Best Phones With a Headphone Jack (2026)

TL;DR

Top pick: Sony Xperia 1 VII (~$1420) — the only true flagship left with a 3.5mm jack, driven by a Walkman-grade DAC for genuine audiophile sound.
Best value: Motorola Moto G Power 2026 (~$300) — military-grade build, ~two-day 5,200mAh battery, microSD, and a jack, on US carriers.
Best budget: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (~$135) — the cheapest jack phone here, with a 90Hz Super AMOLED screen and 50MP camera.

Flagship jacks are nearly extinct in 2026; gaming phones and sub-$400 Motorola/TCL handsets are where the 3.5mm port survives. [src1, src2]

The 3.5mm headphone jack is now a niche feature. Apple dropped it in 2016, and by 2026 every flagship from Samsung's Galaxy S line, Google Pixel, and OnePlus has eliminated it. The survivors fall into three camps: a single audiophile flagship (the Sony Xperia 1 VII), gaming phones where wired audio's lower latency still matters (ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, RedMagic 11 Pro, plus the compact ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra), and the budget/mid-range tier where Motorola, TCL, and Samsung's A-series keep the port as a selling point. [src1, src2, src7]

If sound quality is the real goal, only a few of these phones have the hardware to back the jack up. The Sony Xperia 1 VII uses components from Sony's high-end Walkman NW-WM1AM2 line — gold-bearing solder and a dedicated DAC — and supports LDAC and aptX Adaptive wirelessly. The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra carries an ESS ES9281 DAC with 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res certification, and the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro has a capable internal DAC that drives professional IEMs. The budget phones (Motorola Moto G series, Samsung Galaxy A15, TCL) include a jack but only basic, low-power audio output adequate for sensitive earbuds — not high-impedance headphones. [src5, src6, src1]

For most US buyers, the practical answer is a Motorola Moto G phone (G Power 2026 ~$300, G Stylus 2025 ~$316, G Play 2026 ~$205): all carrier-friendly, all with a jack, microSD, and big batteries. Note that several premium and TCL picks are international/import SKUs that may not be reliably stocked on US Amazon or fully compatible with all US carriers. [src3, src4]

Best Overall / Best for Audiophiles: Sony Xperia 1 VII (~$1420) — Check price

The Sony Xperia 1 VII is the only true flagship in 2026 that still ships with a 3.5mm jack, and it is the only one engineered for serious listening. Sony tested components from its high-end Walkman NW-WM1AM2 line — gold-bearing solder and a low-noise dedicated DAC — to improve soundstage and directional accuracy, and it adds LDAC and aptX Adaptive for hi-res wireless. It pairs especially well with sensitive IEMs and easy-to-drive headphones; it is not a DAP replacement for power-hungry planars, but for the great majority of audiophiles it is the single best jack phone money can buy. Snapdragon 8 Elite, IP65/IP68, expandable microSD. The catch: it is an expensive international SKU. [src5, src1]

Best for Gaming (Max Power): ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro (~$1,499) — Check price

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is the enthusiast gaming choice: Snapdragon 8 Elite, Adreno 830 GPU, up to 24GB RAM / 1TB storage, a rear LED gaming display, and a high-quality internal DAC compatible with professional in-ear monitors. Wired audio's lower latency makes the jack genuinely useful in competitive play. Downsides are the bulky design and extreme price. [src1]

Best Gaming Value (Battery Monster): RedMagic 11 Pro (~$699-749) — Check price

The RedMagic 11 Pro is arguably the most powerful Android phone in 2026 that still has a built-in 3.5mm jack, and it costs roughly half what the ROG does. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a huge 7,500mAh battery, a mobile-first liquid cooling system, and a 6.85-inch AMOLED. Reviewers scored it ~8.3/10. Best for marathon gaming sessions where wired headsets and a giant battery matter. [src1, src3]

Best Compact Flagship With a Jack: ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra (~$899) — Check price

ASUS is the only brand still putting a 3.5mm jack on a high-end non-gaming phone. The Zenfone 12 Ultra pairs a vibrant 6.78-inch 120Hz display and Snapdragon 8 Elite with an ESS ES9281 DAC carrying 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res certification across both the jack and Bluetooth (aptX Lossless). It is the best pick if you want flagship internals plus genuinely capable wired audio without a gaming-phone aesthetic. [src6, src2]

Best for Stylus Users: Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 (~$316) — Check price

The Moto G Stylus 2025 bundles an active stylus with a sharp 6.7-inch OLED (up to 3,000 nits, 120Hz), Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 8GB/256GB, a 5,000mAh battery, and fast 68W charging that hits 0-100% in about 40 minutes — plus the jack and microSD up to 1TB. The best fit for note-takers and sketchers who also want wired audio. Build is plastic and the camera is mediocre in low light. [src3, src1]

Best Value (Battery + Durability): Motorola Moto G Power 2026 (~$300) — Check price

The Moto G Power 2026 is the all-round US value pick: MediaTek Dimensity 6300, 8GB RAM, a 5,200mAh battery good for roughly two days, Gorilla Glass 7i, IP68/IP69 and MIL-STD-810 durability, microSD expansion, and the 3.5mm jack — all carrier-friendly. The dated chipset means occasional lag, but for everyday use plus wired headphones it is hard to beat at this price. [src1, src3]

Best Budget All-Rounder: Motorola Moto G Play 2026 (~$205) — Check price

The Moto G Play 2026 brings the jack down to ~$205: Dimensity 6300, a 5,200mAh battery, a 120Hz screen, and a microSD slot, all on US carriers. Basic 4GB RAM and a 32MP camera, but it covers calls, streaming, and wired listening without compromise. The most affordable Motorola option here. [src3]

Best for Eye Comfort / Reading: TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G (~$250) — Check price

The TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G's headline feature is its matte Nxtpaper display, which mimics paper to reduce glare and blue light — ideal for long reading sessions. Dimensity 6100+, 8GB RAM, a 5,010mAh battery, microSD, and the 3.5mm jack. The screen is dim in daylight and the processor struggles with heavy multitasking, but for e-reading and eye comfort it is the standout. [src4, src2]

Best Budget (Cheapest): Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (~$135) — Check price

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the cheapest jack phone here and the pick when the jack is your top priority and budget is tight. It still delivers a 90Hz Super AMOLED screen, a 50MP main camera, a 5,000mAh battery, and Samsung software support. Plastic build, no IP rating, and a weak mono speaker, but the value is unmatched. [src1]

Best Flip / Feature-Phone Form Factor: TCL Flip 4 5G (~$80-130) — Check price

For buyers who want a nostalgic clamshell with modern connectivity, the TCL Flip 4 5G supports current 5G/Wi-Fi bands, charges via USB-C, and keeps the 3.5mm jack. A 3.2-inch internal screen and basic Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 performance limit it to calls, texts, and simple media — a great backup or minimalist phone. [src4]

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Sony Xperia 1 VII vs ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra

Both are premium phones built for wired audio, but they target different buyers. The Xperia 1 VII has the better DAC pedigree (Walkman-grade) and the cleaner audiophile reputation, at a higher price. The Zenfone 12 Ultra costs less, is more compact, and its ESS ES9281 DAC with 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res certification is still genuinely excellent. [src5, src6]

Pick Sony Xperia 1 VII if: Audio is your single most important criterion and budget is open.
Pick ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra if: You want flagship internals and great wired audio in a smaller, less expensive package.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro vs RedMagic 11 Pro

Both are gaming phones that keep the jack for low-latency wired audio. The ROG Phone 9 Pro wins on RAM/storage ceilings (up to 24GB/1TB), the rear LED display, and DAC quality. The RedMagic 11 Pro wins decisively on value (roughly half the price) and battery (7,500mAh vs 5,800mAh). [src1, src3]

Pick ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro if: You want the absolute maximum specs and the best gaming DAC, price no object.
Pick RedMagic 11 Pro if: You want flagship gaming power and the biggest battery for far less money.

Motorola Moto G Power 2026 vs Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Both are affordable US-friendly jack phones, but they sit at different price points. The Moto G Power 2026 (~$300) adds a much bigger 5,200mAh battery, MIL-STD-810 / IP68-IP69 durability, and 8GB RAM. The Galaxy A15 (~$135) is less than half the price with a nicer 90Hz Super AMOLED screen and Samsung support. [src1, src3]

Pick Moto G Power 2026 if: You want maximum battery and durability and can spend ~$300.
Pick Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if: You want the cheapest jack phone with a good screen.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 vs Moto G Power 2026

Both are mid-range Motorola phones with a jack at a similar price (~$316 vs ~$300). The G Stylus adds an active stylus, a brighter OLED display (up to 3,000 nits), and faster 68W charging. The G Power adds a bigger battery and tougher MIL-STD-810 build. [src3, src1]

Pick Moto G Stylus 2025 if: You want a stylus, a brighter OLED, and the fastest charging.
Pick Moto G Power 2026 if: You want the longest battery and the most rugged build.

Decision Logic

If budget is under $150

→ Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (~$135). The cheapest jack phone here, with a 90Hz Super AMOLED screen and 50MP camera. The TCL Flip 4 5G is the alternative if you specifically want a flip form factor. [src1, src4]

If budget is $200-$400 and you want a US carrier-friendly phone

→ Motorola Moto G Power 2026 (~$300) for battery/durability, Moto G Stylus 2025 (~$316) for a stylus, or Moto G Play 2026 (~$205) for the lowest price. All carrier-friendly with jack + microSD. [src3]

If priority is audiophile sound quality

→ Sony Xperia 1 VII (~$1420) for the best DAC, or ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra (~$899) for excellent wired audio at lower cost. Budget jack phones lack the DAC to drive demanding headphones. [src5, src6]

If priority is gaming

→ RedMagic 11 Pro (~$699-749) for the best power-per-dollar and a 7,500mAh battery, or ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro (~$1,499) for maximum specs and the best gaming DAC. Wired audio cuts latency in competitive play. [src1]

If priority is eye comfort / reading

→ TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G (~$250). Its matte Nxtpaper display reduces glare and blue light for long reading sessions. [src4]

If you actually just want a great phone and a dongle is acceptable

→ Skip this category and buy the best phone for your needs, using a USB-C-to-3.5mm dongle. The jack ecosystem in 2026 forces real compromises on flagship features. [src7]

Default recommendation (unknown requirements, US user)

→ Motorola Moto G Power 2026 (~$300). Best balance of price, US carrier compatibility, battery, durability, and the jack in 2026. [src1, src3]

• Flagship jacks are nearly extinct: No 2026 flagship from Apple, Samsung Galaxy S, Google Pixel, or OnePlus includes a 3.5mm jack. The Sony Xperia 1 VII is the only mainstream premium phone that still has one. [src1, src5]
• Gaming phones are the last bastion: Wired audio's lower latency keeps the jack alive on the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, RedMagic 11 Pro, and similar gaming hardware. [src2, src7]
• Budget and mid-range tiers keep the jack as a selling point: Motorola (G Power, G Stylus, G Play), TCL, and Samsung's A-series still ship it; Google and Samsung dropped it from their flagship and most mid-range lines. [src4, src3]
• A jack ≠ good sound: Only Sony (Walkman DAC) and ASUS (ESS ES9281 / internal gaming DAC) pair the jack with audio hardware capable of driving demanding headphones; budget phones output basic, low-power audio. [src6, src5]
• Regional demand sustains supply: Phone makers in parts of Asia and Europe keep the jack because wired audio remains popular in their home markets, which is partly why many jack phones are international/import SKUs. [src7]
• Estimated ~15-20% of phones retained a jack heading into 2026, spanning from sub-$150 budget handsets to $1,000+ gaming phones. [src7]

• Prices are approximate USD street prices as of June 2026 and fluctuate, especially for gaming and audiophile phones sold as imports. Verify the current price before buying.
• Several models (ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, RedMagic 11 Pro, ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra, TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper, TCL Flip 4) are not reliably stocked on US Amazon — buy direct from the manufacturer or an authorized US retailer, and confirm the listing is the model you want.
• International / GSM-only and import SKUs (Sony Xperia 1 VII international, ASUS ROG/Zenfone, RedMagic) may not be fully compatible with US CDMA carriers (Verizon, US Cellular). T-Mobile and AT&T GSM bands are usually fine; verify IMEI compatibility before buying.
• A built-in 3.5mm jack does not guarantee good audio. Match the phone to your headphones: high-impedance or planar headphones need the Sony or ASUS DACs (or a USB-C dongle DAC/amp); sensitive earbuds are fine on any of these phones.
• The Sony Xperia line evolves quickly — a newer Xperia model may launch and supersede the Xperia 1 VII as the audiophile pick; reconfirm the current generation when buying.