Take a look at the top phones we've tested for T-Mobile, including the ones you need to access the fastest network speeds.
ByIyaz Akhtar
Iyaz Akhtar
Mobile Analyst
My Experience
I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
Read Full Bio
UpdatedFebruary 20, 2024
Table of Contents
T-Mobile is the top major carrier in the US, according to our readers. If you haven't gotten on the T-Mobile 5G train, now is definitely a good time. You’re better off with a newer 5G phone to take advantage of the network, though, and that's where this list of our favorites can help. Read on for our top picks, along with a few details to consider while you shop.
Our Experts Have Tested 53 Products in the Mobile Phones Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Our Top Tested Picks
Best for Content Creators Jump ToDetails Best for Artists and Note-Takers Jump ToDetails Best Folding Phone Jump ToDetails Best Android Phone for Most People Jump ToDetails Best Affordable Android Phone Jump ToDetails Best iPhone for Most People Jump ToDetails Best AI-Assisted Camera Jump ToDetails Jump ToDetails Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Apple iPhone 15
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Best Phone Deals This Week*
- Samsung Galaxy A25 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $249.99(List Price $299.99)
- Google Pixel 8 Pro 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) — $699.00(List Price $999)
- Motorola Edge 256GB Unlocked Phone (2023 Model) — $299.99(List Price $599.99)
- Google Pixel 8a 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) — $399.00(List Price $499)
- Apple iPhone 14 128GB (Verified Refurbished by Back Market) — From $483.80(List Price $729)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- RELATED:
- Best Phones
- Best 5G Phones
- Best Cheap Phones
- Best Verizon Phones
Best for Content Creators
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
4.5 Outstanding
- Fast, smooth performance
- Excellent cameras
- Long battery life
- Useful Action button
- USB-C connectivity opens up new features
- Lighter than previous Pro Max
- Expensive
- Big
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most advanced phone Apple sells. It has the largest screen, longest battery life, most capable cameras, and fastest performance of the lot. Thanks to Pro Res support and Apple's excellent first-party software, it's especially suitable for media capture and creation.
Apple's top-tier smartphone is ideal for those who prioritize videography, photography, and other creative pursuits.
Operating SystemiOS 17
CPUApple A17 Pro
Dimensions6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size6.7 inches
Screen Resolution2,796 by 1,290 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)20 hours, 15 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
4.5 Outstanding
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
- Big
- Expensive
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a premiere flagship with a gorgeous screen, fast performance, long battery life, and powerful cameras that cover both 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. And most importantly, Samsung promises seven years of OS updates for it.
Professionals who need advanced multitasking features and artists who relish the included stylus should find that the S24 Ultra does everything they need.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Screen Size6.8 inches
Screen Resolution3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours, 10 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review
Best Folding Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
4.5 Outstanding
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers among the most screen real estate of any device that still fits in your pocket. It unfolds to reveal a high-resolution, 7.6-inch screen that's excellent for watching movies. On the productivity front, the phone supports multi-window workflows, Samsung's S Pen stylus (not included) for handwriting notes, and a DeX mode that allows the phone to act like a PC when you pair it with a monitor.
The Z Fold 5 is a high-end device for buyers who prioritize functionality over everything else. No other phone we've tested provides as much versatility.
Operating SystemAndroid 13
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Dimensions6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches
Screen Size7.6 inches
Screen Resolution2,176 by 1,812 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP
Battery Life (As Tested)11 hours, 20 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
Best Android Phone for Most People
Google Pixel 8
4.0 Excellent
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
Although Google's midrange Pixel 8 costs $300 less than the Pixel 8 Pro, it still offers all the most important features from the latter. You get excellent cameras, advanced AI-assisted photo editing capabilities, and plenty of Google Assistant features to help make your life easier.
If want Google's version of Android, system updates before everyone else, and long-term software support, the Google Pixel 8 is a worthwhile choice. It costs less than most flagship phones, too.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUGoogle Tensor G3
Dimensions5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.2 inches
Screen Resolution2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)10 hours, 20 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Google Pixel 8 Review
Best Affordable Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4.0 Excellent
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
The Samsung Galaxy A15 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 of its headphone jack and microSD card slot.
If you're shopping on a strict budget, the Galaxy A15 is an excellent value that can keep up with the demands of daily life.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUMediatek 6835
Dimensions6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size6.5 inches
Screen Resolution2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours, 3 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Review
Best iPhone for Most People
Apple iPhone 15
4.0 Excellent
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- USB-C port
- Dynamic Island
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
- Shorter battery life than other iPhones
Apple's base iPhone 15 doesn't compete with its top-tier siblings on every mark but still provides an enjoyable smartphone experience thanks to its dependable performance, competitive camera system, reasonable battery life, and long-term software support. And with plenty of color choices available, you can find the one that best suits your personality.
The iPhone 15 is an excellent value for people who don't need the absolute latest in smartphone technology and want to save a few hundred dollars over other models in the lineup.
Operating SystemiOS 17
CPUApple A16 Bionic
Dimensions5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size6.1 inches
Screen Resolution2,556 by 1,179 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)48MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)16 hours, 15 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Apple iPhone 15 Review
Best AI-Assisted Camera
Google Pixel 8 Pro
4.0 Excellent
- Exclusive Assistant features
- AI-assisted photo and video editing
- Seven years of software support
- Super-bright display
- Excellent build quality
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has one of the best camera systems of any smartphone. It can take quality telephoto pictures and record high-resolution video at fast speeds. The selfie camera is also capable, and Google’s AI-based photo and video editing tools further enhance the experience. Among the phone's other benefits are that it gets new versions of Android first and enjoys long-term support from Google.
If photography is your primary interest, the Pixel 8 Pro is your best bet thanks to its combination of capable camera hardware and AI-assisted processing.
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUGoogle Tensor G3
Dimensions6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.7 inches
Screen Resolution2,992 by 1,344 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)9 hours, 5 minutes
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review
Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr+
4.0 Excellent
- Excellent display quality
- Highly functional external screen
- Portable, stylish design
- Unimpressive IP rating
- Dated processor
If you're in the market for a clamshell-style folding phone, Motorola's Razr+ is one of the best available. It has an appealing design, satisfactory battery life, and flexible cameras. More importantly, its external display supports an advanced user interface that lets you deal with alerts and messages without fully opening your phone.
If you want to spend less time looking at your phone, the Moto Razr+ can help thanks to its capable outer display. It folds down to a very portable size, too.
Operating SystemAndroid 13
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Dimensions6.73 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches
Screen Size6.9 inches
Screen Resolution2,640 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)12MP, 13MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Motorola Razr+ Review
Buying Guide: The Best T-Mobile Phones for 2024
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 great 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. The company says it covers 300 million Americans with its mid-band 5G.
Focusing on mid-band right now is key. All the 5G phones T-Mobile currently sells have mid-band, so you can just choose a phone you like and not worry too much. To that end, we're only featuring 5G-capable smartphones in this roundup. Just double-check to make sure that your phone supports LTE frequency bands 12 and 71, as well as 5G band n41, to ensure optimal coverage.
For more, see our list of the best 5G phones.
What Is 5G?
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 and Verizon Wireless, and check out our favorite cheap phone plans to get the best deal with an MVNO.
Recommended by Our Editors
9 Tips to Get the Best Price on a Cell Phone
Android vs. iOS: Which Phone OS Really Is the Best?
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
Compare SpecsThe Best T-Mobile Phones for 2024
Our Picks | Apple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSee It$0.01 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraSee It$949.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5See It$1,919.99 at Amazon | Google Pixel 8See It$499.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy A15 5GSee It$162.95 at Amazon | Apple iPhone 15See It$0.01 at Amazon | Google Pixel 8 ProSee It$749.00 at Amazon | Motorola Razr+See It$999.99 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review |
Operating System | iOS 17 | Android 14 | Android 13 | Android 14 | Android 14 | iOS 17 | Android 14 | Android 13 |
CPU | Apple A17 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G3 | Mediatek 6835 | Apple A16 Bionic | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
Dimensions | 6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches | 5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches | 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches | 5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches | 6.73 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches |
Screen Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches | 7.6 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
Screen Resolution | 2,796 by 1,290 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,176 by 1,812 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 2,556 by 1,179 pixels | 2,992 by 1,344 pixels | 2,640 by 1,080 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP | 50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP | 48MP, 12MP; 12MP | 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 10.5MP | 12MP, 13MP; 32MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 20 hours, 15 minutes | 14 hours, 10 minutes | 11 hours, 20 minutes | 10 hours, 20 minutes | 14 hours, 3 minutes | 16 hours, 15 minutes | 9 hours, 5 minutes | 14 hours |
Where to Buy | $0.01 at Amazon $1,399.99 at Best Buy | $949.00 at Amazon | $1,919.99 at Amazon $1,799.99 at Samsung | $499.00 at Amazon $499.00 at Best Buy | $162.95 at Amazon $199.99 at Best Buy | $0.01 at Amazon $829.00 at Walmart | $749.00 at Amazon $699.00 at Best Buy | $999.99 at Amazon |
Like What You're Reading?
Sign up for Fully Mobilized newsletter to get our top mobile tech stories delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
Further Reading
The Best Unlocked Smartphone Deals for August 2024
ByK. Thor Jensen
The Best 5G Phones for 2024
ByEric Zeman
The Best Camera Phones for 2024
ByEric Zeman
The Best Unlocked Phones for 2024
ByIyaz Akhtar
The Best Phones for Kids in 2024
ByIyaz Akhtar&Sarah Lord
The Best Phones for Seniors in 2024
ByIyaz Akhtar&Sarah Lord
The Best Small Phones for 2024
ByIyaz Akhtar
The Best Android Phones for 2024
ByIyaz Akhtar
I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
Read Iyaz's full bio
Read the latest from Iyaz Akhtar
- The Best Cell Phone Boosters for 2024
- The Best Car Phone Mounts for 2024
- The Best Android Tablets for 2024
- The Best Fast iPhone Chargers for 2024
- The Best Apple Wireless Chargers for 2024
- More from Iyaz Akhtar