Best T-Mobile phones 2024

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Unsurprisingly, a lot of the best T-Mobile phones also double up as some of the best phones in general, but that doesn't always mean it's easy to choose one. Whether you're a new customer or have been with the carrier for many years, there are quite a few great options worth checking out, and we've rounded up the best among them to help you out.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider while choosing a good Android phone is to ensure that it offers all the features you need, at a price you can afford. Our top vote goes to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra because it's the ultimate flagship that has just about every feature you could think of. Alternatively, you can go for the Google Pixel 8 as it offers a wide variety of flagship perks at a very reasonable price. Then we have budget options like the OnePlus Nord N30 5G, which includes all the essentials and even has some features that you won't find on much more expensive devices.

At a glance

Best overall

The vibrant display of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Best overall

Specifications

Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 1440x3120 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Cameras: 200MP + 10MP + 50MP + 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 5,000mAh, 45W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Top-of-the-line hardware
+
Versatile camera system
+
Titanium frame is sturdier and lightweight
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
Full S Pen stylus support

Reasons to avoid

-
Extremely expensive
-
AI features require cloud-based processing

Packed with a laundry list of powerhouse features, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is hands down the best Android phone you can use with T-Mobile's network today. It sports a gorgeous 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED screen that now comes with an anti-reflective coating for an even better viewing experience. Of course, you also get full support for the integrated S Pen stylus.

The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, complete with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. It also features a quad-lens camera system that offers everything from pro-mode photography to 8K video recording. Other notable additions include an IP68 certification, NFC, and a 5,000mAh battery with fast wired and wireless charging support.

Best budget

The back of the Charcoal Google Pixel 7a

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Best budget

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080x2400 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Google Tensor G2
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB
Cameras: 64MP + 13MP (rear), 13MP (front)
OS: Android 13 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,385mAh, 18W wired and 4.5W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible camera quality
+
Great haptic feedback
+
Well-rounded performance
+
Pixel-exclusive features and updates
+
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid

-
Slow charging speeds
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Battery life isn't the best

The Google Pixel 7a blew us away when it first hit the shelves, and even though it's about to get a successor very soon, it continues to be an amazing budget option. It's now priced at just $349 and for that price, you're getting a smartphone that features Google's efficient Tensor G2 SoC (the same chipset found in the last-gen Pixel 7 Pro), a flagship-level camera quality, and some of the finest haptics in this price bracket.

Since this is a Pixel phone, you can also look forward to top-tier software support. It won't be an exaggeration to say that Google has gone out of its way to transform the Pixel 7a into a premium mid-range device. There are even premium features such as an IP67 certification and wireless charging included in the mix.

Best compact option

Hands-on with the smaller Samsung Galaxy S24

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

3. Samsung Galaxy S24

Best compact option

Specifications

Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 1080x2340 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,000mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Refined, squared-off design
+
Compact enough for one-handed use
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
Great camera performance
+
Lots of color options to choose from

Reasons to avoid

-
Still comes with 8GB of RAM
-
Galaxy AI features won't be free forever

Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. S23, you'll find that it's a (relatively) minor upgrade over the last-gen model. That said, the new smartphone has a lot of goodies and is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a top-tier device that can be used with one hand. The Galaxy S24 has a refined design with flat edges that give it a squared-off look. You get a slightly bigger 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel, but due to even slimmer bezels, the phone's overall physical footprint has largely remained unchanged compared to the previous-gen model.

The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM and up to 25GB of onboard storage. You get a triple-lens camera setup at the back that excels at capturing both photos and videos. Available in a range of funky colors, the phone sports a 4,000mAh battery with wired and wireless charging support.

Best value flagship

Google Pixel 8 review

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
Best value flagship

Specifications

Display: 6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Google Tensor G3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP + 12MP (rear), 10.5MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,575mAh, 27W wired and 18W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Top-of-the-line camera performance
+
Bright and vibrant 120Hz display
+
Lots of AI-powered features
+
Pixel-exclusive feature drops
+
Bold, unique design

Reasons to avoid

-
Manual and Night Sight Video modes missing
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No telephoto sensor

One of the most refined Android phones out there, the Google Pixel 8 shouldn’t be missed if you prioritize elegant and thoughtful design. In addition to having some of the best camera quality in the business, this thing comes powered by Google's very own Tensor G3 SoC that delivers great performance and solid efficiency. You also get a flat and bright 120Hz OLED display, and an extremely reasonable price tag.

Although the Pixel 8 costs a bit more than its predecessor, it's still among the finest value flagships for anyone. The smartphone features a clean software experience with loads of AI-powered goodies and will get an astounding seven years of major OS and security updates.

Best mid-ranger

The in-screen fingerprint scanner of the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Best mid-ranger

Specifications

Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 1080x2340 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Exynos 1380
RAM: 6GB/8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB, with microSD expansion
Cameras: 50MP + 12MP + 5MP (rear), 32MP (front)
OS: Android 13 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 5,000mAh, 25W wired charging

Reasons to buy

+
Vivid, 120Hz display
+
Decent camera quality
+
Great value for money
+
Four years of OS and five years of security updates
+
Full support for Galaxy ecosystem

Reasons to avoid

-
Uninspiring gaming performance
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Plastic build feels a bit cheap

Picking up right where its predecessor left off, the Samsung Galaxy A54 delivers rock-solid everyday performance and a number of thoughtful features, all at a very reasonable price. The mid-range smartphone features a big 5,000mAh battery, a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, and will get four years of major OS updates as well as five years of security updates.

On top of that, the Galaxy A54 doesn't miss out on support for the Galaxy ecosystem either. You get an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, an under-display fingerprint sensor, 25W wired charging, and much more.

Best under $300

Charging a OnePlus Nord N30 5G with the red cable

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Best under $300

Specifications

Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 1080x2400 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB, with microSD expansion
Cameras: 108MP + 2MP + 2MP (rear), 16MP (front)
OS: Android 13 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 5,000mAh, 67W wired charging

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely affordable
+
Full 5G connectivity
+
3.5mm audio port
+
Stereo speakers
+
Super-fast charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Useless depth and macro sensors
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No OS updates beyond Android 14

Although the OnePlus Nord N30 5G can be purchased unlocked, you can save even more money by buying the T-Mobile version through the carrier. Sporting a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, it's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC and works quite well for everyday tasks like web browsing and even some gaming. It supports sub-6 5G coverage including T-Mobile's fast mid-band, so it's a good option for T-Mobile users.

There's a lot to love about the sub-$300 Android phone from OnePlus. You get a generous 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support, stereo speakers, and even a 3.5mm audio port.

Best flip-style

The larger cover display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Best flip-style

Specifications

Display: 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED, 1080x2640 pixels resolution; 3.4-inch Cover, 720x748 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Cameras: 12MP + 12MP (rear), 10MP (front)
OS: Android 13 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 3,700mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and futuristic form factor
+
Large cover display for added functionality
+
Powerful hardware for great performance
+
Four years of OS and five years of security updates
+
Good camera quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life isn't the greatest
-
No telephoto sensor

This unique phone features a folding 120Hz AMOLED display and offers a truly one-of-a-kind user experience. Being a flagship, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with powerful hardware like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, along with goodies like an IPX8 rating, amazing camera quality, and years of software support.

Samsung has hugely improved the Galaxy Z Flip 5 a lot, and the newer model comes with a much bigger cover display that offers a wide range of functionality, provided you take out the time to set it up. If you're pining for a flip phone and use T-Mobile's network, this is the phone you need.

Best foldable

The smaller cover display on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is very easy to see even in broad daylight

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Best foldable

Specifications

Display: 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED, 1812x2176 pixels resolution; 6.2-inch Cover, 904x2316 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Cameras: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP (rear), 10MP (front), 4MP (inside)
OS: Android 13 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,400mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for multitasking and productivity
+
Full S Pen support
+
Amazing performance and battery life
+
Four years of OS and five years of security updates
+
IPX8 certification

Reasons to avoid

-
Camera quality isn't really the greatest
-
Exorbitant price

With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, we finally have an ultra-premium foldable that ticks all the right boxes. Sure, it costs a fortune, but the moment you take a look at that gorgeous 7.6-inch folding Dynamic AMOLED screen, you might just think that the price is justified. This is a phone that's designed for side-by-side multitasking as it can easily pull double duty as a tablet whenever you need it to.

Of course, being a flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers the best when it comes to hardware. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and sports an awesome triple-lens rear camera setup. Among the best foldable phones out there, it comes with excellent battery life (complete with fast wired and wireless charging), full S Pen support, and a lot more.

Best performance

OnePlus 12 home page against colorful background

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
Best performance

Specifications

Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1440x3168 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 12GB/16GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Cameras: 50MP + 64MP + 48MP (rear), 32MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 5,400mAh, 80W wired and 50W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Top-of-the-line performance with improved heat dissipation
+
Outstanding camera quality
+
Four years of OS and five years of security updates Outstanding performance and great haptics
+
Super-fast charging speeds
+
Premium design

Reasons to avoid

-
Curved display won't be to everyone's liking
-
Somewhat glitchy software experience

With the OnePlus 12, the company seems to have gotten its mojo back. Sure, it's not without its flaws, but there's a lot to like here. The phone's 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display is, quite literally, one of its biggest highlights, as it can hit an incredible peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Not just that, 'Aqua Touch' technology allows the screen to register touch input even when it's wet.

Powered by Qualcomm's top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen SoC and up to 16GB of RAM, the OnePlus 12 excels at handling demanding tasks like heavy gaming. It also has an improved cooling system for better thermal efficiency. The phone comes with up to 512GB of internal storage and has an excellent triple-lens rear camera system. You get amazing battery life too, and the 5,400mAh battery can be charged at super-fast speeds.

You have plenty of options with T-Mobile

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

There's no doubting that T-Mobile's network infrastructure is one of the best you can get in the United States, featuring nationwide high-speed 5G coverage. However, you need one of the best T-Mobile phones to take advantage of the network and all of its perks. For the best performance, we suggest getting a phone that (at least) supports 5G bands n71 and n41.

It's also worth noting that most users don't necessarily need top-tier devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Google Pixel 8, even though they offer an unmatched user experience. If you want to save some cash, we suggest checking the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Google Pixel 7a, or even the OnePlus Nord N30 5G, all of which are some of the best cheap Android phones you can get.

Samuel Contreras

When Samuel is not writing about networking or 5G at Android Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.

With contributions from