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Best 5G phones
In the early days of 5G network connectivity, buying a 5G-ready phone would come with a steep premium. Not any more.
We're not just talking about flagship phones either. Mid-range and even affordable phones now come packing 5G.
If you're shopping for a new phone, you might struggle to find a 5G-compatible smartphone that suits your needs.
Virtually every 5G phone will wear its next-generation network worthiness on its box, but that doesn't help with the choice of which phone you should buy. That's why we've compiled the following guide, which will offer some tips as to the best 5G phones on the market - whatever your budget.
Which 5G phone should I buy?
The best 5G phone for you might not be the best 5G phone for someone else. That’s why we’ve broken this down into three main budget-related categories: Best of the best, Best mid-range, and Best value.
We’ve also included a special category for the best 5G phone camera, as this is increasingly becoming a decisive factor in choosing a new phone.
All round best 5G phones
Note that our top picks aren’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-packed phones in their category. Rather, they offer the best all round flagship package for most people.
iPhone 13
- Screen Size: 6.1 inches
- Processor: A15 Bionic
- Size / weight: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm / 174 g
- Battery: 3240 mAh
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The iPhone 13 is Apple’s latest flagship device. While it may not be the most powerful of its new range of devices, it retails for £779, making it one of the more affordable flagship smartphones on the market.
It may look similar to the iPhone 12, but there are several upgrades that this device makes over its predecessor.
It is powered by the powerful A15 Bionic chipset and comes equipped with 4GB of RAM which allows for users to run multiple apps and tasks at one time.
The battery life is another of the major improvements the iPhone 13 makes over the iPhone 12. While it may not come with a charger in the box, the 3240mAh battery is a significant improvement over the iPhone 12’s 2815mAh battery and Apple’s latest device is still compatible with 20W fast-charging.
This 5G compatible smartphone will undoubtedly be one of the most popular smartphones of the year and offers a great design, powerful internals, and a smooth overall experience.
Samsung Galaxy S21
- Screen Size: 6.2 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100
- Size / weight: 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm / 169g
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Camera: 64MP wide, 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is one of the most powerful 5G handsets on the market. It boasts a versatile 64MP camera and contains one of the most powerful chipsets in a smartphone - the Snapdragon 888 or for the UK version, the Exynos 2100.
This coupled with 8GB of RAM offers Samsung’s signature smooth performance while running Android 11.
Its 6.2-inch screen is the average size for a smartphone these days, but its 120Hz display gives it a vibrant look and solidifies its premium feel.
While Samsung made the decision to drop some key specs in comparison to the S20, the Korean smartphone vendor has also reduced the price of this handset, making it more affordable to users at £769.
The smartphone offers a 4000mAh battery which can charge speedily at 25W. The smartphone also offers 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
The display is impressive with a resolution of 1080p and also packs a 120Hz refresh rate. All things considered, the S21 is one of the most impressive 5G devices on the market today.
OnePlus 9 Pro
- Screen Size: 6.7 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 888
- Size / weight: 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm / 197g
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Camera: 48MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto, 2MP monochrome
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The OnePlus 9 Pro offers a similarly priced package to the iPhone 12 for those who prefer Google’s Android OS, albeit in a very different form factor.
Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display is just about as good as you’ll get for any amount of money, with a simultaneous QHD resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate. Performance is on point too, thanks to a Snapdragon 888 CPU that’s as fast as you’ll get in an Android phone.
OnePlus has really picked up its camera game, partnering with Hassleblad and fitting new image sensors to create bright, balanced wide shots and impeccable ultrawide landscapes. Elsewhere Oxygen OS is just about the slickest take on Google’s Android operating system, and the OnePlus 9 Pro charges ridiculously fast using its bundled 65W brick.
Alternative pick
Sony Xperia 1 III
- Screen Size: 6.5 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 888
- Size / weight: 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm / 186 g
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP dual-lens telephoto
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The Sony Xperia 1 III isn't for everyone. It's extremely expensive at £1,199, and its 21:9 display - while great for media content - can look and feel somewhat awkward in day to day usage. You can get better battery life elsewhere, too.
But if you're a cinephile, an audiophile, or a photography enthusiast with cash to burn, it could be your ideal 5G phone. Its notchless 4K display is arguably the best around for watching movies on, while front-firing stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Sony LDAC support make it great for consuming music too.
The triple-12MP camera system requires work to get the best results, but Sony supplies the necessary tools through a fearsomely comprehensive camera app. A physical shutter button and the finest AF in the business round out what is an enthusiast's dream phone.
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Best foldable 5G phone
There's a new breed of ultra-premium smartphone in the form of the foldable phone, and Samsung is the current master of - first in terms of volume (no manufacturer has made more) and now also execution.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Screen Size: Unfolded: 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm Folded: 158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4-16 mm
- Processor: Snapdragon 888
- Size / weight: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm / 183 g
- Battery: 3300 mAh
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may be on the pricier side for some users at £1,599, but it is still one of the best, most innovative 5G smartphones today – and cheaper than the previous iteration of the device.
Its form factor remains a ridiculously impressive feat of engineering and this is undoubtedly the best foldable smartphone that Samsung has produced so far. Fans will be happy to note that the creasing on the middle of the phone is the least noticeable it has been on a foldable device so far.
The display itself is 80% tougher than the previous model and the smartphone is water resistant. The 7.6-inch screen is one of the biggest screens, making ideal for gaming and streaming.
It has a wide 24.5:9 aspect ratio compliments the 120Hz screen making it ideal for videos and gaming.
This device also offers S-Pen support, which is more valuable given that there was no Note device released by Samsung this year. This is certainly one for early adopters.
Alternative pick
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Screen Size: 6.7 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 888
- Size / weight: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm / 183 g
- Battery: 3300 mAh
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
Of the two recent third-generation foldable phones announced by Samsung, most people should probably buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. It's a much more manageable phone than the Galaxy Z Fold 3, both physically and in terms of price point.
Its form factor is essentially that of a normal premium phone that can be folded up into a neat square for easy mobility. It also has almost all of the capabilities of a modern high-end phone, including a Snapdragon 888 CPU, a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display that refreshes at 120Hz, and of course 5G connectivity.
It still lacks a little in the camera department, which is below flagship standards, and its 3300 mAh battery doesn't supply the best stamina. Also, the Flip 3's foldable design means that it isn't as dust resistant as non-foldable flagships.
But with the price tag that finally dropped below £1,000 SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first foldable phone that's both decent and something approaching reasonably priced.
Best mid-range 5G phone
OnePlus 9
- Screen Size: 6.5 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 888
- Size / weight: 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm / 192g
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Camera: 48MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 2MP monochrome
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The OnePlus 9 offers many of the advantages of one of our Best of the best picks, the OnePlus 9 Pro, but for hundreds of pounds less.
It gives you a great 6.5-inch AMOLED with a FHD+ resolution and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. You also get the same top-of-the-range Snapdragon 888 chip, and a very accomplished camera set-up with a great 50MP ultrawide and Hassleblad tuning.
The design feels a little cheaper thanks to the switch to plastic, and it doesn’t look particularly special. But it’s a very solid phone, charging speeds are rapid out of the box, and the OnePlus software experience is tough to beat.
Alternative pick
Pixel 5
- Screen Size: 6 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 765
- Size / weight: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm / 151g
- Battery: 4080 mAh
- Camera: 12.2MP wide, 16MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
Google challenged the whole concept of the flagship phone with the Pixel 5. Why pay £1000 for a phone when some smart hardware decisions and unmatched software smarts can give you an approximate experience for half the price?
That’s the Pixel 5 in a nutshell. Its Snapdragon 765 chip isn’t the fastest, but it’s fast enough that most people won’t notice. Nor is its 6-inch 90Hz OLED the biggest, sharpest, fastest or brightest, but it gets you most of the way there.
Even its 12.2MP camera is built on old hardware, yet Google’s unmatched image processing smarts ensure a highly competitive camera experience with spookily good night shots. All this, and you get the purest take on Android available, not to mention the fastest updates.
Best value 5G phone
If you want to spend the least money possible on your 5G phone, it’s possible to go down into the £200 to £300 range. Our picks cost just a little more, but the payoff is that they provide a great all-round experience that really capitalises on those superfast network speeds.
OnePlus Nord 2
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- Screen Size: 6.43 inches
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G
- Size / weight: 158.9 x 73.2 x 8.3 mm / 189g
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Camera: 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP monochrome
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has flagship-level specs for the lower price of £399. The smartphone runs the superfast Oxygen OS software and is one of the smoothest versions of Android available.
The Nord 2 5G offers either 8GB or 12GB of RAM which is super impressive at this price point and offers one of the best budget gaming experiences on the market today.
Even its camera exceeds expectations with an impressive 50MP unit coupled with a Sony IMX766 sensor offering optical image stabilization. Low-light photography in particular is a standout, which is not usually the case for smartphones retailing at this price.
The smartphone offers 65W fast-charging for its 4500mAh battery, promising a day’s worth of battery in just 15 minutes.
This budget device is undoubtedly one of the most impressive on the market today, but if you fancy saving a few pounds, you could always go for the original Nord device.
OnePlus Nord
- Screen Size: 6.44 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 765
- Size / weight: 158.3 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm / 184g
- Battery: 4115 mAh
- Camera: 48MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP depth, 2MP macro
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
Despite the release of the Nord 2 featuring several upgrades, the original device still remains one of the best devices budget 5G on the market today. If camera performance is a major priority for you, then you’re probably better off opting for our other budget pick, the Pixel 4a 5G. But otherwise, the OnePlus Nord is the better pick.
Currently selling for £329, it gets you a tidily designed phone with a great 6.44-inch 90Hz OLED display and a competent Snapdragon 765 processor. Its 48MP camera isn’t bad by any means, either.
Something both of our budget picks share is clean, fluid software that doesn’t suffer from the extreme bloat that most cheaper phones do. Oxygen OS is a joy to use here, as is the phone itself.
Alternative pick
Pixel 4a 5G
- Screen Size: 6.2 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 765
- Size / weight: 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm / 168g
- Battery: 3885 mAh
- Camera: 12.2MP wide, 16MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The Pixel 4a 5G isn’t an especially cheap phone - at the time of writing its costs £399. But it gives you a really good all-round experience for significantly less money than our mid-range picks.
You’re getting the exact same Snapdragon 765 processor, potent dual-camera set-up, and classy stock Android OS as the Pixel 5 (see above) for a couple of hundred pounds less.
You’ll miss out on the 90Hz screen refresh rate, IP68 certification, and wireless charging of Google’s flagship phone. But if you’re looking to minimise your outlay, you’ll get yourself a classy but affordable 5G phone.
Alternative pick
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G
- Screen Size: 6.55 inches
- Processor: Snapdragon 780G
- Size / weight: 160.5 x 75.7 x 6.8 mm / 159g
- Battery: 4250 mAh
- Camera: 64MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP telephoto
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
You know the drill with affordable phones. You might get a bunch of cool features and even solid build quality, but you can kiss goodbye to any hint of an attractive design, and performance will fall well short of those more expensive handsets.
Meet the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G. It's the cheapest phone in the four-strong Mi 11 line-up, but arguably the most compelling. That's because it combines a genuinely stylish design with a level of performance that wouldn't look out of place in a 2020 flagship, and all for a little over £300.
Add in a vibrant 90Hz AMOLED display and a competent 64MP main camera, and you have a particularly classy customer for the money.
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Best 5G camera phone
There’s a new category of super-elite phone at the very top of the market costing upwards of £1,000. Fundamentally similar to our Best of the best picks, they mainly benefit those who demand the most comprehensive camera set-up possible.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Screen Size: 6.7 inches
- Processor: A15 Bionic
- Size / weight: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mm / 240g
- Battery: 4374 mAh
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
Upon release of Apple’s latest flagship device, users bemoaned the lack of genuine upgrades over its predecessor. However, on closer inspection, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has an incredible camera system that shines, even in low-light environments.
This device comes with ultra-wide autofocus and a new telephoto lens which offers 3x optical zoom.
While it may not be the biggest advancement ever, it is certainly an improvement on the regular iPhone 13 variant. The battery is much larger at 4374mAh and comfortably offers around two days of battery life with frequent use.
The smartphone is Apple’s largest device yet at 6.7 inches and offers a gorgeous 120Hz refresh rate. While there aren’t too many differences between the Pro variant and the Pro Max variant, the bigger screen is undoubtedly the better option for gaming and binge-watching.
In other areas, the latest A15 Bionic chipset gives it a fantastic all-round great performance, if tests are anything to go by. The chipset in the iPhone 13 Pro Max easily outshines the same chip in the regular iPhone 13 in all tests.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Screen Size: 6.8 inches
- Processor: Exynos 2100
- Size / weight: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm / 227g
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Camera: 108MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a 108MP camera and is perhaps the best camera smartphone on this list.
The S21 captures wonderfully detailed images with its 108MP primary snapper. Image quality is top-notch and to make things even better, the S21 is able to capture videos in 8K.
Its 100x zoom Space Zoom feature is ultra impressive and rivals the likes of the Huawei Mate 40 Pro. The camera system of this device is loaded with several features but this smartphone offers more than just a fantastic camera.
Alongside its camera capabilities, the device is powered by the incredibly durable Exynos 2100 chipset, which provides superfast performance and delivers a great overall experience.
The display is impressive too with a resolution of 1080p and 120Hz refresh rate. All things considered, the S21 Ultra is excellent – and it has to be considering its heavy price tag.
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Alternative Pick
iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Screen Size: 6.7 inches
- Processor: A14 Bionic
- Size / weight: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm / 228g
- Battery: 3687 mAh
- Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
- 5G networks supported: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three
Everything we said about the iPhone 12 applies to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, but Apple’s top-end phone has a much bigger and brighter 6.7-inch display and a more premium stainless steel body. More importantly, though it has an all-round superior camera system.
It’s not just that you get an added 12MP 2.5x telephoto lens here. It’s that the main 12MP camera’s image sensor is larger, capturing more light and detail.
A TOF 3D LiDAR scanner also improves low light lock-on, while the unique ProRAW mode packs your shots with even more fine detail. As with the iPhone 12, it’s possible to shoot Night Mode shots across all of the phone’s cameras, even the selfie cam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhones support 5G?
All four iPhone 12 and 13 models support 5G. This includes the recently launched iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 stands out as a great middle ground between the iPhone 13 Pro and the compact iPhone 13 Mini.
It has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, a dual-lens camera, a premium design, and truly top-end power from its A14 Bionic chipset. The iPhone 13 Mini is a very similar phone, but it’s a lot more compact at 5.4 inches, and therefore costs less.
The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are Apple’s phones in two different sizes – the Pro has a 6.1-inch screen, while the Max has a 6.7-inch one.
The iPhone 12 was the first Apple device to feature 5G connectivity. Apple is likely to only release 5G-compatible devices from now on.
Which Samsung phones support 5G?
There are many Samsung 5G phones, including the flagship Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy Note 20 ranges. The futuristic Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 and Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 are also 5G compatible. Key handsets include those in the chart below.
| Model | Release Date | Device Type |
|---|---|---|
|
January 29, 2021 |
High-end |
|
|
January 29, 2021 |
High-end |
|
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January 29, 2021 |
High-end |
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 range all support dual-SIM, as does the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 range, the Galaxy S20 range, the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, Samsung Galaxy A90 5G, Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A42 5G, the iPhone 12 range, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4a 5G, Sony Xperia 1 II, Xperia 5 II, OnePlus 9 range, OnePlus 8T, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 8, OnePlus 7 Pro 5G, OnePlus Nord, OnePlus Nord N10 5G, Motorola Edge 5G, Moto G 5G Plus, ZTE Axon 20 5G, LG V50 ThinQ, Xiaomi Mi 11, Xiaomi Mi 10 range, Oppo Find X3 range, Oppo A54 5G, Oppo A74 5G, Oppo A94 5G, Oppo Reno 4 Z 5G, Oppo Reno 4 Pro 5G, Oppo Find X2, Oppo Find X2 Pro, Oppo Find X2 Lite, Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Huawei P40 Pro range, Huawei Mate 20 X 5G, Realme X50 5G, Realme X50 Pro 5G, Asus ROG Phone 3 and 5, Lenovo Legion Phone Duel and Duel 2, and TCL 10 5G.
Note however that in some cases single-SIM versions may be sold as well, so if this is something you care about, double check the specs of the model you’re buying.
Also note that in the case of the iPhones and Pixels, along with some Oppo and Samsung phones such as the Galaxy S21 range, the second SIM is an eSIM, not a physical one.
What is the cheapest 5G phone?
The very cheapest will fluctuate over time, but the lowest price options available at the time of writing include the Realme 8 5G and Moto G50 at around £200 SIM-free.
Then there’s the Oppo A54 5G, which is around £220, closely followed by the Moto G 5G Plus, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, which start at around £230 SIM-free. The Realme X50 5G is a similar price but isn’t as widely available.
However, other very affordable options include the Nokia X10, OnePlus Nord CE, OnePlus Nord, Samsung Galaxy A42 5G, Oppo A74 5G, and the Huawei P40 Lite 5G, with the Pixel 4a 5G, Nokia X20, Oppo Find X2 Lite, Motorola Edge 5G, TCL 10 5G, and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G being almost as affordable.
Other devices include the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, the OnePlus 8 5G, and the Motorola One 5G Ace.
Are any dual-SIM 5G phones available?
A wide range of dual-SIM 5G phones are available to buy, including the :
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. (view Apple phones)
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini (view Apple phones)
- Samsung Galaxy Flip 3, Samsung Galaxy Fold 3, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy A90 5G, Galaxy A52 5G, Galaxy A42 5G, Galaxy A32 5G (view Samsung phones)
- OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus Nord, OnePlus Nord CE 5G (view OnePlus phones)
- Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4a 5G (view Google phones)
- Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei P40 Lite (view Huawei phones)
- Motorola Edge 5G, Moto G50, Moto G 5G Plus, Motorola Razr 5G (view Motorola phones)
- Nokia X20, Nokia X10, Nokia 8.3 5G (view Nokia phones)
- Sony Xperia 1 II, Xperia 5 II, Xperia 10 III, TCL 10 5G (view Sony phones)
- Oppo Find X3 Neo, Find X3 Pro, Find X3 Lite, Find X2, Find X2 Pro, Find X2 Lite, Oppo Reno 5G, Reno 4 5G, Reno 4 Pro 5G, Reno 4 Z 5G, Oppo A74 5G, Oppo A54 5G (view Oppo phones)
- Xiaomi Mi 11, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G (view Xiaomi phones)
Note: However that in some cases single-SIM versions may be sold as well, so if this is something you care about, double check the specs of the model you’re buying.
Also note that in the case of the iPhones and Pixels, along with some Oppo and Samsung phones such as the Galaxy S21 range, the second SIM is an eSIM, not a physical one.