Searching for what phones still have headphone jacks can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack in 2024. Currently, the most prominent devices with a 3.5mm port are the Sony Xperia 1 VI, Asus Zenfone 10, and various budget-to-mid-range models from Motorola and Xiaomi.
While Apple, Samsung, and Google have largely abandoned the port in their flagship lines, several manufacturers still prioritize audiophiles and gamers who demand zero-latency audio and high-fidelity sound.
Key Takeaways: Top Phones With Headphone Jacks
If you are in a hurry, here is the shorthand list of the best devices currently available that retain the 3.5mm audio port:
- Best Overall Flagship: Sony Xperia 1 VI
- Best Compact Flagship: Asus Zenfone 10
- Best Gaming Phone: Asus ROG Phone 8 / 8 Pro
- Best Budget Option: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
- Best Value Mid-Range: Poco X6 Pro (Global)
Why the Headphone Jack is Disappearing
The industry shift away from the 3.5mm jack began in 2016, and today, it is considered a “legacy” feature by most major brands. From my experience testing hundreds of devices, the removal is rarely about “saving space” as manufacturers claim.
Instead, companies prioritize internal battery volume, improved IP-rating seals, and the lucrative upsell of wireless earbuds like AirPods or Galaxy Buds. However, for those of us who own high-impedance wired headphones, the loss of the jack remains a significant pain point.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find What Phones Still Have Headphone Jacks
If you are shopping for a new device and the 3.5mm port is a “deal-breaker,” follow this checklist to ensure you don’t end up with a port-less paperweight.
Step 1: Filter by Specific Brands
Not all brands are created equal. Focus your search on these specific manufacturers who still semi-regularly include the port:
- Sony: The only brand keeping the jack on $1,000+ flagships.
- Asus: Includes it on both their Zenfone and ROG (gaming) lines.
- Motorola: Very consistent with the jack on their “G” and “Stylus” series.
- Xiaomi/Poco: Usually found on their budget and mid-tier “Redmi” and “Poco” lines.
Step 2: Avoid the “Ultra” and “Pro” Traps
In the modern market, a higher price usually means fewer features like the headphone jack or microSD slot. If you are looking at a brand like Samsung or Google, the “Pro” or “Ultra” models will never have a jack. You must look at the entry-level “A” or “M” series (and even then, check carefully).
Step 3: Verify the Official Spec Sheet
Before hitting “buy,” always cross-reference the official manufacturer’s technical specifications page. Look for the “Audio” or “Connectivity” section.
- Key Term: Look for “3.5mm jack” or “Audio Jack.”
- Warning: If it says “USB-C Audio” or “Type-C to 3.5mm adapter included,” it does not have a native port.
Step 4: Check for Regional Variations
Some phones, particularly from brands like Xiaomi or Oppo, may include a headphone jack in versions sold in India or Southeast Asia but remove it for European or North American versions. Always check the model number (e.g., XT2415-1).
Comparison of Leading Phones with Headphone Jacks
The following table compares the top contenders in 2024 based on performance and audio features.
| Model | Category | Display | Battery | Notable Audio Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Xperia 1 VI | Premium Flagship | 6.5″ OLED | 5000mAh | Full-stage Stereo Speakers & Hi-Res Wireless |
| Asus Zenfone 10 | Compact | 5.9″ AMOLED | 4300mAh | Dirac Audio Tuning |
| Asus ROG Phone 8 | Gaming | 6.78″ 165Hz | 5500mAh | Dedicated DAC & GameFX |
| Moto G Stylus (2024) | Budget/Utility | 6.7″ pOLED | 5000mAh | Dolby Atmos Support |
| Sony Xperia 10 VI | Mid-Range | 6.1″ OLED | 5000mAh | Exceptional Battery Life |
Deep Dive: The Best Flagship Options
Sony Xperia 1 VI: The Audiophile’s Dream
Sony is the last “prestige” manufacturer that treats the headphone jack as a core feature rather than a budget compromise. I’ve tested the Xperia 1 VI with a pair of Sennheiser HD600 headphones, and while it doesn’t replace a high-end desktop amp, the internal DAC is surprisingly capable.
Expert Insight: Sony optimizes its circuit board layout to separate the audio signal from the digital processing components. This significantly reduces “hiss” or floor noise often found in cheaper phones with jacks.
Asus Zenfone 10: Power in a Small Package
The Zenfone 10 is a rare breed. It is one of the only “small” phones left on the market that doesn’t compromise on the processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) while keeping the 3.5mm jack.
If you have smaller hands or prefer one-handed use, this is your best bet. The audio output is clean, and the inclusion of Dirac Virtuo software helps widen the soundstage for wired IEMs (In-Ear Monitors).
Why Gamers Still Need the Headphone Jack
For competitive mobile gaming (think PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact), Bluetooth is often a liability. Even with Low Latency aptX or LDAC codecs, there is a millisecond delay between the action on screen and the sound in your ears.
- Zero Latency: Wired connections offer instantaneous feedback.
- No Charging: You don’t have to worry about your earbuds dying in the middle of a tournament.
- Microphone Quality: Wired headsets generally provide much clearer voice chat than Bluetooth microphones, which often switch to a low-bitrate “call mode” during gaming.
Mid-Range and Budget Champions
If you aren’t looking to spend $1,000, the budget market is actually where the headphone jack is most alive.
- Motorola Moto G Series: Almost every “G” series phone released in the last 24 months has a jack. The Moto G Power 5G and Moto G Stylus 5G are excellent reliable choices.
- Samsung Galaxy A15 & A25: While Samsung removed the jack from the A35 and A55, the more affordable A15 and A25 models still retain it. They are great “first phones” for kids or seniors.
- Poco & Redmi: If you are in a region where Xiaomi is available, the Redmi Note 13 series continues to offer the jack on its non-Pro models.
Technical Considerations: DACs and Impedance
When asking what phones still have headphone jacks, it is important to understand that not all jacks are equal.
Most budget phones use a standard integrated DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that is part of the Snapdragon or MediaTek chipset. This is fine for standard earbuds. However, if you use high-end audiophile gear, look for phones that mention:
- Hi-Res Audio Certification
- LDAC Support
- Snapdragon Sound
Pro Tip: If you find a phone you love that doesn’t have a jack, your best alternative is a “Dongle DAC” like the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter (which is surprisingly high quality) or a Fiio KA1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Samsung S24 have a headphone jack?
No, none of the models in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra) have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You must use USB-C headphones or a Bluetooth connection.
Do Google Pixel phones still have headphone jacks?
The last Google Pixel phone to feature a headphone jack was the Pixel 5a, released in 2021. All subsequent models, including the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and the newer 9 series, have removed it.
Is the audio quality better with a headphone jack?
Generally, yes. A wired connection avoids the data compression required for Bluetooth transmission. While Bluetooth codecs like LDAC are getting closer to lossless quality, a direct wired connection to a well-implemented 3.5mm port still offers the most consistent high-fidelity experience.
Why do cheap phones have jacks but expensive ones don’t?
Budget phones are often sold in markets where wireless earbuds are less common or considered an unnecessary expense. Additionally, flagship phones use the space saved by removing the jack for complex camera sensors and larger vibration motors.
