From taking photos/making reels, and finding navigation to sharing your adventures through social media, your phone can do a lot in your outdoor adventures. But can the phone you carry in your pocket the rest of the time work in the mountains? The best lightweight smartphones for outdoor use, even those not designed for these environments, can offer features that make traveling much easier with their long-lasting battery life.
Best Lightweight Long-Lasting Phones for Traveling in 2024
1. OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R feature curved displays, large camera modules on the back, and good battery life with 80W wired fast charging; both models add a brighter screen, making them the best phones for Traveling in 2024. The OnePlus 12 is one of the fastest Android phones of 2024, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and a redesigned cooling system.
The primary 50-megapixel camera features Hasselblad image processing that gets better every year. It’s not as good as Google, but it’s close. The hefty 5,500 mAh battery can last a full day under heavy usage and nearly two days under moderate usage. It offers 80W wired or 50W wireless charging options and can be fully charged in less than an hour.
The OnePlus 12’s large 6.8-inch 1440p OLED delivers brighter colors than any screen we’ve chosen. The OnePlus 12R largely mirrors the OnePlus 12, with a colorful and vivid 6.7-inch OLED display, good performance, and a long-lasting 5,500mAh battery.
However, it’s powered by last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and lacks wireless charging and a telephoto lens. Both OnePlus phones are solid, but our pick offers better cameras and software for your money.
OnePlus 12
OnePlus 12R
2. Apple’s iPhone 15 Series
Featuring Dynamic Island, a long-lasting USB-C port for more convenient charging, and an upgraded camera with higher resolution and sharper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for traveling with its lightweight.
iPhone 15 is available in two sizes. If you’re looking on the smaller side, there’s the 6.1-inch iPhone 15. If you value a larger screen, there’s the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. It runs on the A16 Bionic chip, providing a noticeable performance upgrade for those using several years-old iPhones.
The phone also features Apple’s second-generation ultra-wideband chip, offering new features that make it easier to find friends and family in a crowd. This will be helpful when traveling to unfamiliar places.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra retains almost all of the best features of the previous Ultra model, including a large beautiful OLED screen, an S Pen stylus, and a 200-megapixel primary camera. The S24 Ultra also has a new titanium frame for increased durability, and the OLED screen is flat and brighter instead of having curved edges like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
It is equipped with the latest Snapdragon chip and offers new AI features. It also promises seven years of software updates. As for the camera, the S24 Ultra replaces the S23 Ultra’s 10x “periscope” zoom with a shorter 5x zoom and higher resolution.
The S24 Ultra takes excellent photos while traveling. Samsung’s top-end Galaxy phones have always been expensive, and the S24 Ultra’s price increased to $1,300.
4. Google Pixel 8
If you want to travel and create content for the gram with enhanced AI features, we recommend the Pixel 8, one of the lightweight phones with a good battery life for Traveling in 2024. In addition to its slim design, durability rating, and reliable battery life, it can capture solid night images.
It has editing tools to help you take the best photos. For example, Best Take allows you to take several shots in a row of a person or a group of people, then replace one person’s head with a different version from other images in the series to get the best facial expression.
On the video side, there’s an audio eraser light, another helpful feature for video that helps remove unwanted noise from the background.
5. OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is one of the best foldable phones for travelers. When unfolded, the 6.3-inch smartphone transforms into a 7.8-inch tablet. It’s not as narrow as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 but not as wide as the Pixel Fold. It’s lighter, has a smoother folding mechanism, and has less noticeable creases than competitors.
The OnePlus Open has a bright, colorful OLED display with up to 2,800 nits of outdoor brightness. The 4,805mAh battery lasts more than a day, and the included 67W fast charging block can charge from 1% to 100% in about 42 minutes.
It runs Android 13 out of the box but adds a functional desktop-like taskbar for more effortless multitasking. The phone’s three rear camera lenses are placed inside a giant circular cutout, which is unusual, but the 48-megapixel main, 48-megapixel ultra-wide, and 64-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom produce sharp, colorful images.
6. Cat S75
This is a chunky device. It’s larger and heavier than other devices; however, the satellite communications hardware can explain some of the thickness. The construction is solid but less premium than other smartphones. The plastic outer shell is also soft on the hand. There are two programmable buttons, and you can choose between a second SIM or Micro SD storage expansion.
However, satellite functionality requires a separate SIM card, which blocks the Micro SD slot. There’s also a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which I find trustworthy.
Built-in satellite messaging is a critical standout feature of the Cat S75. The Cat S75 is a bulkier and less powerful device than the other devices we tested. But it’s a capable outdoor smartphone and could be a functional single-device solution if you plan on exploring remote places.
7. Motorola Edge+
The 2022 Motorola Edge+ represents Motorola’s latest attempt to return to the flagship phone category, and we like this model’s 6.8-inch OLED display with a super-fast 144Hz refresh rate. The Edge+ is also fast, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
However, regarding cameras and Motorola’s software support promises, the phone falls short of options from Google and Samsung. Moreover, Motorola is asking for $1,000 for this phone, which is the same price as the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
8. Apple iPhone 14 Plus
The 14 Plus is the most challenging iPhone 14 model to recommend, but its battery life is its most significant selling point. This phone can comfortably last two days with regular use and up to three days with occasional use, making it the best smartphone for Traveling.
And there’s plenty to like elsewhere, too, from the outstanding A15 Bionic performance to the best camera you’ll find on any smartphone. At 203g of lightweight, it is pretty light for a phone with a 6.7-inch display. It’s a shame that it’s still a 60Hz panel rather than the 120Hz of the Pro model.
Because it’s slower to charge, and most people have better iPhones, most people, including the latest iPhone 15, However, model. However, the iPhone 14 Plus is still a great choice if battery life is your priority.
9. OPPO Reno 8 Pro
Oppo asked Chris Townsend to try out the Oppo Reno 8 Pro, which has lower specs and prices. The phone was provided with a camera for review, and his review is based on its performance as a camera, as it is described as perfect for low-light photography and for capturing nature, trails, and memories from outdoor activities in any weather.” And an outdoor phone.
The lightweight Reno 8 Pro is a good but limited phone camera with two good and two not-so-good lenses; for video, it’s okay. This is not a rugged phone. The heavier Find X5 Pro is much sturdier and has a better camera. However, it costs almost twice as much. However, there are much cheaper, sturdier phones with decent cameras.
10. Motorola Razr
Motorola’s Razr is the most budget-friendly entry point into foldable at $700. Motorola’s latest foldable features an aluminum frame and hinged covers wrapped in luxurious vegan leather. The Razr opens with a narrow 6.9-inch 1080p OLED display that supports a fast 144Hz refresh rate for smoother animations and a more responsive interface.
When fully closed, it reveals a smaller 1.5-inch OLED external display that can access the calendar, timer, weather, voice recorder, and capture photos and videos. It runs Android 13 and adds Motorola’s gesture controls, allowing it to open the camera to a double wrist twist.
The Razr’s 64-megapixel primary camera is sufficient for most purposes, as the 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 32-megapixel selfie camera aren’t as sharp or as good. It has a 4,200 mAh battery, which is more significant than the Galaxy Z Flip5, and should last more than a day.
The Motorola Razr is the first affordable foldable, but not knowing how durable it will be over time can be a considerable problem when deciding whether to buy it.
Features to look for in the best long-lasting phones for Traveling
1. Battery life
Battery life varies depending on usage and many other factors. When traveling, consider that more capacity (mAh) is generally better, but it doesn’t always mean longer battery life.
2. Size and weight
Many mobile phones now weigh more than 200 grams. Besides screen size, material is also an essential factor. Stainless steel and glass add weight to some premium devices. Aluminum and plastic are lighter.
3. Satellite communication
Some devices have built-in satellite hardware, allowing them to communicate without a phone signal. This may be limited to emergency SOS or may include text messages. Satellite features typically require an additional subscription and do not include all the features offered by dedicated devices such as inReach or SPOT.
4. Robust
All tested phones are water and dust-resistant. For mountain use, look for at least an IP67 rating. The shatter-resistant glass can still be easily damaged if dropped on a rock, so add a sturdy case and screen protector unless your phone has been drop-tested.
5. Slots
Find local SIM and eSIM cards. Some countries may not have roaming agreements in place with their mobile carrier. In this case, buy a local SIM card or eSIM. Check with your carrier before you travel to see what services are available at your destination.
6. Camera
Most phones now have more than one camera lens offering various focal lengths. If you prefer enlarged photos, look for a telephoto lens. Megapixels aren’t everything. Also, consider the clarity and colour accuracy.
7. Screen
More giant screens display more content (great for mapping apps) but can increase size, weight, and cost and reduce battery life. The brighter the screen, the easier it is to use in direct sunlight. Also, sharpness is measured in PPI. The more, the better. A refresh rate of 90Hz or higher will make your animations look more fluid.
8. Storage
Most phones no longer allow expandable storage space. Make sure it provides enough. 128GB is a realistic minimum.
9. Operating system
iPhone runs iOS. All other phones run Android. Both have pros and cons, and personal preference is now the deciding factor. If you have other Apple devices, the iPhone offers better integration.
10. Audio
The phone we tested did not come with a 3.5mm audio jack. Depending on your device, you may need wireless or USB-C/Lightning headphones.
11. Additional features
Features to look for in an outdoor phone include face/fingerprint security, customizable shortcut buttons, quick access to the camera, and a USB-C port for compatibility with other devices. Fast charging is also helpful for Travelers.
Tips to Travel with Your Smartphone
Once you have an unlocked phone, you must purchase a local SIM card at your destination. Prices and app difficulty levels vary widely, but you’ll typically pay per month for valuable ts and data. Daily and weekly plans are sometimes available if you stay in the country for a short period.
This is an inexpensive way to keep your phone and data service connected while you travel. The downside is that you have to change your SIM card every time you change countries. So, what you end up with is that you might be carrying a pile of SIM cards worldwide.
Your smartphone stays connected via Wi-Fi, so replace calls with Skype or Google Voice, SMS with WhatsApp, and download various tra you are away for when you are at the signal. You’ll be amazed at how well this approach works. It’s pretty lovely not to be notified all the time.
You can download Google Maps and city maps online without Wi–Fi. You can also search for destinations in Google Maps, which will still work without Wi-Fi if the location is turned on. You can also take and save screenshots.
Some cities even offer free public Wi-Fi in public places like parks, airports, and train stations. If you need to, you can use Wi-Fi when you buy something to eat or drink at international chains. On these open networks, you need to be careful with your data (a VPN is recommended).
Taking your smartphone abroad without breaking the bank isn’t always easy. With time and effort, you can find out exactly what options you have on the go and use your phone abroad.
Do your research, avoid scams, and buy one of the best smartphones above when traveling. That way, you can keep in touch and stay connected on Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube while traveling.
Buy a case and screen protector. Cell phones sold today are more durable than just a few years ago. If your phone gets damaged, there may be no quick repair, so it’s a good idea to protect it with a case when travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which travel phone is best for most people?
Apple’s iPhone 15 is the best travel smartphone for most people. For under $1000, you can get one of the best camera systems, with dust and water resistance, decent battery life, a new USB-C port for convenient charging, and eSIM support.
iPhone 15 supports more than eight eSIM cards, making it convenient for travelers who need to use a temporary local eSIM in addition to a regular eSIM.
I also recommend the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a fundamentally superior phone on the Android side. It features long battery life, water and dust resistance, and four cameras. One of the cameras has a telephoto lens that allows you to zoom in on distant subjects or capture local food to enjoy. The Galaxy S24 Ultra can accommodate two physical SIM cards and an eSIM.
How to Buy a New Travel Phone?
Find local SIM and eSIM cards. Some countries may not have roaming agreements in place with their mobile carrier. In this case, buy a local SIM card or eSIM. Check with your carrier before you travel to see what services are available at your destination.