The best AT&T phones available for December 2022

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.

AT&T phones: iPhones

Best Apple phone

Apple iPhone 14: free 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 rebate of up to $800, which can cover the entire cost of the iPhone 14 if your traded device is new enough.

Best value

Apple iPhone 13: $20.28 $5/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. 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 lions’ 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.View Deal

AT&T phones: Android

Best for most users

Samsung Galaxy S22: free with an eligible trade-in and  unlimited plan
The Galaxy S22 is a fantastic choice for most Android users thanks to its superb display, speedy chip, and excellent camera system. It’s not the biggest upgrade over its predecessor but the changes that Samsung has made are well-thought-out and welcome additions. Not only does it now have a nice glass-backed design (changed from plastic) but the new 120Hz adaptable refresh rate display gives you silky smooth performance and great battery life.View Deal

Best non-Samsung Android

Google Pixel 7: free with an eligible trade-in and 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 makes 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 usually offers the usual trade-in rebate on this one, with a maximum saving of up to $700 (enough to cover the entire cost of the device).View Deal

Best value

Google Pixel 6a: $19.45 $1/mo with an unlimited plan
For sheer value, it’s hard to overlook the excellent mid-range Pixel 6a from Google. This device is essentially a stripped-down version of the standard Pixel 6 but retains all the things that made that device great, namely the design, camera, and chip. A few corners have been cut with the display (it’s 60Hz) and the plastic-backed shell, but these are fairly minor drawbacks when you consider how cheap this device goes for sometimes. AT&T usually offers this device for anywhere between $1 to $10 per month without the need for a trade-in so it’s definitely worth considering.View Deal

Best of the best

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: save $800 at AT&T with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan
The stunning Galaxy S22 Ultra won our phone of the year 2022 award and it’s easy to explain why when you take a look at the specs on offer here. An incredible AMOLED display, high-end camera, and plenty of power make it one of the most fully-featured Android devices on the market. It’s quite simply a device that will make all your friends jealous, although it obviously comes with an appropriately high price. Generally speaking, AT&T’s trade-in rebates of anywhere between $800 to $1,000 this device are available all year round and highly recommended to cut that price tag down.View Deal

Best AT&T phones: FAQ

best AT&T Phones FAQ image

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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