The best anti-AI smartphones in 2026: Expert tested and recommended

These days, it feels like AI and machine learning algorithms are being stuffed into every device, whether it makes sense to do so or not. With almost every major brand announcing that AI will be a standard feature in new releases going forward, you may be looking for a way to avoid it entirely. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options on the market for phones that don't force AI as an integral feature; you can even find a few "dumb" phones if you're wanting a total digital detox. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best phone without AI features right now? Almost every major brand still offers older phones that either allow you to opt out of or remove AI features, or that simply don't support AI at all. The Apple iPhone 15 is a solid choice for iOS users, since it's just one generation behind and still offers premium-grade features while allowing you to opt out of Apple Intelligence. If you're an Android user, you'll have to…