The best 5G phones: Expert tested
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We've seen many critically acclaimed smartphone launches over the past year. We got smaller flagship phones with no-compromise optics like the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, while foldables saw more variety, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Motorola stepping up to offer a better value-for-money Razr. It's been a year of improved flagships with great optics, a few incremental upgrades, and better battery life with 5G connectivity. But you don't need to spend upwards of $1,000 to get a good 5G phone.
The best 5G phones range from $300 to $1,800, and include several form factors. From small-screen Pro phones to big-screen foldables, there's plenty to choose from, and we're here to help. ZDNET tested and reviewed a plethora of 5G phones to help you choose the best device for your needs.
Also: The best Android phones: I love the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
What is the best 5G phone right now?
We've tested dozens of devices, and our pick for the best 5G phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The smartphone features a sharp display with a never-seen-before less reflective coating that takes the cake for me. All flagship phones have versatile cameras and big and sharp displays, but features like these separate this Samsung phone from the rest. The new iPhone 16 Pro is a close second, with its upgraded camera setup and improved display.
However, our pick for the best 5G phone wouldn't be the best for everyone. It depends on what you want from the phone and how much you are willing to invest in it. For instance, some might need the best cameras, while others would like to have the iPhone 16 Plus for its battery life. We've picked the best 5G phones for every need.
The best 5G phones in 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out for its extras, like the less reflective coating on the screen and the inbuilt S Pen. The former improved my reading experience immensely, while the latter makes it one of the best slab phones for productivity. I've found myself using the S Pen more for clicking selfies than anything else -- it's a handy tool for when you're traveling alone and want to click photos of yourself in extravagant locations.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn't skimp on performance either. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still fast as ever and OneUI is my favorite Android user interface for its looks and responsiveness. Samsung promises to offer seven years of Android upgrades, so it'll last you long. It's a big phone, but the rounded edges design makes it comfortable to use.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra still sports one of the most versatile cameras on a smartphone, but the 3x telephoto sensor is aging. Plus, the low-light camera performance is average at best. That being said, the cameras will serve you well on most occasions. I've loved kicking architecture and portrait photos with my Galaxy S24 Ultra. You can now find it discounted and below its launch price, which makes the deal sweeter.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh
The iPhone 16 Pro might not look incredibly different, but it's one of the biggest Pro iPhone upgrades in years. It features the same camera setup as the iPhone 16 Pro Max -- a welcome change in optics from the previous two years. Apple also increased the screen size to 6.3 inches, which makes it one of the best compact phones to daily drive.
The display is plenty bright and goes down to 1nits, which helps with reading at night. The new iPhone is powered by Apple's A18 Pro chipset, making it the most reliable phone on the market. From daily tasks to editing reels, the iPhone 16 Pro is an excellent choice for most people, including creators. Social apps like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) work better on the iPhone 16 Pro than other phones.
Also: Why the iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's biggest Pro upgrade in years
In my experience, the new iPhone also features a better battery life. I'm now confident carrying my phone without a power bank, which wasn't the case last year. While Apple Intelligence is still rolling out, Notification Summary is the most reliable AI feature I've experienced. It's still inaccurate at times but I've found myself liking the summaries of long or multiple messages from messaging apps.
The iPhone 16 Pro is an easier recommendation this year because of two reasons. One, it packs the same set of features as the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max. Two, the 6.3-inch screen is more handy and comfortable to use than the 6.9-inch on the bigger Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro tech specs: Processor: A18 Pro | Display size: 6.3 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (5x) | Front camera: 12MP
2024 saw more competition in the foldable segment with Google launching its revamped Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open holding strong. While many might prefer the build and wider screen of those foldable, I like the polish that comes with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 -- both in software and hardware.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an incremental upgrade, but I keep coming back to it because of the most complete experience on a folding phone. It packs a fullscreen display with an under-display camera, which makes reading more immersive, and you get S Pen support for jotting down notes. The hinge is the most solid on any foldable, while the display retains the sharpness that you'd expect from a Samsung phone.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The OnePlus Open remains a more value-for-money foldable phone but the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is my pick because it features the latest features with promised support of seven years of Android updates. You can expect it to last you longer than other foldables on the market right now.
The cameras are versatile but weaker than Samsung's flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra, and not very good in low light. It can still surprise you here and there but the optics could've used an upgrade. It'll last you a full day on moderate use. But at $1599 on Samsung right now, it's an excellent deal.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display sizes: 6.2-inch exterior and 7.6-inch interior | RAM/Storage: 12GB with up to 1TB | Camera: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, and 10MP front | Battery: 4,400mAh
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 might appeal to many, but the Motorola Razr Plus is our choice for the best flip-style folding phone. It offers a bigger and better cover screen and a more improved camera setup than its Samsung counterpart. The cheaper Razr is also great value for money.
Motorola one-upped Samsung with the cover screen software. The 3.6-inch screen supports virtually any app, meaning you can browse the web, play games, scroll TikTok, and perform other mobile tasks without ever needing to flip open the device.
Review: Motorola Razr Plus (2024)
While the processor isn't exactly flagship, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is capable and offers smooth performance. It's optimized for AI workloads and the 12GB of RAM with a larger 4,000mAh battery make for good upgrades. The cameras are surprisingly improved, too. You can expect to get good-looking shots on the Razzr Plus.
Motorola Razr Plus (2024) tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Display sizes: 4-inch exterior and 6.9-inch interior | RAM/Storage: 8GB/12GB with 256GB | Camera: 50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, and 32MP front | Battery: 4,000mAh
The iPhone 16 Plus offers the best battery life on a smartphone under $1,000. It'll last you an entire day on heavy use. Apple has also bundled this year's base iPhone with Pro features like Action Button, Camera Control, Audio Mix and more (but no ProMotion, unfortunately).
If you have experienced the 120Hz refresh rate on a smartphone, you might be better off buying the iPhone 16 Pro or an Android phone. But if you are upgrading from a base iPhone, you're in for a treat.
Review: iPhone 16: Why I recommend this model over the Pro this year
The iPhone 16 Plus packs a big and bright display that, like the iPhone 16 Pro can go down to 1nits brightness for a better experience in low light environment. You get two cameras - one 48MP Fusion camera like the Pro iPhones with better HDR performance and a 12MP ultrawide angle camera with macro support. You also get creator-centric software features like Photographic Styles and Audio Mix.
The iPhone 16 Plus features a matte finish on the back that's soft to touch and doesn't weigh a lot. It's one of the most comfortable to use big-screen phones you can buy right now. I recommend it for the battery life and reliable optics with great performance.
iPhone 16 Plus specs: Processor: Apple A18 Bionic | Display size: 6.7 inches with 60Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide | Front camera: 12MP | Colors: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black |
The Google Pixel 8a faces tough competition from the OnePlus 12R but I chose it over the competition for its long software support. Otherwise, the OnePlus 12R features better battery life with faster charging and an excellent display for the price. But it doesn't match the software support of the Google phone.
The Google Pixel 8a is a toned-down version of last year's flagship but offers a good set of features. It has an updated design and borrows the Tensor G3 chipset from the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro. So you get a bunch of smart AI features throughout the user interface and camera. You can expect a $1,000 phone experience for half the price.
Review: Google Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8a features a 120Hz refresh rate display with a sharp resolution. But I'd like it to be brighter in direct sunlight. The day-to-day experience is smooth but if you want to edit reels on it, it'll take time to process. The Google smartphone also carries over the Titan M2 chip and a built-in VPN for added security while using public Wi-Fi networks to protect your personal data from unauthorized access.
The optics are handled by a 64MP main rear camera alongside a 12MP ultrawide angle sensor and a 13MP selfie shooter. These offer good camera processing, skin tones, and lovely lowlight results.
Google Pixel 8a tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display size: 6.1 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Front camera: 13MP | Battery: 4,492mAh
What is 5G, and do I need it in 2024?
5G is the fifth-generation mobile network after 4G. Almost all 2024 smartphones support 5G, and for good reasons. The network delivers higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds with ultralow latency and more reliability than 4G. It has massive network capacity and increased availability.
According to Qualcomm, 5G is set to impact "every industry, making safer transportation, remote healthcare, precision agriculture, digitized logistics -- and more -- a reality." You need 5G on your phone for a more uniform user experience with faster speeds.
Best 5G phones compared
There are a plethora of 5G phones in the market but these are some of the best that you can buy right now. The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains are top pick even at the end of the year, while the iPhone 16 Plus is a surprisingly good value. Here's how all of these phones compare.
| Best 5G phone | Price | Storage | Screen size | Battery size | Processor |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | $1,299 | Up to 1TB | 6.8 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro | $999 | Up to 1TB | 6.3 inches | n/a | A18 Pro |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,450 | Up to 1TB | 6.2 inches and 7.6 inches | 4,400mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Motorola Razr Plus (2024) | $999 | 256GB | 4.0 inches and 6.9 inches | 4,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus | $899 | Up to 512GB | 6.7 inches | n/a | A18 Bionic |
| Google Pixel 8a | $399 | Up to 256GB | 6.1 inches | 4,492mAh | Google Tensor G3 |
Which cheap 5G phone is right for you?
You need to consider whether you're brand loyal, whether you're an Apple or Android user, and whether you care more about price or premium features. You will also have to consider how you'll primarily be using the phone. For instance, if you aim to click photos, or if battery life is of the utmost priority to you. Or, you could want a 5G phone on a budget.
Once you address those needs, you can refer to the chart below to quickly find the right 5G phone for you.
| Choose this 5G phone... | If you want... |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | A flagship full of extras. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is for those who want their phone to be packed with features to the brim. You get an excellent display, great performance, versatile set of cameras and S Pen. |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro | A creator-centric phone. The iPhone 16 Pro is the best phone for creators because it has no competition when it comes to filming, editing and processing with a smooth workflow. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | A productivity-focused 5G phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 might not be the best foldable of the year for many but at the current price on Amazon, it is a no brainer. |
| Motorola Razr Plus (2024) | The most compact 5G phone. Get the Razr Plus if you want a flip phone without compromising on the cameras. |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Long battery life under $1,000. The iPhone 16 Plus will last you a day on heavy use and extend to almost two days on moderate use. |
| Google Pixel 8a | Best budget 5G phone. The Pixel 8a should be your pick if you want an affordable 5G phone. |
Factors to consider when buying a 5G phone
When shopping for a new, or at least new-to-you, 5G phone, there are a few factors to keep in mind so you don't end up with a dud of a smartphone:
- Display: Consider factors like reflectivity and smudges. A phone with 2000 nits of brightness wouldn't be of much use if it attracts smudges easily. You'd also want to have a sharp and vibrant screen with a high refresh rate for gaming.
- Performance: For many, smartphones are the center of our lives, which means the best ones are performant and can handle most, if not all, tasks you throw at them.
- Camera: One of the most important features on smartphones in recent times; the consistency and reliability of a camera system can make or break the overall mobile experience. We test every device in broad daylight and in the darkest of nights when finalizing this list.
- Battery: Every option in this guide should last you at least a day of moderate use. We also consider what devices support fast charging and/or wireless charging.
- Value: Price points are noted, but the most important thing with buying a phone is getting your money's worth. With these picks, you can rest assured that you're getting the best bang for your buck.
How we test 5G phones
At ZDNET, we undertake an extensive phone testing process for every device. While testing and researching each 5G phone featured on this list, I kept these criteria in mind:
- User experience: I rate user experience and reliability in high regard. Because what's a device if on-paper specifications don't translate to real-life advantages? I've used every phone on the list and written from my experience.
- Display: I used these phones to surf the web, read on Kindle, Chrome and other apps, and scroll through social media. These were also used for watching movies and TV shows on streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Performance: Several factors affect a phone's performance, including user interface, LTE/5G signal, battery life, and more. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.
- Camera quality: ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.
- Battery life and charging: It's also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).
- Special features: These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.
- Pricing and availability: Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.
FAQs about 5G phones
Are all smartphones 5G compatible?
No, not all smartphones are 5G compatible. It depends on the chipset they're using. However, almost all phones on sale in 2024 are 5G compatible. Annoyingly, most of these smartphones come with a "5G" moniker at the end of their names, which is a sure shot way of knowing that they are 5G compatible.
4G, 5G, and LTE compared: Major differences explained
3G was succeeded by LTE, which stands for "Long Term Evolution" (towards the 4G standard). The term is used interchangeably with 4G but they are not the same. LTE lies between 3G and 4G and filled the enormous gap in performance when the latter was rolling out to the masses. LTE was rated to offer up to 100Mbps speeds, while 4G could go up to 1 Gbps but remained mostly around 200Mbps, depending on the network.
Unlike, previous generations, there are three kinds of 5G network, low-band 5G, mid-band 5G, and high-band 5G, all with different speeds and latency rates. The high-band can go up to 20Gbps speed. The new network heavily depends upon reducing latency to get high-speed internet.
Why does my phone keep switching from 5G to 4G?
If you've noticed your smartphone switching between 5G and 4G throughout the day or as you travel, there's no need to panic. Since 5G cellular networks are still relatively new, they aren't as widespread as you may think they are thanks to clever advertising from mobile carriers. That means that depending on your location, your phone may not have access to a reliable 5G network, but a 4G connection will be available to keep you connected.
Should I buy a refurbished 5G phone to save money?
Buying a secondhand 5G phone can be a great way to save money on a new-to-you device, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy:
Buying used means that products may not be under warranty anymore, or have very limited warranties that only cover certain things like theft and loss. This also means that you may want to spring for any extra device insurance or warranties that retailers offer on pre-owned devices, just in case you end up with hardware issues or a dud phone.
Buying a refurbished phone also means that you have to pay attention to the condition of the 5G phone you're looking to buy secondhand. Many retailers that offer secondhand devices will often list their condition as: open-box, like- new, good, fair, and poor. Open-box usually means that an item was returned to the store by a previous customer for one reason or another. Open-box items usually will still have everything included with them like charging cables and documentation.
Other condition tags are used for items that have been traded in as part of a purchase of a new device. These range from lightly used for a few months to something that looks like went through a tornado. It's important to keep an eye on what condition the used 5G phone you want to buy is in so you don't end up with something meant to be stripped for parts.
Can I recycle my old smartphone?
If you don't trade in your previous smartphone when you purchase a new one, recycling your electronics is a great option to help reduce e-waste in landfills as well as clutter in your own home.
You can read our helpful guide on what to do with your old smartphone to find out more about how to prep your smartphone for sale, trade-in, or recycling.
Other 5G phones we've tested
There are a few really good 5G smartphones that didn't make it to the list due to either lesser software support or the overall value factor didn't match our pick. But you can also consider these 5G phones: