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Verizon has been around for many years, and PCMag has been covering phones that support its network for several decades. However, before you buy a phone to use on Verizon, you need to understand which ones work on which parts of its 5G network. We're here to help, and have collected our favorite handsets in the list below. Among our Editors' Choice winners are the affordable Apple iPhone 16, the stylus-equipped Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the AI-assisted Google Pixel 9. But one of our other picks might fit your needs better, so it's worth exploring our detailed reviews that cover the specifics of 5G support. Also, scroll down past the list for some helpful context on Verizon's network and a few tips to remember while you shop.
Our Top Tested Picks
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
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- RELATED:
- Best Phones
- Best Cheap Phones
- Best 5G Phones
- Best AT&T Phones
- Best T-Mobile Phones
- Best Folding Phones
Best iPhone for Most People
Apple iPhone 16
- Most affordable iPhone 16 model
- High-quality hardware
- Swift performance
- Sharp camera quality
- Good battery life
- Supports Apple Intelligence
- 60Hz display
The iPhone 16 is Apple's best value thanks to its appealing combination of features and performance at a reasonable price. Among the highlights are a fast A18 processor, competitive cameras, improved battery life, and long-term software support. And with plenty of color options to choose from, you can match your phone with your style.
Apple's iPhone 16 costs a few hundred dollars less than others in the lineup but still provides the core iPhone experience and powerful performance.
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Class-leading performance
- Powerful AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Sharp, anti-reflective screen
- Better ergonomics than previous Ultras
- Long software support window
- Expensive
- Less S Pen functionality than previous generation
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate smartphone for power users, with a terrific screen, long battery life, and a top processor. Factor in the 5x, AI-assisted telephoto camera, an S Pen stylus, and capable software, and you have a handset that's equally capable for entertainment and productivity.
These days, those who love to scribble notes or sketch designs have few choices, and the S25 Ultra is the best of the bunch. Moreover, its Samsung DeX desktop mode and advanced multitasking features make it a top choice for working professionals. Lastly, it supports Verizon's speediest mmWave 5G.
Best Folding Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Improved, more durable design
- Wider cover screen
- Excellent cameras
- Blazing performance
- Bright displays
- Long software support window
- Very expensive
- Lagging charging speeds
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an incredible productivity machine. Its large inner display is perfect for multitasking as well as watching your favorite movies and shows. Other appealing aspects include support for Samsung's S Pen stylus (not included), quality cameras, and the advanced DeX desktop mode for large-screen tasks.
It costs a pretty penny, but the Galaxy Z Fold 6 should tempt mobile pros who need the biggest screen possible to get work done or those who want to comfortably run multiple apps at the same time. And, of course, it fully supports Verizon's 5G network.
Best for Android Phone for Most People
Google Pixel 9
- Excellent cameras
- Useful and fun AI features
- Good performance
- Competitively priced
- Limited storage
- Doesn't include Gemini Live subscription
Google's Pixel 9 offers nearly all the features of its pro siblings for hundreds less. You get an excellent camera stack, advanced AI-assisted photo editing features, and plenty of Google Gemini tools to help you throughout the day. Its smaller footprint, waterproof build, and bright screen round out the package.
If you prefer Google's version of Android, want to be the first to see Android system updates, and need long-term support from Google, and want killer cameras for less-than-flagship pricing, the Pixel 9 is the way to go.
Best Affordable Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
- Excellent value
- Good performance
- Above-average cameras
- Splashproof
- Six-year support window
- Large
- Plastic build
Samsung's $199 Galaxy A16 5G offers a well-rounded experience for its affordable price. We like its large display, capable cameras, and above-average battery life.
Buyers on a budget should appreciate the Galaxy A16's value, especially given its useful software enhancements and long-term support from Samsung.
Best for Content Creators
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Leading video features
- Outstanding battery life
- Large, bright screen
- Strong connectivity
- Exceedingly large
- Pricey
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the most advanced Apple phone you can buy. It has the largest screen, the longest-lasting battery, the most capable cameras, and the fastest performance of the bunch. Apple's excellent first-party software makes it extremely competent for creative types, especially those who want to shoot Pro Res videos. We like its A18 Pro processor, Apple Intelligence, and Camera Control key.
Apple's top-tier smartphone is for those who prioritize video capture, photography, and other media creation features. It doesn't hurt that it also has the best battery life of any iPhone.
Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr+
- Top-notch display
- Helpful outer screen
- Waterproof
- Stylish and easy to use
- Cameras are only average
- Limited AI features at launch
Motorola's clamshell-style folding phone, the Razr+, has a striking design, reasonable battery life, and decent cameras. Most importantly, the advanced user interface on the external display saves you the trouble of opening the phone to handle incoming alerts. Its IPX8 rating means it's fully waterproof, too.
If you want to take control of your notifications and decrease your screen time, the Razr+ is the phone to get thanks to its customizable outer display. It's also stands out from the crowd of regular slab-style phones.
Best Rugged Phone
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3
- Sturdy, tough build
- Removable battery
- MicroSD slot
- Solid overall performance
- Underwhelming image quality and slow camera app
- Limited Android upgrades
Kyocera is one of the top manufacturers of rugged work phones, and the DuraForce Pro 3 is tough enough for use at construction sites, warehouses, and the backcountry. Its 5G support keeps you connected, while its MIL-STD-810H rating means it can handle dust, water, shocks, vibrations, and more.
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 is for frontline workers or outdoor adventurers who need a device that can take a consistent beating and keep them connected no matter where they roam.
The Best Verizon Phones for 2025 Compare Specs
How to Buy a Verizon Phone
Almost all Verizon phones are available through the carrier itself, though many unlocked phones now work on its network as well. You can't bring just any foreign phone to Verizon—they have to be preapproved—but models from big unlocked brands in the US (including Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung), as well as most unlocked handsets from Amazon, should work fine. Of course, any iPhone will do well on Verizon's network; here's how to choose the right iPhone.
What Types of 5G Does Verizon Offer?
Verizon now has three kinds of 5G. C-band, branded "5G UW," is distinctly better than 4G if it is set up properly. Millimeter-wave 5G, also called "5G UW," is amazingly fast and powerful, like a wireless fiber connection. However, it's not available in most places. Verizon's nationwide "5G" is a little faster than its 4G, but not by enough to really matter.
You can check 5G availability on Verizon's coverage map. Raw speed probably isn't why you're coming to or staying with Verizon, though. The carrier historically performs well in rural areas but sometimes loses out to T-Mobile in urban settings. Even so, third-party testing often highlights the reliability of Verizon's network.
For more, see our list of the best 5G phones.
Does Verizon Still Sell Flip Phones?
Our last check of Verizon's website turned up a handful of flip phones for sale. We have not reviewed the majority of them, and customer reviews rate many of them poorly, which means they are probably best to avoid. If you're still interested in a basic voice phone, you might want to consider an unlocked handset that works on Verizon's network. Be sure it supports Voice over LTE to get voice service.
If you need more help buying a phone, check out our story on the best cheap phones for our favorite low-cost picks. While you're at it, take a look at our lists for the best phones on AT&T and T-Mobile, and head over to our Readers' Choice picks for the top mobile carriers.
What Is 5G?
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
