Best Phones with a Headphone Jack

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home January 14, 2025 2 Views 15 Min Read
Best Phones with a Headphone Jack



Most modern phones no longer offer headphone jacks, relegating them to either budget or entry-level options or removing them for design/aesthetic choices. The latter involves slimmer form factors that could be at odds with the size of the 3.5mm headphone jack even as smartphone manufacturers continue to subscribe to the less-is-more approach to design by eliminating excessive ports and options for smartphones that overwhelmingly come with the now-uniform USB Type-C connector lately.

This however does put users who need a headphone jack to connect to legacy hardware at significant odds with market trends, limiting choices available to them to a much smaller pool of devices. This is particularly true towards the higher end of the spectrum where neither Samsung’s high-end Galaxy devices nor the current iPhone models offer one. Users can however use a relatively cheap USB-C to 3.5mm adapter on said devices to get the job done.

  • Sony Xperia 1 VI
    Sony Xperia 1 VI

    The Best All-Round Phone With A Headphone Jack

  • Redmagic 9 Pro Colors
    Nubia Redmagic 9 Pro

    The Best Gaming Phone With A Headphone Jack

  • Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro large
    Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

    The Best Premium Phone With A Headphone Jack

  • Samsung Galaxy A15 (SM-155MDSN) 128GB 6GB RAM Dual SIM Factory Unlocked GSM International Version (Wall Charger Bundle) (Yellow)
    Samsung Galaxy A15

    Best Budget Phone With A Headphone Jack

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However, for those who can not compromise on having a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack on their mobile device, the team at Game Rant has compiled a list of some of the best candidates that they can turn to for their audio needs below.

Game Rant’s Best Phones with a Headphone Jack

Users wanting a powerful contender for their media consumption and recording needs in addition to day-to-day use should consider the Sony Xperia 1 VI which comes with plenty of features under the hood to warrant a second look versus other flagship devices. With an excellent 6.5-inch LTPO OLED display on offer that can clock in 120Hz while offering excellent HDR performance, it is a massive upgrade for most users looking to swap devices in 2025.

It offers above-average battery life, an excellent tri-camera setup, and plenty of RAM (12GB) to avoid slowdowns during prolonged or heavy-duty use cases. It comes in 2 capacity trims (256GB and 512GB) and 4 unique colors (Black, Platinum silver, Khaki green, Scar red), allowing users to pick up a unit that suits their tastes. All units come with a dedicated 3.5mm jack in addition to support for BT 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and NFC in addition to plenty of audio codecs should one need to switch to wireless communication from time to time.

For most users in the market for a gaming phone that also comes with a headphone jack, the Nubia Redmagic 9 Pro is one of the easiest recommendations in play. It comes with an excellent CPU/GPU combination, a large battery, and a capable loudspeaker under the hood while supporting 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio thanks to its built-in Snapdragon sound capabilities.

It also trades at an impressively low price point thanks to a series of price cuts, making it considerably more competitive in terms of price-to-performance ratios than most of its peers. It does, however, suffer slightly from a less-than-optimal camera system and an OS that could still do with some level of polishing as Red Magic attempts to build an overlay on top of the vanilla Android experience.

For users willing to splurge a bit more, the Red Magic 10 Pro is also a capable contender for an additional $80 versus its predecessor.

Users looking for a flagship device to drive their media needs without having budget constraints might want to consider ASUS’s flagship device, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro. The device that was released in November 2024 comes with plenty of upgrades to go with its ROG-themed design, including a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU, as much as 1TB of storage, and 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM under the hood.

It also supports 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio in both wired (3.5mm audio jack/USB-C) and wireless modes for users, in addition to wireless charging under the hood. Users can also use the optional AeroActive Cooler X Pro for their productivity and gaming needs on the device, which allows it to remain cooler and more performant in a variety of use cases – that is, if you are willing to shell out the eye-watering $1500 ASUS currently asks for the device.

Need to know more before you make a buy? The team at Game Rant has a dedicated review of the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro available to help you make a more informed purchase.

The Samsung Galaxy A15 is the best budget phone with a headphone jack for those who prioritize comprehensive features in a smartphone. Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery and dual SIM capabilities, it is ideal for extended days and international travel. The phone’s 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM ensure it can handle virtually any application or task, making it a dependable daily driver.

While the Galaxy A15 boasts significant advantages, it’s important to acknowledge that it lacks 5G support and features a plastic build, which may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, this phone remains an excellent choice for those who value headphone jack availability and long battery life over the most cutting-edge network technology. These practical features affirm its status as one of the better budget phones with a headphone jack.

Users wanting a 5G version of the same can opt for an Amazon gift card-bundled SKU of the A15 5G instead, which comes with similar specifications and a headphone jack, albeit at a slightly higher price.

Choosing the Right Phone with a Headphone Jack

  • Audio Quality: Prioritize models with superior DACs and amplifiers for the best sound experience
  • Battery Life: make sure the phone can support long listening sessions without frequent charges
  • Additional Features: Consider other specifications like camera quality, storage options, and build quality

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FAQ

Q: Are phones with headphone jacks still available?

Yes, despite the trend towards wireless audio, several manufacturers still offer phones with headphone jacks, catering to audiophiles and traditionalists.

Q: Can I get good sound quality from a phone with a headphone jack?

Absolutely! Phones with headphone jacks often include high-quality DACs, providing excellent sound performance.

Q: Are there high-end phones with a headphone jack?

Yes, several high-end models still feature a headphone jack, combining advanced features with the convenience of wired audio.

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