10 Best Phones for TikTok + Best Deals in 2024

The first step to making viral TikTok videos is investing in a high-quality smartphone. It should have a great camera with good low-light performance for crystal-clear, eye-catching videos.

Usually, this means getting flagship phones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, and Google Pixel 7 Pro.

These phones are designed with innovative camera systems for vivid videos and photos, top-of-the-line hardware for durability, and excellent battery life, among other valuable features.

But their price tag is usually in the range of $1,000, which is quite an investment, especially if you’re in a third-world country that doesn’t offer monthly payment plans.

The good news is that some smartphone brands like Realme, Redmi, and even Samsung have designed affordable Android smartphones with great camera systems for TikTok.

With a budget as low as $232, you should be able to get a smartphone like the Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra that will help you create clear, engaging TikTok videos that go viral and build a following!

In this in-depth guide, I’ve reviewed the best phones for TikTok in 2024 for budgets ranging from $100 to the most expensive iPhone 14 Pro Max with 1TB storage.

I’ve also shared insights and tips on making the most out of your camera phone with accessories like LED and ring lights so you can create eye-catching TikTok videos.

Phone	Rear Camera	Selfie Camera	Display	RAM	Storage	Price
iPhone 14 Pro Max	48MP	12MP	6.7-Inch	6GB	Up to 1TB	Check Price
S22 Ultra 5G	108MP	40MP	6.8-Inch	8GB/12GB	Up to 1TB	Check Price
iPhone 13 Pro Max	Pro 12MP	12MP	6.7-Inch	6GB	Up to 1TB	Check Price
Realme C35	50MP	8MP	6.6-Inch	4GB/6GB	64GB/128GB	Check Price
Redmi A1+	8MP	8MP	6.25-Inch	2GB	64GB	Check Price
Galaxy A73 5G	108MP	32MP	6.7-Inch	6GB/8GB	128GB/256GB	Check Price
Realme 9 Pro+	50MP	16MP	6.4-Inch	6GB/8GB	128GB/256GB	Check Price
Google Pixel 7 Pro	50MP	10.8MP	6.7-Inch	8GB/12GB	Up to 512GB	Check Price
S21 Ultra 5G	108MP	40MP	6.8-Inch	12GB/16GB	Up to 512GB	Check Price
iPhone 14 Pro Max	12MP	12MP	6.5-Inch	4GB	512GB	Check Price

1. iPhone 14 Pro Max – Overall Best Phone for TikTok Videos

The latest iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best phone for TikTok in 2023. It features an innovative 48MP camera that takes vibrant and highly detailed TikTok videos.

The iPhone 14 Pro offers the highest quality videos you can capture with a smartphone. It beats even the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, unless when capturing telephoto footage.

Apple has equipped it with an industry-leading A16 Bionic processor that runs the seamless iOS 16 operating system, all housed in the surgical-grade stainless steel body.

iPhone 14 Pro Max Pros:

• All-day battery life, plus fast charging, to get your phone up and running quickly.
• Shoots impressively clear TikTok videos in low-light and dark environments.
• A brilliant Super Retina XDR display that is 2x brighter in the sun
• Designed for durability with Ceramic Shield glass, so you don’t need a screen protector.
• A large 6.7” screen so you can easily create and edit your TikTok videos.

iPhone 14 Pro Max Cons:

• The over $899 price tag is quite expensive for locations where monthly payment plans aren’t available.
• The package only includes the iPhone 14 Pro Max and a USB‑C to Lightning Cable. You’ll need to get a charging adapter separately.

There isn’t much to say about the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s a flagship iPhone. It’s an industry-leading device. It has been designed for top-in-class users, and you should probably get it!

2. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G – Best Android Phone for TikTok Videos

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best smartphones money can buy in 2023. Only the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro Max can out-compete the S22 Ultra!

It features a top-of-the-line camera system, sturdy hardware, innovative software, excellent battery life, and other valuable feature sets that set it ahead of the competition.

With the S22 Ultra, you won’t need any other phone or camera for TikTok. It’s the ultimate smartphone for taking eye-catching videos and photos with incredible detail and clarity!

Galaxy S22 Ultra Pros:

• An industry-leading 100x space zoom that even beats the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
• It comes with a built-in S-Pen that’s also water and dust-resistant.
• With the 45W charger, you will get your back to complete in 62 minutes.
• It’s made with a strong and durable Armor aluminum frame and a Gorilla glass screen display.
• It shoots terrific TikToks in the Selfie-Mode that outcompetes the iPhone front camera.

Galaxy S22 Ultra Cons:

• Like the iPhone, the S22 Ultra is quite pricey. But the good news is that there are options for getting it on monthly payment plans.
• It falls short on the battery life, which puts the iPhone ahead of it and the competition.

The S22 Ultra has the best-in-class camera system that easily outcompetes the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This camera phone puts you among the top 1% TikTokers in terms of crispy-clear video quality.

It features four magnificent cameras on the rear. A massive 108MP wide-angle primary camera and a 12MP ultra wide-angle camera that does a magnificent job when taking group photos and videos.

You also get dual 10MP telephoto cameras at the back. It has a 100X space zoom that includes 10x optical and a 100x digital zoom with AI super-resolution technology.

If battery life and the Android platform are not an object, I recommend getting the S22 Ultra over the iPhone 14 Pro Max due to its brilliant and versatile camera system.

3. iPhone 13 Pro Max – Best iPhone for TikTok Videos

Like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the 13 Pro Max is still an excellent smartphone for TikTok content creation. It’s also a few hundred dollars cheaper, which is quite a bargain!

Unlike the 14 Pro Max, which has a 48MP camera, the iPhone 13 Pro Max features an incredibly powerful Pro 12MP camera system for Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide.

The rear and selfie cameras have a cinematic mode for recording videos with a shallow depth of field, which is quite a handy feature when taking TikTok videos with a background blur and only you in focus.

iPhone 13 Pro Max Pros:

• The 12MP camera system is advantageous for storage space, processing time, and low-light photo quality.
• It includes fantastic camera features like macro video recording, time-lapse, and slo-mo.
• It supports fast charging, which charges your phone up to 50% in 35 minutes.
• Compatible with MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers.
• A large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion for seamless TikTok content creation and editing.
• Built-in Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for smooth hand-held TikTok videos without the appearance of a camera shake.

iPhone 13 Pro Max Cons:

• Like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the S22 Ultra, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is quite an investment. That’s why I recommend taking advantage of the payment plans offered by Apple that also include an option for trade-in.
• The package only includes the iPhone 13 Pro Max and a USB-C to Lightning Cable. You have to get the charging adapter separately.

Taking your TikTok videos with the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a much easier and hassle-free experience than using the S22 Ultra. It might explain why it’s one of the best phones for TikTok videos and the most widely used phone among the highest-paid TikTokers.

NOTE: The iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are not just the best phones for TikTok videos but also the best iPhones to capture fantastic Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even shoot in-depth YouTube vlogs.

4. Realme C35 – Best Budget Phone for TikTok Videos

At first glance of the Realme C35, you would think it’s a $1,000 smartphone. Thanks to its stylish, well-designed body that gives off the vibes of the iPhone at an affordable price of under $200.

The Realme C35 is powered by Unisoc T616 processor with 8 CPUs, making it a fast phone when shooting or watching TikTok videos. It runs the Realme UI R Edition, based on Android 11.

It features a large 6.6-Inch display with up to 1080p resolution for FHD visual experience. With this screen, making and watching TikTok videos with this phone is such a wonderful experience.

Realme C35 Pros:

• An elegant, stylish phone that stands out and feels great to show off.
• Available in two variations with either 4GB or 6GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB storage.
• It weighs 187 grams, making it very lightweight and comfortable to hold.
• 50MP AI Triple Camera with macro and portrait lenses for the best TikTok experience.
• Super power saving mode lets the phone run optimally at a low battery.

Realme C35 Cons:

• The selfie camera only records up to 720p TikTok videos, which is good, but 1080p videos are a bit vibrant.
• The design is incredible for such an affordable budget, but the material used is relatively cheap.

The Realme C35 will ideally suit you if you want a stylish smartphone with an excellent camera for TikTok videos. It also features a large battery, fast charging, and sufficient memory and storage.

5. XIAOMI Redmi A1+ – Best Phone for TikTok Under $100

The XIAOMI Redmi A1+ retails for about $100 in India, China, and Africa. It’s the best smartphone for TikTokers who want a budget phone with a great camera to kickstart their TikTok content creation journey.

The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is powered by MediaTek’s Helio A22 chipset. It features 2GB RAM and 64GB storage that can expand up to 1TB with an external SD card. It comes running Android 12 GO.

The package contains the Redmi A1+ phone, a 10W charging adapter, a USB cable, a sim ejector tool, and a warranty card. You also get a safety information card and a quick start guide that you probably won’t use.

Redmi A1+ Pros:

• A super affordable smartphone that does a good enough job when shooting TikTok videos.
• A well-designed body with a textured feel and a well-placed fingerprint scanner.
• Great stereo loudspeakers and a 3.5mm headphone/audio jack.
• The cameras take excellent quality photos and selfies for your Instagram and Facebook.

Redmi A1+ Cons:

• An average camera system that doesn’t shoot good photos in low light.

The Redmi A1+ is perhaps one of the most affordable smartphones in the market that can shoot awesome TikTok videos when in good lighting. It’s also super easy to use and with excellent battery life.

6. Samsung Galaxy A73 5G – Best TikTok Phone Under $500

The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is an impressive mid-range smartphone with a high-quality 108MP primary camera that does a great job when creating TikTok Videos.

The primary camera features optical image stabilization that minimizes the appearance of camera shakes when shooting hand-held TikTok videos while walking.

It also includes three other cameras on the rear. A 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth camera. Other camera features include an LED flash, HDR, and panorama.

To complete the camera system, the A73 5G features Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G processor and Android 12 OS (upgradable to Android 13).

Galaxy A73 5G Pros:

• It supports 25W fast charging, but you need to get the 25W charging adapter separately.
• An excellent display that is designed with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
• Sturdy build quality with durable but affordable materials.
• Samsung One UI 5 interface and industry-leading software support.

Galaxy A73 5G Cons:

• It lacks the 3.5mm headphone/audio jack.
• You can’t use the SD card slot in dual-SIM. It’s shared with SIM 2.

Like the Realme 9 Pro+ that I’ve reviewed below, the Galaxy A73 5G offers the features of a high-end smartphone at half the price. It also has a “more premium look” and feel!

7. Realme 9 Pro+ – Best Alternative TikTok Phone Under $500

The Realme 9 Pro+ has a lot of fans and a rich TikTok user base. Some are shooting TikTok Videos with this wonderful phone and still get as many as 18.9 million views.

Like the Galaxy A73 5G, the Realme 9 Pro+ packs high-end feature sets like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but the material used is much more affordable.

It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor and runs Android 12 with the Realme US 4.0 interface. The 6/8GB RAM complements the seamless software to make it superfast!

Realme 9 Pro+ Pros:

• It comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be quite handy!
• The 60W super-dart charging gets it to full battery in 44 minutes.
• A bright display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
• The main camera shoots 1080p@30/60/120/480fps video, which looks crystal-clear on TikTok.
• The selfie camera shoots 1080p@30fps video, which is as good as the main camera.
• The package includes 65W SuperDart Charger, Protect Case, and Screen Protect Film.

Realme 9 Pro+ Cons:

• It lacks dust/waterproofing.
• It lacks a memory card slot.

The Realme 9 Pro+ features an excellent camera setup, battery life, and solid build quality. Yet it’s competitively priced to suit users who want to shoot A-Grade TikTok videos with a smartphone that costs less than half the price of the iPhone.

8. Google Pixel 7 Pro – Best Galaxy S22 Ultra Alternative for TikTok

The Google Pixel 7 Pro belongs in the same league of flagship smartphones as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Thanks for its excellent camera setup, bold design, and sturdy build quality. It features the Google Tensor G2 processor and runs on Android 13, which is seamlessly reliable.

Yet, the only reason I’ve included it this far in the article is its front and back glass finish that doesn’t feel “safe” on hands. But this can be remedied with a protector case!

Google Pixel 7 Pro Pros:

• It features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
• Designed with a sturdy aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus front and back for durability.
• Packed with some genuinely incredible camera software features.
• Android 13 is a bliss to use!
• 30W fast charging to quickly get your battery to full charge.
• 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom level.

Google Pixel 7 Pro Cons:

• It lacks a 3.5mm headphone/audio jack.
• It lacks a memory card slot.
• Face unlock only works well in well-lit conditions.
• Sub-par battery life.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro should feel safe on your hands with a protector case or cover for grip. Its camera system easily rivals the S22 Ultra, and the performance is top-notch.

9. Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra – Best Affordable Phone for TikTok

The S21 Ultra was one of the best phones for TikTok videos until the S22 Ultra came out in 2022. It competed head-to-head with the current iPhone 13 Pro Max on video quality and key camera specs.

But with the S22 Ultra now in the market, most TikTokers, camera phone users, and Samsung fandoms have upgraded. It also means that their working S21 Ultra phones are back in the market as affordable certified refurbished.

If you are in the US, Canada, and Europe, I recommend getting a refurbished flagship phone rather than a mid-range phone for a budget of around $500.

The refurbished S21 Ultra packs all the great features you get with the brand-new S22 Ultra but at half the price. The best place the get it is Back Market or Amazon.

TIP: I highly recommend reading the reviews before you make a purchase. Check what the previous buyers say about the seller and the smartphone quality in general.

Refurbished S21 Ultra Pros:

• It comes running Android 11 that’s upgradable to Android 13.
• 12GB RAM that offers seamless and superfast multi-app operation.
• There are plenty of TikTok videos on how to use the S21 Ultra for TikTok.
• Impressively clear self-camera that shoots 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30fps videos.
• Designed with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
• Stylus support

Refurbished S21 Ultra Cons:

• It lacks a 3.5mm headphone/audio jack.
• It lacks an SD card slot.
• Refurbs usually offer lower battery life than brand-new devices.

The refurbished S21 Ultra and the brand-new A73 5G cost about the same. But I would take the S21 Ultra any day if it’s from a reputable seller. With fast charging, the battery life is not an object compared to a superior camera system and solid design!

10. Refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max – Best iPhone for TikTok for Under $500

The iPhone 11 Pro Max was released on September 20, 2019. It’s the phone that most viral and highest-rated TikTokers used to create their very first content!

Since this was the flagship phone during the pandemic, it’s responsible for the popularity of most of the current most viewed, most followed, and most famous, highest-paid TikTokers.

One of the most incredible advantages of the iPhone is its unmatched CONSISTENCY! So, the iPhone 11 Pro Max camera is still an excellent choice in 2023.

Refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max Pros:

• You get a flagship iPhone at less than half the price of a brand-new one.
• It runs iOS 13 but can be upgraded to iOS 16.2 for support and security.
• Impressive 12MP camera system that captures crystal-clear TikTok videos.
• Plenty of tutorials on TikTok on how to use the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
• The display features Scratch-resistant glass protection.

Refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max Cons:

• It lacks an SD card slot.
• It lacks a 3.5mm headphone/audio jack.

Like the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max is an excellent choice for US, Canadian, and European people who want a TikTok content creation phone with budgets under $500.

Are Refurbished Phones Good Quality?

Yes! Refurbished phones are not only budget-friendly; but also your perfect gateway to premium technology without the premium price tag.

Picture this: a sleek and stylish phone that has been meticulously inspected, upgraded, and polished to perfection. Refurbished phones undergo a thorough makeover, ensuring they not only meet but often exceed industry standards. This means you get a device that performs like new, delivering a cutting-edge experience at a fraction of the cost.

But the perks don’t stop there! Choosing a refurbished phone is an eco-conscious decision. By opting for a device that has been given a second life, you contribute to reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability. It’s a win-win for your pocket and the planet.

What’s more, refurbished phones come with the assurance of reliability. Each device undergoes rigorous testing, addressing any potential issues and leaving you with a gadget that’s as reliable as it is impressive. Say goodbye to the worries of hidden glitches or performance hiccups!

In the world of refurbished phones, you’re not just buying a device; you’re investing in a smart, eco-friendly, and high-performing companion. Embrace the future of smart choices – go refurbished and experience the perfect blend of value and excellence!