Best T-Mobile phones 2025

It really shouldn't come as a surprise that many of the best T-Mobile phones are also some of the best Android phones you can find out there in general, as excellent device compatibility is (and always has been) one of T-Mobile's biggest advantages over rivals such as AT&T and Verizon. However, this also means that selecting the right smartphone for your requirements can often end up being quite difficult, regardless of whether you're a new T-Mobile customer or have been one for years. Fret not, as we've done all the hard work for you and shortlisted some of the finest options to make things a bit easier.

Perhaps the most important thing to ensure while picking an Android phone for yourself is to make sure that it offers all the features you need, at a price that suits your budget. If money is no object and you simply want the best, we have no qualms recommending the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as our overall top pick. It's the newest thing in town and offers just about everything (and then some) you could possibly think of. This is also a phone that'll continue to serve you well for years to come.

Alternatively, you can also consider the Google Pixel 9. This thing has incredible cameras, a plethora of AI-based tools, and more, at a price that's fairly reasonable for a device of its class. Of course, not everyone can (or wants to) shell out a fortune for a phone, and that's where affordable options like the OnePlus Nord N30 5G come into the picture. Sure, it's a little dated at this point and won't get much in terms of software support—but you do get features like stereo speakers, blazing fast wired charging, and even a 3.5mm audio port—all at an unbeatable price.

At a glance

Best overall

View of the lock screen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Best overall

Specifications

Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 1440x3120 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB/16GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Cameras: 200MP + 10MP + 50MP + 50MP (rear), 12MP (front)
OS: Android 15 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 5,000mAh, 45W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Refined, super-premium design
+
Versatile quad-lens camera system
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
Incredibly fast performance

Reasons to avoid

-
No longer visually unique
-
S Pen now doesn't have Bluetooth features

Loaded to the gills with top-tier goodness, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is undeniably the best Android phone money can buy right now. Thanks to an updated design, it looks more modern and in line with the other two members of the S25 family, even if it's no longer really that unique.

Up front, you get a glorious 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED LTPO panel with even slimmer bezels that works wonders for everything from multimedia consumption to graphics-intensive gaming. Of course, those things need power, and that's where the custom version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC comes into the picture. Combine that with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of onboard storage, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can make quick work of even the most demanding of workflows.

The rear camera setup isn't all that different from the previous-gen model, and it's still a top-of-the-line setup comprised of a 200MP primary sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50MP periscope telephoto module with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide unit. Even though the S Pen is still there, it has lost some of its functionality. The whole package is backed by a big 5,000mAh battery with both wired and wireless charging support.

Best budget

A customized Google Pixel 8a lock screen with a large, cartoony clock

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

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080x2400 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Google Tensor G3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Cameras: 64MP + 13MP (rear), 13MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,492mAh, 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable design
+
Flagship-level camera
+
120Hz AMOLED display
+
Seven years of Pixel updates
+
Great AI features

Reasons to avoid

-
Charging should be faster
-
Display is awful for PWM-sensitive users

The Google Pixel 8a refines Google's budget formula even further with better features and upgraded hardware. It's a lot lighter than the Pixel 7a, and coupled with the more rounded design, feels a lot more comfortable to hold. The Pixel 8a even gets Google's 'Actua' display which is now brighter and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. We also finally get a 256GB storage option for the first time. The big upgrade, of course, is the Tensor G3 SoC, which is also found in the more premium Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices. The rear 64MP and 13MP cameras continue to deliver stellar performance, as expected from a Google Pixel smartphone.

Since this is a Pixel, 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 8a into a premium mid-range smartphone. There are even a few (relatively) premium features such as an IP67 certification and 7.5W wireless charging included in the mix.

Best compact option

A photo of the Samsung Galaxy S25 outdoors.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
Best compact option

Specifications

Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 1080x2340 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Cameras: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
OS: Android 15 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,000mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Still compact for one-handed use with even slimmer bezels
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
12GB of RAM as standard
+
New and improved Galaxy AI features

Reasons to avoid

-
No changes in camera setup over past few generations
-
Small battery and slow charging speeds

Hands down the best small Android phone available out there, the Samsung Galaxy S25 gives you all the features you could possibly want, in a device that's a delight to use with one hand. Sure, it's mostly an incremental update over its predecessor, but there's plenty to like here.

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the Samsung Galaxy S25 now comes with 12GB of RAM as standard and gives you up to 512GB of internal storage. This means that this compact phone can handle just about everything you throw at it without breaking a sweat. The front is all about a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED LTPO screen that features up to 2600 nits of peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Coming to cameras, the triple-lens primary system hasn't seen many changes over the previous few generations. You still get a 50MP primary sensor, a 10MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide module. Running Android 15 (with One UI 7 overlaid on top), the Samsung Galaxy S25 (like the remaining two members of the S25 line-up) is guaranteed to receive up to seven years of major OS and security updates.

Best value flagship

The Pixel 9

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Best value flagship

Specifications

Display: 6.3-inch OLED, 1080x2424 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Google Tensor G4
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Cameras: 50MP + 48MP (rear), 10.5MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,700mAh, 27W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Premium design and solid build quality
+
Bright and vibrant 120Hz display
+
Full of AI-powered features
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
IP68 rating for dust and water resistance

Reasons to avoid

-
No telephoto sensor
-
Gemini Live will cost extra

Although it does cost a $100 more over the last-gen model, the Google Pixel 9 packs in quite a few improvements that make it an excellent value flagship. With a squared-off design, the new smartphone is powered by Google's Tensor G4 chipset and comes with 12GB of RAM. The software experience continues to be top-of-the-line, filled with a wide range of AI-based enhancements. You get Android 14 out of the box too, along with a promise of up to seven years of OS and security updates.

The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-lens primary camera system, comprising a 50MP wide-angle sensor and a 48MP ultrawide module. And as noted by Android Central's Derrek Lee in his review, the setup is capable of producing some amazing photos, and there are a lot of AI-powered tools (e.g., Magic Editor) to play with as well. You get all the modern connectivity and I/O options, and the device is backed by a 4,700mAh battery having both wired and wireless charging support.

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
-
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 an extremely 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. This makes it quite a future-proof device, despite the fact that it's a bit dated at this point.

On top of that, the Samsung Galaxy A54 doesn't miss out on support for the Galaxy ecosystem either. You get an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor, 25W wired charging, NFC, stereo speakers, and a whole lot 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
-
No OS updates beyond Android 14

Even if you purchase the OnePlus Nord N30 5G unlocked, you won't need to shell out a large sum of money for a very good smartphone that still has all the basics. Sporting a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, it's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset and works quite well for everyday tasks such as web browsing and even light gaming. It supports sub-6 5G coverage including T-Mobile's fast mid-band, so it's a good option for T-Mobile users who want to enjoy super-fast connectivity with an affordable phone.

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

Best flip-style

Gemini on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cover screen

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Best flip-style

Specifications

Display: 6.7-inch Foldable LTPO Dynamic AMOLED, 1080x2640 pixels resolution; 3.4-inch Cover, 720x748 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Cameras: 50MP + 12MP (rear), 10MP (front)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,000mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and refined design
+
Top-tier hardware for amazing performance
+
Fun and useful AI-based features 
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Cover screen has limited functionality
-
Relatively slower charging

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 includes a number of enhancements that make it more than just an incremental upgrade over its predecessor. The smartphone's flat frame gives it a more refined look, and it's now backed by an IP48 rating for better ingress protection. Driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the flip-style phone can handle just about anything you throw at it with little to no effort, and there's also 256GB/512GB of onboard storage for all your files, photos, and videos.

The dual-lens rear camera setup of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 includes a 50MP wide-angle unit and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. As expected, both photos and videos are great, and everything from 4K video recording to AI-based editing tools is thrown into the mix. The overall software experience is quite feature-laden, although the cover display functionality continues to be somewhat limited. Other features include a 4,000mAh battery, seven years of OS and security updates, and much more.

Best foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 on cobblestone road

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Best foldable

Specifications

Display: 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED, 1856x2160 pixels resolution; 6.3-inch Cover, 968x2376 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Cameras: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP (rear), 10MP (front), 4MP (inside)
OS: Android 14 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 4,400mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Ideal for split-screen multitasking
+
Full support for Samsung's S Pen stylus
+
Top-of-the-line hardware specifications
+
Seven years of OS and security updates
+
IP48 rating for improved ingress protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Camera hardware isn't anything new
-
Extremely expensive

Easily one of the best foldable phones available out there, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an ultra-premium smartphone that can do it all. It has a 7.6-inch folding Dynamic AMOLED display that makes split-screen multitasking a delight. It's complemented by an outer 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel that's just as great. The smartphone is backed by an IP48 rating for better ingress protection and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, so everything works exactly as it should.

Being a full-featured flagship, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with a triple-lens primary camera system. It's comprised of a 50MP wide-angle unit, a 10MP telephoto module (with 3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. It runs Samsung's One UI 6.1.1 (based on Android 14) out of the box and just like all of the company's other high-end phones, will receive up to seven years of major OS and security updates. Backing up the entire thing is a 4,400mAh battery with both wired and wireless charging support.

Best performance

The back of the Ocean blue OnePlus 13

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

Specifications

Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1440x3168 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB/16GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Cameras: 50MP + 50MP + 50MP (rear), 32MP (front)
OS: Android 15 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging: 6,000mAh, 80W wired and 50W wireless charging

Reasons to buy

+
Top-tier performance in just about everything
+
Awesome battery life and blazing-fast charging
+
Four years of OS and six years of security updates
+
Premium, refined design

Reasons to avoid

-
No Qi2 support
-
Internet connectivity needed for most AI features

With the OnePlus 13, the company has once again proven that its flagships can not only go against the best in the business but also beat them. If you're in the market for a blazing-fast phone, we suggest you really consider taking a look at this thing.

Refining the design of its already-excellent predecessor even further, the OnePlus 13 now features premium build quality that manages to strike the right balance between flat and curved elements. The camera island no longer flows into the phone's side frame; instead, the circular housing sits on its own at the back. It's still located a little towards the left, and you can the choice of either textured glass or vegan leather as the material of choice for the rear panel. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13 features at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage, so this is a phone that can do it all. You also get an IP69 certification for dust and water resistance.

The triple lens rear camera system of the phone now comes with a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide module. The setup can compete against the best Android camera phones and includes everything from pro controls to 8K video capture. Among other notable features are an alert slider, NFC, and a big 6,000mAh battery with support for super-fast wired and wireless charging.

How to choose

You have lots of choices when it comes to 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 S25 Ultra or the Google Pixel 9, even though they offer a truly unmatched user experience. If that includes you, and you want to save some money, we suggest checking out the Samsung Galaxy A54, the Google Pixel 8a, or even the OnePlus Nord N30 5G, which are all among the best cheap Android phones you can get in the market right now.

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