Finding the best AT&T phones can be an arduous task, but we’re here to take all the hassle out of finding your ideal handset. Each phone offers a range of fantastic features, including great camera quality, long-lasting battery, and high-performing hardware that’s powerful enough for on-the-go gaming. You know, but who doesn’t like playing a few games of COD Mobile on-the-go?
When it comes to the best cell phone providers in the US, there’s no doubt that AT&T should be on that list. They offer a wide range of plans with diverse data offerings and various price points, along with plenty of device options to choose from, including many of the best 5G phones.
Why you can trust our advice ✔ At Pocket Tactics, our experts spend days testing games, phones, tech, and services. We always share honest opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.
Best AT&T phones in 2024:
The best AT&T phone overall
iPhone 15 Pro Max specifications:
Display |
6.7″ 120HZ Super Retina XDR OLED (1290 x 2796) |
Battery |
4,441 mAh |
Chipset |
Apple A17 Pro |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
256GB-1TB |
Reasons to buy
- Gorgeous display
- Unrivaled performance
- Excellent camera
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive
- Insufficient cooling
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which is more efficient than the previous A16 bionic chip featured in earlier iOS devices.
And, of course, the display – while unchanged from the iPhone 14 Pro Max – is sublime, sporting an OLED 120Hz panel that supports always-on functionality.
As always, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera is brilliant, with more priority placed on user control than previous models, and a great telephoto lens that allows you to take clear shots from a distance. Additionally, the 15 series introduces a feature we’ve be wanting for a long time – it finally charges via USB-C rather than lightning.
On the downside, this device comes at an undeniably premium price tag, and it’s unlikely to drop any time soon. Its battery life also isn’t the best, and on launch, there were some reports of overheating, though Apple seems to have addressed this now.
Read our full iPhone 15 Pro Max review here.
The best AT&T phone for photos
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specifications:
Display |
6.8″ 120Hz AMOLED (1440 x 3088) |
Battery |
5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
RAM |
8-12GB |
Storage |
256GB-1TB |
Reasons to buy
- Incredible camera
- Can capture 8K video
- Great display
Reasons to avoid
- Very expensive
- Quite large
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a terrific flagship phone that brings together the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note lines. The camera array is one of the best in the entire market, and Samsung’s computational photography features even help you to edit and fix your photos once taken.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is perfect for streamers and content creators, thanks to its 8K video capabilities. When you combine that with the excellent chipset, RAM, and memory, you have an excessively powerful phone in your hands.
If you’re into mobile gaming, just imagine how smoothly the likes of Genshin Impact runs – thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset – never mind how gorgeous it looks with a luscious 120Hz AMOLED screen. Better still, the 5000 mAh battery and fast charge mean you can rely on this smartphone for long gaming sessions and can trust it to last you the day.
To get a cell phone of this caliber, you’re looking at a large price tag, regardless of where you purchase it. So, if you have the funds to spare, make no mistake, this is a terrific device, but if you want something that’s more modest, this isn’t the phone for you. Alternatively, if you want to stick to Samsung but would like to see what other options are available, check out our list of the best Samsung phones.
The best mid-range AT&T phone
Google Pixel 7 specifications:
Display |
6.3-inch 90Hz AMOLED (1080 x 2400) |
Battery |
4,355 mAh |
Chipset |
Google Tensor G2 |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
128-256GB |
Reasons to buy
- Fantastic cameras
- Smooth performance
- Top-tier display
Reasons to avoid
- Gets hot while gaming
- Lacking performance power
- Can’t capture 8k videos
The Google Pixel 7 is a solid middle-of-the-road smartphone. For its price, you do get a decent device that ticks a number of boxes – it has a great camera, good charging speeds, and a bright AMOLED display (though at 6.3 inches, it has one of the smaller screens on this list).
While the camera doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Google Pixel 7 still has an impressive piece of kit, as you can capture 4K images and videos at 1080p with 60 fps. The 90Hz screen refresh rate is decent, too.
If you’re after a good value phone for a reasonable price that has a good camera, can charge up to 50% in half an hour, and a lovely bright screen, look no further than the Google Pixel 7. Or, if you fancy seeing what the Pixel 7’s siblings have to offer, head over to our list of the best Google Pixel phones.
Read our full Google Pixel 7 review here.
iPhone 13
The best mid-range AT&T gaming phone
iPhone 13 specifications:
Display |
Super Retina XDR OLED 6.1” (1170 x 2532) |
Battery |
3240 mAh |
Chipset |
Apple A15 Bionic |
RAM |
4GB |
Storage |
128-512GB |
Reasons to buy
- Access to Apple Arcade games
- Beautiful display
- Supports most recent OS software
Reasons to avoid
- Older model
- Limited refresh rate
If you fancy a solid gaming phone but don’t want to pay for the pricey iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 13 may be the device for you. It may not be as powerful as some of the other options on this list, but it’s a very well-priced option. It’s more than capable of running the best Apple Arcade games, and offers plenty of value for money.
Why pay more if all you’re after is a cell phone that is good for gaming as well as everyday use? The iPhone 13 takes well-balanced and sharp images, even if it doesn’t quite match the caliber of Apple’s most recent flagship device.
The iPhone 13 is a few generations old now, but continues to keep up to date with the latest OS systems, meaning you still get the most up-to-date software Apple offers, and it maintains reliable performance despite its age.
Internal storage extends up to 512GB with the iPhone 13, giving you plenty of room for photos, videos, and games. Plus, though the chipset is two generations behind, it’s still a good bit of kit that helps to ensure a smooth experience when playing games.
While the iPhone 13 may not size up against some of the fancier gaming phones like the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, it still stands its ground today.
The best budget AT&T phone
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G specifications:
Display |
6.6″ 90HZ PLS LCD (1080 x 2408) |
Battery |
5,000 mAh |
Chipset |
Mediatek Dimensity 700 |
RAM |
4/6GB |
Storage |
64/128GB |
Reasons to buy
- Affordable
- Vibrant display
- Solid battery life
Reasons to avoid
- Bland design
- Low RAM
- Mediocre storage capacity
The Samsung Galaxy A14 isn’t going to win a specs competition, but it’s by far the most affordable phone on this list. It’s also 5G compatible, giving you access to faster and more reliable data speeds on the cheap.
Design-wise, the Samsung Galaxy A14 comes in one solid black color and lacks any real innovation in its appearance. The RAM and storage are also at the lower end for both, which is another consequence of a device in this price bracket.
The chipset is none too impressive either, it can run games, but it’s not likely to be as smooth as a phone that boasts Snapdragon tech (especially those with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets). The Mediatek Dimensity 700 gear can still scratch that gaming itch, just don’t expect it to compete with the best Samsung phones.
One major benefit of this smartphone is the 5000 mAh battery that can hold a charge well, making it a great pick for everyday use. It’s in a league of its own for the price and is a good first phone.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy A14 review here.
Best AT&T phone for photos
Samsung Galaxy S24 specifications:
Display |
6.2-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED (1080 x 2340 pixels) |
Battery |
4000 mAh, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging |
Chipset |
Exynos 2400 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the US) |
RAM |
8GB |
Storage |
128GB / 256GB |
Reasons to buy
- Compact and light
- Extremely powerful
- High performing camera
- Benefits from Galaxy AI features
Reasons to avoid
- Limited storage capacity
- Charging feels slow
- Gets fairly warm
- Hardware is similar to S23
If you’re hoping to get your hands on a solid gaming phone but don’t want an overly large model, the Samsung Galaxy S24 may be a good option for you. It may not offer as much storage as some of the other options on the list, but it’s still got plenty of fantastic features to offer.
Dubbed Galaxy’s flagship device for 2024, the S24 is a little more compact than you might expect. But regardless of its smaller size, it’s still an extremely fast little phone, and, not only that, it’s also deceptively powerful. When we put it to the test, we found that it performed just as well as the larger S24 Ultra model.
While the camera specifications are the same as those on the S23, thanks to changes in how Samsung processes images, the camera quality has been visibly improved and enhanced. Plus, thanks to the new Galaxy AI features that the S24 benefits from, editing images and video is quick and easy.
And that’s not all Samsung’s AI can do. Just like the Ultra, this model runs Samsung’s One UI 6.1, which ensures the phone is fully customizable, including supporting lock screen widgets, in addition to being able to stack them there. It’s also great for enhanced productivity, with the option of both voice and text notes, a range of translation options, and tools that can be used to alter writing tone.
If you’re looking for a phone with a higher amount of storage, the S24 – which is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage – probably isn’t the right option for you. But, if you’re looking for a phone that’s more compact, then the Samsung Galaxy S24 could be an option worth exploring.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S24 review here.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications:
Display |
6.8-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED (1440 x 3120 pixels) |
Battery |
5000 mAh, 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging |
Chipset |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
RAM |
12GB |
Storage |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
Reasons to buy
- Exceptionally powerful
- Incredible display
- Fantastic cameras
- Handy AI tools
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive
- Gets fairly warm
Dubbed Samsung’s ‘top-tier flagship for 2024’, it’s easy to see why the Samsung Galaxy S24 is such a popular choice with gamers. While it might not seem all that different from its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it has a range of perfectly polished features that make it a truly fantastic device, ideal for gaming and anything else that you might want to use it for.
If you’re looking for a phone that has a battery that lasts, the S24 Ultra is a great choice. On low-use days, one charge will get you through two days, which is a real testament to the power of the battery that the device offers. And, even on days when you spend hours gaming, the battery should easily last the entire day.
With the S24 Ultra featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Qualcomm’s most powerful chip), this model games like a total dream. It also features 12GB RAM and has a vapor chamber that’s been increased in size to help keep it cool while gaming – unfortunately, it does still get pretty hot when used for an extended period.
The main downside to this phone is the price, which was higher at launch than its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, last year. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone, this isn’t the one. But, if you’re happy to spend a little extra to get a really powerful gaming phone, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a great choice.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review here.
Best flip style AT&T phone
Motorola Razr 2024 specifications:
Display |
1080 x 1272, 417ppi (Cover), 1080 x 2640, 413ppi (Main) |
Battery |
4,000mAh |
Chipset |
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 3 |
RAM |
12 GB |
Storage |
256 GB |
Reasons to buy
- Great revamp of the Razr flip style
- Ample storage
- Gorilla Glass Display
Reasons to avoid
- Battery capacity is smaller
- Flip style can be divisive
The Motorola Razr 2024 is a great overhaul of the classic Razr design, beefing up the popular design with a few nifty tricks. Battery life might be on the smaller side compared to other phones on this list, but the awesome Snapdragon 8+ Gen 3 chipset keeps this handset moving with responsive processing power. The huge storage means you won’t struggle to keep all your apps on here, as well as your photos and videos. Alongside the 12 GB ram and two displays to use, this is a worthy redesign of a classic.
How we chose the best AT&T phones
Knowing what sets phones apart can be challenging in an industry that likes to bamboozle customers with buzzwords and specs. So, how do we choose the best AT&T phones?
The first thing we do is visit the AT&T website, taking a look at the various data plans and devices currently available. We then compared the models being offered, the plan options for each model, and how much data is being offered in each deal. We also compare the deals at AT&T against those offered by their competitors, to ensure that we’re able to offer options that are good value.
It’s also important to us that we’re selecting devices that offer good gaming experiences, combined with being great for day-to-day use, from work use to personal use – and everything in between. We look at factors like battery performance, RAM, storage, and longevity – we want to ensure that we’re picking phones that are durable and long-lasting.
We spend weeks testing phones in real life and benchmarking them before we make a recommendation. If you want to know how we test devices for all of the aforementioned features.
FAQs
Are AT&T phones good?
The simple answer is yes, AT&T phones are good, given that the provider offers all the latest flagship devices. AT&T offers phone plans from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, giving you the option of the best Android phone and the best gaming iPhone.
Having a high-performing device is no good if you can’t get any reception, though. Check AT&T’s wireless coverage across the US to determine how well your area is covered.
What’s the best AT&T phone for most people?
There isn’t one best AT&T phone for everyone, because we all have different spending power and brand preferences. Think about what you want and need from a phone, and what you will mostly use your phone for. Keen photographer? Pay closer attention to the camera specs. Conscious of security? You may want a built-in VPN as seen on the majority of new Google Pixel devices. Right now the Samsung Galaxy S24 is probably my top pick for price to performance.
Why choose AT&T over other wireless providers?
With so many wireless providers in the US, AT&T wins in some areas and falls behind others. What sets it apart from competitors is its strong and reliable service in both rural and urban areas alike. While most service providers aren’t able to offer strong rural coverage, AT&T did a build-out for FirstNet services, which has meant that the coverage offered to rural customers has vastly improved.
If you don’t want to go through AT&T to get a new device, check out what the competition is doing with the best Verizon phones and best T-Mobile phones. Alternatively, if you know what type of smartphone you’re after but want to narrow down your options, read through our best budget gaming phones, best foldable phones, and best 4G phones buying guides.