Whether you are a current AT&T subscriber or maybe you want to come on board, the most basic thing you’ll want to do is check our list of the best Android phones available via the carrier’s stores and also those that are compatible with AT&T’s bands but only sold as unlocked via Amazon and the likes.
We have also covered the best Android phones at T-Mobile, which should be helpful to you or your friends and family who are using the Magenta carrier. Also, check out our detailed roundup article on the best Verizon phones and the best Android phones at Sprint.
Since everyone has their own preferences when scouting the market for a new phone, we have divided this article into several categories based on how much you’re willing to spend on your new device.
The best AT&T phones
There are some great phones at AT&T but getting the best can be hindered by the asking price. Luckily, you can get them on a contract.
While the unlocked market can also be attractive thanks to the vast number of devices available to pick from, the fact that outright payment is required may also be a stumbling block to some.
That said, here are the best AT&T Android phones you can buy right now:
Best Premium Smartphones ($650+)
If you have enough money to spare, the AT&T marketplace is a great place to be at. AT&T, who happens to be one of the leading telecom companies in the United States, houses the most popular flagships in the world, and we’re here to help you pick the best two.
Google Pixel 4 XL
Google’s latest flagships, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, are both impeccable devices in their own right. But if we were to pick only one device of the two, we’d easily recommend the bigger, all-powerful Pixel 4 XL. Yes, it costs around $130 more than the regular Pixel 4, but we don’t think you’d mind spending the big bucks when you take the significantly bigger battery and sharper screen into consideration. Now, with that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why you should consider the Pixel 4 XL.
Reasons to consider Pixel 4 XL
- Android 10 out of the box; three more guaranteed OS upgrades
- Snapdragon 855 chipset alongside 6 GB of RAM guarantees unflinching performance
- 6.3-inch, QHD+, 90Hz, AMOLED display
- Advanced Face Unlock thanks to Soli radar
- Improved camera setup, now with two rear shooters
Buy on AT&T: $959.99 | $32 (30-month contract)
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
Yes, after Pixel 4, we are once again picking the biggest member of Samsung’s 2019 flagship family. Note 10, of course, has its perks, but the Galaxy S10 Plus, which came out earlier this year, offers more value for money. So, it doesn’t make much sense to go for the smaller Note 10 only because of the S-Pen. Note 10 Plus, on the other hand, offers the best of Samsung, delivering arguably the most refined smartphone experience ever. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you must consider Samsung’s latest offering.
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note 10 Plus
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display
- S-Pen with Air Gestures support
- Triple rear cameras for a variety of shooting modes and crystal clear images
- A beefy 4300 mAh battery
- Refined One UI skin; Android 10 confirmed
Buy on AT&T: $1099.99 | $36.67 (30-month contract)
Best Mid-Range Smartphones ($300-$650)
Premium smartphones are fun, of course, but we can’t always manage to spend a fortune on our daily driver. Sometimes, we need to find the device that fits the bill and gets the job done as we require. Here are the two best mid-range devices you could buy on AT&T.
Razer Phone 2
The second iteration of the Razer Phone is undoubtedly one of the best phones your money can buy right now. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and carrying 8 GB of RAM, this is the best mid-range offering from AT&T. Razer, who has a reputation for manufacturing bleeding-edge gaming hardware, has left no stone unturned to make Razer Phone 2 a gaming powerhouse. Yes, software updates are an issue, but you won’t probably miss them after getting your hands on Razer’s work of art.
Reasons to buy Razer Phone 2
- Best-in-industry 5.7-inch QHD, 120Hz display
- Best-in-class gaming performance thanks to Snapdragon 845 and 8 GB RAM
- Dual camera assures dependable performance
- Beefy 4000mAh battery
But on AT&T: $399.99 | $13.34 (30-month contract)
LG V35 ThinQ
LG hasn’t really been at the top of its game for a long time, but the company still has produced some really capable devices over the last couple of years. The South Korean OEM introduced V-series devices as all-inclusive entertainment units. The company’s latest V-series flagship, the V50 ThinQ, is the ultimate powerhouse in that regard, but V35 is nothing short of spectacular either. Thanks to its gorgeous OLED display, superbly accurate colors, and commendable stereo speakers, you never miss out on entertainment, even on the go. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you should consider the V35 ThinQ:
Reasons to consider V35 ThinQ
- Gorgeous 6-inch OLED HDR display
- Snapdragon 845 and 6 GB of RAM guarantees flawless performance
- Dependable 16MP rear camera
- Respectable 3300 mAh battery with fast charging
Buy on AT&T: $599.99 | $20 (30-month contract)
Best Budget Smartphones ($50-300)
To be honest, if you’re considering a budget smartphone, you’re likely to get better deals in the unlocked category. However, if you’re looking to stay faithful to your carrier — AT&T in this scenario — and continue using their perks, there are a couple of smartphones worth considering.
LG Stylo 5+
As mentioned earlier, there aren’t many good options in the budget category. So, in various ways, the Stylo 5+ is pretty much your best bet in getting something decent out of your hard-earned cash. The device won’t turn many heads for sure, but it gets the job done quite effortlessly. Snapdragon 450 paired with 3 GB of RAM delivers reliable performance, but don’t expect a buttery-smooth experience. To top it off, the device comes with its very own stylus. So, if you want to have a taste of the Samsung Galaxy Note without breaking the bank, Stylo 5+ may be your best bet.
Reasons to consider Stylo 5+
- Handsome 6.2-inch FHD+ display
- Snapdragon 450 and 3 GB RAM offers dependable performance
- 3500 mAh battery offers enough power to survive the day
Buy from AT&T: $299.99 | $10 (30-month contract)
Samsung A10e
Lately, Samsung has been pretty aggressive about expanding its business in the United States, especially in the budget category. While the S-series and Note-series devices have been bumping up the company’s sales in the premium segment, the South Korean OEM has struggled heavily to get a foothold in the opposite end of the spectrum.
The Galaxy A10e is the company’s cheapest offering in the United States, but that shouldn’t discourage you from giving it a fair shot. The well-built device comes with few bells and whistles, but the Exynos 7884B chipset alongside 2 GB of RAM takes care of daily tussles just fine.
Reasons to consider A10e
- Respectable 5.83-inches HD+ display
- Dependable performance thanks to Exynos 7884B chipset
- Decent 8MP rear shooter
Buy from AT&T: $210 | $7 (30-month contract)
Alternative:
If you don’t mind having a little older device, be sure to take a look at Moto G6 Play. At only $180, the Moto smartphone delivers respectable performance, offering you great value for your money.
Which one is the best Android phone at AT&T in your opinion? Do you think AT&T direly needs some good budget phones from the likes of Huawei, Xiaomi, and Motorola? With 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage on offer on the likes of Honor 8X, would you even need to spend top dollar on flagship phones?
