Best Verizon phones to buy in 2024: With contract and prepaid

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. 

Once you've selected your plan, it's time to select the phone to go along with it.

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.

The 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. 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra can be yours as a prepaid phone, but you will have to shell out the full $1300 up front.

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.

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.