Best Verizon phones to buy in 2024: With contract and prepaid
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When it comes to buying a smartphone, there's a massive list of devices to choose from. Today's market is flooded with handsets spread across different price tiers and niche sectors. Then, we have mobile carriers offering various discounts, deals, or monthly payment plans to purchase that one expensive handset that is much easier for the customer.
Chances are, you may be looking to sign a new contract with Verizon and may be wondering which of their phones would make for a good purchase. Whether to get on a plan or score a prepaid phone, Verizon has the full roster. The phones come with a plan, however, and it's good to be well-informed about those as well.
Once you've selected your plan, it's time to select the phone to go along with it.
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Featuring an impressive 200MP camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3X telephoto lens, and a new 5X periscope camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the benchmark for smartphone photography. Although it has dropped the 10X camera from its predecessor, it still offers outstanding zoom capabilities.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it delivers top-tier performance. The included S Pen stylus further enhances its functionality, providing a range of productivity features.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra can be yours for up to $800 off its regular $1,300 starting price. Of course, an eligible trade-in and plan are required.
Currently, the most feature-rich, most sought-after design, and most competent camera of any iPhone is found in the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. Along with a configurable Action Button, a titanium body with slightly curved sides to help keep the iPhone's weight in mind, and a USB Type-C connection in place of a Lightning port, this is the first iPhone.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's new tetraprism telephoto camera, which increases the iPhone's long-zooming capabilities and provides 5X optical zoom, is the main new feature. There are three separate camera FOVs available with the primary camera.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with the Apple A17 Pro chipset, the first 3nm chipset on mobile, which delivers exceptional performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a 4,422mAh battery, one of the largest ever fitted on an iPhone, which ensures for more than decent endurance. The device is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions. You can have it in Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.
Apple's best new iPhone is also available as a prepaid phone on Verizon. Currently, no deals are available on the prepaid version of the device.
Samsung's latest foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, is its most exciting new phone released in 2024. The company's most advanced foldable phone features a novel and completely flat design, coupled with a faster chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is similar to its predecessors, so Samsung is not rediscovering the hot water here––but it also doesn't need to.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, as well as a much brighter display than before. There are a handful of AI features on deck, unified under the Galaxy AI name, which enriches the One UI experience.
Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold devices, the camera system produces slightly better and more natural photos, despite the lack of any major upgrades.
Apple's basic iPhones, the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14, are most likely among the most popular Verizon prepaid phones. After you buy both in full, you can choose one among the top four Verizon prepaid plans. We'd expect many will consider these Verizon prepaid phones when shopping for one.
One of the key reasons why you might want to get a prepaid phone on Verizon is for cost-cutting reasons. Yes, Verizon's prepaid service seems to be way more affordable than the carrier's regular postpaid contract plans, which are usually more costly in comparison. Another perk of prepaid phones on Verizon is the sheer amount of devices you can get, with the added caveat that you can't purchase these on a monthly plan; instead, you have to buy the phone in full or bring in an unlocked device to use with a prepaid plan.
Some of the downsides of a prepaid phone (and plan) are throttling and deprioritization, which could ruin just about anyone's day. Throttling is a rather familiar term for anyone well-versed in carrier practices and usually means that once you go over your data cap, you can kiss your fast data speeds goodbye as you succumb to the depths of 2G-like downlink and uplink bandwidth. On the other hand, deprioritization means that during times of network congestion, you might also experience temporarily slow data speeds.
These days, all plans revolve around the amount of mobile data you'll get and how you'll use it. Being able to stream movies with HD quality will cost you extra. Using your phone as a hotspot will also cost you extra. It's up to you to pinpoint your priorities and choose the plan that fits them best. To get further instructions, check our Verizon plans guide.
Best Verizon phones, a summarized list:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - The best Android phone of 2024.
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max - The best large iPhone.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - Excellent value in 2024.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 - Samsung's most exciting new foldable phone.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Google's most impressive AI powerhouse in 2024.
- Apple iPhone 15 - The essential iPhone experience, now redefined.
- Google Pixel 8a - The affordable Pixel experience, redefined.
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How to pick the best phone for you? Four words: budget, ecosystem, plan, and size.
Getting the most expensive smartphones would almost certainly give you the most premium experience with the best possible features, but it's not at all compulsory to go that way. You can even consider a basic phone. Most affordable smartphones these days offer rather similar hardware and software features that mostly match what a more expensive device would get you, save for a few exclusive features. Most of these include exclusive cameras and camera modes, as well as some exclusive software features.
In terms of ecosystem differences, it wouldn't make big sense to go with an iPhone if you have surrounded yourself with Android devices, and vice versa. However, if you're willing to switch, there's currently a rather big selection of top smartphones on either the iOS or the Android ecosystems that let you score a superb device and enjoy the benefits of the opposite camp.
You could also consider getting one of the Verizon prepaid phones, which are similar to their regular versions, but available with select prepaid plans that let you save. Prepaid phones are not engaged with a strict annual plan, but require you to pay in advance for the service you're going to use. Some of the best Verizon prepaid phones are also the most popular handsets available right now, so you should consider scoring one of those prepaid phones.
Finally, when it comes to size, everyone wants a big phone until they have to fit it in a pair of tight jeans, so picking the right size for you is essential. While it's true that the largest phones are usually a tad more premium and more advanced than compact ones, this isn't necessarily always the case. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro is much more compact and adept than, say, the iPhone 15 Plus, so you have to conduct your research correctly.
You could also consider getting one of the Verizon prepaid phones, which are similar to their regular versions, but available with select prepaid plans that let you save. Prepaid phones are not engaged with a strict annual plan, but require you to pay in advance for the service you're going to use. Some of the best Verizon prepaid phones are also the most popular handsets available right now, so you should consider scoring one of those prepaid phones.
Finally, when it comes to size, everyone wants a big phone until they have to fit it in a pair of tight jeans, so picking the right size for you is essential. While it's true that the largest phones are usually a tad more premium and more advanced than compact ones, this isn't necessarily always the case. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro is much more compact and adept than, say, the iPhone 15 Plus, so you have to conduct your research correctly.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The best Android phone of 2024The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the most complete and versatile Android phone you can buy in 2024. It sets the standard that other flagship phones aspire to meet.
Featuring an impressive 200MP camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3X telephoto lens, and a new 5X periscope camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the benchmark for smartphone photography. Although it has dropped the 10X camera from its predecessor, it still offers outstanding zoom capabilities.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it delivers top-tier performance. The included S Pen stylus further enhances its functionality, providing a range of productivity features.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra can be yours for up to $800 off its regular $1,300 starting price. Of course, an eligible trade-in and plan are required.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra prepaid version
The Galaxy S24 Ultra can be yours as a prepaid phone, but you will have to shell out the full $1300 up front.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The best large iPhone
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's new tetraprism telephoto camera, which increases the iPhone's long-zooming capabilities and provides 5X optical zoom, is the main new feature. There are three separate camera FOVs available with the primary camera.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Verizon prepaid version
Apple's best new iPhone is also available as a prepaid phone on Verizon. Currently, no deals are available on the prepaid version of the device.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Excellent value in 2024
The former Samsung flagship phone perfects the formula, with remarkable performance gains over its predecessor as well as an exciting new quad-camera configuration, with an exciting 200MP primary camera. Thanks to this, it's a proficient and versatile camera phone that doesn't lack any major features.
If you're constantly looking for the greatest and most modern device, you should consider this one. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, this one pairs the excellent hardware with potent software and sprinkles S Pen support on deck, making it the ultimate power user's dream. With a 5,000mAh battery and fast 45W charging, this one will last you a long time before you have to juice it up.
Overall, we are quite delighted with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, though admittedly, the camera improvements aren't that grand and did not live up to the hype that Samsung built around the phone. Nevertheless, it's still a super-versatile phone that will be supported for years to come, making it an excellent companion for all those on the hunt for the best tech.
This Samsung Galaxy Verizon prepaid phone lets you enjoy the same basic Verizonprepaid phone plans, which start at $35 a month for the most basic service, and up to $60 for the Unlimited plan (which goes down to $50 with Auto Pay). Whichever Verizon prepaid plan you choose, you will have to pay for the phone in full (tax not included).
If you're constantly looking for the greatest and most modern device, you should consider this one. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, this one pairs the excellent hardware with potent software and sprinkles S Pen support on deck, making it the ultimate power user's dream. With a 5,000mAh battery and fast 45W charging, this one will last you a long time before you have to juice it up.
Overall, we are quite delighted with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, though admittedly, the camera improvements aren't that grand and did not live up to the hype that Samsung built around the phone. Nevertheless, it's still a super-versatile phone that will be supported for years to come, making it an excellent companion for all those on the hunt for the best tech.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Verizon prepaid version
This Samsung Galaxy Verizon prepaid phone lets you enjoy the same basic Verizonprepaid phone plans, which start at $35 a month for the most basic service, and up to $60 for the Unlimited plan (which goes down to $50 with Auto Pay). Whichever Verizon prepaid plan you choose, you will have to pay for the phone in full (tax not included).
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung's finest foldable phone in 2024
Samsung's latest foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, is its most exciting new phone released in 2024. The company's most advanced foldable phone features a novel and completely flat design, coupled with a faster chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is similar to its predecessors, so Samsung is not rediscovering the hot water here––but it also doesn't need to.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, as well as a much brighter display than before. There are a handful of AI features on deck, unified under the Galaxy AI name, which enriches the One UI experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Verizon prepaid phone
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is available for purchase as a prepaid phone on Verizon. All plans are available to pair up with the phone, which has a starting price of $1,899 for the entry-level 256GB version. The 512GB one goes for $2,019.99.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google's most impressive AI powerhouse in 2024
In 2024, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best phone for those who want to use artificial intelligence, but even if you don't care about AI, thew new phone scores some pretty decent changes and improvements in the key areas. Google has updated its top flagship with a fresher design and a great new camera setup that should elevate the signature Pixel camera quality.
This year, the Pixel series and the Pixel 9 Pro XL have a new design. It looks like the latest iPhones and Galaxies with the flat design language.
The Tensor G4 chipset is the most crucial new feature of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It allows the Pixel to run Gemini Nano, Google's impressive large-language model. And with 16GB of RAM on deck, the AI performance of the device is future-proofed.
The 3,000-nit Super Actua display, which has a max brightness of 2,400 nits, is an exciting new addition. Finally, we get a big battery that lasts for a long time. It has a capacity of 5,060mAh, slightly larger than the Pixel 8 Pro.
This year, the Pixel series and the Pixel 9 Pro XL have a new design. It looks like the latest iPhones and Galaxies with the flat design language.
The Tensor G4 chipset is the most crucial new feature of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It allows the Pixel to run Gemini Nano, Google's impressive large-language model. And with 16GB of RAM on deck, the AI performance of the device is future-proofed.
The 3,000-nit Super Actua display, which has a max brightness of 2,400 nits, is an exciting new addition. Finally, we get a big battery that lasts for a long time. It has a capacity of 5,060mAh, slightly larger than the Pixel 8 Pro.
Apple iPhone 15
The essential iPhone experience, now redefined
While the iPhone 14 was a pretty non-existent refresh over the iPhone 13, the iPhone 15 doubles-down on overhauling the experience. With a new design and the Dynamic Island now available on a non-Pro iPhone, as well as a 48MP main camera that enables lossless 2X zoom, the regular iPhone 15 now ranks as one of the best iPhone generations to upgrade to, especially if you're coming from an older device.
The Apple A16 Bionic is on board the iPhone 15, delivering excellent performance on par with last year's iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 doesn't come with a 120Hz display, a titanium build, or a customizable Action Button. It still has the same mute switch as most iPhones before it. Battery life and charging speeds definitely leave a lot to be desired about, but generally don't disappoint.
Apple iPhone 15 Verizon prepaid phone
Apple's basic iPhones, the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14, are most likely among the most popular Verizon prepaid phones. After you buy both in full, you can choose one among the top four Verizon prepaid plans. We'd expect many will consider these Verizon prepaid phones when shopping for one.
Google Pixel 8a
The affordable Pixel experience, redefined
With a refreshed design and a superb display to match last year's Pixel 7a, the Google Pixel 8a is a superb but also problematic new mid-ranger. Why problematic?
The new display, overall performance, and even camera setups are now identical on both the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8. The only major differences are the slightly larger battery and faster charging on the Pixel 8 and the more premium design of the flagship phone.
Aside from that, it surely has some drawbacks: it's "only" IP67-rated, but it also has slightly worse battery life as well as slower charging.
The Google Pixel 8a can be yours for free on Verizon with a qualifying trade-in. However, a new line is required in order to be eligible.
What are the benefits of prepaid phones at Verizon?
One of the key reasons why you might want to get a prepaid phone on Verizon is for cost-cutting reasons. Yes, Verizon's prepaid service seems to be way more affordable than the carrier's regular postpaid contract plans, which are usually more costly in comparison. Another perk of prepaid phones on Verizon is the sheer amount of devices you can get, with the added caveat that you can't purchase these on a monthly plan; instead, you have to buy the phone in full or bring in an unlocked device to use with a prepaid plan.
Some of the downsides of a prepaid phone (and plan) are throttling and deprioritization, which could ruin just about anyone's day. Throttling is a rather familiar term for anyone well-versed in carrier practices and usually means that once you go over your data cap, you can kiss your fast data speeds goodbye as you succumb to the depths of 2G-like downlink and uplink bandwidth. On the other hand, deprioritization means that during times of network congestion, you might also experience temporarily slow data speeds.
Can I get a free phone from Verizon?
Although not always, Verizon usually has some super-lucrative deals that allow you to score a phone either for free or at least majorly discounted. Usually, these deals require you to present an eligible trade-in device and/or opt for a new line with Verizon. It's often worth it, as the carrier is willing to offer major discounts on the promoted devices. Such deals are usually rampant during Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping festivals.
Are phones from Verizon sold locked?
Yes, devices purchased from Verizon are sold locked for up to 60 days following your purchase. At the same time, devices bought from Verizon's retail partners are locked for 60 days following their activation. Once the 60-day period expires, Verizon will automatically unlock the device. This policy applies to both prepaid and postpaid devices.
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