The best Verizon phones you can get in 2022

June 15, 2023

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

A vast network and an extensive menu of phones give Verizon status as one of the best US carriers. If you’re thinking about joining Big Red, you have to know what phones you can choose. These include popular devices available on all carriers and exclusive Verizon phones.

See also: How to unlock a Verizon phone

We’ll show you the best Verizon phones in different categories in this guide, including flagship, mid-level, and budget categories. Additionally, we’ll talk about Verizon’s prepaid phones and the best Verizon plans you should know about. Let’s dive in.

Best Verizon phones:

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best Verizon phones regularly as new ones hit the carrier.

1. Samsung Galaxy S22 series — Flagship

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S series consists of the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, and the S22 Ultra. The S22 Ultra offers the most of the lineup, moving to a more Note-like design with built-in S Pen storage and the same excellent quadruple-camera setup from last year (108MP+10MP+10MP+12MP). The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and packs a 5,000mAh battery.

The Galaxy S22 Plus, on the other hand, comes with a 6.6-inch display and triple-camera setup at the back, featuring 50MP, 12MP, and 10MP shooters. The phone packs a 4,500mAh battery and 8GB of RAM with the same Snapdragon processor.

The regular Galaxy S22 is still very similar to the Plus model. The main differences are that it sports a smaller 6.1-inch display and packs a smaller 3,700mAh battery. On the bright side, it’s back to a glass back this year.

All three phones sport in-display fingerprint scanners, IP68 ratings, and wireless charging. And no, none of them have a headphone jack.

Samsung Galaxy S22 specs:

Display: 6.1-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
Front camera: 10MP
Battery: 3,700mAh
Software: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus specs:

Display: 6.6-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
Front camera: 10MP
Battery: 4,500mAh
Software: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra specs:

Display: 6.8-inch, QHD+
SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8/12GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB

Cameras: 108, 10, 10, and 12MP
Front camera: 40MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Software: Android 12

2. Apple iPhone 13 series— Flagship

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

No matter how much we love Android, we can’t ignore just how good the iPhone 13 series has become. It packs premium A15 Bionic chipsets across the entire range and a newly revamped camera setup. Sure, you’ll pay the Apple tax, but at least Verizon is fully loaded with deals and discounts to take the sting out of it.

See also: Apple iPhone 13 buyer’s guide

Apple is sticking with its four device family for another year — keeping the latest 5.4-inch iPhone 13 Mini in the mix. You’ll find similar internals, including the Bionic A15 and a pair of 12MP shooters, but be careful when it comes to battery life. We had issues with at year’s model and haven’t had time to thoroughly test the new version. You’ll find a glossy glass finish on both the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini, though the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro opt for a frosted glass finish, and they jump to 6GB of RAM.

You’ll even find Apple’s first-ever 120Hz display at home on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, as well as support for ProRes and Cinematic Mode.

iPhone 13 Mini specs:

Display: 5.4-inch, Super Retina XDR
SoC: A15 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB

Cameras: 12 and 12MP
Front camera: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
Battery: 2,438mAh
Software: iOS 15

iPhone 13 specs:

Display: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR
SoC: A15 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB

Cameras: 12 and 12MP
Front camera: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
Battery: 3,240mAh
Software: iOS 15

iPhone 13 Pro specs:

Display: 6.1-inch, 120Hz Super Retina XDR
Chipset: A15 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB

Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP
Front cameras: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
Battery: 3,095mAh
Software: iOS 15

iPhone 13 Pro Max specs:

Display: 6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR
SoC: A15 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB

Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP
Front cameras: 12MP + 3D depth sensor
Battery: 4,352mAh
Software: iOS 15

3. Google Pixel 6 series — Flagship

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

After a year in the mid-range segment with the Pixel 5, Google is back in flagship territory for the Pixel 6 series. They’re the largest, most powerful Pixels yet, but they’re not actually the most expensive.

Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro come with Google’s first-ever Tensor chip onboard, as well as revamped cameras. You can’t miss the camera bar, and the new 50MP main shooter is a major upgrade from previous years. Google added 12MP ultrawide lenses, too, and the Pixel 6 Pro rounds out with a 48MP telephoto lens.

You’ll find wireless charging, as well as 21W USB PD PPS wired charging on both models, and the IP68 rating is here to stay. Google doubled down on Gorilla Glass Victus for the front and back panels, so you just have to decide how much phone you want. The vanilla Pixel 6 packs a 6.4-inch Full HD+ panel, while the Pixel 6 Pro swells to 6.7-inches with a WQHD resolution.

We mentioned that these aren’t the most expensive Pixels in the world, and it’s true. The Pixel 6 kicks off at just $599 — $100 less than the previous Pixel 5. You’ll have to drop $899 for the Pixel 6 Pro, however.

Google Pixel 6 specs:

Display: 6.4-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Tensor
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Camera: 50 and 12MP
Front camera: 8MP
Battery: 4,614mAh
Software: Android 12

Google Pixel 6 Pro specs:

Display: 6.7-inch, WQHD+
SoC: Tensor
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128/256/512GB

Camera: 50, 48, and 12MP
Front camera: 11.1MP
Battery: 5,003mAh
Software: Android 12

4. Samsung S21 FE 5G — Mid-range

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung’s latest Fan Edition device might not be the same smash hit as its Galaxy S20 predecessor, but it’s a great Verizon phone all the same. You still get the key features of a 2021 flagship without the same price tag.

The phone has an excellent build quality even though it’s made of plastic rather than glass. You’ll also find a 4,500mAh battery under the hood, complete with 25W wired charging. Samsung packed a Snapdragon 888 processor on its mid-range device to keep the lights on, along with either 6 or 8GB of RAM.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review

If there’s one main flaw, it’s the Galaxy S21 FE’s camera array. It packs a pair of 12MP lenses with an 8MP telephoto, but the trio doesn’t always keep up. The front-facing 32MP camera is the best of the bunch, making this an excellent Verizon phone if you want to snap selfies all day.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs:

Display: 6.4-inch, FHD+
SoC: Snapdragon 888
RAM: 6/8GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Cameras: 12, 8, and 12MP
Front camera: 32MP
Battery: 4,500mAh
Software: Android 12

5. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) — Mid-range

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The most affordable iPhone is back for another trip around the block. And although we’re an Android-focused website, we can’t deny that the iPhone SE has some solid internals. It offers tremendous value for money, not something you usually hear when talking about Apple products.

The iPhone SE includes the same glass and metal design we saw on the iPhone 8 and carries a single 12MP camera. Users will also love that Apple didn’t skimp out on the processor, as the iPhone SE uses the same Apple A15 Bionic processor we see in iPhone 13 handsets. Other benefits include wireless charging and an IP67 rating, two features that have become standard on budget phones.

However, there are a few drawbacks you have to keep in mind. The phone has a small 4.7-inch display with a low resolution. It also has large bezels that make it look dated and lacks Night Mode, so low-light photography isn’t anything to write home about.

Apple iPhone SE specs:

Display: 4.7-inch, 1334 x 750
SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64/128/256GB

Camera: 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
Battery: ~2,018mAh
Software: iOS 15.4

6. Samsung Galaxy A53 — Mid-range Verizon phone

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

This is one of the cheapest 5G-ready smartphones on this list. The Samsung Galaxy A53 is an excellent mid-ranger, with flexible cameras, a large and fast display, and solid 25W charging. It’s the first to offer an Exynos chip in the United States in a number of years, but it manages to stay right at $499.

The front is covered by a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a punch hole on top that gives it a modern look. You’ll find the Exynos 1280 chipset under the hood, along with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage that you can expand with a microSD card. The battery comes in at 5,000mAh, but there’s no longer a headphone jack onboard.

Samsung Galaxy A53 specs:

Display: 6.5-inch FHD+
Chipset: Exynos 1280
RAM: 4/6/8GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Camera: 64, 12, 5, and 5MP
Front camera: 32MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Software: Android 12

7. Motorola One 5G Ace — Cheap Verizon phone

Adam Molina / Android Authority

If you’re on a budget and don’t demand a lot from your phone, the Motorola One 5G Ace might be up your alley. Its specs won’t blow your socks off, but the handset still comes 5G-ready with power for everyday tasks on Verizon’s best network.

The device’s screen is quite large, coming in at 6.7 inches, and it packs a Full HD+ resolution. Three cameras at the back get the job done, just don’t expect the world from them — especially in low-light situations. Other specs and features include 64GB of storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and Android 11 right out of the box.

See also: Motorola One 5G Ace review

The phone is also equipped with a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and supports expandable storage.

Motorola One 5G Ace specs:

Display: 6.7-inch, FHD+
SoC: Snapdragon 750G
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB

Cameras: 48, 8, and 2MP
Front camera: 16MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Software: Android 11

8. Moto G Power 2021 — Cheap Verizon phone

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The USP of the Moto G Power is right there in its name. It packs a massive 5,000mAh battery that can power you far beyond a day. Motorola also packed 6.6-inches of screen real estate to play with, perfect to view your 48MP camera shots.

The G Power is a mid-range smartphone packing the Snapdragon 662 chipset under the hood and up to 4GB of RAM. It has a modern design with a punch-hole display, three rear cameras, and a dedicated macro lens. It also sports a headphone jack and supports expandable storage. Combined, these things make the Moto G Power one of the best cheap Verizon phones you can currently get.

The software experience on the Moto G Stylus gets a thumbs-up since it comes with a super light skin that doesn’t change the look and feel of Android by much.

Right now, the Moto G Power is only available for in-store pickup, but we still recommend it over its 2022 successor.

Moto G Power specs:

Display: 6.6-inch HD+
Chipset: Snapdragon 662
RAM: 3/4GB
Storage: 32/64GB

Cameras: 48, 2, and 2MP
Front camera: 8MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Software: Android 10

9. Sonim XP5s — Basic Verizon phone

This phone is built to last. It has a MIL-STD-810-G rating, which means it has gone through a series of 29 tests and can withstand everything from shock and vibration to heat and humidity. It’s also IP68 rated, making it resistant to both water and dust.

The Sonim XP5s looks rugged and is small enough to slide into just about any pocket, making it easy to carry around you while on the job. It’s a great phone for those who work in construction or are just generally clumsy. It’s not a smartphone, so don’t expect it to do the same things as an Android phone. But if calls and texts are all you need from a phone, the Sonim XP5s may be for you.

This is the most expensive basic phone Verizon sells, although the price may be worth it for some due to the handset’s rugged design and the included three-year warranty.

Sonim XP5s specs:

Display: 2.64-inch
SoC: Snapdragon 427
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB

Camera: 5MP
Front camera: /
Battery: 3,180mAh
Software: Proprietary OS

10. Alcatel Go Flip V — Basic Verizon phone

If you’re in the market for a cheap Verizon flip phone, the Alcatel Go Flip V should be the first one on your shortlist. It has two displays and large keys, making this an ideal device for older people.

It’s as simple to use as they get, but it still packs a camera at the back that takes acceptable images. The battery capacity doesn’t sound like much at just 1,350mAh, but the battery life should be excellent since this is a basic phone that isn’t power-hungry.

The device also comes with a headphone jack, a feature most high-end Android phones lack these days.

Alcatel Go Flip V specs:

Displays: 2.8- and 1.44-inch
SoC: Snapdragon 210
Storage: 8GB
RAM: 1GB

Camera: 2MP
Front camera: /
Battery: 1,350mAh
Software: AOSP-based OS

11. Kazuna eTalk — Basic Verizon phone

If you’re looking for a flip phone on Verizon for as little money as possible, the Kazuna eTalk is for you. It’s very similar to the Alcatel Go Flip V mentioned above, sporting the same display sizes and chipset. The resolution of the camera is also the same at 2MP.

However, the phone comes with less RAM and storage, which is why it’s more affordable. But on the other hand, it does pack a slightly larger battery at 1,500mAh.

Like most flip phones, the Kazuna eTalk has large physical keys that make using it a breeze. Because of the phone’s design, the chance of butt-dialing someone is also more or less eliminated.

Kazuna eTalk specs:

Displays: 2.8- and 1.44-inch
SoC: Snapdragon 210
Storage: 4GB
RAM: 512MB

Camera: 2MP
Front camera: /
Battery: 1,500mAh
Software: AOSP-based OS

Verizon prepaid phones

Prepaid phones are usually bought off-contract, which means you can’t get them on an installment plan and have to pay for them up-front. Verizon has plenty of them available, although their selection doesn’t include the latest and greatest flagships like the Note 20 Ultra and OnePlus 8 Pro.

If you want to opt for a prepaid Verizon phone, check out the five best ones we think you should consider below.

There are plenty of others to choose from, some of which you can check out in our dedicated best Verizon prepaid phones post at the link.

Verizon phones vs. unlocked phones

When deciding whether to go for a Verizon or an unlocked phone, you have to keep a few things in mind.

A phone bought directly from Verizon has its advantages, with the biggest one being that you don’t have to pay for it up-front. You only pay a portion of the cost right away and then pay off the rest over a period of time. This up-front cost could be anywhere from zero dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the phone’s price and popularity. With unlocked phones, you usually have to pay for them in full at the time of purchase.

Verizon's deals can save you a lot of money.

Verizon also offers great deals on select devices, so you can save a lot of money compared to getting them unlocked from Amazon or any other retailer. BOGO deals are top-rated, which get you two handsets for the price of one. Deals like these usually aren’t available for unlocked phones.

Support is another advantage of getting a phone from Verizon. Whenever you need help with anything, visit your local carrier shop, and the staff will gladly help you with it. If your phone has some physical defect, Verizon can help you get it fixed.

Another thing worth mentioning is that if you buy a carrier device, you can be sure that that device is specifically configured to work well on the carrier’s network. In other words, if you buy a Verizon phone, you can be sure that it will work well on Verizon’s network and that you’ll be able to take advantage of all the features you would expect.

When it comes to disadvantages, the biggest one is that a phone bought from Verizon is locked to the carrier’s network for a certain amount of time. That means you can’t use it on a different carrier before the phone gets unlocked, which is 60 days in Verizon’s case.

If you buy an unlocked phone, you can usually take it to just about any carrier and switch between them as you please. You have much more freedom this way.

Verizon phones may also come with a lot of bloatware you don’t get on unlocked phones. The selection is limited, and you won’t find every popular model in the carrier’s lineup. For example, while Verizon sells the OnePlus 8, it does not offer the Pro model. So if you want a specific phone that’s not available at Verizon, you’ll have to get it unlocked.

Don’t forget to pick a plan

After you select the phone you want to get, it’s time to choose a Verizon plan. There are many options available, so regardless of what you’re looking for, Verizon likely has you covered. You can check out and compare the carrier’s post-paid plans in the table below. Still, if you want to learn more about the other plans Verizon has to offer and how they compare with the competition, check out our dedicated best Verizon plans and best Verizon prepaid plans posts at the links.

	Start Unlimited	Play More Unlimited	Do More Unlimited	Get More Unlimited
Cost	Start Unlimited $70 for one line $60 for two lines $45 for three lines $35 for four lines	Play More Unlimited $80 for one line $70 for two lines $55 for three lines $45 for four lines	Do More Unlimited $80 for one line $70 for two lines $55 for three lines $45 for four lines	Get More Unlimited $90 for one line $80 for two lines $65 for three lines $55 for four lines
Talk & Text	Start Unlimited Unlimited	Play More Unlimited Unlimited	Do More Unlimited Unlimited	Get More Unlimited Unlimited
Data	Start Unlimited Unlimited 4G LTE 5G Nationwide	Play More Unlimited 25GB Premium 4G LTE Unlimited standard 4G 5G Ultrawide access with compatible phone	Do More Unlimited 50GB Premium 4G LTE Unlimited standard 4G 5G Ultrawide access with compatible phone	Get More Unlimited 75GB Premium 4G LTE Unlimited standard 4G 5G Ultrawide access with compatible phone
Hotspot	Start Unlimited Not included	Play More Unlimited 15GB 4G LTE Unlimited 3G	Do More Unlimited 15GB 4G LTE Unlimited 3G	Get More Unlimited 30GB 4G LTE Unlimited 3G
International Service	Start Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico and Canada Texting in over 200 countries	Play More Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico and Canada Texting in over 200 countries	Do More Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico and Canada Texting in over 200 countries	Get More Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico and Canada Texting in over 200 countries
Extra Perks	Start Unlimited 480p streaming Apple Music for 6 months Disney Plus for six months Discovery Plus for 12 months	Play More Unlimited 720p streaming Apple Music for six months Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus included Discovery Plus for 12 months	Do More Unlimited 480p streaming Apple Music for 6 months Disney Plus for six months Discovery Plus for 12 months 500GB cloud storage	Get More Unlimited 480p streaming Apple Music included Disney Plus, Hulu, and EPSN Plus included Discovery Plus for 12 months 500GB cloud storage

Frequently asked questions

Is my Verizon phone unlocked?

No, it’s not. The phone you bought from Verizon is locked to the carrier’s network

How to unlock a Verizon phone?

All Verizon phones are locked for 60 days after purchase and activation. Once you hit 60 days, Verizon unlocks the phone automatically.

How to activate a new Verizon phone?

Setting up and activating a new Verizon phone is a breeze. All you have to do is charge it, turn it on, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Once the setup is complete, Verizon will activate your phone and have it ready for use.

How to switch phones on Verizon?

If you want to switch devices with someone else on your account, all you have to do is visit the Swap Devices page in My Verizon and follow the on-screen instructions. The process only takes a few minutes to complete.

Can I use a Sprint phone on Verizon?

Generally yes, since both carriers use CDMA technology. So if you have an unlocked Sprint phone, you should be able to use it on Verizon. However, you should check with Verizon before signing up for a plan to make sure since some specific devices may not be compatible. Verizon is also shifting away from its CDMA technology beginning in 2023.

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