The Best T-Mobile Android Phones [January 2018] , The best of the best, The best most valued phone, The best phablet, The best designed, The best camera, The best performance, The best battery life, The best in multi-tasking, Mid-Range Android phones (T-Mobile)
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Buying a new smartphone is a tough task: even when one has a clear idea of the desired device they intend to commit to, a 1-minute perusal of all the otherproducts on store shelves may quickly undo weeks worth of confidence. There are just too many excellent devices out there, and with so many offering similar specs the choice becomes even more difficult. Luckily, we have created this handy-dandy reference feature to help make your mind up (or reaffirm your existing decision). This week we tackle the formidable T-Mobile.
It should be pointed out that T-Mobile doesn’t exactly have a large selection of smartphones to choose from. Of the recent releases, almost half are Apple products. Thankfully, Magenta allows for unlocked devices to be used on its network as long as they support the pre-requisite bands and are of GSM configuration. To this end, we will also include some off-carrier considerations to have at.
The best of the best
We will talk about the best Android phone under some of the popular categories, which are based on what feature you are the most about. Like, camera, phablet, display, design, battery life, etc. We would give you what we think is the best phone under that section, along with an honorable mention for few other Android phones.
Let’s see to this.
The best most valued phone
Ironically the idea of a 5.8-inch display – once unquestionably a phablet in the yesteryears – is now being deemed a normal sized phone. For those looking to buy such a “standard” smartphone, which is good at everything, the best option is Samsung’s smaller Galaxy S8. It’s a big phone but not too big owing largely to the fact that it has such small bezels. You can also look at the S8+, which comes with a larger screen size of 6.2 inches, and slightly larger battery too, while other specs remain the same between the two: a QHD Super AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and a fantastic camera. As with the Note 8 and S8+, the sides of the screen are are curved which gives the phone a very distinctive look and is sure to turn heads.
But if you are a game for unlocked without-contract devices, here are a few very charming choices: The OnePlus 5T and the Pixel 2.
OnePlus is quite known for producing the best value-for-money devices year after year — and it has done it again with the OnePlus 5 this year, now discontinued in the favor of OnePlus 5T, which ups the game with bezel-less display and slightly better camera over the original 5. The OnePlus 5T is the best unlocked device at its price point, and we say that because it tuns fast, features great display and camera — not the best in industry, but best within its price point, and certainly not disappointing. It’s designed pretty well, even if there is nothing new and breathtaking here, and runs the show all day long without crying for a need to charge. At $499, the OnePlus 5T an incredible phone that gets you flagship-level specs and performance (features the Snapdragon 835 SoC, BTW, with 6GB of RAM!), even though it cuts out on water-proofing and wireless charging, which are not essential to many.
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And if you have some more cash to burn, have a look at Pixel 2. At just $649, it’s a very compelling device if you can find a way to ignore the unexciting design. Yes, those bigger-than-usual bezels in the front, in the bezel-less era, kill the mood but man, give it a try: The performance is the best there is, the camera is the best there is, while the battery and the display do not disappoint at all. It’s super-lightweight and at just 5-inch, feels more comfortable in hand than any other phone mentioned here. You are guaranteed to receive Android OS updates until Android R (that’s three years, and it’s already on Android 8.1, something that will take ages to arrive on S8/Note 8/G6/U11/OP5/etc.), and it will remain fast over the course of its entire life, while the likes of Galaxy S8 and even the OnePlus 5T start to stumble after a year or two.
Another exciting proposition is the LG G6. Its price has come surprisingly down, and even though it features last year’s best processor in the Snapdragon 821, which means it’s technically using the tech of 2016 in a 2017 device, and it’s just about 2018. the G6 is still a powerhouse, one that features bezel-less LCD display, which means there will be a noticeable lack of color depth and saturation when compared to something like the Galaxy Note 8. Still, it’s a 5.7-inch QHD IPS panel, which is no slouch. Buyer beware, however, do check out its blue color before discarding this one, and that one looks pretty good, and given the price the G6 comes on under offer (which are raining for this one!), the LG G6 is one of the best value-for-money handsets.
Finally, there is also the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, which is basically an S8 in a rugged body but with a flat display rather than a curved Edge variant. The phone is available for $850 or $130 down and 24 monthly payments of $30.
The best phablet
Large displays have become mainstream mainstays as what were once “mini tablets” are now sensible smartphones. The leader of the pack in T-Mobile’s stable is decidedly the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, released just a few months back and available for $100 upfront with 24 monthly installments of $30. That’s 820 bucks in toto.
The Note 8 has a fantastic 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display along with top specs across the board and comes standard with 6GB of RAM. The device has received almost universal praise though the sheer size will not be for everyone. Of particular note to note about the Note is the more rectangular shape of the product as opposed to the curved corners on the pair of S8 phones. This isn’t Sony Xperia-level sharpness mind you, but some might find the slight shapeshift to be less pleasing.
Those looking for a slightly smaller screen would also do well with the Galaxy S8+ which has a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display and the same basic specs as the Note 8 (minus the dual rear camera, S-Pen, and 2GB of RAM as it only comes with 4GB in the USA). Curiously T-Mobile has given it the same perplexing price point as the Note 8, so there is that to consider. Both the Note 8 and S8+ are available in a BOGO special as well. As mentioned above, the Galaxy S8+ has softer corners which may change or complement your clothing and/or pockets.
While T-Mobile doesn’t actually sell the Google Pixel 2 XL, it’s worth mentioning that nothing stops customers from buying one and using it on Magenta’s network. it houses arguably the best camera on mobile phones today and performs mind-blowingly fast, easily the best among all Android phones. Add to that quickest Android updates, whether that be about monthly security patches or Android OS version level — Google has promised 3 years of updates, till Android R, no less! — and you have a complete phone, which is only hurt by its non-exciting design. You can grab a panda version (black and white color model) to make up for that, BTW.
The P2XL is actually quite a long phone despite it only having a 6-inch display, owing to the fact it has two front-facing speakers: one on the top and the other on the bottom. This goes a long way to improve the listening experience for those who constantly cover the bottom-firing speakers on Samsung phones and thus encounter muffled sound. Despite some minor grumblings about screen issues, the device has been extremely well received by the media and fans alike.
For the audiophiles and fans of video shooters, there is also the LG V30 to consider, which has specs comparable to the Galaxy S8+ but with a larger focus on media via its dedicated DAC audio. It is available for $800, or 24 monthly payments of $30 each, plus an $80 initial payment. The product comes with 64GB of storage and microSD support, however, there is also the LG V30+ which bumps the storage up to 128GB and costs $850, or $130 today and 24 monthly payments of $30. The pre-installed effects LG B30 comes loaded with make it the best phone to have if you are into shooting videos from your mobile phone.
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The best designed
Ask 10 people what they think looks good, and you are likely to get 10 different answers, though inevitably with some overlap and consensus. The overall trend in 2017 among flagships was a significant reduction in the bezel around displays, and as such, all the devices listed in this piece make use of the new approach. Selecting a phone will ultimately depend on what you like.
Samsung’s Note 8, S8+, and S8 all share a similar design language, though as mentioned the Note 8 has a more boxy look going on. While the size situation might depend on individual preference, any of the three Samsung smartphones would definitely be a good choice for lots of looks. All phones feature a glass front and back, as well as a metal frame, that blends very so subtly with the front and back of the body to give you a really smooth slab to hang on to. you must grab one of these in your hand to get a good idea of what these devices feel like — a premium smartphone, in all sense.
If you are not into Galaxy S8 and Note 8, then the HTC U11, LG G6, and the V30, all have something to impress you with their own special kind of beauty. Have a look at HTC U11, which even though is not available on contract from T-Mobile, can be bought from the HTC’s website directly, for use on T-Mobile. Its back makes it a stunner in looks, while it is certainly able to deliver strong, smooth performance without batting an eye. Add to that impressive, very impressive camera, so much that if you are not fixated on a bezel-less phone, then this is your guy.
Also check out blue colored LG V30 and LG G6, both of pack in awesome specs like the S8 and U11, come with the bezel-less display, and give you a peace of mind in the design department too. LG’s G6 and V30 both have similar designs to each other, and look like a slightly more modest version of Samsung’s S/Note series. Front and back are glass, and a metal frame is sandwiched between.
When we’re talking a seriously well-looking phone, that can become a darling of your eyes, we sure can’t bring in Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL here, no matter how much we love them for everything else than design.
The best camera
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This is another tough issue, as all the flagships in 2017 basically have fantastic cameras. Until recently the Note 8 was top-ranked, but the Pixel 2 XL has dethroned it. Many feel Google’s Pixel phones have the best cameras among the assortment of Android phones in the market, and numerous websites around the world have agreed. Add to that the now-unearthed-but-hidden-at-launch Pixel Visual Core that improves the camera captures of even the third-party apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and any other app, you have a winning phone in Pixel 2 XL, by any means.
Assuming you don’t want to buy an off-carrier unlocked device, however, the choice is ultimately the Note 8 (if you can deal with the 6.3-inch display), or the S8/S8+.
The LG V30 also has a fantastic camera setup with dual rear offerings and is another good consideration for buyers. And if you are into video-shooting particularly, the V30 is your best bet because of extra efforts LG has put into this guy with video-dedicated capture and effects in mind.
The best performance
Arguably the best phone to select for performance is Google’s Pixel 2 XL, or even the smaller Pixel 2 (though the latter comes with 2015-era bezels). Google makes Android, and it is Google’s Android products that receive the quickest updates and new software additions. Just this month, the Pixel 2 series received ARCore as an update, which allows the stock camera to make use of Augmented Reality (AR) characters and enhancements, for example. This shows the power of updates from Google, as this thing would easily take months to show up on the likes of S8, note 8, G6, V30, U11, OnePlus 5, etc. handsets. In addition to that, the Pixel 2 series is already on Android 8.1. The lack of a custom UI skin over Android’s base means not only it’s more eye-pleasing, the system will also run hell-lot-of smoother, too.
Of course, Samsung’s offerings have improved in recent years and now have less bloat with TouchWiz, which has been renamed Samsung Experience. There is still lots of overlay and tinkering to be had, but it’s not nearly as pronounced as it once was. It also needs to be clarified that many of the features and enhancements Samsung brings to Android are actually goodadditions that millions upon millions of customers actually want. Google itself has adopted many of Samsung’s enhancements over the years and brought them to stock Android, such as the quick setting toggles in the notification bar, one huge feature that was earlier exclusive to Samsung smartphone since the first Galaxy S, until other OEMs, followed by Google itself, found this a necessary addition.
Ultimately the Snapdragon 835 processor is behind all the above devices so the basic benchmarks and overall performance will be top-notch, but yes, you will find the Pixel sets outgun the rest by a mile purely because of Google handling the software part.
The best battery life
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You have to consider either of the Galaxy Note 8 and Pixel 2 XL if you want the battery to last long, under the premium segment of smartphones. Uner these two choices, if you want a very good-looking all-rounder phone, go for the Note 8, no doubt.
But if you want a smartphone which is really smart, runs super-smooth, performs tasks superfast, never gives a lag/jerk/anything like that, besides getting you updates first of all on the planet, get the Pixel 2 XL. You are compromising on looks here a bit, but hey, did we mention it is also marginally better in the imaging department than the Note 8, thanks to Google’s super-cool AI at work in its camera.
The best in multi-tasking
With split-screen mode, every Android phone is a great multi-tasker, but the screen size plays hands-down the biggest role in this arena. There are two prime contenders for this field. The more obvious, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8, comes with a built-in stylus called the S-Pen which opens up an enormous amount of creative capabilities. Sketching, note taking, picture editing, scrapbooking… there is a venerable laundry list of all the potential possibilities that one could use the pen input for, and as such the Note has remained a popular “professional” device in the 7 years since its first introduction.
However, if the stylus is not important for you — it isn’t for us, actually! — then you just basically need a very fast phone to effectively and efficiently multi-task, where switching between the apps is blazing fast, or that phone shouldn’t stumble when you load your Maps and Spotify apps together with split-screen feature. Well, the Pixel 2 XL is the answer. Even the mighty Galaxy Note 8 doesn’t come anywhere near to this one, and the Pixel 2 XL’s 6-inch screen (compared to regular Pixel 2’s 5-inch) means there is plenty of space for loading two apps together for multitasking. You can also consider the OnePlus 5T, which is also a very fast phone, and great in everything else too.
However, if you are looking add modules, to make your phone do extra than what any of the phones could do out of the box, then you have to look at Moto Z2 Force, which can use the power of — costly! — Moto mods to do some awesome stuff. Available for just $375 full retail price or $15 down and 24 monthly payments of $15, this modular wonder makes use of swappable back panels that can enhance the core device in ways that no other product natively can. Options include a JBL speaker, a 360-degree camera, a projector, a battery pack, a zoom camera module and more. While somewhat pricey, the ability to simply pop off a back plate and instantly add new functionality is a fantastic idea. For what it’s worth, the Android 8.0 Oreo update is now available on the T-Mobile Z2 Force.
Mid-Range Android phones (T-Mobile)
Within the range of $300-$500, do have some solid options. If your budget stretches to $500, it’s hard to tell which device could best the OnePlus 5There. As we said above, the 5T ticks every box just right — the performance, the camera, the design, the battery life, and the software. Everything is solid good with this device, even if not the best. Its performance is kind-of matchable to Pixel 2, which is a big statement in itself.
Only if you are not interested in OnePlus 5T, whether that’s because of your budget, or a sheer unlove for Chinese OEMs (they often do things which we don’t like), check out the LG G6, which also gets you a pretty good camera, decent 5.7″ bezel-less display, design, performance and battery life, while costing just $500 (much less under the deals that often show up). However, if your budget is well before what these two handsets ask, read below.
If you are looking to save money and get a slightly less-powerful hardware, Samsung’s flagship of yesteryear, the Galaxy S7, and the Galaxy S7 Edge are good options. Given they are approaching the two-year mark in age, pricing has come down considerably. The S7 can be had for $382 or 24 monthly payments of $15.92, and the S7 Edge can be had for $386 or 24 monthly installments of $16.09 (as on December 29, 2017).
Those eager to get away from Samsung could buy the HTC U11 Life, Moto Z2 Force, LG Stylo 3 PLUS, or LG K20 Plus all of which run for the $200-300 range. Oh, the U11 Life is a looker, BTW, and it can perform better than the rest of the lot, really, thanks to it running Android Oreo now, and also because of the better software optimization by HTC. And So, do give it a serious consideration before making a final decision.
Budget Friendly (T-Mobile)
T-Mobile has quite a few budget-friendly phones available from mainstay OEMs, including the Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime, Galaxy J7 Prime, LG Aristo, and others.
If you don’t mind spending $200, then LG K20 Plus is the best among the lost. However, if you do mind that, look at LG Aristo, which despite mere 1.5GB RAM, is a good deal, while you can always opt for Samsung’s J3 prime and J7 Prime, as per your budget and preference for the screen size.
Wrap Up
Clearly, there is no shortage of top-quality smartphones to be had from T-Mobile, and because the Pixel 2 handsets and OnePlus 5T are not available under the contract, your best choice may come in the form of an unlocked device. However, that’s not to say contract options are not cool, as Samsung’s Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, the and Note 8 offer you aplenty in the range of $600-$950.
By far the best option would be the Galaxy S8 and S8+, given their specs and design, often found very pleasing thanks to both coming frequently on sale or as a part of BOGO campaign. With the Galaxy S9 set to launch in a few months, it is quite likely there will be price cuts and even bigger and better offers to be had.
Price and where to buy
You can find all the T-Mobile Android phones here (sorted by price). But we have also provided a summary of popular T-Mobile phones right below along with their prices. As the Pixel 2 sets, OnePlus 5T and HTC U11 aren’t sold by T-Mobile, they have been linked to their respective store pages — rest all are T-Mobile pages.
| Android Phone | Online Store Link |
| Google Pixel 2 | $24.96/mo. | $599.00 |
| Google Pixel 2 XL | $32.25/mo. | $774.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy S8 | $30+$30.00/mo. | $750.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy S8+ | $130+$30.00/mo. | $850.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy S8 Active | $130+$30.00/mo. | $850.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8 | $230+$30.00/mo. | $950.00 |
| OnePlus 5T | $499.00 |
| LG V30 | $80+$30.00/mo. | $800.00 |
| LG V30 Plus | $130+$30.00/mo. | $850.00 |
| LG G6 | $20+$20.00/mo. | $500.00 |
| HTC U11 | $28.00/mo. | $649.00 [HTC.com] |
| HTC U11 Life | $12+$12.00/mo. | $300.00 |
| Motorola Moto Z2 Force | $15+$15.00/mo. | $375.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime | $9+$9.00/mo. | $225.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime | $6+$6.00/mo. | $150.00 |
| LG K20 Plus | $8+$8.00/mo. | $200.00 |
| LG Aristo | $4.00/mo. | $96.00 |
Do let us know if you have any queries regarding T-Mobile Android phones in the comments section below. And also do share your experience and thoughts on these phones.
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