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Best AT&T Phones in 2023

Whether you want the latest iPhone 15 or a shiny Android phone, these are the best smartphones on AT&T right now.

Updated Oct. 27, 2023 4:37 p.m. PT

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Written by  Andrew Lanxon
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Andrew Lanxon headshot
Andrew Lanxon Editor At Large, Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
Expertise Smartphones, Photography, iOS, Android, gaming, outdoor pursuits Credentials
  • Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022
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$799 at Apple
The iPhone 15 in someone's hand
Best iPhone for most people
iPhone 15
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$999 at Apple
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best premium iPhone
iPhone 15 Pro
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$699 at Best Buy
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Google's best gets better
Google Pixel 7 Pro
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$1,200 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S23
Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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$499 at Best Buy
Google's Pixel 7A phone
Best Android phone for $500
Google Pixel 7A
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$450 at Samsung
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A great, affordable Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
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$245 at Amazon
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Cheapest Google phone
Google Pixel 6A
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$1,000 at Samsung
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Best foldable phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
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$170 at Motorola
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You can get some of the best smartphones available on AT&T, including the likes of Apple's iPhone 15 ProSamsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google's great all-round flagship Pixel 7 Pro. But it isn't just the most expensive, flashiest phones you can get, as AT&T also offers a great lineup of more affordable devices, including the Google Pixel 7A and the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G -- both of which are 5G-enabled for taking advantage of those super fast data speeds.

No matter what you want or use the phone for, there's a device for you. To simplify the decision, we've rounded up our top picks. Each phone on this list meets the requirements for what CNET considers to be a best T-Mobile smartphone. Every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, and you'll find options across iPhone and Android that fit different needs and different budgets. Below we've picked the best T-Mobile phones you can get this year. Read on to learn more about the best AT&T phone for meeting your particular smartphone needs, and check out our tips for how to buy a new phone.

What is the best AT&T phone for most people?

The best phone for iPhone fans is the $799 iPhone 15. It has one of Apple's most recent processors, the A16 Bionic chip found in last year's iPhone 14 Pro, meaning it should support new software features for years to come. The iPhone 15 has the best balance of camera performance and features (like the Dynamic Island) that will feel new to those coming from older iPhones to satisfy most people.

For more info, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs and take a look at our tips on how to buy a new Apple iPhone or Android phone and where to snag the best phone deals

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$799 at Apple

Best iPhone for most people

iPhone 15

With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and an upgraded camera with a higher resolution and a crisper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for those with older iPhones. It feels like a scaled back version of the iPhone 14 Pro, making Apple's entry-level iPhone 15 feel like a bigger leap forward than last year's.

The iPhone 15 is available in two size options: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the same chip as iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic, which should bring notable performance upgrades to those with an iPhone that's several years old. These phones also have Apple's second-generation ultra wideband chip, enabling a new feature that makes it easier to find friends or family members in a crowd. 

Last year's iPhone 14 Pro may be a better choice if you can still find it through third-party retailers at a discount, particularly because it has a dedicated telephoto lens. But the iPhone 15 is the most exciting upgrade Apple's standard iPhone has seen in years. Read our iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review

Pros: 

  • USB-C port for more convenient charging.
  • Colorful matte design.
  • Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits.
  • Dynamic Island brings better multitasking.

Cons:

  • No always-on display.
  • Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 phones.
  • Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value.
  • Galaxy S23 offers a longer optical zoom.
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$999 at Apple

Best premium iPhone

iPhone 15 Pro

Apple gave its Pro models a glow-up with a refreshed lighter build, a new shortcut button and the world's smallest processor. And it did all this while managing to keep that tried-and-true iPhone aesthetic front and center. They also made more of a differentiation between the Pro and Pro Max model. The 15 Pro also still has the same familiar 3x telephoto camera found on previous models, while the Pro Max takes that zoom further with a 5x lens.

The brain behind the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, which has the performance chops to handle console tier video games like Resident Evil Village. If the A17 Pro chip is the brains, then iOS 17 is the 15 Pro and Pro Max's soul. The new OS is filled with lots of quality of life improvements throughout like StandBy mode, Check-In, Stickers in Messages and better autocorrect for the keyboard.
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are some of the best phones released by Apple or any phone maker this year. Read our Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max review.

Pros: 

  • Lighter and more comfortable to hold
  • A17 Pro for console video games
  • Being able to change the focus in Portrait photos is welcome
  • Easier and cheaper to repair back glass

Cons: 

  • Action button can only trigger one action
  • Baseline 15 Pro Max is $100 more
  • The only color option is blue
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$699 at Best Buy

Google's best gets better

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google's Pixel 7 Pro packs great cameras and slick software into a refreshed design that makes it one of the best phones launched in the last couple of years. We liked it so much we awarded it a CNET Editors' Choice award for its combination of excellent all-round performance and slightly more affordable price.

Pros:

  • Stellar camera with awesome new features
  • Design refinements look classy
  • Android 13 is bliss to use

Cons:

  • Battery life is only OK
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$1,200 at Samsung

Best premium Android phone

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Galaxy S23 is a lot, but in a good way. It's more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera's resolution (200 megapixels compared with 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There's also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that's been optimized specifically for Samsung's phones, which brings faster performance compared with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. 

Starting at $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won't be disappointed. Read our full review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Pros:

  • Fast performance
  • Excellent main camera, especially in low light
  • Bright screen
  • Included stylus
  • Double the storage in the base model
  • Four years of Android OS updates

Cons:

  • High price
  • Photos don't always look natural, especially selfies
  • No improvements to fast charging
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$499 at Best Buy

Best Android phone for $500

Google Pixel 7A

Google's budget phone took a leap forward in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which offers many of the same benefits as the Pixel 7 but at a cheaper price. Like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google's Tensor G2 processor, meaning it has many of the same photo editing and language translation features as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A's 64-megapixel camera also takes excellent photos that rival the Pixel 7's in quality. 

While we still like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A's lower price makes it a better deal for most people. Only opt for the Pixel 7 if you really want a slightly larger screen and are willing to pay the extra $100 for it. Otherwise, the main differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A come down to the former's more durable build, slightly faster charging and its ability to wirelessly charge compatible accessories. The Pixel 7 also has a larger camera sensor that's more sensitive to light, according to Google, but CNET's Lisa Eadicicco didn't notice much of a difference.

Pros:

  • Excellent camera
  • Many of the same features as the Pixel 7 at a cheaper price
  • Attractive design
  • Gains wireless charging, face unlock and high refresh rate

Cons:

  • Screen still looks dim outdoors
  • Higher price compared with Pixel 6A at launch
  • Only three generations of Android OS updates compared with Samsung's four
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$450 at Samsung

A great, affordable Samsung Galaxy phone

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Though it's one of the cheapest phones you can buy from Samsung, the Galaxy A54 stills packs great features, like 5G connectivity, a decent multiple rear camera setup, solid battery life and power enough for your everyday essentials. It looks pretty, too, and it's one of the few remaining phones that lets you expand the built-in storage using microSD cards. 

It's a great all-round budget phone, although generally we found that the Pixel 6A offers better camera and processor performance, and it costs less than the Samsung.

Pros:

  • Big, vibrant screen
  • Expandable storage
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Processor and camera performance lags behind cheaper Pixel 6A
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$245 at Amazon

Cheapest Google phone

Google Pixel 6A

CNET's Lisa Eadicicco called the Google Pixel 6A the "best Android phone under $500" in her review, calling out its solid performance, its 5G connectivity and its excellent camera for its price.

It's since been replaced by the Pixel 7A which offers better processor and camera performance, but you can still pick the 6A up for an even lower price. 

The phone has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 60Hz along with a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. The Tensor chip allows for photo technology including the Real Tone skin tone feature, Face Unblur, Night Sight for darker photography and the Magic Eraser, which can remove unwanted elements from a photo.

Pros:

  • Great camera
  • Affordable price
  • Premium design for a midtier phone
  • Among the first to get new Android updates

Cons:

  • Somewhat dim display
  • Not a great value alongside discounted Pixel 6
  • Not as many years of guaranteed Android updates as Samsung
  • Video quality isn't as good as still photos
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$1,000 at Samsung

Best foldable phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsug's flip phone has seen in years. Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen located on the outside of the device, meaning you can look up directions, take photos and send messages without opening the phone. It's this combined with the Z Flip's solid battery life and sturdy design that makes it a top pick.

The Z Flip 5 may be our favorite flip phone, but there are still some drawbacks to be aware of. At $1,000, it's still expensive for a phone without a telephoto camera. And not all apps work natively on the front screen as they do on the Motorola Razr Plus.

Pros:

  • Big cover screen is fun to use
  • New hinge eliminates the gap when closed
  • Solid battery life
  • More storage in base model

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not all apps work on the cover screen natively
  • Apps don't transition from main screen to cover screen
  • Minimal camera updates
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$170 at Motorola

Best budget phone with a stylus

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G

If you're looking for a good budget phone that comes with a basic stylus and support for 5G, then the Moto G Stylus 5 is a great pick. The cell phone features a stylus that you can store inside the phone along with a built-in Notes app to help with productivity. This phone also offers a triple-rear camera, 128GB of internal storage and a robust 4,000-mAh battery.

Pros:

  • Large, useful cover screen
  • Crease is barely visible
  • Thin design
  • Good battery life
  • Fun photography features like photo previews

Cons:

  • Not as many Android updates as Samsung
  • Flex View feels limited
  • Front screen gathers fingerprint smudges easily
  • $1,000 is still expensive
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Other phones we tested

On the outside, the $699 iPhone 14 inherits the iPhone 13's tried and true flat-sided aluminum design. On the inside, Apple essentially repackaged the iPhone 13 Pro, sans the telephoto camera and high-refresh-rate screen. The result is lovely and the iPhone 14 is a good upgrade for most people. It has a number of safety tools including Crash Detection and satellite connectivity for sending emergency messages when you're out of range of a cell tower. The iPhone 14 also got an internal redesign that helps dissipate heat better and allows its glass back to be repaired more easily and for less money.

How to buy an AT&T phone

Shop the sales: Look for discounts and deals around holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday.

Ponder what you want most: Do you want a phone with a long battery life? Is camera quality the most important feature? Do you need a big screen? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example, pack incredible cameras. If you're a photographer, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can save yourself a bundle.

Look at cheaper phones: You can get a great phone that does almost everything a more expensive phone can do for a fraction of the price.

Consider last year's phones: Carriers and phone makers often keep phones from the previous year around at a discount.

Buy a case and screen protector: You'll protect your phone from costly damage, and will increase the phone's resale or trade-in value for when you're ready to move on.

How we test phones

We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.

The author holding the Z Flip 5 up to take a photo.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 4. But the new chip brings some image processing improvements.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Photography

Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as Action mode that debuted with the iPhone 14 line, or the Unblur photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 7 series.

Battery life

Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn't always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.

Performance measuring

We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone's performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Of note are how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.

A man holding an iPhone 14 Pro outdoors on a remote hillside

Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.

Read more: How We Test Phones

Phone FAQs

What makes a good phone camera?

All of today's phones pack some kind of camera setup on the back, with most packing multiple ones like ultrawides or telephoto zooms. More expensive phones, like the iPhone 15 Pro, use larger image sensors, better-quality lenses and image stabilization that let in more light, capturing detailed images with beautiful colors -- in daylight and at night. Typically, the more you pay, the better quality you'll get, with the most advanced features being reserved for the most expensive flagships.

What is the best phone case?

There's a vast array of case options for almost every phone on the market, so which one is best really comes down to what you need it for. Many cases are simply there for the style. And while these cases will certainly help keep light scratches and scuffs off your phone, you should look toward more specialized rugged cases if you want to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble adventure into the outdoors.

How long should a phone battery last?

Most smartphones -- even those at the top end -- should be able to deliver a full day of mixed use out of a single charge. That means you should have a bit of juice left at the end of your day, but you should expect to give it a full charge when you plug it in next to your bed at night.

How much storage should my phone have?

Most phones tend to come with a minimum of 128GB of storage, which is a good amount for apps, games and locally stored music. But it's important to think about what you'll be doing with your phone. If you want to download and play a lot of games, then consider opting for a higher-capacity version.

What makes a phone a smartphone?

Smartphones let you do more than just make calls; they connect to the internet for web browsing, you can download apps and games, and they typically have cameras capable of taking -- and displaying -- photos and videos. In short, they're just what we know of today as a "phone," and everything on this list qualifies as a smartphone.

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