investment, the most important spec to consider is support for C-band. Devices in the current Galaxy S24 and Z foldable, Google Pixel 8, and the iPhone 15 lineups all take advantage of AT&T's C-band. If you look into a phone on AT&T's site, you can open up the Features & Specs section and then go to the Wireless Technology portion. Look for either the words "C-band" or n77 to see if the device supports the right spectrum.
More generally, if you are weighing several different options for your AT&T phone, make sure you check for any deals that may get you a better device for 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 finally turned off its 3G service in 2022.
Recommended by Our Editors
What Is 5G?
Android vs. iOS: Which Phone OS Really Is the Best?
What Is 5G?
If you need more help buying a cell phone, check out our story on the best cheap phones. While you're at it, take a look at our lists of the best phones for T-Mobile and Verizon.
Dave LeClair contributed to this report.
Compare SpecsThe Best AT&T Phones for 2024
Our Picks | Apple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSee It$0.01 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraSee It$949.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5See It$1,919.99 at Amazon | Google Pixel 7aCheck Stock$499.00 at Amazon | Google Pixel 8See It$499.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy A15 5GSee It$162.95 at Amazon | Apple iPhone 15See It$0.01 at Amazon | Nokia 2780 FlipSee It$88.00 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review |
Operating System | iOS 17 | Android 14 | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 14 | Android 14 | iOS 17 | KaiOS |
CPU | Apple A17 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G3 | Mediatek 6835 | Apple A16 Bionic | Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform |
Dimensions | 6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches | 5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches | 5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches | 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches | 5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 4.33 by 2.28 by 0.77 inches |
Screen Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches | 7.6 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches | 2.7 inches |
Screen Resolution | 2,796 by 1,290 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,176 by 1,812 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 2,556 by 1,179 pixels | 320 by 240 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP | 64MP, 13MP; 13MP | 50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP | 48MP, 12MP; 12MP | 5MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 20 hours, 15 minutes | 14 hours, 10 minutes | 11 hours, 20 minutes | 13 hours, 25 minutes | 10 hours, 20 minutes | 14 hours, 3 minutes | 16 hours, 15 minutes | 3 hours, 24 minutes (LTE talk time) |
Where to Buy | $0.01 at Amazon $1,399.99 at Best Buy | $949.00 at Amazon | $1,919.99 at Amazon $1,799.99 at Samsung | $499.00 at Amazon $499.00 at Best Buy | $499.00 at Amazon $499.00 at Best Buy | $162.95 at Amazon $199.99 at Best Buy | $0.01 at Amazon $829.00 at Walmart | $88.00 at Amazon $89.99 at Best Buy |
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ByIyaz Akhtar
I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
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