T-Mobile is consistently among our readers' favorite major carriers, and PCMag has been reviewing phones compatible with the wireless provider for two decades. The company's 5G network is fast and reliable; however, for optimal performance, it is recommended to use the latest handsets. We've collected our favorites below to help you pick the best T-Mobile-compatible phone for your needs. Among our Editors' Choice winners are the well-rounded Apple iPhone 17, the artist-ready Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the AI-assisted Google Pixel 10 Pro. However, all of our selections are worth considering, so be sure to check out the linked reviews below for each one to get all the details. We also include some helpful advice to keep in mind while shopping for your next T-Mobile phone.
Overview
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![Apple iPhone 17]()
Best iPhone for Most PeopleApple iPhone 17
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![Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra]()
Best for Artists and Note-TakersSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
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![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7]()
Best Folding PhoneSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
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![Google Pixel 10 Pro]()
Best Android Phone for Most PeopleGoogle Pixel 10 Pro
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![Samsung Galaxy A16 5G]()
Best Affordable Android PhoneSamsung Galaxy A16 5G
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![Google Pixel 9a]()
Best Midrange PhoneGoogle Pixel 9a
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![TCL Flip 4 5G]()
Best Voice PhoneTCL Flip 4 5G
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![Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max]()
Best for Content CreatorsApple iPhone 17 Pro Max
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![Motorola Razr Ultra]()
Best Flip PhoneMotorola Razr Ultra
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Apple iPhone 17]()
Best iPhone for Most PeopleApple iPhone 17
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Apple has beefed up its base model, so the iPhone 17 can easily compete with its Pro siblings and most rival flagships. It offers over 24 hours of battery life, fast wired charging, modern connectivity, and premium hardware in a single compact device. For most buyers, the iPhone 17 represents the smartest value.
Who It's For
Most iPhone users: Apple's iPhone 17 retains the classic look of past models while incorporating significant tech upgrades, making it an excellent performer. It offers most of the features of the high-end Pro models while keeping the price down to earth without sacrificing the necessities.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 24 hours, 31 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP; 18MP CPU Apple A19 Dimensions 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches Operating System iOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,622 by 1,206 pixels Screen Size 6.3 Learn More Apple iPhone 17 Review -
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![Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra]()
Best for Artists and Note-TakersSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premier flagship featuring a gorgeous screen, fast performance, long battery life, and powerful cameras that cover super-wide and 100x telephoto views. Galaxy AI-enhanced photo editing and assistant tools, along with S Pen stylus support, make it a productivity powerhouse. Most importantly, Samsung promises seven years of OS updates for it.
Who It's For
Samsung power users: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is packed with the latest hardware and bleeding-edge software from Samsung. Galaxy AI, the device's suite of AI tools, is in full effect and further enhanced with the S Pen. The stylus makes Sketch to Image and Circle to Search even easier than its S25 siblings.
Artists and note-takers: The S25 Ultra's S Pen stylus gives visual thinkers an easy way to record their ideas. If you need to map things out with shapes and arrows, the S Pen lets you do it intuitively, rather than rifling through menus.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 14 hours, 15 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Dimensions 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 3,120 by 1,440 pixels Screen Size 6.9 Learn More Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review -
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![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7]()
Best Folding PhoneSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 sharpens Samsung’s foldable formula, as it is thinner, lighter, and more durable than its predecessors. The two bright displays are gorgeous, the performance is strong, and the cameras take great photos and video. Galaxy AI adds practical features that make the big screen more useful on a day-to-day basis.
Who It's For
People who want the biggest screen: The Z Fold 7's massive internal screen gives you a tremendous amount of space for work or play, while it fits easily into a pocket in its folded form.
The occasional tablet user: The Z Fold 7 is superb if you're a power user who wants one device to replace both a phone and a small tablet. It's easier to carry one device rather than two.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 13 hours, 10 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Dimensions 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open Operating System Android 16 Screen Resolution 2,184 by 1,968 pixels Screen Size 8 Learn More Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review -
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![Google Pixel 10 Pro]()
Best Android Phone for Most PeopleGoogle Pixel 10 Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Pixel 10 Pro pairs Google’s best on-device AI with class-leading imaging. Its Tensor G5 enables sci-fi-level features, such as live in-call translation and natural-language photo editing, and Google’s seven-year update promise makes it a solid long-term investment.
Who It's For
Android enthusiasts: If you love getting the latest versions of Android, the Google Pixel is always at the forefront of updates. Additionally, since Google backs the Pixel 10 Pro with seven years of OS upgrades, the phone will remain current until 2033.
Shutterbugs: The Pixel 10 Pro boasts some of the best cameras we've seen on a phone, producing beautiful photos thanks to its advanced image processing pipeline. Editing your shots is a snap with the Pixel 10 Pro's easy-to-use AI features.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 12 hours, 40 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP CPU Google Tensor G5 Dimensions 6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches Operating System Android 16 Screen Resolution 2,856 by 1,280 pixels Screen Size 6.3 Learn More Google Pixel 10 Pro Review -
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![Samsung Galaxy A16 5G]()
Best Affordable Android PhoneSamsung Galaxy A16 5G
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is one of the best budget-friendly phones available. For less than $200, it provides a large screen, excellent battery life, capable cameras, and a long-term software commitment from Samsung. We're also fans microSD card slot and improved durability thanks to an IP54 rating.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious buyers: If you're shopping on a strict budget, the Galaxy A16 is an excellent value that can withstand the demands of daily life. Few phones in its price range offer a mix of good performance and features like this.
People who want a large screen: The A16 features a 6.7-inch, pixel-dense LCD that displays crisp images and boasts a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth animations. It's easily one of the phone's best features.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 13 hours 46 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP CPU Samsung Exynos 1330 Dimensions 6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches Operating System Android 14 Screen Resolution 2,340 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.7 Learn More Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review -
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![Google Pixel 9a]()
Best Midrange PhoneGoogle Pixel 9a
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 9a offers the most compelling features of other Pixel phones at a more affordable midrange price. It takes excellent photos thanks to quality hardware and Google's computational photography algorithms. Its beautiful 6.3-inch OLED display is visible even in bright sunlight, thanks to its maximum brightness of 2,700 nits. It also has the same Tensor G4 processor as the pricier Pixel 9 for swift AI performance.
Who It's For
Google fans on a budget: If you want a solid Android phone from Google at the lowest price, the Pixel 9a is your best bet. It's attractive, highly capable, and is set to receive OS and security updates for seven years.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 13 hours, 15 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 13MP; 13MP CPU Google Tensor G4 Dimensions 6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 2,424 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.3 Learn More Google Pixel 9a Review -
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![TCL Flip 4 5G]()
Best Voice PhoneTCL Flip 4 5G
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The TCL Flip 4 is a great voice phone with a big battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It also features a 5MP camera, which handles basic snaps. Wi-Fi and 5G data connectivity enable email access and can help keep you in the communications loop.
Who It's For
Technophobes: If you don't care to own a smartphone, but need at least a basic device for communication, the low-cost TCL Flip 4 5G gets the job done. Primarily, it works great for voice calls and has long battery life.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 20 hours Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 5MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Dimensions 4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches Operating System KaiOS Screen Resolution 240 by 320 pixels Screen Size 3.2 Learn More TCL Flip 4 5G Review -
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![Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max]()
Best for Content CreatorsApple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With Apple's largest display and a camera array tuned for pro-level stills and cinematic video, the iPhone 17 Pro Max raises the flagship bar. Apple’s fastest silicon and long battery life let it handle heavy creative workflows, and years of iOS updates keep it useful for the long haul.
Who It's For
People who want the largest screen: The iPhone 17 Pro Max features the largest display of any iPhone, measuring 6.9 inches. The OLED panel features a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch, providing deep blacks and sharp graphics, while its high refresh rate ensures smooth motion.
Battery-conscious users: Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max for the best possible battery life. In our tests, the 17 Pro Max lasted an astonishing 32 hours and 11 minutes, meaning you can go a long time before needing to recharge.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 32 hours, 11 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP CPU Apple A19 Pro Dimensions 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches Operating System iOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,868 by 1,320 pixels Screen Size 6.9 Learn More Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review -
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![Motorola Razr Ultra]()
Best Flip PhoneMotorola Razr Ultra
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Motorola’s Razr Ultra makes the flip phone format practical rather than gimmicky. The outer screen handles real tasks, the hinge feels durable, and the phone delivers flagship speed and solid imaging in a design that can be slipped into a front pocket. It’s a rare foldable that marries style, usability, and everyday performance.
Who It's For
Trendsetters: The smartphone world is full of lookalikes, but the Razr Ultra stands out. It folds in half, and opening it up reveals the enormous 7.0-inch display that's perfect for movies or gaming. If you're looking for futuristic tech, the Razr Ultra is for you.
People who put a premium on space: The Razr Ultra targets buyers who prize pocketability and personality without sacrificing power. It’s ideal if you want a compact daily driver that still delivers big on performance.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 22 hours, 3 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 50MP; 50MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform Dimensions 6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 2,992 by 1,224 pixels Screen Size 7 Learn More Motorola Razr Ultra Review -
Compare Specs
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Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best iPhone for Most People | Best for Artists and Note-Takers | Best Folding Phone | Best Android Phone for Most People | Best Affordable Android Phone | Best Midrange Phone | Best Voice Phone | Best for Content Creators | Best Flip Phone | Best iPhone for Most People | Best for Artists and Note-Takers | Best Folding Phone |
Operating System | iOS 26 | Android 15 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 14 | Android 15 | KaiOS | iOS 26 | Android 15 | iOS 26 | Android 15 | Android 16 |
CPU | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G5 | Samsung Exynos 1330 | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 | Apple A19 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
Dimensions | 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open | 6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches | 6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches | 6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches | 4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches | 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches | 6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed | 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open |
Screen Size | 6.3 | 6.9 | 8 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.3 | 3.2 | 6.9 | 7 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 8 |
Screen Resolution | 2,622 by 1,206 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,184 by 1,968 pixels | 2,856 by 1,280 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 2,424 by 1,080 pixels | 240 by 320 pixels | 2,868 by 1,320 pixels | 2,992 by 1,224 pixels | 2,622 by 1,206 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,184 by 1,968 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP | 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP | 48MP, 13MP; 13MP | 5MP | 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 50MP, 50MP; 50MP | 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 24 hours, 31 minutes | 14 hours, 15 minutes | 13 hours, 10 minutes | 12 hours, 40 minutes | 13 hours 46 minutes | 13 hours, 15 minutes | 20 hours | 32 hours, 11 minutes | 22 hours, 3 minutes | 24 hours, 31 minutes | 14 hours, 15 minutes | 13 hours, 10 minutes |
Buying Guide: The Best T-Mobile Phones for 2026
The Best 5G Phones for T-Mobile
T-Mobile uses the whole menu of 5G frequencies—low, middle, and high—but mid-band is the sweet spot. The carrier's low-band 5G network has excellent coverage but not much effect on performance, while its high-band network hasn't expanded much beyond its initial few cities. On the other hand, mid-band is available in most major and midsize cities and performs considerably better than 4G.
All the 5G phones T-Mobile currently sells have mid-band, so you can choose a phone you like without worrying too much. Just double-check to make sure that your phone supports LTE frequency bands 12 and 71, as well as 5G band n41 and n77 to ensure optimal coverage.
Recommended by Our Editors
For more, see our list of the best 5G phones.
Alternatives to T-Mobile
T-Mobile isn't the only option out there, of course. Take a look at our lists of the best phones for AT&T and Verizon Wireless, and check out our favorite cheap phone plans to get the best deal with an MVNO.