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 to play out across a variety of sectors, with smartphones being an important frontier. While some amount of AI adoption is spurring smartphone sales and upgrade cycles, a significant number of customers still resist it. A report from Circana shows just how many users do not want AI on their phones, and there is a growing number who yearn for the days of dumb phones.

The AI creep is real and hard to escape. Finding a phone that does not have AI baked into the device at a silicon-level usually means going back several generations to discontinued models. While a discontinued phone can still be solid, these phones are no longer software supported—meaning they will not receive OS and security updates from the manufacturer. Using such a phone is largely a personal decision, but security experts generally do not recommend it.

To help you avoid AI while staying within a device's supported lifecycle, we have rounded up four of the best AI-free (mostly) Android phones that are still receiving software updates. Availability for some of these models varies by region, so check local carriers and online retailers before purchasing.

Samsung Galaxy A17

Samsung's A-series is the company's entry-level line of smartphones, offering cheaper alternatives to the flagship 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. Although these phones differ in price and features, one common thread is the lack of Galaxy AI, Samsung's on-device and cloud-based AI processing. Galaxy AI support starts only with the S24 Ultra and later models.

While the A-series does not include integrated Galaxy AI, Samsung—like other manufacturers—has been democratizing AI features across its product range. Newer Android updates for the A-series enable AI features like Circle to Search and the Gemini App. The good news is that both can be disabled, and you can delete the Gemini app entirely, leaving you with a largely AI-free experience.

Samsung supports the A17 with six years of software updates, carrying the device through 2031. Its predecessor, the A16, also receives six years of updates and should be supported until 2030. Although Samsung no longer sells the A16 directly, it can be found online for around $150. For users on a tight budget who want long-term support without AI, the Galaxy A17 is an excellent choice.

Fairphone 6

Fairphone is a truly unique player in the smartphone market, often flying under the radar. The Dutch-based company has championed repairability and environmental consciousness since 2013. This is evident in the Fairphone's modular design, which allows all core components to be accessible and serviceable. It is one of the only smartphone lines to consistently 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 expected to be supported through 2031. The only AI support on Fairphone devices comes from Google Gemini, which the company promises can be disabled entirely. Fairphone is also unique in offering eight years of software updates, ahead of both Google and Apple. The Fairphone 6 launched with Android 15 but now runs Android 16, and Fairphone also offers an option for Murena's /e/OS—a privacy-focused, open-source Android fork (LineageOS-based) that contains no proprietary Google apps or services.

The biggest challenge with getting a Fairphone 6 is its limited availability, especially in the United States. Fairphone is slowly working on U.S. distribution; the /e/OS version is currently available in the U.S. from the Murena store. For users in Europe and other supported regions, the Fairphone 6 is an excellent choice for those who want a repairable, long-lasting, and truly AI-free Android experience.

OnePlus 12

Another older Android phone that mostly avoids AI is the OnePlus 12, which launched in early 2024. In our review, we called it the right phone for the right price, highlighting its focus on hardware and performance, as well as the distinct lack of AI features at launch. OnePlus devices run the home-brewed OxygenOS, with the latest version built on top of Android 14. OxygenOS remains a bit of an acquired taste even among Android users, so it's worth trying before committing.

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 some debate about how easy it is to disable these features, but many AI functions can be turned off in the settings menu—common across all Android devices. Additionally, third-party tools like Canta and Shizuku allow you to uninstall or disable certain system apps without root access, providing a workaround if all else fails.

The OnePlus 12 remains widely available and is competitively priced for its flagship-level specs. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, fast charging, and polished display make it a strong contender for users who want premium hardware without being forced into an AI-heavy ecosystem. Just be prepared to manually disable or remove the few AI features that later updates may have added.

Sony Xperia 1 VI

Sony exited the U.S. smartphone market some time ago, opting not to bring new Xperia models to the United States, such as the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 1 VII. Sony's handsets have always targeted a very niche audience—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 subsystem. Sony's smartphones use its Mobile Bravia image engine, which employs certain AI algorithms to process photos and apply filters. The good news is that this can be turned off in the phone's settings, giving you full control.

Like the Fairphone, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is hard to come by, especially in North America. It is mostly available in Asia, Europe, and Canada. Potential buyers can import one, but it is critical to pay attention to regional variants, as they support different 5G frequency bands. Not all carriers support the same bands, and the phone may not work properly on U.S. networks. The Sony Xperia 1 V is also worth considering—it is several years old but remains a solid camera-focused device and is among several phone models worth buying used.

For users who can obtain it and live in a supported region, the Xperia 1 VI offers a unique camera experience with minimal AI intrusion. Sony's commitment to headphone jacks, expandable storage, and a clean near-stock Android interface further appeals to purists who want a phone that prioritizes photography without the AI bloat found in many competitors.

Source: SlashGear News