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 across a variety of sectors, with smartphones being one of the most important frontiers. While some amount of AI adoption is spurring smartphone sales and upgrade cycles, there remains a significant number of customers who resist it. A report from Circana shows just how many users do not want AI on their phones, and there is a growing number of users who yearn for the days of simpler, non-AI devices.
But AI creep is real, and it is 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 phones that are discontinued. And while a discontinued phone can still be solid, these phones are no longer software supported – meaning they will no longer receive OS and security updates from the manufacturer. Using a phone under those circumstances is largely a personal decision, but one that security experts generally do not recommend.
To that end, we have rounded up four of the best AI-free (mostly) Android phones that are still within their software support lifecycle, though availability may vary by region. These devices allow you to disable or avoid the majority of AI features, offering a more traditional smartphone experience without sacrificing modern security updates or app compatibility.
Samsung Galaxy A17
Samsung's A-series is the company's entry-level line of smartphones, and they are cheaper than its S-series. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G sits at the bottom of the stack at $174.99, while the line tops out at $549.99 for the Galaxy A57 5G. While the phones differ in price and features, one common thread among them is the lack of Galaxy AI, which is Samsung's on-device and cloud-based AI processing. Galaxy AI support starts with the S24 Ultra and later models, so the A-series remains free from Samsung's own AI suite.
However, Samsung – like other phone makers – has been working toward democratizing its AI features across more products. In the case of the A-series, newer Android updates have enabled AI features like Circle to Search and the Gemini App. The good news is that both of these can be disabled, and you can delete the Gemini app entirely. This gives users control over what AI remains on their device. The Galaxy A17 5G ships with Android 15 and Samsung promises six years of software updates, carrying the device through 2031. Its predecessor, the A16, also receives six years of updates and can still be found online for around $150, making it another excellent option for those seeking an affordable AI-free experience.
For users who want a Samsung device without the added AI overhead, the A-series provides a straightforward solution. The hardware is capable enough for daily tasks – messaging, browsing, social media, and light photography. The screen is a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling. The MediaTek Dimensity 6000 series chipset handles basic app usage efficiently. While you lose some high-end features like ultra-fast charging or telephoto cameras, the trade-off is a phone that respects your preference for a cleaner OS.
Fairphone 6
A truly unique player in the phone market, and one that often flies under the radar, is Fairphone. The Dutch-based company has been around since 2013, championing repairability and environmental consciousness in its products. This is evident in the Fairphone's modular design, which allows all core components to be accessible and serviceable. It is notably one of the only smartphone lines to continually receive a perfect 10/10 repair score from iFixit. The latest Fairphone 6 model picks up where the excellent Fairphone 5 left off, which itself is still expected to be supported through 2031.
The only AI support on Fairphone devices comes by way of Google Gemini, which Fairphone promises can be disabled. Fairphone is also unique in that it supports its devices with eight years of software updates, which is ahead of both Google and Apple. The Fairphone 6 launched with Android 15 but is now running Android 16, and Fairphone also offers an option for running Murena's /e/OS – a privacy-focused, open-source Android fork (based on LineageOS) that does not contain any proprietary Google apps or services. This means you can completely avoid Google AI services, including Gemini, if you choose the /e/OS version.
The biggest issue with getting your hands on a Fairphone 6 is that they are not widely available in the United States at the 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. The phone's design prioritizes longevity – you can replace the battery, screen, camera module, and more with simple tools. This aligns with a broader movement toward reducing electronic waste and extending device lifespan. For users who value repairability and privacy over cutting-edge specs, the Fairphone 6 is an outstanding choice. Its 6.3-inch OLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7000-series processor, and 48MP main camera provide a balanced experience that will satisfy most users while keeping AI intrusion at a minimum.
OnePlus 12
Another older Android phone that manages to mostly avoid AI is the OnePlus 12, which launched back in early 2024. In our review, we called it the right phone for the right price, noting its focus on hardware and performance, as well as the distinct lack of AI features. OnePlus devices run the home-brewed OxygenOS, with the latest version built on top of Android 14 (and now updated to Android 15). OxygenOS remains a bit of an acquired taste, even among Android users, so understanding its nuances is important before taking the plunge on a OnePlus device.
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. Some AI functions can be turned off in the settings menu, as is consistent across many Android devices. Additionally, there are workarounds using apps like Canta and Shizuku, which allow you to uninstall or disable certain features without root access. This provides a path for users who want to strip away any unwanted AI tools.
The OnePlus 12 remains a flagship-level device with a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired charging. Its camera system, co-developed with Hasselblad, delivers excellent results without relying heavily on AI processing. The phone received three major Android updates and four years of security patches, meaning it will stay safe through 2028. For power users who want top-tier performance but prefer to opt out of AI, the OnePlus 12 is a compelling choice – especially if you can find it at a discounted price following the launch of its successor. Its alert slider, fast charging, and near-stock Android experience (with minimal bloatware) are additional draws.
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 were already for a very niche market, targeting a particular subset of users who prioritize photography and camera hardware. While these phones are not completely devoid of AI, in the case of the Xperia 1 VI, AI is limited to the camera. Sony's smartphones use its Mobile Bravia image engine, which employs certain AI algorithms to process photos and add filters. The good news is that this can be turned off in the phone's settings, allowing purists to capture images without computational photography interference.
Like the Fairphone, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is hard to come by. It is mostly available in Asia, Europe, and Canada. There are ways potential buyers can get one, but it is important to note the different versions of the phone, as they support different 5G frequency bands depending on the region they are meant to serve. Not all carriers support the same bands, and not all phone manufacturers include them in their phones. The Sony Xperia 1 V is also worth a look, and is among several phone models worth buying used. Both models offer a 4K OLED display, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated camera shutter button – features that have disappeared from most modern flagships.
The Xperia 1 VI runs Android 14 with Sony's light skin, which adds minimal bloatware. It promises three major OS updates and four years of security patches. Because Sony does not heavily integrate AI into the operating system, users enjoy a clean experience that puts hardware performance first. The phone's camera app offers manual controls akin to a DSLR, appealing to enthusiasts who want to avoid automatic AI enhancements. For those willing to import or live outside the U.S., the Sony Xperia 1 VI provides a unique alternative that prioritizes user control and photography fundamentals over AI-driven automation.
Source: SlashGear News