Which phones are compatible in USA?

Phones compatible in the USA are typically those that support the network technologies and frequency bands used by US telecom operators / network carriers. Following are some popular phone brands and models that are compatible with US networks, its always advisable to check your phone frequencies before traveling to USA to remain connected with your home country SIM Card or Local US SIM Card when travel as tourist. 

The following frequency bands work in the US for mobile handsets:

• 5G: n2 (1900 PCS), n5 (850), n12 (700), n41 (2500), n66 (1700), n71 (600), n77 (3700), n78 (3500), n258 mmWave (26GHz), n260 mmWave (39GHz), n261 mmWave (28GHz)
• 4G LTE: Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 66, 71
• 3G: Bands 2, 4, 5, 6, 12, 17

You can check your mobile handset frequency bands on GSMArena

1. Apple iPhones: All recent iPhone models (e.g., iPhone15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13) are compatible with US carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and others. iPhones have broad support for LTE and 5G bands.

2. Samsung Galaxy: Samsung Galaxy smartphones, such as the Galaxy S21, S22, and Note series, are widely compatible with US carriers and network technologies.

3. Google Pixel: Google Pixel phones, like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, are designed to work with major US carriers and offer a stock Android experience. Also, Google Pixel 8 which is shortly getting launched. 

4. OnePlus: Many OnePlus phones, including the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 10, and OnePlus 9 Pro, support US networks, carriers and are known for their compatibility with various carriers in America

5. Motorola: Motorola offers a range of phones, like the Moto G and Moto Edge series, that are compatible with US carriers and provide budget-friendly options.

6. LG: While LG has exited the smartphone market, existing LG phones are still compatible with US carriers and networks.

7. Sony Xperia: Some Sony Xperia models are compatible with US carriers, although they may be less common compared to other brands.

8. Asus ROG Phone: The Asus ROG Phone series, designed for gaming, can be used on US networks.

9. Xiaomi and OnePlus: Some Xiaomi and OnePlus models imported from other regions may not have full compatibility with all US carriers due to differences in network bands.

In the USA, various frequency bands are used for mobile communications, including 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks. The specific bands and network technologies vary by carrier. Here are some of the key frequency bands used by major US carriers:

1. AT&T:

   • 2G (GSM): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
   • 3G (UMTS/HSPA): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
   • 4G LTE: Bands 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 14, 29, 30, 66
   • 5G: Bands n5, n260, n261

2. Verizon:

   • 2G (CDMA): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
   • 3G (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO): 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
   • 4G LTE: Bands 2, 4, 5, 13, 46 (CBRS)
   • 5G: Bands n5, n260, n261

3. T-Mobile:

   • 2G (GSM): 1900 MHz
   • 3G (UMTS/HSPA): 1700/2100 MHz (AWS), 1900 MHz
   • 4G LTE: Bands 2, 4, 12, 41, 66, 71
   • 5G: Bands n41, n71

4. Sprint (now part of T-Mobile):

   • 2G (CDMA): 800 MHz, 1900 MHz
   • 3G (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO): 800 MHz, 1900 MHz
   • 4G LTE: Bands 25, 26, 41
   • Sprint’s spectrum is now integrated into T-Mobile’s network.

5. US Cellular:

   • 2G (CDMA): 850 MHz
   • 3G (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO): 850 MHz
   • 4G LTE: Bands 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 66

6. Regional Carriers: Smaller regional carriers may use a mix of the above bands and may have unique frequency allocations in specific areas.

7. 5G: 5G is being deployed on various frequency bands, including lower bands (sub-6 GHz) and higher frequency millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands. The specific 5G bands vary by carrier, and not all phones support all 5G bands.

It’s essential to check the specifications of your mobile phone to ensure it supports the frequency bands used by the carrier you intend to use in the USA. Many modern smartphones are designed to be compatible with multiple bands and carriers, but it’s always a good idea to verify compatibility to ensure you have the best network experience.

It’s important to note that network compatibility can vary depending on the specific model and variant of the phone, so always check the specifications and frequency band support for the exact model you have or plan to purchase. Additionally, consider whether your phone is unlocked and capable of accepting a SIM card from a US carrier if you intend to use local service during your stay in the USA.