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These are the best 5G phones in 2022 right now, they deliver much faster downloads, lower latency and a lot more
More than just faster downloads are possible on our favourite 5G phones. The best 5G phones have excellent cameras, large displays, and large batteries. Best of all, 5G compatibility is now standard on midrange and even budget handsets, so you don’t have to buy the most expensive phone on the market to get it.
Here are the top 5G phones on the market right now, in a variety of pricing ranges.
The best 5G phones you can have right now
1.iPhone 13 Pro Max
The best 5G phone to get
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.7 inches
Processor: A15 BionicSize
Weight: 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.3 inches/ 8.5 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 12:16
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Superior performance
- Brighter display with fast refresh rate
Cons
- Battery could charge faster
- Bulky
After replacing our previous recommendation, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the best 5G phone available. Even while that phone was excellent, the iPhone 13 Pro Max outperforms it in every significant manner, including those that are critical for 5G.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max, like its predecessor, has significant 5G capability. However, the new Apple phone has a larger battery, which allows it to last longer on a charge – more than 12 hours in our testing, making it one of the longest-lasting phones on the market. Even though Apple incorporated a dynamically changing display, which has shown to be a power waste on other devices, the iPhone 13 Pro Max lasts that long.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max excels in this area, thanks to the efficient A15 Bionic chipset.
The new phone is slightly heavier than Apple’s previous generation. However, with all of the upgrades and expanded 5G capability, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a gadget that 5G fans will adore.
Read our full iPhone 13 Pro Max review.
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The best 5G phone from Samsung — for now
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.8 inches
Processor: Snapdragon 888
Size / weight: 6.5 x 2.97 x 0.35 inches / 8.08 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 11:25
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Good battery life
- Dynamic 6.8-inch AMOLED display
- S Pen support
Cons
- Lacks microSD card slot
- No charger in box
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series featured the first devices in the United States to use Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 888 system-on-chip, thus any of the three phones — the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra — could connect to any 5G network in the country. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is worth mentioning not only because it costs less than the comparable S20 model, but also because it has a lengthy battery life.
On our battery test, the Galaxy S21 lasted nearly 11.5 hours, however that was with the screen set to a 60Hz refresh rate. Although turning on the feature that allows the phone to dynamically alter its refresh rate consumes some battery, the S21 Ultra outlasted the ordinary smartphone. That, together with the S21 Ultra’s large screen and support for the S Pen, is a desirable feature in a 5G phone.
Of course, you’re better off waiting for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which is now available for preorder ahead of its February 25 release date. Read our hands-on with the Galaxy S22 Ultra to learn what’s new, as well as a breakdown of the differences between the Galaxy S22 versions.
3. iPhone 13
A more affordable 5G iPhone
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.1 inches
Processor: A15 Bionic
Size / weight: 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches / 6.4 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:33
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Extensive 5G support
- Much improved battery
- Brighter display
Cons
- Slower charging than rivals
- Lacks 120Hz display
The iPhone Pro versions have more advanced capabilities, but the iPhone 13 is a superb 5G phone at a lower price. The iPhone 13 lineup’s improvements are on display here, including a larger battery, a smaller notch, and wider 5G capability than previously, all for a low price.
You won’t have to give up storage like in previous models. The iPhone 13 comes with 128GB of storage as standard, which is double what Apple used to offer. This phone is a great 5G phone because it has a significantly longer battery life than the iPhone 12.
4. Google Pixel 5a
The top budget 5G camera phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.43 inches
Processor: Snapdragon 765G
Size / weight: 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches / 6.5 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:45
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile Verizon
Pros
- Stunning display for price
- Excellent wide/ultrawide cameras
- IP67 water resistance
Cons
- No U.K. availability
- Older chipset
Prices for 5G phones have dropped, so you can get a better deal than the Pixel 5a. However, few can match Google’s latest midrange phone when it comes to mobile photography.
The Pixel 5a, unlike the Pixel 4a and Pixel 3a, has two back cameras: a 16MP ultrawide lens and a 12.2MP primary camera. This provides the new phone more versatility, and when combined with Google’s computational photography capabilities, you can be confident that this phone should deliver fantastic photos.
The Pixel 5a in the United States supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave-based 5G networks, so you should be able to use it on any network. Furthermore, Google has integrated a larger battery than previous Pixel models, allowing you to travel longer between charges.
5. iPhone 13 Mini
Best compact 5G phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 5.4 inches
Processor: A15 Bionic
Size / weight: 5.2 x 2.5 x 0.3 inches / 4.97 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 8:41
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Excellent A15 Bionic chipset
- Low price
- Outstanding cameras
Cons
- No fast refresh rate on display
- Battery life still below average for a phone
The iPhone 13 mini differs from the majority of the best 5G phones in that it is not big. The iPhone 13 small, like its predecessor from a year ago, is a portable device that weighs less than 5 ounces. Despite this, it has enough 5G capability to work with bands from all of the main carriers.
The iPhone 13 small has a larger battery than the iPhone 12 mini, so it lasts longer on a charge. Although the battery life is still below average when compared to other phones, Apple’s A15 Bionic chipset is one of the most powerful on the market.
6. iPhone 13 Pro
Apple’s Pro features for less in a 5G phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.1 inches
Processor: A15 Bionic
Size / weight: 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches / 7.14 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 11:42
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Brighter display with fast refresh rate
- Excellent battery life
- Extensive 5G support
Cons
- Fast charging limited to 20W
Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro is an excellent option for those who want the finest of Apple’s phone range but don’t want to pay the extra money for the iPhone 13 Pro Max or don’t like its huge size. This year, the iPhone 13 Pro models are nearly identical, meaning you can have Apple’s best features in a phone with a 6.1-inch screen for a cheaper price than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Because of the larger battery and the power efficiency of Apple’s At15 Bionic chipset, iPhone 13 Pro owners will benefit from broad 5G functionality and longer battery life. For smoother screening, you also get a dynamically updating display that can scale up to 120Hz when needed. All of this is packed into a 7-ounce package that’s convenient to carry anywhere.
7. OnePlus 9 Pro
Fastest-charging 5G phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.7 inches
Processor: Snapdragon 888
Size and weight: 6.4 x 2.9 x 0.34 inches / 6.9 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:40
5G networks supported: T-Mobile, Verizon (low-band)
Pros
- Beautiful 120Hz display
- Excellent performance
- Crazy fast wired and wireless charging
Cons
- Won't work with AT&T 5G
The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts two features that generally deplete a phone’s battery life: 5G connectivity and a 120Hz refresh rate display for speedier navigation and more intense gaming. Both can use a lot of battery power, but we didn’t have that problem with the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 4,500 mAh battery. Even with the faster screen refresh rate switched on, the phone lasted more than 10.5 hours.
That’s because the OnePlus 9 Pro has a dynamically updating display that slows down to 1Hz for static tasks and only hits 120Hz when you need a quicker refresh rate. When it comes to charging, the OnePlus 9 Pro sets the bar for quick charging, both wirelessly and through a cable connection.
The OnePlus 9 Pro has a Snapdragon 888 CPU and plenty of RAM, so it can compete with any Android phone in terms of performance. T-Mobile will sell the phone, which will work on the Uncarrier’s 5G network. The OnePlus 9 Pro has also been certified by Verizon for its 5G network, with the phone being able to use both Verizon’s nationwide and Ultra Wideband networks; the OnePlus 9 is only compatible with Verizon’s countrywide 5G and not the speedier Ultra Wideband connections.
8. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
A great Samsung 5G phone for under $1,000
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.7 inches
Processor: Snapdragon 888
Size / weight: 6.36 x 2.98 x 0.31 inches / 7.05 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:41 (adaptive) / 9:53 (60Hz)
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Impressive zoom feature
- Supports all 5G network types
- Screen features 120Hz refresh rate
- Beautiful design
Cons
- So-so battery life
The Galaxy S21 Plus surprised everyone when it was released earlier this year. The S21 Plus ticks a lot of boxes for $200 less than its predecessor. It’s a huge, stunning phone with a magnificent 120Hz display and the Snapdragon 888, Qualcomm’s strongest chipset ever.
The Galaxy S21 Plus, the 128GB model, is a force to be reckoned with, even if it misses some of the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s major features. However, as a 5G phone, you’ll have access to the latest Qualcomm X60 5G modem and all available 5G bands. It will work with any of the three carriers, including Verizon’s mmWave network.
The standard Galaxy S21 is also an excellent choice if you prefer a smaller phone, it’s essentially the Galaxy S21 Plus in a smaller package. Both S21 models, however, will be replaced by the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus, which are expected to be the superior 5G phones once they arrive on February 25.
9. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
A great budget option for 5G coverage
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.5 inches
Processor: Dimensity 720
Size / weight: 6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 inches / 7.23 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 11:39 (adaptive), 12:22 (60hz)
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Great battery life
- Very low price
- Four years of security patches
- 90Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Subpar HD+ display
Even under $300, 5G is a viable option. The Galaxy A32 5G is one such gadget, a hefty phone with sub-6GHz capabilities that you can take to any carrier. The Galaxy A32 is available via AT&T and T-Mobile, or you may bring an unlocked model to Verizon.
If we had to criticize the Galaxy A32 in any way, it would be for its mediocre 720p LCD. That’s a poor pixel density at 6.5 inches, and you can see it if you look closely enough. However, the A32’s two main cameras perform admirably for a device at this pricing point, far better than the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, the A32’s immediate competition.
The Galaxy A32 is the best cheap 5G phone around. It won’t wow you at all, but it gets the job done.
10. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
Samsung’s best midrange 5G phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.5 inches
Processor: Snapdragon 750G
Size / weight: 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches / 6.7 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 12:19
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile
Pros
- Long battery life
- 120Hz display
- Good main camera
Cons
- Other cameras underperform
- Display scratches easily
Samsung has revised its Galaxy A midrange lineup, which now includes numerous 5G-ready devices that reduce the cost of buying a 5G phone. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, which has a display capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, is the best option for most consumers. (You’ll have to enable that functionality manually.) The phone performs admirably, and the main camera gets some stunning images.
The Galaxy A52 5G’s battery life isn’t affected by 5G connectivity, as it lasted more than 12 hours on our battery test. While that result was achieved with the screen’s refresh rate set to 60Hz, even using the faster-refreshing display resulted in a battery life of more than 10 hours – a more than satisfactory result.
Customers on Verizon should go for the Galaxy A42 5G, which is compatible with the carrier’s mmWave-based towers. If you’re on AT&T or T-Mobile, though, the Galaxy A52 5G is a great way to get into 5G without breaking the bank. The Galaxy A53 5G, its replacement, is in the pipeline and might be released as early as March.
11. Google Pixel 6
A good 5G option, with some caveats
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 6.4 inches
Processor: Google Tensor
Size / weight: 6.2 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches / 7.3 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 8:13
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Pros
- Great price
- Unique design
- Tensor chip powers excellent new experiences
Cons
- The Pixel 6 Pro has a faster refreshing display and telephoto lens
- 5G modem can drain battery faster than anticipated
The Google Pixel 6 is a compelling 5G alternative because it comes at a reasonable price while maintaining premium functionality. The phone is powered by Google’s new Tensor processor, which drives a variety of machine learning-based capabilities, and it’s your first chance to get Android 12 on a new device.
However, there are certain limitations, particularly in terms of 5G coverage. If you want a phone that works on AT&T and Verizon’s faster networks, you’ll have to buy it directly from them, which will set you back more than the $599 Google and T-Mobile are asking. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also have an outdated modem, which we believe is limiting battery life.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 6 allows you to connect to 5G in a phone that is both inexpensive and packed with cutting-edge capabilities. That’s enough to compensate for some of 5G’s flaws.
12. iPhone 12 mini
Apple 5G for less than $600
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 5.4 inches
Processor: A14 Bionic
Size / weight: 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 inches / 4.76 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 7:28
5G networks supported: AT&T, T-Mobile Verizon
Pros
- Price has dropped by $100
- Capable dual cameras
- Tensor chip powers excellent new experiences
Cons
- Shortest battery life of any iPhone 12 model
- Only 64GB storage to start
- Older hardware
The earlier iPhone 12 small, like the iPhone 13 mini, demonstrates that a 5G phone doesn’t have to be massive to accommodate all of the antennas required to connect to the next-generation network. The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch OLED display, and while being smaller than Apple’s own iPhone SE, it can connect to any 5G network, including Verizon’s mmWave-based 5G towers.
The iPhone 12 tiny features Apple’s still-powerful A14 Bionic processor, as well as the same camera system as the iPhone 12. That implies Apple’s smallest iPhone will take excellent photos. Although 5G connectivity puts a strain on the iPhone 12 mini’s battery, the device’s low starting price means you can enjoy the benefits of 5G without paying a premium. And now that the iPhone 13 models have arrived, the price has decreased making this a better deal than before.
