These days, 5G connectivity on a smartphone is virtually a given. Many of the best phone carriers continue to expand their 5G coverage across the country, and the latest wave of phones has arrived to take advantage of the extended bandwidth and faster speeds 5G brings to the table. This isn’t exclusive to pricey flagship phones, either; midrange and budget Android phones are hopping on the bandwagon, but they may not all support different 5G bands.
Depending on your carriers’ 5G networks and a device’s 5G capabilities, you can access ultra-fast mmWave frequency or keep it simple with low-band 5G with broad coverage. Whatever your budget and use case, there’s a 5G phone out there for you, and many of the very best Android phones come equipped with the right stuff to deliver. Plus, they include a wealth of other fancy features to check out.
The top 5G-compatible phones
Google Pixel 8
All-around fantastic with a leading camera setup
As Google’s more accessible 2023 flagship, the $700 Pixel 8 delivers an excellent blend of performance, software features, size, and price. Its camera routinely receives high praise from experts and users alike, and its seven years of promised Android updates make it one of today’s best long-term choices.
- Advanced machine learning features
- Industry-leading display
- Impressive software support lifespan
- $100 more than last-gen
- Lacks camera Pro Controls
Google worked hard to ensure the Pixel 8 improved in the most noticeable areas where its predecessor faltered just a little. The upgraded Tensor G3 chipset performs significantly better, drains less battery, and enables more powerful AI tools than the G2 in last year’s model. The results include a smoother experience, more effective photography, and better battery life. It also sports a jaw-droppingly bright, colorful display that’s arguably the best on the scene. And while it has plenty of screen space, it’s not unwieldy to hold.
Its design closely resembles the Pixel 7’s but includes some minor updates that make it feel even more refined. The more rounded corners and slimmer bezels make it more comfortable to use (even one-handed) and maximize the display. Google also introduced the Hazel and Rose colors, which don’t exactly pop but do emit the kind of class you’d expect from a trendy, high-end phone.
Google Pixel 8 review: The Pixel for the masses
The Pixel 8 doesn’t need every feature the 8 Pro offers, it’s packing more than enough
Of course, no phone is perfect, and Google’s in-house Tensor G3 chipset still doesn’t quite compete with the big guns from Qualcomm and Mediatek in either efficiency or sheer power. The smooth glass back, dust-prone camera visor, and $100 price increase are also shortcomings. But those represent some of the very few flaws with this reasonably priced flagship, and the seven years of new Android versions make it hard to pass up.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
All the performance for all the money
It’s not an overhaul by any means, but even small changes like (finally) swapping back to a flat touchscreen and seven years of system updates help the Galaxy S24 Ultra stand apart from its predecessors. Galaxy AI’s suite of features is front and center, as well as Google’s latest utilities like Circle to Search, and this AI craze even brings its magic to the Ultra’s cameras for after-the-fact super slo-mo.
- Snappy performance
- Premium build
- Excellent battery life
- Expensive
- Relatively slow charging speeds
It’ll set you back over $1,300, but the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers nearly the best of everything. It features the impressive Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, providing best-in-class performance for apps and games. Samsung fitted the Galaxy S24 Ultra with a crisp 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED QHD display refreshing at 120Hz. Its titanium frame gives the phone a premium feel and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 adds shatter protection front and back.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs OneUI 6.1 out-of-the-box, giving us the reliable Android 14 experience we’ve come to expect. Samsung promises seven years of software support, meaning the S24 Ultra will receive Android upgrades and security updates into 2031. OneUI 6.1 also showcases the company’s AI enhancements, with features like Circle to Search and live call translation.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: Still the best, unless you take photos
Without any meaningful changes, Samsung’s latest phablet feels like a do-over for last year’s smartphone
If you’re a shutterbug, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers an impressive camera array. Its main 200MP lens is augmented by Samsung’s computational photography, giving you the best version of an image. If your subject is further away, the S24 Ultra sports a 50MP 5x periscope zoom and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, allowing you added versatility. A 12MP ultrawide sensor is also included for when you want to capture more in the frame. In addition, the S24 Ultra has fantastic battery life with decent charging speeds. All told, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best devices this year.
Google Pixel 8a
Showstopping value
The Google Pixel 8a almost makes its original sibling redundant, sporting the same Tensor G3 chip, a near-identical design with a surprisingly smooth plastic back, and a more affordable midrange price tag. It even fixes its predecessor’s hiccups, with a solid battery life and brighter, 120Hz display. It misses out on a few features, and don’t expect any noticeable camera improvements, but this 5G Pixel doesn’t disappoint.
- Identical power to the Pixel 8
- Flashy Google AI photo magic
- Upgraded display and battery over predecessor
- Noticeable display bezels
- No real camera improvements
You’d be forgiven if you mistook the Google Pixel 8a for its more expensive counterpart. The software experience and hardware it runs on match pretty closely. Showcasing everything that makes the Pixel 8 a worthwhile purchase, with a few caveats, the Pixel 8a is a great choice for those who want the 5G Pixel experience at a more affordable price range.
It trumps its predecessor in every sense, from its 6.1-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits of peak brightness to its stronger battery life. It also matches the power of the Pixel 8 with its capable Tensor G3 chip, and the 256GB storage option is a nice touch. The bonus of up to seven years of OS upgrades makes this $500 5G phone a worthwhile bet.
Google Pixel 8a review: A great phone that I’m not sure you should buy
Google’s hardware lineup is in a tricky spot, and the Pixel 8a only makes things more confusing
It’s not the complete mainline experience, of course, as the noticeable display bezels can be a tad awkward, and you’ll lose a few camera features like auto and macro focus. The camera is still top-notch, taking fantastic photos on its 64MP sensor (similar to last year’s 7a). Moreover, you can use Google’s AI to work wonders on each shot, ensuring the final image is exactly what you’re looking for. That goes a long way for a $500 smartphone. Unless you find the Pixel 8 discounted down to a similar price, the Pixel 8a is a surefire win for a 5G phone.
OnePlus 12R
Exemplary specs for the price
The OnePlus 12R showcases what a midrange phone can offer, and it packs one mighty punch for just $500. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and a sharp QHD+ display that rivals its flagship counterpart, this 5G phone gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Be aware that its camera quality took a hit, and it doesn’t support mmWave tech.
- Fantastic performance
- Flagship-level display
- True value at $500
- No mmWave support
- Middling camera quality
The OnePlus 12R is the epitome of a flagship killer, and its spec sheet stands testament. You can expect a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and 80W fast charging, and if all that sounds awfully familiar to 2023’s OnePlus 11, that’s because it’s nearly identical. But not completely, as you’re also getting a flagship-level 6.78-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits.
The best part? That’s all for $500. It’s an absolute steal for most, but the OnePlus cut a few corners. It isn’t up to taking eye-catching photos quite like its competition, as it doesn’t boast the Hasselblad color profile that makes OnePlus shots truly pop. It also fumbles in the software updates department, with only three years of OS upgrades compared to Google and Samsung’s seven years.
OnePlus 12R review: A real flagship killer for $500
A phone that packs all the power you need for the price you want to pay
The pros far outweigh the cons, though, especially if you prefer gaming with beefy performance, watching shows on a bright, vivid display, and OnePlus’ signature swish design for a fraction of the price of the top runners. While the 5G front is strong, supporting sub-6GHz 5G bands, it doesn’t offer blazing-fast mmWave speeds. However, if it’s just general 5G coverage you’re after, it’s hard to go wrong with the OnePlus 12R.
OnePlus Open
Hard to find fault with this newcomer
Learning from others’ mistakes instead of making its own, OnePlus’s Open hits the scene as the best tablet-style foldable. Plenty of storage, RAM, and processing power accompany an incredibly useful cover display, along with battery life and camera quality that most foldables can’t match.
- Performance and battery life can’t be beat
- Excellent hinge implementation
- Great cameras for a foldable
- Lacks wireless charging
- OxygenOS doesn’t match competitors yet
First-generation devices often stink, so we didn’t have high expectations for the OnePlus Open. Boy, were we wrong. OnePlus learned from the mistakes of leading foldables and refined them, including excellent battery life, a barely noticeable crease, and a remarkably durable and physically impressive hinge. It also wins in the charging category, with a high-quality SuperVOOC charger right there in the box — something nearly unheard of in this day and age.
Even the software excels at folding usability. While OxygenOS as a whole isn’t particularly impressive, OnePlus did a more-than-respectable job at implementing powerful customization and multitasking support that make the most of the massive screen space. And it’s completely reasonable to expect OnePlus to iron out the remaining quirks in its Android skin.
OnePlus Open review: What every foldable should be
Leave it to OnePlus to supply the competition Samsung so desperately needs
In a refreshing change of pace, the cameras essentially match or beat every other foldable. The primary LYTIA sensor collects significantly more light than its competitors, which is the backbone of good image capture. There aren’t any major flaws to point out, but the lack of wireless charging and the high (yet predictable) price tag may make it a non-starter for some. But for those willing to invest, the Open truly is large and in charge.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
A collection of everything that makes Pixels great
As ambitious as it is large, the Google Pixel 8 Pro packs the tech giant’s most capable hardware and thorough software. It continues to expand on the lineup’s all-but-unrivaled camera quality with advanced AI-adjacent photo, video, and audio editing leading the way while utilizing the company’s custom Tensor G3 SoC.
- Stunning display quality and size
- As user-friendly as cameras get
- Improved performance and efficiency
- Costs more than the 7 Pro
- Still not as powerful as flagship opponents
We’ve said a lot about the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera experience, so we’ll just point out once again that it excels at taking incredible pictures on the first try and magically editing them with novel software features if they’re not quite perfect. But the rest of the Pixel 8 Pro offers plenty to write home about, too.
Its display beats even the fantastic screen on the standard Pixel 8, with industry-leading brightness, HDR10+ support, a variable 120Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density that can’t be beaten. Oh, and it’s pretty big, too, giving you 6.7 diagonal inches of real estate for all the impressive on-device photo and video editing it’s capable of.
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: Living up to its name
If you want to see the future of Google, the Pixel 8 Pro is the phone to buy
Google’s new commitment to long-term device support is a plus, with seven promised Android updates now even besting Apple’s typical six years of iOS upgrades. While it wasn’t always the case, Google’s own Android skin continues to see refinement, with many former quibbles getting smoothed over for a streamlined (if not 100% customizable) user experience. The 8 Pro has, unfortunately, finally hit the $1,000 MSRP threshold, but if you’re into big phones with excellent cameras and ever-evolving sets of cutting-edge features, this one’s right for you.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
An immensely useful cover display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a phone that supports mmWave 5G and has foldable features. Although it may not be the top contender in all areas compared to other high-end phones, it is undoubtedly the best option for those who want to dip their toe into the world of foldable phones.
- Pocketable form factor
- mmWave support
- Durable hinge
- Costs quite a bit
- Average cameras
The highly portable Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 fits in your pocket more easily than nearly any other phone. It finally sees a full-size, 3.4-inch OLED display spanning the entire cover, that can show important information, notifications, and apps. And the phone’s true potential unlocks when you unfold it to reveal a stunning 6.7-inch, 120Hz panel on par with the non-folding Galaxy models.
The compromises? Well, the cameras don’t quite compete with other flagship devices for the same price. They lack any super fancy hardware but can still provide plenty of good shots for casual shots like what you’d want for social media. The main sensor is capable of taking hands-free selfies, which is a nice touch for people who like capturing themselves in a moment.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Flex Window for the win
A slightly larger cover screen makes all the difference in the world
The battery life isn’t stellar, but it also isn’t terrible. You’ll likely get through your day (depending on how heavy you use it) with a bit left over, and recharging is fast enough, although it could definitely be faster. The lack of a telephoto lens is disappointing, but that’s not entirely surprising, given the form factor. All in all, the Z Flip 5 leads the clamshell foldable market in a lot of ways, thanks in large part to the refined, heavily customizable OneUI Android skin. This $1,000 option is a great buy and Samsung’s best flip phone yet.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5G at an affordable price
If you think $200 can’t get you a 5G phone, think again. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers the broad coverage you need for calls, texts, and scrolling through the web. Sure, it’s fairly bare-bones in its design and performance, but it hardly matters if you only use a smartphone for its essential features.
- Incredible value for 5G
- Gorgeous Super AMOLED display
- Efficient battery life
- Some performance hiccups
- Cameras aren’t the best
A 5G-compatible smartphone for just $200? That’s the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G for you, and you’d be mistaken to think that it’s your average bargain bin device. It may not have any particular feature that will blow you away, but it hardly needs to be for a price this low. Equally, it’s hardly a compromise when you’re getting a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, an above-average 50MP primary camera, and Android OS support up to Android 18.
For those who solely use their phones to call, text, and scroll through social media, its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip will do a fine job at managing it all. It’s nowhere near as speedy as flagship-level processors, so gaming and multitasking will have to be kept to a minimum. You can also snap some neat shots, but, as our testing suggests, don’t expect much from the other lenses — unless you have good lighting.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G review: Everything you need for only $200
It’s not flashy, but the A15 gets the job done for people who don’t read reviews or care about specs
Otherwise, the Galaxy A15 covers all the essential needs any smartphone user could want, including a 5,000mAh battery capacity, reliable 25W charging, a headphone jack, NFC connectivity, and even sub-6 5G support. It even boasts a similar design to its Galaxy S series siblings, which we appreciate. There’s no mmWave 5G here, but there’s reliable 5G coverage nonetheless. If you’re the type that gets a lot of value out of affordability, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is right up your alley.
Motorola Razr (2023)
Rugged hinge, great display, surprising price
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a foldable phone, thanks to the Motorola Razr. Borrowing its name from one of the most iconic phones in history, Motorola’s new base model flip phone delivers the useful features and high display quality people demand in a compact form factor that’s finally mainstream.
- Novel (and comfortable) simulated leather back
- Above-average main display
- Better battery life than you’d expect
- Last-gen Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC
- Small cover display
Naturally, you’d expect some sacrifices on a new foldable listing at just $700. But Motorola’s Razr is surprisingly well-engineered on nearly all fronts. The identical hinge to the more costly Razr+ looks and feels durable and smooth, with a less prominent crease than direct competitors. And that primary display punches well above its weight class, producing up to 1,400 nits at an unmatched variable refresh rate of 144Hz.
Camera performance remains in line with most foldables, which means it’s good but not quite great. It lacks the bright, punchy image capture of the Galaxy S Series and AI smarts of the Pixel lineup but takes good, no-nonsense shots in most lighting conditions.
Motorola Razr (2023) review: Better than it should be
It’s not the flashiest or most powerful, but this clamshell foldable is great for the space
The base model Razr’s biggest shortcoming is the mere 1.5 inches of cover screen space, something that the Z Flip 5 and Razr+ have remedied. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset also lags behind other foldables in performance and thermal management. But for a $700 phone that you can often already find at a discount, those compromises don’t offend us much. After all, you can finally get a modern flip phone without breaking the bank.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Uniquely streamlined OS, fantastic video camera
If you’re not solely dedicated to Android, the iPhone 15 makes a compelling case for one of the best smartphones of the year. Connectivity and performance are predictably fantastic, as is the streamlined nature of iOS. And when it comes to video capture, few Android phones can compete.
- Pro-level video recording ability
- Top-of-the-line performance
- Runs user-friendly iOS
- Only 3x optical zoom
- Not everybody likes iOS
Objectively speaking, the iPhone 15 Pro’s performance exceeds all but the most powerful Android smartphones. The Apple A17 Pro processor tops many benchmark lists, and the highly optimized software and locked-down ecosystem render the normally average 8GB of RAM more than enough for snappy animations and effortless multitasking.
The 15 Pro really shines when it comes to video recording, with the best motion handling on the block. The inclusion of the Apple ProRes recording codec, as well as professional-quality Log Color support, means you can practically shoot a legitimate feature film on one of these bad boys. The photo quality’s superb as well, with Apple’s imaging algorithms continuing down a path they’ve trod for years.
Naturally, the overall gulf between iOS and Android means a lot of folks won’t give iPhones the time of day. But it’s really an excellent piece of equipment that sees immense popularity, not just because it’s trendy, but because it works well and with little to no hassle for the average user. If you’re looking for the best and aren’t married to the Android experience, it’s definitely worth checking out the iPhone 15 Pro. In terms of convenience, price, and durability, it’s even better than the 15 Pro Max.
What’s the difference between sub-6 and mmWave 5G?
The next generation of cellular network technology after 4G LTE, 5G operates on two classes of frequencies categorized as sub-6GHz and millimeter wave. Just like 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Wi-Fi, the lower frequencies used by sub-6 5G offer a longer range due largely to better penetration. The higher frequencies of mmWave (so-called because their actual wavelengths vary from 1 to 10 millimeters) don’t penetrate or reach nearly as far but deliver the blazing-fast 5G speeds that get so much hype.
Typically, you’ll find high-speed mmWave networks only in densely populated areas because the infrastructure needed to produce the signals isn’t cost-effective over vast distances. So, if you’re not in a major population center, you probably won’t be able to take the most advantage of it just yet. But anywhere that carriers offer 5G coverage should get a workable level of sub-6 signal.
Should I buy a 5G smartphone?
Like all new technologies, 5G took a while to move out of the early adoption phase and into the mainstream. And for the time being, mmWave coverage still isn’t particularly widespread throughout the country, although its availability continues to improve. All of today’s top flagship releases support some form of 5G, with most able to connect with mmWave networks in their official release markets.
This list includes mostly models with mmWave support to get you the absurd speeds the up-and-coming connectivity boasts about. Out of the recommendations, only the Asus ZenFone 10 lacks mmWave and supports only sub-6 5G, but otherwise, it’s arguably today’s best compact phone.
Still, it may or may not be worth investing in a 5G smartphone, based on where you live. Our first suggestion is to find out if there’s 5G coverage in your area and what type of 5G it is to help you make an informed decision. It’s worth noting that each carrier calls their high- and low-frequency 5G networks something different, but they’re all fundamentally similar. And, as is par for the course with connectivity naming schemes, these monikers can be a little confusing. For example, don’t mix up Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G with what’s actually, technically known as ultra-wideband connectivity. It is conceptually similar to NFC and used for high-speed, high-bandwidth, short-range communications; the two are extremely different.
If there’s little or no coverage around you, you might not care much about having 5G on your new phone. But 5G is the cellular connectivity of the future, and carriers continue to build out their 5G networks more each month. So, while your neighborhood might not have access to a 5G network right now, you might get it sooner than you think. And when that happens, you’ll want comprehensive 5G support on your phone, so you can get the most out of it.
The best 5G smartphone for you
While the 5G phones on this list focus on US models to get the most coverage and connectivity out of US phone carriers, you’ll find that a majority of them should utilize major 5G bands in countries around the globe. That said, keep in mind that imported models may not offer the same experience. Either way, you’ll find that the best 5G smartphones tend to be the best phones in general.
For seamless high-band 5G coverage, a fantastic range of user-friendly features, and true value, from its price to its long-term Android updates, the Google Pixel 8 is your golden ticket. It’s made for all types of users, from casual to phone enthusiasts, and sports an industry-leading smart camera that puts others to shame, especially at its price point.
If you’re after more of a platinum ticket, the kitted-out Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the complete package. Along with its top-of-the-line 5G support, you can expect outstanding performance, a dazzling display, long-lasting battery life, and updates for the next seven years. It’s also on top of the AI trend, but you’ll be paying a pretty penny for it.
Who needs to spend all that dough when there’s a fully capable, 5G-ready Google Pixel 8a up for grabs? Equipped with nearly everything that makes the Pixel 8 great (except a few features) but with a more affordable price tag, this compact, high-performance phone is the best you’ll find for $500, especially if you’re a fan of its smaller size.
You don’t have to stick with straight slabs to make the most out of 5G anymore, as foldables from multiple brands have earned their place alongside the best phones on the market. Larger displays offer more room for activity, after all, and if you’re the type that works, plays mobile games, or streams shows while on the move, you can get a lot out of 5G-compatible foldables.
Google Pixel 8
All-around fantastic with a leading camera setup
As Google’s more accessible 2023 flagship, the $700 Pixel 8 delivers an excellent blend of performance, software features, size, and price. Its camera routinely receives high praise from experts and users alike, and its seven years of promised Android updates make it one of today’s best long-term choices.
