With network providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon advertising 5G, is it worth considering upgrading your smartphone to a 5G model?

As more areas gain 5G coverage, having a smartphone capable of the technology is a must if you want to keep up with the crowd.

Here are the best 5G smartphones you can buy today.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra takes all the good aspects of the S20 series and boosts them ten-fold. It offers high-end performance and comes packed full of features like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and an outstanding camera setup.In comparison, the Galaxy Note 20 costs a lot less but does lack the Ultra's zoom camera and laser autofocus. Similarly, it misses out on a microSD slot, so the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is worth the additional expense.If you want to view your phone on an even bigger screen, you can link your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra up to your TV as well as your Windows PC using Link to Windows.

Key Features
  • S Pen
  • SuperFast charging
  • Mobile gaming
  • Link to Windows
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • SoC: Snapdragon 865 Plus
  • Display: 6.9-inch, 3088 x 1440
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4,500mAh
  • Ports: USB Type-C
  • Operating System: Android
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP/12MP/12MP, 10MP
Pros
  • S Pen stylus is very good
  • Camera has powerful zoom
  • Supports all US 5G networks
Cons
  • Very large
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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Editors choice

2. Apple iPhone 12 Pro

7.60 / 10
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The Apple iPhone 12 Pro, a variant of its 2020 flagship, is functionally quite similar to the standard model. However, the camera setup sets it apart. For instance, you can benefit from the two-times zoom when taking photos. Many iPhone users have eagerly awaited the introduction of Night Portrait Mode. Using your iPhone 12 Pro's LiDAR scanner and autofocus, it allows you to capture smooth, soft, high-resolution nighttime shots.The phone is available in four color variants and with storage options up to 512GB. It is also IP68-rated for water-resistance, making it the ideal outdoor companion. The iPhone 12 Pro can capture 4K video and sports a 12MP triple-rear camera setup, with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. The phone is also equipped with Apple's A14 Bionic chip.

Key Features
  • LiDAR scanner included
  • 10-bit HDR recording
  • Storage options up to 512GB
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • SoC: A14 Bionic
  • Display: 6.1-inch, 2532 x 1170
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 2,815mAh
  • Ports: Lightning Connector
  • Operating System: iOS
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP, 12MP
Pros
  • High-quality night photos
  • Solid battery life
  • Optical zoom camera
Cons
  • Average 5G performance on AT&T and Verizon
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Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Best value

3. Samsung Galaxy A71 5G

0.00 / 10
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The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G offers all-around good performance at a reasonable price. It boasts 5G connectivity, although users report Verizon's service to be the most reliable for this device.The phone is equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED+ Infinity Display for an immersive and high-resolution screen. Meanwhile, the 4,500mAh battery keeps the phone powered up throughout the day.It's also an excellent option for those working on the go, as many of Samsung's native apps integrate with Microsoft Office. Similarly, the A71 5G is tightly integrated with Samsung's other devices.The primary rear 64MP camera offers excellent performance under all lighting conditions, providing crisp and clear photos with just a slight loss of detail in low light.

Key Features
  • AMOLED+ Infinity Display
  • Quad-lens camera
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
Specifications
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
  • Display: 6.7-inch, 1080 x 2400
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4,500mAh
  • Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm
  • Operating System: Android
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 64MP, 32MP
Pros
  • Decent performance
  • Long battery life
  • Excellent camera for an affordable device
Cons
  • Lower than average audio quality
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Samsung Galaxy A71 5G

The OnePlus 8 Pro is a desirable 5G-compatible smartphone packed with features. The bloatware-free Android experience also means that it achieves long battery life and high-performance. At present, the OnePlus 8 Pro only works with T-Mobile's 5G network, which is a limiting factor for those on other networks or without decent T-Mobile coverage. Despite this, the phone's quad-lens 48MP rear camera takes high-resolution images, supporting a three-times zoom and extensive dynamic range. There's also a 16MP front-facing camera. The OnePlus 8 Pro comes with 256GB of storage, 12GB of RAM, and a 4,510mAh battery. This hardware is supported by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chip. It also comes with Alexa integration.

Key Features
  • 116-degree ultra-wide camera
  • 120Hz display refresh rate
  • 4,510mAh battery
Specifications
  • Brand: One Plus
  • SoC: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G
  • Display: 6.78-inch, 1440 x 3168
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4,510mAh
  • Ports: USB-C
  • Operating System: Android 10
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 48MP, 48MP, 5MP and 16MP
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
Pros
  • Outstanding display
  • High-speed wireless charging
  • Great performance
Cons
  • 5G only available on T-Mobile
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OnePlus 8 Pro

The Apple iPhone 12 Mini is excellent value for money, boasting a vibrant screen, perfect camera, and top-line features for less money than the iPhone 12.The most significant difference between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 mini is the phone's physical size. The iPhone 12 mini comes with a 5.4-inch display, compared with the standard variant's 6.1 inches.As a result, the iPhone 12 mini is a return to the pocket-sized designs of older iPhones. However, there's plenty of modern features available here, too. For instance, the 2,227mAh should easily see you through the day. That's even the case when using your iPhone 12 mini's 5G connection. While out and about, you'll definitely find a use for the camera, as it offers high-resolution shots and comes with Night Mode as well.

Key Features
  • Long-lasting battery
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • SoC: Apple A14 Bionic
  • Display: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 1080x2340
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64Gb, 128GB, 256GB
  • Battery: 2,227mAh
  • Ports: Lightning
  • Operating System: iOS 14.1, upgradeable to iOS 15.4.1
  • Front camera: 12MP wide
  • Rear camera: Dual 12MP (Wide/Ultrawide)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, 5G
  • Dimensions: 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 inches
  • Colors: Red, Black, Blue, Green, Purple, White
  • Weight: 4.76oz
  • Charge speed: Fast charging, MagSafe wireless charging
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Fits perfectly in your hand
  • Night photo mode
  • Great performance
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Apple iPhone 12 Mini

The Google Pixel range of smartphones has become well-known for its high-performance cameras and stunning photos. The Google Pixel 5 is no different, with a 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP selfie lens, and processing from the Pixel Visual Core. The Pixel 5 is also equipped with other exciting features, like wireless charging, integration with Google Assistant, and even the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.The phone has a few exclusive Google Assistant features as well, like Hold For Me. Additionally, the Pixel 5 works with every carrier's sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks.The phone's only major weakness is the stereo speakers, which offer sub-optimal audio reproduction.

Key Features
  • Supports wireless charging
  • Water resistant
Specifications
  • Brand: Google
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
  • Display: 6-inch, 1080x2340
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4,080mAh
  • Ports: USB Type-C 3.1
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12.2MP, 16MP (rear), 8MP (front)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS
  • Dimensions: 5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 inches
  • Colors: 2
  • Display type: OLED
  • Weight: 0.9lbs
  • Charge speed: Fast charging reverse charging, wireless charging, wired charging
  • IP Rating: IP68
Pros
  • Great cameras
  • Durable build quality
  • Pleasant software experience
Cons
  • Underwhelming audio quality
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Google Pixel 5

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G builds on the previous S20 and Note 20 models' successes. However, there are some notable features to be found here. For instance, the Snapdragon 865 chipset offers a mini computer's performance inside your pocket, with outstanding imagery and video quality that's affordable.The phone's camera provides a three-times optical zoom and a 30-times zoom for star-gazing shots. Similarly, there's a Night Mode for photography in low-light conditions without a flash. For those interested in the device's technical aspects, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes with up to 256GB of storage, a 6.5-inch display, a 32MP rear camera, and a 12MP selfie lens.

Key Features
  • IP68 water resistance
  • 6.5-inch FHD Infinity-O display
  • Triple-lens camera
  • Night mode
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • SoC: Snapdragon 865 5G
  • Display: 6.5-inch, 1080x2400
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4,500mAh
  • Ports: USB Type-C
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 8MP Telephoto, 32MP Selfie
Pros
  • Extremely fast processor
  • High-performance cameras
  • Long-lasting battery life
Cons
  • Low-light camera performance isn't the best
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

FAQ

Q: Is 5G Faster Than Wi-Fi?

On average, 5G offers faster download speeds compared to broadband Wi-Fi connections. However, 5G isn't likely to replace Wi-Fi any time soon due to capacity and coverage gaps.

Q: Why Does My iPhone 12 Say 5GE?

When connected to AT&T's 5G E network, the 5G E stands for Evolution, rebranded from AT&T's LTE Advanced Pro network.

Q: Are 5G Smartphones Repairable?

Like numerous smartphones, you can repair 5G smartphones in many instances. For example, if a smartphone's screen is cracked or damaged, it can be replaced, so long as you use the correct tools. In many cases, you can resolve software issues with a hard or factory reset.