The best AT&T phones available for 2024

Apple iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Galaxy S24 on blue background

(Image credit: Future)

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iPhones
Android phones
Best AT&T phones: FAQ

There's such a vast array of good phones available right now on AT&T, so many in fact that you might even have trouble deciding. No worries though, we've researched and reviewed all the options to determine which are the best AT&T phones for most users.

Best AT&T phones: quick links

1. iPhones
2. Android phones

Everything's been sectioned out just down below - with options for both iPhone and Android preferences. All budgets are being considered here, not just the most expensive phones, so if you're feeling the pinch right now don't worry - there's plenty of options for cheap or even free phones.

Since we’ve reviewed many of the best phones, giving them substantial hands-on time to figure out what makes them truly compelling devices, we know which of AT&T’s phones are worth your consideration. We’ve looked at the many phones on offer and picked out a variety of options, from the best of the best to the value champions.

We’ve also considered what kinds of deals AT&T has available to bring the price of the phone down, so you can be sure you’re getting a good phone and a good deal.

Go straight there: AT&T's phones page
Pick your plan: The best AT&T plans available this month
Score a deal: The best AT&T deals right now

AT&T phones: iPhones

Best Apple phone

Apple iPhone 16: $799 free with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
The standard iPhone 16 is a model that's going to tick a lot of boxes for most people without completely breaking the bank. The latest flagship features a superb new A18 chipset that's super-charged for all your daily apps as well as innovative AI features, plus an upgraded camera and new camera function button mean it's a mobile photographers dream. It misses out on a few of the higher-end features like a 120Hz display, 5x telephoto zoom, and titanium chassis, but it's a great value device that's perfect for most people. Check out our full iPhone 16 review for a breakdown of this particular device.

Best value

Best for power users

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: save up to $1,000 with an eligible trade-in and unlimited data plan
If you're looking for the very latest and greatest Apple device, then there's only one choice - the stunning iPhone 16 Pro Max. With Apple's biggest and brightest display ever, the Pro Max also comes loaded with the exceptionally powerful A18 Pro chipset for peerless performance in both games and AI integrated features. As with all new devices in the range, it also features an improved camera and a new camera function button for seamless mobile photography. Overall, a pricey device but one that's commonly available with exceptional trade-in rebates of up to $1,000 off. Head on over to our iPhone 16 Pro Max review to see a full rundown of this flagship.

AT&T phones: Android

Best for most users

Samsung Galaxy S24: free with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
If you're looking for a decent all-arounder, the standard Galaxy S24 is a great option right now. For a reasonable price you get the same powerful chipset as in the S24 Ultra (the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, and several new AI features that bring it into line with the latest Pixel devices. Depending on your eligibility, it's usually possible to get this particular device for free alongside a new unlimited data plan at AT&T if you have a relatively decent device ready to trade in. Check out our Samsung Galaxy S24 review for a detailed look at this flagship.

Best value

Google Pixel 8a: $14.45 $5.99/mo with an unlimited plan
Google's 'A' series smartphones have always offered a solid mid-range choice for those who want decent specs on a budget. The Pixel 8a is the latest iteration in the range and remains core to the concept of bringing key components from the main Pixel 8 to a more friendly price point. Subsequently, you'll get an outwardly similar design, Tensor 3 chipset, and a 120Hz display with this outstanding device. Outside of the camera, which isn't quite as good as the Pixel 8, this one holds up great versus the other models in the range. See our Google Pixel 8a review for a full run-down of this particular phone.

Best of the best

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: save $1,000 at AT&T with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is our favorite in the latest range from Samsung - but it's also the priciest by far. Nonetheless, if you're flush with cash and only want the best, this is an incredible flagship device packed with the latest tech. Inside, you get a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, improved battery life, and some of the best cameras you'll find anywhere on a mobile device right now. Generally speaking. AT&T's trade-in rebates consistently offer up to $1,000 off with an eligible rebate, so you can usually cut that hefty price tag right down to size. See our Galaxy S24 Ultra review for a full rundown of this device.

Best AT&T phones: FAQ

AT&T phones: Your options explained

TechRadar's guide to finding the best AT&T phone for you

We've reviewed the contenders for best AT&T phone, and compared the value to the price. Ignoring any personal preferences and/or biases towards specific operating systems, be it Android or iOS, we've picked AT&T's best phones in a number of categories.

All of these phones are available through an AT&T installment plan, which spreads the cost of the phone over a set amount of time. For this article, we've looked at the AT&T plans that spread the cost of the phone over 30 months, with an option for upgrade after 80-percent of the device's sales price is paid off.

How to choose the best AT&T phones for you:

From zero installments to $30 or more a month, AT&T's best phones come in at all prices. And, you always have the option to pay the full price of the device upfront. How much you want to pay for a new phone is up to you, but the best phones don't come cheap.

For the maximum value, we always recommend trading in your older device. While trade-in rebates can vary drastically depending on the age and also price of the older phone, it's a great way to shave some cost off. If you're not looking to trade in then there are also a ton of discounts available on certain devices when you pick them up with a fresh plan. These devices don't tend to be the latest or most feature-laden devices on the market, but there are a number of good flagships still available via this method.

Now find the best AT&T plan

Once you've picked out the best AT&T phone, you're going to want to pair it with the best AT&T plan. We've looked at all AT&T has to offer and have all the details on AT&T plans here. If you're interested in casting the net out further, then check out the best Verizon phones available right now, or alternatively save some cash with this week's best cell phone deals.

Over the last several years, Mark has been tasked as a writer, an editor, and a manager, interacting with published content from all angles. He is intimately familiar with the editorial process from the inception of an article idea, through the iterative process, past publishing, and down the road into performance analysis.

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