Tired of the hassle of lost remotes or the constant battle over who controls the TV? Well, believe it or not, some smartphones in 2024 still come with a handy feature: IR blasters! The top 5 smartphones equipped with built-in IR blasters, allowing you to take charge of your TV, sound system, and more directly from your phone.
From high-end flagships like the Xiaomi 14 to more budget-friendly options such as the OnePlus 12R, we’ll thoroughly explore the features and functionalities of each phone, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs. Say goodbye to remote clutter and hello to a phone that does it all!
Are you tired of juggling remotes and ready to transform your phone into a universal control center? We’re counting down the top phones with IR blasters in 2024. From flagships to budget buys, we’ll help you find the perfect phone to control your entire entertainment setup.
OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 isn’t just another flagship phone; it brings back the beloved IR Blaster, allowing you to effortlessly control your entire entertainment center with a simple tap. Its companion app makes managing thousands of devices a breeze, backed by the power of a flagship phone ensuring seamless functionality. But the IR Blaster is just the cherry on top.
The OnePlus 12 shines as one of their best flagships in recent years, boasting improvements across the board. Wireless charging fans can rejoice as it returns with a mighty 50W speed, perfectly complementing the even faster 80W wired charging (or 100W for the international model). Speaking of power, the OnePlus 12 smashes battery life benchmarks, clocking in an impressive 17 hours and 41 minutes, thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
Need more convincing? The OnePlus 12 offers the best value proposition in the flagship market, undercutting competitors in price. Throw in a sharp 3x optical zoom camera, and you’ve got a compelling package that deserves a serious look. So if you’re seeking a powerful phone with a dash of nostalgia, the OnePlus 12 might just be your perfect match.
Xiaomi 14
The Xiaomi 14 embodies the future of smartphones without sacrificing a touch of the past. It boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on its stunning 6.3-inch folded display, and a whopping 12GB of RAM for unparalleled responsiveness.
But the Xiaomi 14 doesn’t stop at raw power. It captures stunning photos with its triple-lens rear camera system, featuring a powerful 50-megapixel main sensor, a versatile 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with an impressive 3.2x optical zoom. Whether you prefer lightning-fast 90W wired charging or the convenient 50W wireless charging, the Xiaomi 14 keeps you juiced up and ready to go.
And of course, it’s a 5G phone, ensuring you experience the next level of data speeds. One caveat: as an imported phone, compatibility with your carrier’s network bands is crucial. Double-check these details before diving into this feature-packed phone with a nostalgic twist. The IR Blaster makes its grand return, allowing you to control your entertainment center from the comfort of your couch. So if you crave cutting-edge tech with a sprinkle of retro charm, the Xiaomi 14 might be your perfect match.
The OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open isn’t just the only foldable phone with a built-in IR Blaster; it’s a contender for the best foldable phone, period. This debut foldable from OnePlus is surprisingly remarkable, hitting high marks in almost every category.
Forget the usual bulkiness of foldables; the OnePlus Open feels surprisingly lightweight and premium. Its large 7.82-inch AMOLED display unfolds beautifully, making it a dream for movie marathons or multitasking with multiple apps.
Speaking of multitasking, the OnePlus Open blows the competition out of the water with its Open Canvas feature. This innovative feature dynamically arranges up to three apps on the screen simultaneously, maximizing your productivity.
Still not convinced? The OnePlus Open undercuts its rivals in price while boasting an impressive battery life that surpasses other foldables. So, if you’re looking for a powerful foldable phone with a unique touch and a focus on multitasking, the OnePlus Open is a game-changer.
The LG G5
The LG G5 might not be the latest and greatest, but it holds a special place in smartphone history. Released in 2016, it was one of the last high-end phones from a major manufacturer to sport an IR blaster, turning your phone into a universal remote for your entertainment center.
But the quirkiness didn’t stop there; the LG G5 offered a modular design with a removable battery, a concept that was ahead of its time. While the battery life wasn’t stellar by today’s standards, it was a neat feature back in 2016.
So where does the LG G5 stand today? You can find it on Amazon. For that price, it can be a decent phone if you’re on a tight budget. But be aware that you’re paying for the nostalgia of the IR blaster and modular design rather than top-of-the-line specs.
Conclusion
So, which phone with an IR blaster is the ultimate champion? It depends on your needs. For a powerful all-rounder, the OnePlus 12 is king. But for the best value, the Xiaomi 14 might steal the show. Want a foldable option? The OnePlus Open is a game-changer. No matter what, there’s a perfect IR blaster phone out there for you.
