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.
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
- There’s a new iPhone! iPhone 13 deals now available
AT&T phones: iPhones
Best Apple phone
Apple iPhone 13: free with an eligible trade-in and new unlimited data plan
The brand new iPhone 13 is going to be the best iOS choice for most users for late 2021 and early 2022. While it’s not the biggest upgrade over the iPhone 12 (both are 5G and feature the same basic design), its newly upgraded processor, camera system, and huge battery life make it the flagship to beat right now. Plus, AT&T’s introductory deals on this device have been really, really competitive this year, making it all the more tempting.
Best value
Apple iPhone 12: $20.28 $15/mo with unlimited plan at AT&T
AT&T’s latest promotion on the iPhone 12 is a good option if you’re looking for a 5G flagship device but don’t have a device to hand over as part of a trade-in rebate. Simply pick up this device with a new line on an unlimited data plan and you’ll get a nice $5 discount on your device cost per month. It’s not a huge discount, but it’s much cheaper overall than buying an iPhone 13 upfront at this carrier.
Best for power users
Apple iPhone 13 Pro: free with an eligible trade-in and new unlimited data plan
For Apple fans who only want the best, consider the iPhone 13 Pro – the current premium flagship from Apple. Like the standard iPhone 13, Apple has upped the battery life, processor, and camera for this latest iteration, although it’s also the first iPhone ever to rock a 120Hz refresh rate display. This makes everything silky smooth on its gorgeous OLED liquid-retina display, although you’ll pay a premium for it of course…
AT&T phones: Android
Best for most users
Samsung Galaxy S21: free at AT&T with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
New for early 2021 at AT&T is Samsung’s latest flagship Android device – the Galaxy S21. Continuing where last year’s excellent S20 left off, the Galaxy S21 features 5G, an upgraded Snapdragon 888 chipset, and a 120Hz HD+ 6.2-inch display – all while coming in at a lower asking price than last year’s device. That lower price also means you can potentially score a device for free at AT&T with a trade-in right now too.
Best non-Samsung Android
Google Pixel 6: starting from $15/month with trade-in ($959 retail)
You can get a clean Android experience from Google with the Pixel 6. The phone features a completely redesigned aesthetic, a brand-new Google Tensor chip, and a host of camera improvements too – it’s the biggest step up yet in the Pixel line and a true competitor to the likes of Samsung and Apple. Even better still, AT&T’s introductory offer for this device is offering it up for just $15 a month without the need for a trade-in.
Best value
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: $19.45 $10/mo with an unlimited plan
If you’re looking for a great value 5G compatible Android device that doesn’t break the bank, consider AT&T’s deals on the Galaxy S20 FE. This device is a little older now but it’s got a great processor, screen, and camera – it’s pretty much a steal at this price if you’re not too bothered about getting the latest flagship.
Best of the best
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: save $800 at AT&T with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
For those looking for a top-of-the-line device, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a device more powerful than the newest flagship from Samsung – the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Featuring a beautiful metal-chassis, quad rear camera array, and stunning 6.8-inch 120Hz display, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is an expensive purchase, but a worthwhile one for those looking for the best of the best.
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.
