10 Best docomo Phones in 2022 | Recommendations by Price

Are you interested in picking up a new phone? Wondering what devices will be right for you?

In this article, we will recommend 10 devices among the smartphones available from docomo.

This article also introduces docomo plans and instructions on how to buy a phone from them. Their official website has little information in English, so there may be many people who want some guidance.

Our list is from the cheapest to the most expensive. If you already have a particular phone that you’re interested in, click on the table of contents to jump ahead.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Recommended new phone models in 2022
  1. The iPhone 13 series
  2. Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
  3. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• 10 best docomo phones in 2022
  1. arrows Be4 Plus
  2. LG style 3
  3. iPhone SE (Gen. 2)
  4. Galaxy A51 5G
  5. Xperia 5 II
  6. iPhone 12
  7. arrows 5G
  8. iPhone 12 Pro
  9. Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
  10. Xperia 1 III
• How to buy docomo phones
• The various docomo phone plans
• If you need affordable cell phone service with English support

Recommended new phone models in 2022

Before we get into the 10 Best docomo Phones in 2022, here are three of the newest phones offered by docomo.

All of these smartphones are equipped with the most advanced functions and have been getting a lot of attention recently.

Each of their selling points is explained in detail below.

1. The iPhone 13 series

The iPhone 13, the latest model in Apple’s globally popular iPhone series, was launched in September 2021.

If you are planning to sign up for a docomo plan, consider purchasing a phone from docomo too.

Just like the iPhone 12, there are four models in the lineup. All display sizes are the same as the iPhone 12 counterpart.

Price of the iPhone 13

The price of the iPhone depends on the model and storage. Below is a quick overview of the price of each model in the 13 series, tax included.

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The new iPhone 13 is on sale on the docomo online store, check it out here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

iPhone 13 specs

Here are the specs of the standard iPhone 13 model.

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The new iPhone 13 has better specs compared to the previous model iPhone 12.

For example,

Improved battery life: iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 mini last about 1.5 hours longer than their iPhone 12 counterpart. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max both last about 2.5 hours longer than the same model in the iPhone 12 series. You won’t need a mobile battery with the iPhone 13.

Video recording: Cinematic mode, which was only available on the iPhone 12 Pro series, is now available on all models for the 13 series. This video recording mode allows continual focus while the subject of focus is swapping or moving around a lot.

Improved CPU and storage: The iPhone 13 has the A15 Bionic chipset, the best in smartphones currently on the market. The minimum storage has doubled from 64GB to 128GB. It’s an ideal phone that runs crisply and stores a lot.

Check out the iPhone 13 on the docomo online store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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2. Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Price of the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is currently priced at 148,896 JPY on docomo’s online store.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G specs

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The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, released by Samsung in October 2021, is the latest model in the Galaxy Z Flip series. It’s reminiscent of flip-phones of the past, and features the ability to fold in half.

It has a large 6.7-inch screen when open and a compact palm size when closed.

This new model has a large 1.9-inch cover display, which makes it easier and more convenient to check notifications when the phone is folded closed.

It comes in two colors, cream and black, and can be purchased for 148,896 yen (tax included).

Biometric authentication can be done by fingerprint or face, so it can be opened even when wearing a mask.

Check the Galaxy Z Flip out on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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3. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Price of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is currently priced at 237,600 JPY on docomo’s online store.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G specs

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This is the latest model in the Galaxy Z Fold series, also released by Samsung.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a unique device that can be easily carried around like a smartphone when folded but becomes a tablet when opened.

It can be purchased at the docomo Online Shop for 237,600 yen.

In addition to the series’ first S Pen and IPX8 waterproofing, the unfolded screen is a massive 7.6 inches.

Reviews have said that the folded screen feels a little cramped, while the unfolded screen is too big to comfortably type on. This is where the S Pen comes in handy, as it makes typing (writing) on the Z Fold3 much easier in tablet mode.

It’s best described as a lightweight and convenient tablet with great phone capabilities.

Check the Galaxy Z Fold out on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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10 best docomo phones in 2022

Next up, we’ll introduce our top 10 smartphones that are currently available from docomo.

They are introduced in order of price, starting with the least expensive. Choose the phone that best fits your budget!

Unfortunately, if you want to purchase a device online, you will need to be able to understand Japanese. On the plus side, you can read up on all of docomo’s products in English here.

• docomo product list

1. arrows Be4 Plus

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The arrows Be4 Plus is a smartphone from Fujitsu that was released in May 2021. It has a 5.6-inch HD + display and weighs 160 grams. Powered by the Snapdragon 460 chipset, this Android smartphone’s processing performance can easily keep up with everyday use.

Some selling points include its sturdiness, its ability to be washed when dirty, its budget price, and its mask-call mode. It’s also rated IPX 8 water-resistant.

A big downside with the arrows Be4 Plus would have to be its lack of 5G support. Most newly released smartphones are compatible with 5G service, but the arrows Be4 Plus aims to be a less expensive alternative to people who are okay with slightly slower service speeds.

Check out the arrows Be4 Plus on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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2. LG Style3

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The LG Style 3 was released in June of 2020 and is powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset. This chipset offers high performance and makes the LG Style3 a versatile smartphone with a quality design. It’s approximately 160 grams and has a quad HD+/Organic EL 6.1-inch screen.

Selling points include its CPU, which, even though is a little over a year old, has been used recently in higher-end phones. Its 48.2 megapixels and wide-angle back camera provide a wider view and are perfect for taking high-quality pictures. The LG Style’s Quad HD+ organic ElectroLuminescent screen displays sharp and clear images to show its camera’s wide viewing angle. It’s rated IP68 water and dust-proof. The price for this quality is fairly reasonable.

Even though the LG Style comes with a hefty 3500mAh battery, the high-end CPU consumes a lot more power, and reviews have said that the battery does not last long. There are a few other downsides too, like the lack of wireless charging, lack of 5G support, the poor selfie camera, and lack of facial recognition.

Overall, the features that come with the LG Style3 are great for the price.

Check out the LG Style3 on the docomo Online Store here

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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3. iPhone SE (Gen. 2)

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The iPhone SE Gen. 2 is Apple’s answer to customers who want iPhones but are relecutant to pay the steep price tags of the newer models. The iPhone SE Gen. 2 is a modern phone with the same design as the iPhone 7 and 8.

One of the main selling points of the phone is that it’s Apple. A very familiar phone with new specs and a reduced cost compared to other iPhones. Its software will continue to be updated with iOS, so unlike phones at similar price points, you will probably be able to use this phone for years to come. If you dislike the notch of the newer iPhones, this phone is perfect.

Some people may like the lack of a notch, but the small screen size, as a result, could also be considered a downside. The camera is okay for its price point but is lacking compared to the new iPhones, especially in low light. With Apple, a certain level of quality is expected from their fairly expensive products, so it could be a disappointment that the iPhone SE (Gen. 2) is only IP67 water-resistant, which is less waterproof than other phones.

Check out the iPhone SE (Gen. 2) on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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4. Galaxy A51 5G

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Samsung Galaxy A51 5G is a great option for those who want the highest 5G speeds at a mid-range price point. For those who dislike notches, the Galaxy A51 comes with a huge screen that takes up the whole phone face and opts for a small punch-hole camera on the front.

The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G has a large screen, large battery, and three usable back cameras for capturing different pictures. For this price point, the Galaxy A51 5G is a great 5G phone with lots of capabilities. The OLED screen is colorful, vivid, and you will not be able to find it in other phones around this price point.

There are two unexpected weak points that most take for granted in modern phones. Surprisingly, the speaker quality is very low. If you want to watch videos or listen to music, only the bottom speakers can play back stereo sound. Also, the phone does not have a water resistance rating. Some reviews have mentioned that the phone is sluggish after heavy usage due to the midrange chipset.

For this price point, the Galaxy A51 has a camera that rivals recent high-end models.

Check out the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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5. Xperia 5 II

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The Sony Xperia 5 II is a phone that takes the best parts of its more expensive counterparts and puts them into a smaller, less expensive alternative. It’s got near top-end tech and easier to hold than the Sony Xperia 1 II. It has a water resistance rating of IP68.

The best features of the Sony Xperia 5 II include its awesome outer camera, its long battery life, and its high-end specs. For those who love taking photos with a fairly portable camera, the Sony Xperia 5 II would be a great choice. It even has a dedicated camera shutter button near the volume and power buttons.

However, there are a few downsides to the Sony Xperia 5 II. Multiple reviews have talked about the awkward placement of the fingerprint sensor on the power button, which leads to lots of accidental presses. It also has an unusual 21:9 long display, and no wireless charging.

Check out the Sony Xperia 5 II on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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6. iPhone 12

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The iPhone 12 is a great phone with a value price. Of course, with the release of the new iPhone 13, the price of the iPhone 12 series has gotten cheaper. The screen sizes and dimensions of the phone are the same as the 13, with the only notable differences being the slightly larger notch on the 12, and the raised camera back on the 13.

Compared to other phones at similar price points, the iPhone 12 series has a lot of things going for it. It has impressive dual cameras that take great photos, solid battery life, and a range of attractive colors for the base model and the pro. It is also lighter than the newer iPhone 13.

There are a few downsides that can’t be overlooked, but these choices are more with the company than the phone. For starters, there is no charger in the box. The only cable that comes in the box is a lightning to USB-C cable. There are no headphones or wall adapters. Apple claimed that this was to cut down on e-waste, which is a fairly noble cause. But if this is your first iPhone, note that the spending may not be over when you purchase an iPhone. Various accessories are sold separately.

Check out the iPhone 12 on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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7. arrows 5G

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Fujitsu hasn’t released a high-end product for a while, but with a snapdragon 865 chipset, we consider this fairly high-end. If you’ve decided on a high-end phone from docomo, make sure to check out the specs and compare them with other Samsung and Apple phones.

The arrows 5G has a thin, simple design with docomo’s logo on the back. It has high protection against water and dust, and you can also wash it with soap in the sink. It has a large 6.7-inch screen, with a punch-out camera in the top right. Because it has an AI smart camera and a 32 megapixels inner camera, this phone is perfect for taking high-quality selfies and pictures.

It’s missing out on some features that other phones have, like face ID, wireless charging, and FHD/60p recording. Although the gradient colors are cool, the limited options leave us wanting more.

Check out the arrows 5G on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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8. iPhone 12 Pro

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The iPhone 12 Pro is a similar story to the iPhone 12 but has many notable plus sides. Even thought the iPhone 13 has been released, the iPhone 12 Pro is still a great phone with a now discounted price tag.

The iPhone 12 Pro has a few points up on the iPhone 12. There are 3, 12 megapixel cameras on the back, 1 more than the iPhone 12. The 12 Pro has an advertised 4 times zoom range (double the iPhone 12), and a night mode with LiDAR technology. The night mode photos look great. There is also a higher storage option of 512GB with the lowest storage option becoming 128GB. The iPhone 12 Pro is also cheaper than its 13 Pro counterpart.

This phone is more expensive than the iPhone 12. There are fewer colors with the only add-on being another camera and extra space options. But if you’re struggling on deciding between the 12 and the 12 Pro, the picture quality on the 12 pro is better.

Take a look at the iPhone 12 pro on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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9. Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G

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The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is a powerhouse of a phone with a steep price tag. If you’re looking for a Samsung without any fancy folding, this phone might be for you. Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy Note21 won’t be released this year, so the Note20 will be at the top of the line until then.

The screen on the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is gigantic, coming in at 6.9-inches with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The main outer camera is 108 megapixels and has an optical zoom of 5x with a digital zoom of up to 50x. The Note20 takes great super slo-mo videos at 960fps. This phone has everything, including super-fast specs, a curved display, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

Of course, if you want Samsung’s cutting-edge phone at an expensive cost, go for this phone. The phone is 145,728 JPY, which is more than some would expect to pay for a new laptop. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is also 208 grams, which is one of the heaviest on our list. The Galaxy Note20 is expensive and heavy, but if you are a serious daily user, the large battery, awesome camera, big screen, and high specs will meet your needs.

You can check out the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G on the docomo Online Store here

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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10. Xperia 1 III

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Sony’s Xperia 1 III was released on August 9th of 2021 as the new flagship Sony phone. If you’re a fan of Sony phones, consider the Xperia 1 III. Sony has a different approach to designing phones than other more popular companies. It claims to have the world’s first 4k phone screen and the world’s first phone camera with variable telephoto and Dual PD sensorS.

The Xperia 1 III has versatile cameras, a gorgeous 120Hz 4k display, a headphone jack, a strong battery life, and high performance. Compared to other Sony devices, there’s a reason why this is the current flagship phone. It’s a nice phone. Its processing power with the Snapdragon 888 rivals the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold.

The biggest downsides are the price tag and poor inner camera. Also, at such a high price, features like in-screen fingerprint sensors are expected, but missing from the Xperia 1 III. The odd choice of 21:9 aspect ratio will be good for fanatics, but get it in your hands and hold it to see if the shape is right for you before buying this phone.

Sony’s Xperia 1 III is on the docomo Online Store here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

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How to Buy docomo Phones

There are two ways to buy a docomo phone: online or in-store. The amount is cheaper on the online store because the 3,000 JPY administration fee is waived.

The online stores are only available in Japanese. On the other hand, if you decide to go to a store, you can make an appointment in advance and receive help from a telephone interpreter free of charge.

If you have trouble with Japanese, visit a store; if you want to save money, use the online store.

How to purchase a device from docomo online store

Start by selecting what phone you want to purchase on their products page here.

• docomo online store (Japanese only)

After you select your phone, pick the color and storage amount if you have the option.

Then pick what type of purchase you want to do. A new contract, a model change, or a Switchover/MNP.

Then, depending on the phone you select, you can either purchase it and have it shipped to you (online store), or make a reservation for a pick up in-store. If you don’t have a docomo account, you have to make one. After logging in, you should be able to proceed to the payment page.

In some cases, you might be required to make a phone call to verify your identity.

If you choose to pick up your phone in-store, or just make a reservation to buy a phone in-store, a driver’s license, residence card, or other identity verification documents may be needed to proceed in the purchasing process. The store location will contact you by phone or email when your phone arrives at the store.

There are some things to remember when buying a phone from docomo. The online store is closed once a week from Tuesday at 22:30 to the following Wednesday morning until 7:00 for system maintenance. Also, the prices in-store may be different from what is listed in our article. We got our prices from the online store, whereas the prices in-stores can differ.

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The various docomo phone plans

We published an article about various docomo phone plans and SIM cards. Which is right for you?

Find out about the prices, data speeds, coverage, 5G, 4GLTE, and unlimited data amounts here.

• Guide to docomo Phone Plans | Prices, Speeds, and How to Apply

We also published an article comparing the best SIM cards in Japan. Check it out here!

• 8 Best SIM Cards in Japan | Cell Phone Plans for Long-Term Stay

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If you need an affordable phone plan with English support

If you’re looking for an affordable phone plan with English support, consider Sakura Mobile.

For more information take a look here.

• Sakura Mobile: https://www.sakuramobile.jp/

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