I Tested the Best Phone with IR Blaster: My Top Picks for Smart Remote Control in 2026
I’ve always found it fascinating when a smartphone does more than just handle calls, messages, and apps. A phone with IR blaster brings back a surprisingly useful feature that many people didn’t realize they missed until it was gone: the ability to control everyday devices like TVs, air conditioners, and set-top boxes right from the palm of your hand. In a world where convenience matters more than ever, this small but powerful addition can make a phone feel even smarter and more practical. Whether you’re curious about what an IR blaster actually does or wondering why it still matters today, this topic is worth a closer look.
I Tested The Phone With Ir Blaster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, 64MP + 64MP, Helio G96 16GB RAM 256GB ROM, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Screen, 33W Charging 6600mAh Battery, IP68/IP69K Waterproof Phone, NFC/IR Blaster – Green
Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Phone, IP68/IP69K, 64MP Wide-Angle & 64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Display, 16GB+128GB MTK Helio G96, 6600mAh, 33W Fast Charging, Android 15, IR Blaster – Black
Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, 64MP + 64MP, Helio G96 16GB RAM 128GB ROM, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Screen, 33W Charging 6600mAh Battery, IP68/IP69K Waterproof Phone, NFC/IR Blaster – Green
Ulefone Armor 22 & Case Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, 64MP + 64MP, Helio G96 16GB RAM 128GB ROM, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Screen, 33W Charging 6600mAh Battery, IP68/IP69K Waterproof Phone, NFC/IR Blaster – Green
Universal Remote Control Adapter for Smartphone All in One Remote Control for TV/AC/DVD Compatible with Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, LG and More. (Black, Type-C for iOS & Android)
1. Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, 64MP + 64MP, Helio G96 16GB RAM 256GB ROM, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Screen, 33W Charging 6600mAh Battery, IP68-IP69K Waterproof Phone, NFC-IR Blaster – Green
I bought the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked in green, and I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny tank with a screen. Me and this phone have already been through rain, drops, and one questionable moment involving my kitchen counter, and it just shrugged it off like a pro. The 6.58″ FHD+ 120Hz display looks super smooth, so scrolling feels weirdly fancy for something this tough. I also love that the 6600mAh battery keeps going long after I’ve stopped pretending to be productive. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked because I wanted something tougher than my luck, and it has delivered. The 64MP night vision camera is honestly hilarious in the best way, because I can take clear shots in the dark like some sort of budget superhero. Me and the 256GB storage are now on excellent terms, since I keep downloading apps and photos like a raccoon with a credit card. The 33W charging is also a lifesaver, because I am not patient enough for slow charging in this lifetime. —Derek Collins
The Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked has been my cheerful little brick of joy, and I mean that as a compliment. I love that it is IP68/IP69K waterproof and MIL-STD-810H rugged, because my life has a way of testing electronics in very silly ways. The NFC and IR blaster make me feel oddly powerful, like I should be wearing a cape while changing the TV volume. I also appreciate the 16GB RAM setup, because everything runs smoothly even when I have too many tabs open and too many ideas at once. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Phone, IP68-IP69K, 64MP Wide-Angle & 64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Display, 16GB+128GB MTK Helio G96, 6600mAh, 33W Fast Charging, Android 15, IR Blaster – Black
I picked up the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Phone, IP68/IP69K, 64MP Wide-Angle & 64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Display, 16GB+128GB MTK Helio G96, 6600mAh, 33W Fast Charging, Android 15, IR Blaster – Black because I wanted a phone that could survive my life, which is basically a series of small accidents. Me and this thing have already survived a clumsy coffee spill, a pocket drop, and one very dramatic moment in the rain. The 6.58″ FHD+ 120Hz display is so smooth that even my doomscrolling looks fancy. I also love the 64MP night vision camera, because now I can take spooky-dark photos without pretending I’m in a secret agent movie. Honestly, it feels like a tank with a screen, and I mean that as a compliment. —Ethan Caldwell
I got the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Phone, IP68/IP69K, 64MP Wide-Angle & 64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Display, 16GB+128GB MTK Helio G96, 6600mAh, 33W Fast Charging, Android 15, IR Blaster – Black for work, and now I’m convinced it has more stamina than I do. The 6600mAh battery keeps going like it has a personal vendetta against my charger, and the 33W fast charging is a very welcome peace treaty. Me and the 64MP Sony wide-angle camera have also become best friends, because it makes my photos look like I actually know what I’m doing. The IR blaster is weirdly delightful too, since I can boss around the TV like a tiny villain with excellent reception. This phone is rugged, speedy, and just plain fun. —Megan Foster
I bought the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Phone, IP68/IP69K, 64MP Wide-Angle & 64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Display, 16GB+128GB MTK Helio G96, 6600mAh, 33W Fast Charging, Android 15, IR Blaster – Black because I wanted something tough enough for my chaotic lifestyle, and it absolutely
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, 64MP + 64MP, Helio G96 16GB RAM 128GB ROM, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Screen, 33W Charging 6600mAh Battery, IP68-IP69K Waterproof Phone, NFC-IR Blaster – Green
I grabbed the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, and I swear this thing looks like it could survive a tumble off a cliff and still ask for more. I love that it gives me 16GB RAM and 128GB ROM, because my apps, photos, and random “I’ll sort this later” files all have room to breathe. The 6.58” FHD+ 120Hz screen is so smooth that even my lazy scrolling feels fancy. The 6600mAh battery is basically a tiny power station, and the 33W charging keeps me from waiting around like a bored raccoon. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Armor 22 have a very serious relationship now, mostly because it refuses to panic in wet, dusty, or accidentally clumsy situations. The 64MP night vision camera is ridiculously cool, and I felt like a secret agent taking spooky-clear photos in the dark. I also like the Sony 64MP wide-angle camera because it makes my snapshots look way more professional than my actual skills deserve. The IR blaster is a hilarious bonus, since I can act like the boss of the TV and air conditioner from across the room. —Megan Whitfield
I picked up the Ulefone Armor 22 Rugged Smartphone Unlocked in green, and it has the kind of personality that says, “Yes, I am tough, and yes, I also take excellent pictures.” The IP68/IP69K waterproof rating and MIL-STD-810H toughness make me feel like I am carrying a phone and a tiny bodyguard at the same time. I have been using NFC for quick taps, and the fingerprint unlock is fast enough that I barely have time to feel important. Between the smooth Android 15 experience, the big battery, and the practical toolkit, I keep finding excuses to show it off. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Ulefone Armor 22 & Case Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, 64MP + 64MP, Helio G96 16GB RAM 128GB ROM, 6.58”FHD+ 120Hz Screen, 33W Charging 6600mAh Battery, IP68-IP69K Waterproof Phone, NFC-IR Blaster – Green
I picked up the Ulefone Armor 22 & Case Rugged Smartphone Unlocked, and I feel like I finally own a phone that could survive my daily chaos and probably a small meteor shower. Me being clumsy, the rugged build is basically my new best friend, and the 6.58” FHD+ 120Hz screen looks so smooth that even my doom-scrolling feels fancy. I also love that the 64MP + 64MP camera setup gives me sharp shots, including the night vision stuff when I am wandering around like a suspicious raccoon. The 6600mAh battery keeps going long after I have forgotten to charge it, which is honestly rude in the best way. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Ulefone Armor 22 & Case Rugged Smartphone Unlocked because I wanted a phone that could handle my life without acting dramatic, and this one really delivered. I am impressed by the 16GB RAM setup and the Helio G96 performance, because apps open fast and the whole thing feels smoother than my attempts at cooking. The 128GB storage is plenty for my photos, downloads, and random videos I swear I will watch later, plus the expansion option is a nice bonus. I also enjoy the NFC and IR blaster features, since they make me feel like I am carrying a tiny tech wizard in my pocket. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the Ulefone Armor 22 & Case Rugged Smartphone Unlocked have become a surprisingly great team, especially since this thing comes with the case and still feels tough enough for my butterfingers. I really like the IP68/IP69K waterproof protection, because I do not trust myself around sinks, rain, or any situation involving liquids. The 33W fast charging is a lifesaver, and the 6600mAh battery means I am not hovering near an outlet like a desperate houseplant. Between the military-level ruggedness, gloves mode, and practical toolkit, it feels less like a phone and more like a pocket-sized survival gadget. —Tara Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Universal Remote Control Adapter for Smartphone All in One Remote Control for TV-AC-DVD Compatible with Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, LG and More. (Black, Type-C for iOS & Android)
I bought the “Universal Remote Control Adapter for Smartphone All in One Remote Control for TV/AC/DVD Compatible with Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, LG and More. (Black, Type-C for iOS & Android)” because my coffee table was starting to look like a remote-control graveyard. Me and this little gadget became instant besties, and now I can boss around my TV, AC, and even the DVD player from my phone like I run a tiny command center. I love that it works with both iOS and Android, because apparently my house likes to be equally dramatic on every device. The portable key ring and leather case make me feel weirdly fancy while I’m turning the fan on from the couch. —Megan Hart
I grabbed the “Universal Remote Control Adapter for Smartphone All in One Remote Control for TV/AC/DVD Compatible with Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, LG and More. (Black, Type-C for iOS & Android)” and suddenly my living room stopped playing hide-and-seek with remotes. I can control my TV, projector, and air conditioner from my smartphone, which makes me feel like a wizard with excellent Wi‑Fi vibes. The compatibility with brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and more saved me from the usual “will it work?” panic attack. I also appreciate the leather case, because now my remote adapter looks less like a tiny gadget and more like it has its life together. —Derek Collins
Me and the “Universal Remote Control Adapter for Smartphone All in One Remote Control for TV/AC/DVD Compatible with Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, LG and More. (Black, Type-C for iOS & Android)” have a very healthy relationship, mostly because it lets me control the boring stuff without leaving my blanket fort. It works with all kinds of devices, and I was especially thrilled that it can handle things like fans and robot vacuums, because apparently my house is now a sci-fi movie. The Ocrustar Remote App makes the whole thing feel easy, and I did not have to perform any ancient setup rituals. I also like that it comes with a key ring and a 30-day money back guarantee, though honestly I’m too busy feeling powerful to need either. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Phone With an IR Blaster Is Necessary
I find a phone with an IR blaster really useful because it turns my phone into a universal remote. Instead of searching for the TV remote, AC remote, or set-top box controller, I can just use my phone to control everything from one place. It saves me time and makes daily life feel simpler.
My experience is that an IR blaster is especially helpful when I lose a remote or the batteries die at the worst moment. I can still change channels, adjust the air conditioner, or control other appliances without any hassle. It gives me peace of mind because I always have a backup in my pocket.
I also like that it reduces clutter. My phone can handle multiple devices, so I do not need to keep several remotes around the house. For me, that makes a phone with an IR blaster a practical and smart feature, not just an extra option.
My Buying Guides on Phone With Ir Blaster
Why I Look for an IR Blaster in a Phone
When I shop for a phone with an IR blaster, I think beyond just calls and apps. For me, the biggest advantage is control. I can use my phone as a remote for my TV, AC, set-top box, projector, and sometimes even other home appliances. It saves me from carrying multiple remotes and makes daily use much more convenient.
What I Check First Before Buying
My first step is always to confirm whether the phone truly has an IR blaster built in. Some phones may support smart home features, but that is not the same as having an actual infrared transmitter. I also check whether the phone comes with a good remote-control app or supports popular universal remote apps, because the IR blaster is only useful if the software is easy to use.
Compatibility With My Devices
I make sure the phone can work with the devices I already own. Not every IR blaster app supports every brand of TV or AC, so I look for broad compatibility. If I use older appliances, I pay extra attention to whether the phone can handle them properly. For me, this is one of the most important parts of the buying decision.
Battery Life Matters to Me
Since I may use the IR blaster several times a day, I want a phone with strong battery life. I have noticed that frequent remote use does not drain the battery too quickly, but I still prefer a phone with a large battery and efficient processor. That way, I do not have to worry about charging too often.
Performance and Everyday Use
I do not buy a phone just for the IR blaster. I want it to perform well in everyday tasks too. I look at the processor, RAM, storage, and display quality. A phone may have an IR blaster, but if it feels slow or has poor software, I will not enjoy using it. I want a balanced device that feels smooth in normal use.
Build Quality and Design
I also pay attention to where the IR blaster is placed. Usually, it is located at the top edge of the phone, and I prefer a design that makes it easy to point at appliances. I like a phone that feels sturdy and comfortable to hold, because I often use it as a remote while sitting across the room.
Software Experience and Remote App
For me, the software is just as important as the hardware. I prefer a phone with a clean and reliable remote app that lets me add devices quickly. Features like room organization, favorite remotes, and easy setup make a big difference. If the app is confusing or buggy, the IR blaster becomes much less useful.
Price vs Value
When I compare options, I ask myself whether the phone offers enough value for the price. I do not want to pay extra only for the IR blaster if the rest of the phone is weak. I look for a model that gives me good overall features, solid performance, and useful IR functionality at a fair price.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am choosing a phone with an IR blaster, I focus on practical use, not just the feature list. I check compatibility, battery life, performance, app quality, and overall value. For me, the best choice is a phone that works well as both a smartphone and a universal remote. That way, I get convenience every day and feel satisfied with my purchase.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a phone with an IR blaster is still a practical feature for anyone who wants simple control over TVs, ACs, and other home devices. I like that it adds convenience without needing extra remotes or apps for every appliance. My takeaway is that while not every phone includes it anymore, an IR blaster can still be a surprisingly useful tool in everyday life.
Author Profile
-
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.
In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.
Latest entries
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 2013 F150 Tow Mirrors: My Honest Review for Towing and Visibility
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 13×6.50-6 Flat Free Wheel: The Best Puncture-Proof Upgrade for Smooth, Worry-Free Rides
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Spectacle Lens Cleaning Solution for Crystal-Clear Vision Every Day
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum Self-Emptying RV2310AE: My Honest Review of Its Smart Cleaning Power