Finding a smartphone with an IR blaster is more changing today than it was years ago. Thankfully, there are still a few good options on the market.
IR blasters used to be a common component in smartphones, with big products from Samsung, OnePlus, and TCL giving users access to the cool gadget. Phones equipped with IR blasters could be used as a universal remote for your other electronics, making it easy to control your gear without the need for their default controller (which might be clunky and unintuitive to use).
Fast forward today, and attempting to find a smartphone with an IR blaster is shockingly difficult. What was once common technology is now relegated to just a handful of smartphones. You won’t find any iPhones or Galaxy phones with IR blasters, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a poorly reviewed smartphone if you’re interested in the tech. You will, however, probably need to settle for either OnePlus or Xiaomi, as they’re the two key players still churning out powerful smartphones equipped with IR blasters.
If you’re unfamiliar with these brands, we’ve pulled together the five best phones with IR blasters to help you narrow down your options. Most of these options are unlocked and should work with the majority of carriers, though we’d recommend contacting your provider if you’re not sure they’ll be supported. We’d also recommend looking into mobile apps for your TV or other electronics, as these apps might let you turn any smartphone into a remote control without the need for IR blasters.
Decide you no longer need IR blasters and would rather have a flagship from Apple or Samsung? Check out our list of the best smartphones of 2024 for more great options.
OnePlus 12Best overall phone with IR blasters
The OnePlus 12 isn’t just one of the best phones with an IR blaster – it’s also our best Android phone overall. Equipped with plenty of premium specs along with the elusive IR blaster, you won’t have to make any compromised with this feature-complete smartphone.
Clocking in under $1,000, there’s a lot to love about the OnePlus 12 beyond just its price tag. For one, it’s 6.82-inch curved display looks absolutely stunning, allowing you to play games, watch movies, or just scroll through Reddit while being treated to one of the best screens on the market. Coupled with its 120Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 12 is shockingly fun to use.
Powering all the action is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is one of the most powerful smartphone processor available in 2024. You’re also getting 16GB RAM and 512GB storage – in other words, this phone can easily compete with premium phones from Apple and Samsung.
Rounding out the flagship smartphone is a Hasselblad camera suite, support for wireless charging, and a slim glossy design that makes the OnePlus 12 look like the high-end device that it is. You should also have no problem getting a full day of use out of the smartphone before needing a recharge, thanks to its large 5400mAh battery.
Xiaomi 14 UltraBest premium phone with IR blasters
Though you’ll want to pay close attention as to whether it’ll work with your preferred carrier, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is one of the newest smartphones to feature IR blasters. It’s also one of the most expensive, with a price tag that soars above $1,000.
If those caveats don’t turn you away, you’ll find a smartphone that’s packed to the brim with features. The star of the show is undoubtedly its camera, which was designed with Leica components and captures brilliant images regardless of whether you’re using its main camera or many auxiliary cameras. These images can then be modified with an AI imaging system to finetune their details and snap the perfect shot.
Other highlights include a massive AMOLED display, fast battery charging, and an intuitive OS that’s smooth and responsive thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. You’ll have to keep in mind that the current version on the market is the Chinese edition – but since it supports Google Mobile Service, Google Play Store, and receives over-the-air updates, it’s a solid choice for someone who doesn’t mind looking beyond the typical brands you’ll find with your local carrier.
