These phones still have an actual headphone jack
28.12.2021
Translation: Eva Francis
Bluetooth and USB-C are replacing the headphone jack. Fewer and fewer smartphones are equipped with a 3.5 mm jack. For audio purists and people who use wired headphones, here are nine phones that still work with a jack plug – ordered by price.
On my last beach holiday in Spain, my mobile phone fell headfirst into the sand. The headphone jack was clogged. I thought I'd never get the sand out of my phone again, so I started looking for a replacement. To my delight, I did get it to work again, but I'm still going to share the results of my research.
Many manufacturers no longer equip their new devices with a 3.5 mm connector. Why? To save space – for a bigger battery, for example. But some models still have a headphone jack.
Low-priced models
The headphone jack is more common on inexpensive models, so the selection is larger. Besides the headphone jack, the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio. Downsides? The charging port; it’s micro-USB.
Xiaomi’s Poco series includes more and more affordable and good smartphones. The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro is currently the latest model. But don’t be fooled by the rear of the phone: it sure looks like it boasts five cameras, but it actually features only two.
Oppo also offers many devices with a headphone jack. The Oppo A94 even boasts an Amoled display despite the low price.
The inexpensive, French brand Wiko also offers good devices with a headphone jack. And so does OnePlus.
Good and affordable
The Fairphone 3+ might not the newest model of the more sustainable phone brand, but it features a headphone jack. Unfortunately, the Fairphone 4 doesn’t have one any more. In this case, new is not necessarily better.
Several successors to the Pixel 4a have already been released. However, Google guarantees all updates at least until August 2023. The Pixel devices are known for pure Android and the good cameras in combination with the software. My colleague Jan has tested the Pixel 4a with the OnePlus North.
The downside of many phones with a jack connection is that they’re not water- and dust-proof. Sony's Xperia 10 III is IP-68 certified, which means it’s fine in water up to 1.5 metres deep.
The most expensive and amazing models
In more expensive smartphones, the 3.5 mm slot is rare, as the space is often used for other functions. But there are a few great devices in this price range, too. The Asus Zenfone 8 can do almost everything. Check out Jan's test to see what I mean. And it offers a headphone jack and IP-68 certification.
The ROG Phone 5s, also by Asus, is one of the latest gaming flagship devices. It’s equipped with an extra cooler, super performance and a 144-hertz display.
The most expensive model on this list is by Sony: the Sony Xperia 1 III. Besides a great display, the camera is also supposed to take very good pictures. And this device is water-resistant despite the headphone jack.
Even at the risk of getting sand into the headphone jack, I wouldn't want to use my wired headphones with a dongle. With a lot of patience, compressed air and cotton wool buds, I managed to scoop all the grains out of the headphone jack on my phone. And I'm going to take my Xiaomi Mi 9t Pro on holiday again and again unless I drown it in quicksand one day.
Nothing there for you? Use the filters to find the right phone with 3.5mm jack for you. Or browse through all phones with a headphone jack.
Testing devices and gadgets is my thing. Some experiments lead to interesting insights, others to demolished phones. I’m hooked on series and can’t imagine life without Netflix. In summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun by the lake or at a music festival.
