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The best AT&T phones available for September 2023

There’s such a vast array of good phones available right now on AT&T, so many in fact that you might even have trouble deciding. No worries though, we’ve researched and reviewed all the options to determine which are the best AT&T phones for most users.

Best AT&T phones: quick links

Everything’s been sectioned out just down below – with options for both iPhone and Android preferences. All budgets are being considered here, not just the most expensive phones, so if you’re feeling the pinch right now don’t worry – there’s plenty of options for cheap or even free phones.

Since we’ve reviewed many of the best phones, giving them substantial hands-on time to figure out what makes them truly compelling devices, we know which of AT&T’s phones are worth your consideration. We’ve looked at the many phones on offer and picked out a variety of options, from the best of the best to the value champions.

We’ve also considered what kinds of deals AT&T has available to bring the price of the phone down, so you can be sure you’re getting a good phone and a good deal.

Go straight there: AT&T’s phones pagePick your plan: The best AT&T plans available this monthScore a deal: The best AT&T deals right now

AT&T phones: iPhones

Best Apple phone

Apple iPhone 14: $799 $99 with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
The standard iPhone 14 is going to be the Apple device that suits most users’ needs the best, with a nice balance of power, features, and price. While it represents a fairly iterative upgrade over the previous iPhone 13 entry, a super beefy processor, modern design, and outstanding camera system put it up there with the best phones you can buy right now. AT&T’s deals on this device generally offer the usual trade-in, with rebates ranging in the $700 to $800 off. Check out our full iPhone 14 review for a breakdown of this particular device.View Deal

Best value

Apple iPhone SE (2022): $2/mo with an unlimited data plan
If you’re looking for an Apple device on a budget, look no further than the excellent iPhone SE. Sure, it’s outwardly a little dated but AT&T’s current promotion allows you to get it for just $2 per month alongside an unlimited plan with no trade-ins needed. Despite the fact it’s not a looker we gave the device four and half stars out of five during our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review, praising it’s powerful chipset. View Deal

Apple iPhone 13: $20.28 $10/mo with unlimited plan at AT&T
The slightly older iPhone 13 is still an absolutely stellar choice for a flagship, even if it isn’t the latest device in the range anymore. Overall, the design is the same as the iPhone 14 here and the devices are very, very similar, albeit with a few camera upgrades and internal tweaks on the 14. AT&T usually offers this device for a cut-down monthly rate without the need for a trade-in too, which usually makes it a compelling choice with a fairly low barrier of entry. Check out our iPhone 13 review for a more detailed look at this model.View Deal

Best for power users

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: save up to $1,000 with an eligible trade-in and unlimited data plan
For Apple fans who only want the best, consider the iPhone 14 Pro Max – the current premium flagship from Apple. The vast lion’s share of upgrades for 2022 have been concentrated on this device and the slightly smaller 14 Pro model, namely a new chip, upgraded camera, and novel new ‘Dynamic Island’ screen feature. No surprises – this phone is extremely pricey if bought outright, although AT&T does generally offer trade-in rebates of anywhere between $800 to $1,000 off, depending on the eligibility of your device. Head on over to our iPhone 14 Pro Max review to see a full rundown of this flagship. View Deal

AT&T phones: Android

Best for most users

Samsung Galaxy S23: free with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
The Galaxy S23 is the latest in the long-range of Galaxy S flagships from Samsung and a great option for most users. It’s perhaps not the biggest upgrade from the previous iteration, but it’s an exceptionally well-thought-out device with a refined design. Inside, the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides plenty of power, and as always with Galaxy S devices, you’ll get a fantastic camera and display. Check out our Samsung Galaxy S23 review for a detailed look at this flagship. View Deal

Best value

Google Pixel 7a: $19.45 $5/mo with an unlimited plan
Google’s ‘A’ series smartphones have always offered a solid mid-range choice for those who want decent specs on a budget. The Pixel 7a is the latest in the range and quite possibly the best iteration yet thanks to its upgraded camera, 90Hz display, and Tensor 2 chipset. There’s not much missing from the standard Pixel 7 here, beside a slightly smaller display so it’s an all-around great option for those on a budget, especially since AT&T has been offering this one for just $5 per month without the need for a trade. See our Google Pixel 7a review for a full run-down of this budget option. View Deal

Best of the best

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: save $1,000 at AT&T with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
For Android users who will only settle for the best – we recommend the latest Galaxy S23 Ultra. This stunning device is the latest iteration in the series of high-end flagships from the brand and definitely doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for a premium device. New upgrades include the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, improvements to night photography, and a 200MP sensor for the main back camera. Generally speaking, AT&T’s trade-in rebates of anywhere between $800 to $1,000 for this device are available all year round and highly recommended to cut that price tag down. See our Galaxy S23 Ultra review for a full rundown of this device.View Deal

Google Pixel 7: $5/mo with an unlimited plan
Even though it’s a fairly minor iterative upgrade over the previous model, it’s hard to not recommend the excellent Google Pixel 7. Not only is it reasonably priced, but a speedy chip and top-notch camera setup make it an extremely competitive flagship. It’s easily one of the ‘smartest’ smartphones you can buy right now thanks to flawless smart assistant integration and a host of camera wizardry that makes editing photos a real breeze. AT&T’s promotions on the Pixel 7 right now are offering a huge 50% discount if you pick up a device with an unlimited data plan. See our full Google Pixel 7 review for more details about this device.View Deal

Best AT&T phones: FAQ

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AT&T phones: Your options explained

TechRadar’s guide to finding the best AT&T phone for you

We’ve reviewed the contenders for best AT&T phone, and compared the value to the price. Ignoring any personal preferences and/or biases towards specific operating systems, be it Android or iOS, we’ve picked AT&T’s best phones in a number of categories. 

All of these phones are available through an AT&T installment plan, which spreads the cost of the phone over a set amount of time. For this article, we’ve looked at the AT&T plans that spread the cost of the phone over 30 months, with an option for upgrade after 80-percent of the device’s sales price is paid off.

How to choose the best AT&T phones for you:

From zero installments to $30 or more a month, AT&T’s best phones come in at all prices. And, you always have the option to pay the full price of the device upfront. How much you want to pay for a new phone is up to you, but the best phones don’t come cheap.

For the maximum value, we always recommend trading in your older device. While trade-in rebates can vary drastically depending on the age and also price of the older phone, it’s a great way to shave some cost off. If you’re not looking to trade in then there are also a ton of discounts available on certain devices when you pick them up with a fresh plan. These devices don’t tend to be the latest or most feature-laden devices on the market, but there are a number of good flagships still available via this method.

Now find the best AT&T plan

Once you’ve picked out the best AT&T phone, you’re going to want to pair it with the best AT&T plan. We’ve looked at all AT&T has to offer and have all the details on AT&T plans here. If you’re interested in casting the net out further, then check out the best Verizon phones available right now, or alternatively save some cash with this week’s best cell phone deals

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