Best Verizon Phones you can buy

Drowning in Verizon’s smartphone sea? America’s largest carrier boasts a massive lineup, from Google Pixel’s sleek simplicity to Samsung’s feature-packed powerhouses, Motorola’s rugged reliability, and the iconic iPhone. Navigating this digital deluge can be overwhelming. Fear not! We’re here to cut through the clutter and help you discover the perfect phone to match your needs and desires.

Ready to switch to Verizon? Discover our unbeatable plans and pair them perfectly with your brand-new phone.

Best Verizon Phones

Verizon’s phone selection spans a wide spectrum, from budget-friendly models around $200 to premium devices exceeding $1,000. Whether you’re pinching pennies or splurging on the latest tech, there’s a Verizon phone for you. Dominated by heavy hitters like Google, Samsung, and Motorola, with a splash of Apple’s iconic iPhone, the lineup offers diverse choices. Plus, Verizon’s deals and promotions are constantly changing, so be sure to check back frequently for exclusive savings and opportunities to upgrade your mobile experience.

Ready to upgrade to Verizon? Let’s dive into the top phones they offer! (Pricing shown is per month for 36 months, unless otherwise stated).

Best Overall Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Verizon’s current smartphone king? No contest: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Arriving in a blaze of glory back in January 2025, this powerhouse instantly cemented its status as an all-time great.

Prepare to shell out, because the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t play around. Starting at $1,299 – a $100 bump from last year – this isn’t your average smartphone. Think of it as an investment in future-proofed mobile mastery. What does that investment buy you? Feast your eyes on a stunning 6.9-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, powered by the lightning-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. Multitasking is a breeze with 12GB of RAM, and you’ll have ample space for your digital life with 256GB of storage. And the powerhouse behind it all? A 5,000mAh battery keeps you going all day long. But here’s the real kicker: Samsung is committed to keeping your device cutting-edge with seven years of guaranteed updates. This isn’t just a phone; it’s a commitment to the future.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra dares to ditch a beloved feature: the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. Say goodbye to Air Actions, those once-magical gestures that let you remotely snap photos and control your phone from afar. Samsung claims only a sliver of users – less than 1% – actually wielded their S Pen like a wand, justifying the connectivity chop. Is this a bold streamlining or a feature cull that leaves power users feeling abandoned?

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 isn’t just a phone; it’s an intelligent companion, thanks to Galaxy AI. Imagine Google’s Gemini, now powering your phone with features like "Now Brief," which summarizes anything you need, and "Audio Eraser," eliminating unwanted sounds from your recordings as if they never existed. The S25 brings the future to your fingertips.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra stuns in a quartet of titanium shades: classic Black, understated Gray, shimmering SilverBlue, and pristine WhiteSilver. But unlock a world of exclusive hues only at Samsung.com. Dare to be different with the stealthy Jet Black, embrace nature with the vibrant Jade Green, or radiate elegance with the captivating PinkGold. Your S25 Ultra, your statement.

Buy at Samsung

Honorable Mention: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Forget the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is here to steal its thunder. Picture this: flagship features galore, the brains of Gemini AI at your fingertips, and a staggering seven years of guaranteed updates, all for a cool $1,099. Ready to ditch the Samsung hype?

The Pixel 9 Pro XL arrives, packing Google’s next-gen Tensor G4 processor, a hefty 16GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage to fuel your digital life. Feast your eyes on its breathtaking 6.7-inch flat display, now boasting a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate for unparalleled visual fluidity. Prepare to be captivated by the exquisite Porcelain finish, a pristine white that exudes sophistication. Alternatively, embrace the timeless allure of Obsidian (Black) or make a statement with the romantic Rose Quartz (Pink).

Unveiled with the cutting-edge Android 14, it swiftly embraced the future, upgrading to Android 15 by October 2024. Now, it’s poised to conquer the next frontier, already running on Android 16 as of late January 2025’s public beta launch.

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Best Small Phone: Samsung Galaxy S25

Forget phablets. Yearning for a phone that fits your palm? On Verizon, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a pocket-sized powerhouse. Sporting a vibrant 6.2-inch display within dimensions of just 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm, it’s a delightful escape from today’s oversized slabs. Compared to behemoths like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the OnePlus 13, the S25 offers a refreshing return to comfortable, one-handed usability. Finally, a smart phone that’s actually smart-sized.

Beneath the sleek shell of the Galaxy S25 lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a powerhouse paired with a generous 12GB of RAM and a practical 128GB of storage. Capture your world in breathtaking detail with the S25’s triple-lens camera system: a stunning 50MP main sensor for vibrant everyday shots, a 10MP telephoto lens boasting 3x optical zoom to bring distant subjects closer, and a 12MP ultrawide lens to capture sweeping landscapes. Fueling this impressive package is a 4,000mAh battery, replenishing quickly with 25W wired charging or conveniently with 15W wireless charging.

The Galaxy S25 isn’t just playing catch-up; it’s leaping forward with the same Galaxy AI brilliance as its Ultra sibling. While the cameras might have aslighthardware difference (think comparing a concert hall to a cozy jazz club), the core AI experiences sing the same tune. Get ready for Chat Assist, Live Translate, and a whole suite of features that are genuinely, surprisingly helpful. Consider the S25 your pocket-sized portal to an AI-powered world.

The Galaxy S25 splashes onto the scene in a quartet of captivating colors: a deep Navy, a refreshing Mint, a cool Icyblue, and a sophisticated SilverShadow. But the chromatic adventure doesn’t end there! Venture over to Samsung’s online store to uncover exclusive shades like the alluring BlueBlack, the vibrant CoralRed, and the glamorous Pinkgold.

Buy at Samsung

Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 16

This should come as no surprise, but the best iPhone you can buy right now is the iPhone 16. You might be a little surprised that this is not the iPhone 16 Pro, but we feel that the price, features, and experience are better on the iPhone 16 than the iPhone 16 Pro.

The iPhone 16 hits that sweet spot at $799, delivering flagship experiences without the Pro price tag. Think of it as the iPhone 16 Pro’s cooler, more accessible sibling. Sure, you’ll miss the buttery smoothness of the 120Hz display and the premium feel of titanium. And yes, there’s no dedicated telephoto lens… or is there? Apple’s cleverly tapped into the 48-megapixel main sensor, offering a surprisingly crisp 2x zoom. It’s not "optical" zoom, but the lossless quality might just change your mind, effectively giving you a sneaky telephoto advantage.

Forget static notifications. Apple’s iPhone display now boasts the innovative Dynamic Island. Imagine real-time updates from your favorite apps – sports scores, music controls, even ride-sharing ETAs – flowing seamlessly across your screen, no longer trapped on the lock screen. While a truly edge-to-edge display remains a dream, the Dynamic Island cleverly transforms that notch into a surprisingly useful and engaging feature. It’s a fluid, adaptable interface that makes everyday interactions feel a bit more magical.

The iPhone 16 boasts its enduring aluminum frame, a testament to premium design. While it retains a luxurious feel, it’s a whisper softer than the titanium song sung by its Pro siblings.

The iPhone 16 arrives cloaked in subtlety, offering a palette of five understated hues. Choose from the deep-sea mystery of Ultramarine, the calming tranquility of Teal, the timeless sophistication of Black, the pristine purity of White, or a whisper of blush with Pink.

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Best Large iPhone: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

If price were no option, the iPhone 16 Pro Max would be the best iPhone you can buy. It has the latest and greatest everything you could want in an iPhone. Except maybe battery life. If you prefer battery life over things like a telephoto camera, a 120Hz display, titanium build, and a few other things, then you might want the iPhone 16 Plus, which is $300 less.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max battery? Good, not legendary. Remember the iPhone 13 Pro Max? That battery was a myth, a 48-72 hour marathon runner. The 16 Pro Max isn’tthatphone. It’s more of a dependable, day-long companion. Push it, and youmightsqueeze a day and a half out of it. But those days of forgetting your charger for an entire weekend are sadly, gone.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max just redefined mobile photography with a groundbreaking 5x optical zoom. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a giant leap, leaving the 3x of the iPhone 15 Pro and the rumored 2x of standard iPhone 16 models in the dust. If you’re chasing the perfect zoomed-in shot, prepare to be amazed. The 15 Pro Max isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a zoom lens bolted onto a phone. For those who live for the close-up, this changes everything.

This year’s titanium frame isn’t just a spec bump; it’s a revelation. Ditching the stainless steel felt like shedding unnecessary weight. Remember that heavy, gleaming slab? Titanium offers a strength that belies its featherlight feel, a sophisticated matte finish that begs to be held. It’s so good, I’ve dared to go caseless – a first for me in years. The phone simply melts into your hand, a tactile experience that’s as pleasing as it is premium.

Uncertainty clouds Apple’s long-term software support. Unlike Google and Samsung’s enticing seven-year promise, Apple offers no guarantees. However, history hints at a silver lining. Recent iPhones and iPads have enjoyed six to seven years of updates, suggesting a similar lifespan for this year’s model. Purchasing in 2024? Expect robust support for years to come.

September whispers a familiar promise: a new iPhone. But before you reach for your wallet, temper your expectations. Forget revolutionary leaps; prepare for evolution. Apple, masters of incremental upgrades for the past decade, understand their audience. They know you won’t chase the latest model every single year.

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Best Foldable Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Verizon doesn’t actually sell that many foldables surprisingly. It’s basically just three options available at Verizon: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And we believe that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the best option for most people. It’s not a cheap phone, like most foldables, with a starting price of $1,799, but Verizon does typically have promos where you can get it half off or close to half off.

Unfold the future with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, where raw power meets revolutionary design. Under the hood, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor and 12GB of RAM obliterate lag, while 256GB of storage swallows your digital world. Fueling your ambition is a robust 4400mAh battery. Prepare to capture stunning detail with its pro-grade camera system: a 50MP main lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom for getting up close, and a 12MP ultrawide lens for breathtaking landscapes. Sound familiar? The Z Fold 6 packs the same camera firepower as the Galaxy S24, ensuring top-tier image quality in a foldable form.

While the 6.3-inch cover display gets the job done, prepare to be drawn to the expansive 7.6-inch main screen. Its near-square aspect ratio is a multitasking marvel, perfectly engineered for running two apps in tandem. However, when you’re focused on a single task, this unique format can occasionally feel a tad less intuitive.

Foldable phones are getting some love from unexpected places, and Instagram is leading the charge. Forget squinting at a stretched-out screen! Instagram smartly shifts its navigation to the side, making one-handed browsing a breeze. This means your feed gets the spotlight, free from clumsy thumbs and maximizing every glorious pixel.

Last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 wowed us. It wasn’t just a step up from the Z Fold 5; it was a leap. Yet, the foldable throne remains contested. Competitors beyond US borders are pushing boundaries, forcing Samsung to sharpen its folding sword. Ready to unfold your style? The Z Fold 6 arrives in Shadow, Pink, and Navy, offering a sophisticated palette for a revolutionary device.

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Best Smartphone Under $500: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

The Galaxy A54 5G retails at $499, making it a great option for under $500. Now, unfortunately, it is a bit older, having launched last year, but the Galaxy A55 5G is not planning on making it to the US. So this is the best we can do right now. Verizon does typically offer it for “free” or around $5/month, which comes out to about $180 over the 36-month plan.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G boasts a vibrant 6.4-inch FHD+ display, flowing with a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Exynos 1380 processor hums, partnered with a generous helping of RAM – up to 8GB and storage reaching 256GB in the higher configurations. While the reviewed model settles for a still-respectable 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, don’t let the numbers fool you. Performance punches well above its weight class, offering a surprisingly snappy experience. And powering this capable package is a robust 5,000mAh battery, expertly optimized to keep you going, leveraging the efficient processor and sharp, clear display for truly impressive longevity.

Samsung does offer the Galaxy A54 5G in multiple colors, including Lime, Graphite, Violet, and White.

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