Verizon Wireless is the largest mobile carrier in the US and one which has had a strong influence on Android’s growth thanks to its ‘Droid Does’ campaign. We still have fond memories of the Droid Does thing even when the Droid brand is no longer as strong as it was back in the day. Nevertheless, Droid device or not, Verizon offers you some of the best Android phones in each segment for purchase, and we are here to help break down its portfolio of Android phones to help you make that okay-I-am-buying-this decision easily.
As it has been the case every year, you have some of the best from Samsung, LG, and Google available on contract with Verizon, but these devices offer a variety of features and have their own ups and downs when it comes to design, features, updates, price, and overall experience. Also, OnePlus has finally jumped aboard the Verizon ship, which is a welcome move. So, let’s talk about which one is the most suitable for you.
In 2019, it’s quite natural to be overwhelmed by the number of smartphones we have on the market. Samsung, LG, Google, OnePlus — all have unveiled their 2019 flagships, and we are having a hard time picking the best of the lot.
The largest telecom company in the United States, Verizon, has an enviable stock of highest-end flagships. Sadly, you won’t be able to get your hands on the OnePlus 7/7T, here. So, if you’re determined to bring one of OnePlus’ flagships home, the best bet would be to get them unlocked and activate on Verizon, later.
Galaxy Note 10 Plus
After striking gold with the Galaxy S10 lineup in early 2019, Samsung released the Galaxy Note 10 in August, hoping to recapture the magic. For the first time ever, Samsung launched two variants of a Galaxy Note device — the regular Note 10 and the bigger Note 10 Plus. While both devices have their own set of perks, we can’t help but pick the all-powerful Note 10 Plus over its sibling.
The Note 10 Plus costs $150 more than the regular Note 10. But if you’re already prepared to walk the distance and invest around $1000 on a smartphone, we presume you’re in the market only for the best. The Note 10 Plus offers the best of Samsung in a ridiculously attractive package and demands to burn a hole in your pocket for it. From stunning photography to a super-crisp screen and more, if you crave the Note experience, don’t wait to dive in.
Reasons to consider Note 10 Plus
- Superb 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display
- Quad rear-camera setup ensures top-notch photography
- Beefy 4300 mAh battery
- Improved S-Pen, now with Air Gestures
Buy on Verizon: $1099.99 | $45.83/month (24-month contract)
Google Pixel 4 XL
Like the Note 10 Plus, Pixel 4 XL is also the clear winner over its sibling. Google’s latest and greatest flagships, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL both tick the right boxes, but the more expensive Pixel 4 steals the cake quite comfortably.
Both siblings come with identical specs, but the bigger battery (2800 mAh vs 3700 mAh) and better screen (5.57-inch FHD+ vs 6.3-inch QHD+) puts 4 XL ahead of its less-expensive counterpart. They both come with the same internals, sensors, cameras, and software support. So, you’re covered in all departments except for the two mentioned above. It’s to be noted that the Pixel 4 XL will set you back $100 more than its smaller sibling. So, if you’re not too bothered about your phone lasting the whole day or having an even crispier display, feel free to opt for the regular Pixel 4.
Reasons to pick Pixel 4 XL
- Gorgeous 90Hz, QHD+ AMOLED display
- Supersmooth performance thanks to Snapdragon 855 chipset
- Respectable 6 GB of RAM
- Best-in-class dual camera
- Android 10 out of the box; three more major Android OS updates guaranteed
Buy on Verizon: $899 | $37.49/month (24-month plan)
Don’t have $1000 to spare on your new smartphone? Verizon respectable collection of mid-range devices makes sure you don’t need to. Sure the collection isn’t as extensive as the premium section of the market, but if you know your devices, you’re not like to be disappointed.
Google Pixel 3a XL
Following Pixel 3/3 XL’s astounding reception, Google introduced two new Pixel 3 devices in May 2019, branding them as entry-level Pixel smartphones. The company cut a few corners, of course, but the price to performance ratio is arguably even more impressive than the Pixel 3 duo.
Yes, you lose wireless charging, Pixel 3’s top-tier processor, and a bit of screen real estate, but you still bag most of the features that made Pixel 3 great. The camera is just as powerful, you’ll get just as many software updates, the performance is really impressive, and it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. The Pixel 3a XL costs $80 more than the Pixel 3a, but we think the bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 3700 mAh) and screen (5.6-inch vs 6-inch) more than makeup for it.
Reasons to consider Pixel 3a XL
- Impressive performance thanks to Snapdragon 670 and 4 GB of RAM
- Best-in-class camera performance
- Three years of guaranteed OS updates
- Impressive battery life
Buy on Verizon: $479.99 | $17.91/month (24-month plan)
Samsung Galaxy A50
If you’re skeptical about spending around $500 dollar on a budget smartphone, be sure to check out Samsung’s mid-tier offering. Unlike Samsung’s premium flagships, the A50 won’t necessarily turn too many heads, but the device is in no way a slouch either.
The South Korean OEM seems to have crafted the device for people who use their device for entertainment. A humongous AMOLED screen, big battery, versatile front and rear cameras, solid performance, and a sleek aesthetic package — Samsung has really gone all out with the A50.
Reasons to consider Samsung Galaxy A50
- Best-in-segment 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display
- Exynos 9610 and 4 GB of RAM guarantees smooth performance
- 25MP front camera, ideal for Instagram snaps
- Wide-angle lens on a budget
Buy on Verizon: $349 | $10 (24-month plan)
Best Budget Smartphones
Have under $300 to spare? Be sure to consider these two excellent budget offerings.
Moto G7 Power
Over the years, we’ve seen Motorola lose its foothold in the business. The company doesn’t have good enough devices to capture the upper end of the market, but they still have some good enough devices in the mid-range/upper mid-range section.
The Moto G7 Power is one of the company’s more budget-conscious offerings, specially designed for people who need prolonged battery life. As the name suggests, the humongous battery is the device’s USP, but that’s not all you get. It comes with a decent camera, a respectably snappy chipset, and a best-in-class screen.
Reasons to consider G7 Power
- Huge 5000 mAh battery
- Snapdragon 632 and 3 GB RAM deliver respectable performance
- 6.2-inch HD+ display great for entertainment
Buy on Verizon: $240 | $5 (24-month plan)
Samsung Galaxy A20
Samsung has been one of the biggest players when the premium segment of the market is considered. But the South Korean OEM has struggled quite a bit to get a foothold in the world of budget-conscious buyers, especially in the United States.
The Samsung Galaxy A20 is one of the cheapest (just behind the A10 and A10e) devices the company’s built in a while. It doesn’t have much to turn heads, but it gets the job done without a hitch. A good screen, a big battery, a powerful camera, and all tucked in nicely inside a pretty-looking package — you can’t really go wrong with the A20.
Reasons to consider Samsung Galaxy A20
- Gorgeous 6.4-inch HD+ AMOLED display ensures seamless entertainment
- 13MP rear shooter for pretty decent camera performance
- 4000 mAh powerful battery to help you get through the day
Buy on Verizon: $249.99 | $5 (24-month plan)
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