The best anti-AI smartphones in 2026: Expert tested and recommended
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Expert tested and recommended">
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These days, it feels like AI and machine learning algorithms are being stuffed into every device, whether it makes sense to do so or not. With almost every major brand announcing that AI will be a standard feature in new releases going forward, you may be looking for a way to avoid it entirely. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options on the market for phones that don't force AI as an integral feature; you can even find a few "dumb" phones if you're wanting a total digital detox.
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Almost every major brand still offers older phones that either allow you to opt out of or remove AI features, or that simply don't support AI at all. The Apple iPhone 15 is a solid choice for iOS users, since it's just one generation behind and still offers premium-grade features while allowing you to opt out of Apple Intelligence .
Also: The best phones we've tested this year
If you're an Android user, you'll have to go all the way back to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra to find a phone that doesn't automatically include Galaxy AI support. You can keep reading below to find out more about these devices as well as the rest of my picks for the best anti-AI phones.
Why we like it: The iPhone 15 (and the 15 Plus) is the last bastion of hope for Apple loyalists who are looking to either hold off on integrating Apple Intelligence into their device ecosystem or to avoid it entirely. Since the iPhone 15 doesn't support hardware-level AI, it's easy to turn off or completely remove Apple Intelligence from your device for better privacy, security, and performance.
Read more: iPhone 15 review: Why I recommend this model even to 'Pro' users
Who it's for: The iPhone 15 is just a single generation behind as far as iPhones go, which means you'll still be able to keep up for years to come in terms of firmware and security updates. It also features support for the latest versions of all your favorite apps and internal storage options from 128 to 512GB.
Who should look elsewhere: Even though the iPhone 15 is a slightly older phone, it can still be pricey, especially if you're looking for larger internal storage options for photos, videos, apps. If you're looking to avoid AI and save a bit of money, there are more affordable options both from Apple and other brands.
iPhone 15 tech specs - Display size: 6.1 inches | Display type: Super Retina XDR | Resolution: 2556 x 1179 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Battery life: 26 hours | RAM: 8GB | Storage: UP to 512GB | Rear camera: 12MP, 48MP | Front camera: 12MP | Processor: Apple A16 Bionic
Why we like it: You have to go back pretty far to find a Samsung Galaxy S series device that doesn't come with any sort of hardware-based AI or even support for AI apps and software. Enter the 2020 Galaxy S20 Ultra, with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 128GB of storage. The 40MP front camera and 108MP rear camera array give you the power to shoot pro-quality video and still photos. And with an IP68 rating for dust and moisture resistance, you won't have to worry about a few spills or a little rain destroying your new-to-you phone.
Who it's for: The Galaxy S20 Ultra is perfect for anyone who wants to fully avoid having to deal with Samsung's Galaxy AI hardware and software/apps, since the device doesn't support the technology at all. This means you won't have to worry about disabling any settings or removing apps before you start using your phone.
Who should look elsewhere: Since the Galaxy S20 Ultra is a much older smartphone, you may run into the issue of only being able to find it for sale secondhand or the eventual drop-off of firmware and security updates. So if you want a phone that is going to be able to keep up with the latest updates for the foreseeable future, you may want to consider a slightly newer model from either Samsung or a different brand.
Why we like it: The Google Pixel 7a is the last of the Pixel line to not have native hardware-level AI. You'll still have to disable any apps or AI-enabled software that may come preloaded on the device, but that's easily done in your phone's general settings. The 6.1 OLED display gives you plenty of space for video calls and streaming video, while the battery gives you up to 72 hours of use on Extreme Battery Saver mode. It also supports dual SIM card usage, making it perfect for anyone who doesn't want to carry multiple devices for work and personal numbers or international calling.
More: Google Pixel 7a review: Meet the new best sub-$500 Android phone
Who it's for: If you're looking for a solid, affordable smartphone that doesn't cram AI into every available space, the Google Pixel 7a is a great option. The Tensor G2 processor provides better efficiency for improved battery life, smoother multitasking, and boosted computing power for intensive tasks like shooting 360-degree video.
Who should look elsewhere: The Pixel 7a is two generations behind the latest line-up of Google mobile devices, so there's always a risk of losing support for firmware and security updates, as well as support for your favorite apps, as the company drops support for aging devices.
Google Pixel 7a tech specs - Display size: 6.1 inches | Display type: OLED | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh rate: 90Hz | Battery life: Up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Rear camera: 13MP ultrawide, 64MP main | Front camera: 13MP | Processor: Google Tensor G2
Why we like it: Yes, even Motorola has decided to hop on the AI hype train, introducing Moto AI for its latest lineup of Razr and Edge smartphones. Luckily for us, the latest Moto G Power has managed to escape the same fate, which means that unlike a lot of other picks on this list, you won't have to scrounge around for secondhand options still in good shape, and you won't have to worry about losing support for apps or firmware and security updates in the near future.
Who it's for: Not only has the Moto G Power managed to avoid being stuffed to the rafters with unwanted AI software and hardware, it's also one of the most affordable smartphones on the market. Retailing for about $300 (or less if you catch one on sale), you won't have to spend a fortune on a smartphone that still offers premium-grade features like dual SIM support, eSIM support, and expandable storage up to 1TB with a microSD card (which is a vanishingly rare feature among smartphones).
Read also: I found a $300 Motorola phone that offers flagship features at a fraction of the price
Who should look elsewhere: Since the Moto G Power isn't a flagship phone, you do lose out on some premium-grade features like high-end cameras and on-phone editing software for pro-level photography and videography.
Motorola Moto G Power tech specs - Display size: 6.8 inches | Display type: OLED | Resolution: 2388 x 1080 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery life: 17 hours | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB, expandable to 1TB with microSD | Rear camera: 8MP ultrawide, 50MP main | Front camera: 16MP | Processor: MediaTek 6300
Why we like it: Are you an elder Millennial who yearns for the days when you could sassily snap your phone shut to end a conversation, or who pontificates on the superiority of texting in T9? Or are you looking for a phone to help you lessen your dependence on internet-enabled devices? The TCL Go Flip 2 is a "dumb" phone that's built to do two things: call and text. It doesn't support AI because there isn't enough hardware or memory to support even machine learning AI algorithms, which means it's about the only phone on this list that's almost immune to the AI onslaught.
Who it's for: Whether you're looking to start a digital detox or just want a phone that can make and receive both calls and texts, the TCL Go Flip 2 is a great option. With zero smart features, you won't even have to worry about deleting any sneaky AI-enabled apps or exposing your personal data to TCL or your mobile carrier network.
Who should look elsewhere: Since this is a "dumb" phone, you won't be able to use it for things like navigation. Which means you'll have to live like it's 2006 and carry a separate GPS device in your car or supplement your phone with a GPS-enabled smartwatch or fitness tracker. It also isn't great for anyone who enjoys mobile photography, with a single 2MP rear camera that takes photos with worse resolution than a tintype from 1872 and zero front-facing camera (so you'll have to guess if you're in frame for your selfies like you're clubbing in 2008).
TCL Go Flip 2 tech specs - Display size: 2.8 inches | Display type: LCD | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh rate: Not specified | Battery life: Up to 18 days on Standby | RAM: 1GB | Storage: 8GB expandable to 32GB with microSD | Rear camera: 2MP | Front camera: N/A | Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 800T
This is a tricky question to answer succinctly, since there are so many factors that go into buying a phone that avoids both hardware- and software-level AI integration. For iPhone users, it's the iPhone 15 since it's just one generation behind and allows you to opt out of, or disable entirely, Apple Intelligence. For Samsung users, it's the Galaxy S20 Ultra, an older smartphone that doesn't support either hardware- or software-based AI, and isn't included in any future AI plans at Samsung.
Up to 72 hours on Extreme Battery Saver mode
If you're tired of AI getting crammed into every new device, there are still options available that either let you opt out of AI programs and delete AI-enabled apps or by virtue of being more than a few years old are left out of AI-feature rollouts. I put together a reference table of the best use-case for each phone featured on this list to help you find the right one for you.
An Apple smartphone that doesn't use AI. The iPhone 15 is the last Apple phone that will let you opt out of Apple Intelligence and does not use hardware-level AI.
A Samsung smartphone that doesn't support AI. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a much older smartphone, that by virtue of its age cannot support Galaxy AI.
A Google phone that doesn't support AI. The Pixel 7a still supports software-level AI, but does allow you to disable and remove the app for better privacy.
A Motorola phone that doesn't support AI. The Moto G Power is an affordable smartphone that still offers premium-grade features while still avoiding support for Moto AI.
A "dumb" phone that isn't capable of supporting either hardware- or software-level AI. The Go Flip 2 does two things: call and text, making it perfect for avoiding all AI integration and distracting apps.
Aside from the ability to remove AI, opt out of programs, or outright lack of support for the latest AI models, there are a few other things you need to consider when looking for an anti-AI phone:
ZDNET's review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every smartphone release, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and more. Here's a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:
Aside from the removal of features you didn't want in the first place, there are plenty of reasons to opt out of using AI on your phone. Phones aren't just devices we use to call and text anymore; they have 100,000 times the processing power of the IBM computer that got us to the moon and connect us to the entire breadth of human knowledge via the internet. They also store our IDs, bank info, personal data, and the data of our friends and family. They track us with geolocation data and browsing trends. All of this data can be more vulnerable on AI-enabled devices, and both Apple Intelligence and Microsoft Co-Pilot have already come under fire for security flaws that could expose sensitive data like names, addresses, and even medical information that has been recorded in apps.
These AI programs are also constantly recording audio and video of your screen, whether you tell them to or not, to deliver personalized data reports. For Apple Intelligence, the analytical data is kept as a local log that Apple claims is never exported off the device. However, we learned from Lopez v. Apple Inc. corporations are, at the very least, often careless with personal data. This class action lawsuit proved that Siri was recording private conversations without being activated and without the knowledge or consent of users, which were then stored on Apple servers. So, deactivating or removing AI software from your devices is a huge step toward protecting yourself from data leaks and software exploits that allow bad actors to harvest information.
There aren't any cons to using a phone that either doesn't support AI at all or simply lets you opt out of the software in the sense that you'll be walling off essential features. But there are a few things to consider if you want to opt out or remove AI software from your device.
If your phone has software-level only AI, you can safely disable and remove AI-enabled apps and programs from your phone without running the risk of damaging your phone. You may run into battery performance issues if you have a newer phone, since the operating system may run a constant check for the software/apps you removed or disabled, or even CPU performance issues, as the operating system and hardware may not reallocate those electronic resources to other features.
If your device has hardware-level AI, you have to fundamentally change the way your phone was built in order to remove AI features. Hardware-level devices are purpose-built for AI integration, and you can severely damage your phone and void your product warranty if you attempt to modify any of the internal electronics. You could also trigger a device's kill switch if it detects abnormal voltage, which will destroy the internal electronics and brick your device. Not to mention that some brands bury terms in their EULA that allow them to void your warranty if you make any hardware modifications.
Almost every major phone manufacturer has announced some sort of AI implementation for their devices in recent years, like Apple Intelligence, Samsung's Galaxy AI, Motorola's Moto AI, and Google Gemini. They've also shifted from software-level apps to hardware-level AI. This means it will be next to impossible to opt out of or remove AI features from your smartphone.
If you're looking to stick with a smartphone, you can pick one up secondhand for just a few hundred dollars if you don't mind an older or refurbished model. However, if you want a smartphone that's just a generation or two behind and in new condition, be prepared to pay full retail price, which is about $730 for the iPhone 15 with 128GB of storage. However, if you're in the market for a "dumb" phone, you can pick up one like the TCL Go Flip 2 for about $50; this makes it a great option for seniors on fixed incomes as well as anyone who just wants a phone that can text and make calls without any distracting apps or Wi-Fi enabled features.
That depends on if your phone uses hardware-level AI or simple AI software. Apple and Samsung have confirmed that going forward, their new smartphone releases will feature hardware-level AI, which means that the program will be hard-coded into the phone itself and next to impossible to remove. Fortunately, there are plenty of phones on the market currently that allow you to opt out of AI programs or remove them entirely via your phone's general settings.
There are a few "dumb" phone models on the market if you know where to look, since they're usually marketed toward senior citizens or very young kids who aren't ready for the responsibility of a smartphone. They are also sometimes referred to as "feature phones" since they only have a few functions like calling, texting, and minimal photography or web browsing capabilities. And since they're such stripped-back, basic devices, they're often exceptionally affordable, retailing at around $100 or less if you catch one at a discount.
If your devices use "hardware-level" AI, it means that the CPU, RAM, and other physical components that make up your smartphone, laptop, or tablet are designed specifically for the high-performance computing power it takes to run LLMs, machine-learning algorithms, and other AI features they've decided to stuff inside. This means that it'll be very difficult to remove from your phone as it's almost baked-in; you may experience performance issues, cause permanent damage to your device, or void your warranty at the very least if you attempt to disable AI in hardware-level devices.
For "software-level" AI, this simply means that your smartphone, tablet, or computer has regular, consumer-grade components that are optimized for typical computing while supporting AI programs like Gemini or Apple Intelligence. These devices often have the option for you to completely remove AI-enabled apps or opt out of the AI entirely.
The Apple iPhone 14 is an older smartphone that doesn't feature support for Apple Intelligence AI apps or software, making it a good choice for any Apple brand loyalists who are looking for a more affordable smartphone while still avoiding annoying AI.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is an entry-level smartphone that's great for kids, teens, seniors, or anyone who is looking for a basic smartphone that also doesn't support any hardware- or software-level AI. With 128GB of internal storage, a 6.7-inch display, and a 14-hour battery life, you'll get a well-rounded device that's great for keeping in touch with family and friends.
The Mudita Kompakt is an E-ink, minimalist phone that gives you the look and feel of a smart device without any of the annoying AI bloatware or Wi-Fi-enabled distractions. It even features a dedicated button for hardware-level shutdown of microphones, the camera, and the GSM modem for total privacy and to ensure that you aren't being tracked by your personal data or geolocation.
