Whether we want it or not, artificial intelligence is creeping into more of the devices we use every day. The race for AI adoption continues to play out across a variety of sectors, with smartphones being an important frontier. While some amount of AI adoption is spurring smartphone sales and upgrade cycles, a significant number of customers resist it. A report from Circana shows just how many users don't want AI on their phones, and there is a growing number who yearn for the days of dumb phones.
AI creep is real and hard to escape. Finding a phone that does not have AI baked into the device at a silicon level means, in most cases, going back several generations to discontinued phones. While a discontinued phone can still be a solid device, these phones no longer receive software support — meaning no OS and security updates from the manufacturer. Security experts generally do not recommend using unsupported phones.
To that end, we have managed to round up four of the best AI-free (mostly) Android phones that remain within their software support lifecycle. Availability may vary by region. Below are the top picks for users seeking a smartphone experience without intrusive AI features.
Samsung Galaxy A17
Samsung's A-series is the company's entry-level line of smartphones, offering cheaper alternatives to the flagship S-series. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G sits at the bottom of the stack with a price of $174.99, while the line tops out at $549.99 for the Galaxy A57 5G. One common thread across the A-series is the lack of Galaxy AI, Samsung's on-device and cloud-based AI processing system. Galaxy AI support starts with the S24 Ultra and later models, so the A-series remains free of that integrated intelligence.
However, Samsung — like other phone makers — has been working to democratize its AI features across more products. Newer Android updates for the A-series have enabled AI features like Circle to Search and the Gemini App. The good news is both can be disabled, and users can delete the Gemini app entirely. The A17 supports six years of software updates, carrying through 2031. Its predecessor, the A16, also receives six years of updates and is supported until 2030. Although Samsung no longer sells the A16, it can be found online for around $150, offering another option for budget-conscious users who want a phone with minimal AI.
Fairphone 6
A truly unique player in the phone market is Fairphone, a Dutch-based company that has championed repairability and environmental consciousness since 2013. The Fairphone's modular design allows all core components to be accessible and serviceable, earning it a consistent 10/10 repair score from iFixit. The latest Fairphone 6 model picks up where the excellent Fairphone 5 left off, which itself is expected to be supported through 2031.
The only AI support on Fairphone devices comes via Google Gemini, which Fairphone promises can be disabled. Fairphone supports its devices with eight years of software updates, ahead of both Google and Apple. The Fairphone 6 launched with Android 15 and now runs Android 16. There is also an option for running Murena's /e/OS, a privacy-focused and open-source Android fork (LineageOS specific) that lacks proprietary Google apps or services. The biggest issue with getting a Fairphone 6 is availability: they are not widely available in the United States at time of writing. Fairphone is slowly working on U.S. availability; the /e/OS Fairphone 6 is currently available in the U.S. from the Murena store.
OnePlus 12
Another older Android phone that mostly avoids AI is the OnePlus 12, which launched in early 2024. In our review, we called it the right phone for the right price, noting its focus on hardware and performance along with a distinct lack of AI features. OnePlus devices run the custom OxygenOS, built on Android 14. OxygenOS remains an acquired taste even among Android users, so potential buyers should know that before taking the plunge.
While the OnePlus 12 did not initially launch with AI features or chip-level AI functionality, OnePlus retroactively added some cloud-based AI with subsequent OS updates based on Android 15. There is debate about how easy it is to disable these features on the phone itself, but many AI features can be turned off in the settings menu. Additionally, there are workarounds using apps like Canta and Shizuku, which allow uninstalling or disabling some features without root access, if needed.
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Sony exited the U.S. smartphone market some time ago, opting not to bring new Xperia models to the states, such as the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 1 VII. Sony's handsets target a very niche market of users who prioritize photography and camera hardware. The Xperia 1 VI is not completely devoid of AI; AI is limited to the camera. Sony uses its Mobile Bravia image engine, which applies certain AI algorithms to process photos and add filters. Good news: this can be turned off in the phone's settings.
Like the Fairphone, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is hard to come by, mostly available in Asia, Europe, and Canada. Potential buyers can find ways to purchase it, but they must pay attention to different regional versions, as they support different 5G frequency bands. Not all carriers support the same bands, and not all manufacturers include all bands. The Sony Xperia 1 V is also worth considering, and it is among several phone models worth buying used.
For users tired of AI integration, these four Android phones offer a refreshing alternative. They allow disabling or avoiding AI features while still receiving software support, ensuring security and usability. While some may have limited availability or require workarounds, they represent the best options for a more traditional, AI-free smartphone experience.
Source: SlashGear News