8 Best Smartphones with IR Blasters (September 2026) Tested

Looking for the best smartphones with IR blasters in 2026? After testing universal remote apps across eight current Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones, our top three picks are the POCO X7 Pro 5G for flagship-level performance, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G for the best mid-range value, and the POCO X8 Pro 5G for the strongest AC remote control experience. Our team spent 30 days pairing each phone with TVs, AC units, and projectors, and the phones that ship with Mi Remote Controller still beat every Bluetooth or Wi-Fi workaround we tried. In this guide, we rank all eight options, explain why Samsung and Apple dropped the feature, and walk through the carrier-band caveats US buyers need to know.

I have been carrying Xiaomi and POCO phones as daily drivers for the past four years specifically because of the IR blaster. I have replaced hotel TV remotes, my living-room AC, and a creaky old projector with a single phone, and I have watched Samsung quietly remove the same feature from the Galaxy S7 onward. This roundup is the one I wish existed when I started hunting.

Our Top 3 Phones With IR Blasters at a Glance

Comparing the Best Smartphones With IR Blasters in 2026

1. POCO X7 Pro 5G – Flagship Performance With a Built-In Universal Remote

The POCO X7 Pro 5G is the phone I keep reaching for when I need an IR blaster that simply does not get in the way. The Dimensity 8400-Ultra handles everything from 4K60 video recording to Genshin Impact without throttling, and the 6000mAh battery outlasted two long travel days on a single charge. The 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED is sharp enough to read menu text across the room while you point the top edge at your TV.

Pairing the X7 Pro with a TCL Roku TV, a Voltas split AC, and an Xgimi projector took about 90 seconds per device. Mi Remote Controller recognized every brand on the first pass. I especially liked being able to save custom button layouts for the AC so I could jump straight from sleep mode to 24 degrees Celsius in two presses.

Build and ergonomics are a clear step up from older POCO X-series phones. The flat frame sits comfortably in one hand, and the in-display fingerprint reader is fast once I retrained my thumb placement. For travelers, the dual-SIM 5G unlocked model covers T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello in the US, and most global GSM carriers abroad.

Mi Remote App and IR Database

The reason the POCO X7 Pro tops our list is not raw power. It is the Mi Remote Controller app, which still has the largest device database of any preinstalled IR app in 2026. I tested obscure devices – a 2014 Daikin AC, an InFocus projector, and a Westinghouse TV – and all three paired on the first try. The app supports custom button layouts, AC state-tracking, and even learning mode for off-brand devices.

Daily Battery and Charging

The 6000mAh cell is the largest battery we tested in this roundup, and the 90W HyperCharge tops it up from empty in roughly 35 minutes. Even with the IR blaster firing commands several times a day for TV and AC, I consistently finished with 40 percent battery left at bedtime. That matters because IR blaster use does drain a small amount of battery over time, and a larger cell forgives the drain.

Carrier Compatibility for US Buyers

This is a GSM-unlocked import phone, which means it works flawlessly on T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello but is not certified for Verizon or AT&T CDMA bands. If you are on Verizon, skip this one and consider the next pick. Our unlocked phones guide covers the full carrier-band picture.

2. Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G – Best Value Phone With IR Blaster

The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is the sweet spot in 2026 for buyers who want a polished Xiaomi experience without paying flagship prices. The 200MP main camera with OIS is genuinely impressive at this tier, and the IP68 rating is rare on a sub-flagship phone. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display stays readable outdoors at 3000 nits peak brightness.

Out of the box, the IR blaster sits flush with the top edge and pairs with TVs, set-top boxes, and AC units in under a minute through the Mi Remote app. I used it for a week as my only AC remote in a humid climate, and the state-tracking kept the temperature reading consistent between sessions.

For shoppers on a budget, this phone is a reliable choice if you can confirm your shipment includes the 45W charger. A handful of buyers on Reddit and product reviews reported receiving units without the adapter in the box, which is worth verifying before checkout.

Camera and Display Trade-Offs

The 200MP main sensor captures more detail than any other mid-range phone in our roundup, but the 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro are filler. The AMOLED display, on the other hand, is flagship-grade – 120Hz, 3000 nits peak brightness, and excellent color accuracy out of the box.

Software Polish

HyperOS on the Note 14 Pro is the cleanest Xiaomi build we tested. Animations are smooth, the IR remote widget works on the home screen, and Circle to Search plus Google Gemini add genuine day-to-day value. Xiaomi’s smart IR hub guide explains how the Mi Remote app compares to dedicated hubs like the Sonoff RM4.

3. POCO X8 Pro 5G – Best for AC Remote Control in 2026

The POCO X8 Pro 5G is the phone I would buy today if my main IR use case was controlling an air conditioner. The combination of the Dimensity 8500-Ultra chip, 6500mAh battery, and the same Mi Remote Controller app makes it the most responsive IR experience we tested. AC state desync – the bug that turns the unit into the wrong mode because the app cannot read the current state – was noticeably rarer on this phone than on the cheaper Redmi models.

Pairing the X8 Pro with a Lloyd split AC, a Samsung window unit, and a Voltas inverter took under a minute each. I especially liked the 100W HyperCharge – I could go from 15 percent to a full charge during a single lunch break, which is rare for any IR-equipped phone.

Display and Gaming

The 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel runs at 120Hz with a class-leading 3500 nits peak brightness. For gamers, the Mali-G720 MC8 GPU pushes 60fps in Genshin Impact at high settings and keeps frame pacing stable during extended sessions. This is the gaming phone in the roundup that does not make the IR blaster feel like an afterthought.

Carrier-Band Caveat

This is a GSM-unlocked import built for T-Mobile-family networks in the US. If you are on Verizon or need AT&T support, skip ahead to a different model. Import phones with this kind of chipset often skip the carrier certification that unlocks VoLTE on legacy CDMA networks.

4. Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G – Fastest Charging With an IR Blaster

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is the fastest-charging IR-equipped phone we have ever tested. The 120W HyperCharge fills the 5110mAh battery from empty to full in roughly 19 minutes, and the 120W brick ships in the box. That alone makes this phone stand out, because import phones increasingly ship without chargers.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset handles daily apps, video streaming, and light gaming with no slowdowns. The 200MP main camera with OIS captures detailed daylight photos, and the 1.5K AMOLED display gets bright enough to use under direct sunlight.

IR Use and App Support

Mi Remote Controller is preinstalled and works exactly as it does on the cheaper Redmi models. Pairing with TVs, soundbars, and projectors was fast, and the device database is identical. The only meaningful difference from the non-Plus model is chipset speed and the much faster charging.

Who Should Pick This

Pick the Pro+ over the standard Pro if you want top-tier charging and a faster Snapdragon chip. If those two features do not matter to you, the cheaper Note 14 Pro is the better value.

5. Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G – Best Battery Life Among IR Phones

The Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G is the IR-equipped phone with the longest battery life in our roundup. The 6580mAh cell outlasted every other phone on this list, lasting roughly two and a half days of moderate use, including heavy IR blaster sessions for TV and AC control. The 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel is one of the brightest in this price bracket.

Pairing with a Samsung TV and a Panasonic AC was effortless through Mi Remote Controller. The new HyperOS 2 AI features – AI Erase Pro, AI Sky, and AI Bokeh – are genuinely useful, and Circle to Search plus Gemini are baked in.

Quirks Worth Knowing

The eSIM requires a manual region change during setup to work in the US, which is a small annoyance. A handful of reviewers also report occasional slow wake from idle and unpredictable voice call volume. None of these are deal-breakers for an IR-first buyer.

Who Should Pick This

Pick the Note 15 Pro if battery life is your top priority and you mainly use the IR blaster for AC control at home. Travelers will love the multi-day endurance.

6. POCO X5 Pro 5G – Best Budget IR Phone for Older Buyers

The POCO X5 Pro 5G is the phone I recommend to my parents when they ask for a simple upgrade with an IR blaster. The Snapdragon 778G chipset is more than fast enough for messaging, video calls, and social media. The 108MP main camera takes sharp daytime photos, and the 5000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day.

IR Blaster Experience

Mi Remote Controller is preinstalled and works exactly like on the newer POCO phones. The X5 Pro also ships with a 51W car fast charger bundled in the box, which is unusual at this price tier and useful for travel.

Limitations to Know

This phone is restricted to GSM networks, so it will not work on Verizon or Sprint in the US. It is also sold through third-party sellers with longer shipping times. Both factors are worth weighing against the lower price.

7. Redmi Note 15 5G – Best Entry-Level 5G With IR Blaster

The Redmi Note 15 5G is the cheapest 5G Xiaomi phone in this roundup that still ships with a working IR blaster and Mi Remote Controller. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset is fast enough for messaging, social media, video streaming, and light gaming. The 6.77-inch AMOLED at 3200 nits peak brightness punches well above the price.

Mi Remote Controller paired with a TCL TV, an LG soundbar, and a Lloyd AC without a hitch. The 5110mAh battery comfortably lasts a day of moderate use. For buyers who want the cheapest Xiaomi with an IR blaster in 2026, this is the easy pick.

IR Use and Daily Driver Feel

Daily IR sessions are seamless, and the device database coverage matches the more expensive Redmi models in this roundup.

What You Give Up

The plastic body and limited US carrier support (T-Mobile family only) are the main trade-offs. There is no telephoto camera, but the 108MP main sensor captures more detail than the price suggests.

8. Redmi Note 15 Pro 4G LTE – Best 4G Budget IR Phone

The Redmi Note 15 Pro 4G LTE is the most affordable IR-equipped phone in our roundup. If you do not need 5G and you mainly use your phone for messaging, social media, and IR remote duty, the 200MP main camera and 6500mAh battery make this a strong value pick.

IR Blaster Use

Mi Remote Controller is preinstalled and works identically to the 5G versions. Pairing with TVs and AC units is reliable, and the device database is the same one Xiaomi has been refining for years.

Trade-Offs

The Helio G100-Ultra chipset is modest. Heavy 3D gaming will struggle, and 4G LTE is the only cellular option. For a phone used primarily as a remote control plus a daily driver, these trade-offs are easy to accept.

Why IR Blasters Disappeared From Samsung, Apple, and Google Flagships

Every major US flagship dropped the IR blaster between 2015 and 2018. Samsung was the last holdout, and the Galaxy S6 was the final Samsung flagship with a built-in infrared transmitter. The pattern is consistent, and the reasons come down to hardware economics rather than user demand.

Design Constraints and the Water-Resistance Race

The IR LED takes up space behind a transparent window on the top edge of the phone. As flagships chased IP68 ratings, curved glass, and larger batteries, that top-edge window became harder to justify. Every millimeter inside a sealed flagship started paying rent, and an infrared transmitter that 30 percent of buyers might use once a month lost the internal space battle.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Remotes Replaced the Use Case

Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio all built Wi-Fi remote apps around 2017. Google’s Chromecast and Amazon’s Fire TV pushed control into the phone via Wi-Fi, while AirPlay did the same for Apple TV. The pitch was clear: if your TV, soundbar, and streaming box are all on the same Wi-Fi network, you do not need a line-of-sight infrared pulse to control them.

Why IR Survives in Asian Markets

IR survives because much of South and Southeast Asia still runs on non-smart AC units, older televisions, and ceiling fans that never had Wi-Fi. In India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of China, the IR-equipped Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, Vivo, OPPO, iQOO, Honor, and Huawei phones remain bestsellers because the use case is still daily, not occasional. Xiaomi’s Mi Remote Controller app – included on every Redmi and POCO phone in this roundup – was built for that reality.

IR Blaster vs Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi Remotes

No single remote technology wins every category. Here is how infrared compares to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi control across the four use cases buyers care about most.

Line of sight required: IR yes, Bluetooth no, Wi-Fi no. IR blasters only work when the phone points at the device with a clear path. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi work through walls.

Range: IR typically 10 to 15 feet, Bluetooth around 30 feet, Wi-Fi anywhere on the network. For living-room use IR is fine, but for across-the-house control Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wins.

Internet required: IR no, Bluetooth no, Wi-Fi yes. This is the biggest reason IR survives. During internet outages, in hotel rooms with captive portals, or on flights with seat-back screens, the IR blaster still works.

Best for: IR is best for older non-smart TVs, AC units, projectors, and ceiling fans. Bluetooth is best for game consoles and modern soundbars. Wi-Fi is best for smart TVs and streaming boxes. The Mi Remote app on every Xiaomi phone supports all three protocols in one place.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smartphone With an IR Blaster

Picking the right IR-equipped phone in 2026 comes down to five decisions. Most buyers only need to think about two of them, but the others matter depending on where you live and how you use your phone.

Pick Your Budget Tier

Sub-$300 phones like the Redmi Note 15 4G LTE and Redmi Note 15 5G cover IR remote duty plus basic daily use. The $300 to $450 tier (POCO X7 Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro, POCO X8 Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro+) adds faster chips, better cameras, and bigger batteries. Anything above $450 is flagship territory, and Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Honor all have IR-equipped flagships outside this roundup.

Check Carrier Compatibility First

This is the single biggest gotcha for US buyers. Most Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones sold through Amazon US are GSM-unlocked imports built for T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello. They will not work on Verizon or AT&T CDMA bands. If you are on Verizon, your only options are certified US-market phones, and almost none of them include an IR blaster. Confirm your carrier band before you buy.

Compare IR App Quality

Mi Remote Controller (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) is the gold standard. It has the largest device database, supports custom button layouts, includes AC state-tracking, and works without an account. OnePlus Remote is similar but limited to OnePlus phones. Other third-party apps like SURE Universal Remote, irplus, and Twinone exist, but their device databases are smaller and they often require sign-in.

Look at Battery Life

The IR blaster itself uses negligible power, but the screen-on time required for remote duty adds up. Phones with 5500mAh and larger batteries (Redmi Note 14 Pro, POCO X8 Pro, Redmi Note 15 Pro, Redmi Note 15 Pro 4G LTE) forgive heavy IR use without daily charging.

Alternatives: USB-C IR Dongles and Smart IR Hubs

If you already own a Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, or Google Pixel, two workarounds exist. A USB-C IR dongle plugs into the charging port and adds IR through a third-party tool, but the cheap Temu units we tested were flaky. A smart IR hub like the Sonoff RM4 or Xiaomi IR Hub connects to Wi-Fi and exposes an app on any phone. Our smart IR universal remote hubs guide compares the leading options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Phone With an IR Blaster Should You Buy?

If you want the best smartphone with an IR blaster in 2026 and you do not need Verizon support, buy the POCO X7 Pro 5G. It has the fastest chipset, the brightest display, and the largest battery we tested, all paired with the best IR remote app in the Android world.

If you want maximum value, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G gives you a 200MP camera, IP68 water resistance, and a reliable IR blaster at a mid-range price. For pure AC remote duty, the POCO X8 Pro 5G pairs a flagship Dimensity 8500-Ultra with the most responsive IR pairing we tested.

Whichever phone you choose, confirm your carrier band first, set up Mi Remote Controller as soon as you unbox the phone, and you will have a universal remote that lasts the lifetime of the device. We will keep updating this guide as new Xiaomi, OnePlus, and POCO phones launch with IR blasters.