Your phone is only as good as the network it’s on, and Verizon’s network is consistently rated the best in the U.S. That means you’ll rarely ever be without coverage. With Verizon’s impressive lineup and unlimited plans, you get a wide variety of smartphone options to choose from.
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Staff pick
The Galaxy Note 10+ is the ultimate mobile workhorse, cramming powerful specs into a sleek design with a stunning 6.8-inch display, a powerful triple camera array, and, of course, the mighty S Pen. You can even cut videos directly on the phone with Samsung’s new built-in video editor, and the Note 10+ is made to last all day with ease thanks to its internal 4300mAh battery.
$1100 at Verizon
Flagship for the masses
Samsung Galaxy S10+
If you don’t need the S Pen, the S10+ matches the Note 10+ nearly spec for spec for a hundred dollars less. You get the same Snapdragon 855 chipset, a gorgeous design available in several stunning finishes, and Samsung’s One UI software. Its triple camera system allows you to switch between standard, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses quickly.
$1,000 at Verizon
Best camera
Google Pixel 4 XL
The Pixel 4 XL isn’t just a great phone; it’s Google’s vision of what an Android phone should be. If you value clean software and timely updates above all else, there’s no better choice than a Pixel. Of course, it also takes absolutely incredible photos, particularly in low light thanks to Night Sight, and the new Astrophotography mode lets you shoot stunning pictures of the stars.
$900 at Verizon
Affordable 5G
Moto Z4
There’s no need to spend invest heavily into 5G while the network is still in its infancy — but if you can get it for cheap, why not give it a shot? The Moto Z4 has a modular design that, when paired with the 5G Moto Mod, allows it to connect to Verizon’s fastest network. It’s not a bad phone on its own either, with a large display and clean, snappy software.
$500 at Verizon
Best value flagship
OnePlus 7T
The OnePlus 7T isn’t available directly through Verizon, but it works great on Big Red, and it’s an absolutely unbeatable phone for the money. You get the same top-tier specs as the other phones on this list, along with a nearly bezel-less 90Hz display that makes everything look incredibly smooth. You also get three great cameras and extra-customizable software.
$600 at OnePlus
Best budget phone
Google Pixel 3a
The Pixel 3a is a cheaper, polycarbonate version of last year’s Pixel 3 with a nearly identical design and the same barebones Android software, guaranteed to receive regular updates for three years. Its performance isn’t quite as snappy, but the Pixel 3a has the same incredible camera experience we’ve come to expect from Google, including Night Sight and Portrait Mode. This is by far the best photography experience you can get for the money.
$400 at Verizon
The Note 10+ isn’t your only great option
If you’re looking for the best combination of fast performance, superb cameras, and all-day battery life, the Galaxy Note 10+ is the phone to beat. It packs all of the best specs you can ask for and includes everything from reverse wireless charging for topping up your accessories to water resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and the S Pen. Its huge display is surprisingly easy to manage thanks to ultra-tight bezels, and the S Pen offers unrivaled precision.
Samsung isn’t the only manufacturer making great phones for the masses, though. The Pixel 4 XL isn’t quite as flashy in terms of design or features, but it has one massive advantage: its incredible camera. Google makes great use of machine learning to pull off stunning photography, even in extreme low light thanks to the wildly popular Night Sight and Astrophotography shooting modes.
The beauty of today’s market is that you don’t have to buy directly from your carrier if there’s a better deal elsewhere. Sitting outside of Verizon’s selection is the OnePlus 7T, which brings a lot of what makes the other phones in this list great into a cheaper flagship. For hundreds less than the close competition, you get the brand new Snapdragon 855+, an incredible edge-to-edge 90Hz display, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. You don’t get official water resistance certification, and the cameras are a bit lacking compared to the other options, but it’s an excellent all-around phone for considerably less money.
