5G Smartphones Worth Buying in Every Price Range
The Apple iPhone 16 is the best 5G smartphone overall, pairing fast 5G connectivity with Apple’s latest chip and camera system. Android shoppers get similar flagship performance from the Samsung Galaxy S24, while budget buyers get reliable 5G and strong battery life from the Motorola Moto G Power 5G.
The Apple iPhone 16 leads this roundup of 5G smartphones, combining sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G support with a camera system and chip that outperform most competitors at launch. Its main limitation for some shoppers is price, which sits well above midrange 5G phones that still connect to the same networks.
5G speed itself varies less between phones than battery life, camera quality and software support do, so we compared chipset generation, camera hardware, charging speed and update commitment across current unlocked listings rather than ranking by 5G band count alone.
The top picks, ranked
Apple iPhone 16
This flagship phone pairs Apple’s latest chip with an upgraded camera system and support for both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks. The Camera Control button adds a dedicated shortcut for quick photo and video capture. Apple commits to several years of software updates, among the longest in the industry.
Pros
- Strong camera performance across lighting conditions
- Long software update commitment
- Camera Control button speeds up capture
Cons
- Priced above most Android flagship competitors
- No expandable storage option
Samsung Galaxy S24
This Android flagship runs Samsung’s latest Snapdragon or Exynos chip depending on region, paired with a triple rear camera system including a telephoto lens. Galaxy AI features add on-device translation and photo editing tools. The display uses adaptive refresh rate to balance smoothness and battery life.
Pros
- Telephoto lens included at this price tier
- Galaxy AI tools add practical editing features
- Adaptive display refresh rate balances battery use
Cons
- Chip varies by region, which can confuse comparison shopping
- Charging speed trails some competing flagships
Google Pixel 9
This phone pairs Google’s Tensor chip with computational photography features like Magic Editor and Best Take, which Google tunes specifically for Pixel hardware. The camera system emphasizes software processing alongside its sensor hardware for low light performance. Pixel phones typically receive Android updates before most other brands.
Pros
- Receives Android updates ahead of most competitors
- Computational photography features are genuinely useful
- Clean software with minimal duplicate apps
Cons
- Fewer camera lenses than Samsung’s flagship tier
- Battery life trails some Android competitors under heavy use
OnePlus 12
This phone targets performance and charging speed, using a flagship Snapdragon chip alongside OnePlus’s SuperVOOC fast charging, which reaches a substantial charge in well under 30 minutes. A large battery supports extended gaming sessions without a midday top-up. The display supports a high refresh rate tuned for smooth scrolling and gaming.
Pros
- Fast charging recovers significant battery in minutes
- High refresh display suits gaming and smooth scrolling
- Large battery supports extended use
Cons
- Camera software trails Samsung and Google in low light
- Software update timeline shorter than Apple or Pixel
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
This midrange phone brings a metal frame and an IP67 water resistance rating down to a more accessible price point than Samsung’s flagship line. A 50 megapixel main camera handles typical daily photography well, though it lacks a telephoto lens. The display uses a Super AMOLED panel with reliable outdoor visibility.
Pros
- Metal frame and water resistance at a midrange price
- Super AMOLED display stays visible outdoors
- Capable main camera for everyday photos
Cons
- No telephoto lens for zoomed shots
- Slower chip than flagship competitors for gaming
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024)
This budget phone includes 5G connectivity and a large battery rated for multi-day use under light to moderate daily usage. A plastic build keeps the price down without feeling flimsy in hand. The display runs at a smooth refresh rate uncommon at this price tier.
Pros
- Large battery supports multi-day use for light users
- 5G connectivity at a budget price point
- Smooth display refresh rate for the price
Cons
- Camera quality trails midrange and flagship competitors
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-framed phones
Nokia G400 5G
This budget phone pairs 5G connectivity with a battery rated for roughly three days under light use, a standout figure at this price point. A dedicated Android Enterprise recommendation suits business buyers needing reliable security updates. The display runs at a 120Hz refresh rate, uncommon among budget competitors.
Pros
- Standout battery life for a budget 5G phone
- 120Hz display refresh rate at this price tier
- Android Enterprise recommended for business use
Cons
- Camera system is basic compared to midrange competitors
- Software updates arrive slower than Samsung or Pixel
How they stack up
| # | Model | 5G support | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iPhone 16 | Sub-6GHz and mmWave | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Sub-6GHz and mmWave | Best Android flagship | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Google Pixel 9 | Sub-6GHz and mmWave | Best for camera and AI features | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | OnePlus 12 | Sub-6GHz and mmWave | Best for fast charging and performance | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy A55 5G | Sub-6GHz | Best midrange value | 8.8 | Check price |
| 6 | Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) | Sub-6GHz | Best budget | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Nokia G400 5G | Sub-6GHz | Best for battery life | 8.4 | Check price |
What to look for
What 5G actually changes day to day 5G mainly improves peak download speed and network responsiveness in crowded areas, like stadiums or city centers, more than everyday browsing speed at home. Most carriers’ sub-6GHz 5G feels similar to strong 4G LTE in typical use, while faster mmWave 5G is limited to select city blocks and stadiums rather than nationwide coverage.
Flagship versus midrange chipsets Flagship phones use the newest chip generation, which handles gaming, photo processing and multitasking noticeably faster than midrange silicon. Midrange chipsets still run everyday apps, social media and video streaming smoothly, so the gap matters most to gamers and heavy multitaskers rather than casual users.
Camera systems across price tiers Flagship phones add larger sensors, dedicated telephoto lenses and more advanced computational photography than midrange or budget models. Budget 5G phones typically include a capable main camera but drop the telephoto lens entirely, relying on digital zoom that loses detail at higher magnification.
Battery life and charging speed Battery capacity alone does not determine real-world battery life, since chip efficiency and screen technology both affect how long a charge lasts. Fast charging speeds vary widely by brand, with some flagship phones reaching a significant charge in well under an hour, while budget phones often ship with a basic charger that takes considerably longer.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 5G phones work on every carrier?
Not automatically. Check that the specific unlocked model supports the exact 5G bands your carrier uses, since band support varies by phone and by region even among 5G capable devices.
Is 5G actually faster than 4G LTE in daily use?
In crowded areas, yes, noticeably. In typical home or office use, sub-6GHz 5G often feels similar to a strong 4G LTE connection, since both are limited by the same network congestion factors.
How long do flagship 5G phones get software updates?
Leading flagship brands now commonly promise multiple years of both operating system and security updates, though exact terms vary by brand and model year, so check the specific commitment for your phone.
Do budget 5G phones have good cameras?
Main cameras on budget 5G phones have improved significantly, but most skip a telephoto lens and rely on software processing more heavily than flagship cameras do in low light.
What is mmWave 5G and do I need it?
mmWave is the fastest form of 5G but only reaches short distances, typically specific city blocks or stadiums. Most nationwide 5G use relies on the more common sub-6GHz bands instead.
Is fast charging bad for phone battery health?
Modern phones manage charging current carefully to limit heat and long-term battery wear, so occasional fast charging is not a significant concern for most users under normal conditions.
Can I use an unlocked 5G phone on any network?
Unlocked phones work across carriers that support compatible network bands and technology, but confirm specific band compatibility with your carrier before buying, especially for less common regional carriers.
Do midrange 5G phones support wireless charging?
Some do, but it is not universal at this price tier. Check the specific model’s spec sheet, since wireless charging is more consistently included on flagship phones.
How much RAM does a 5G phone need?
8GB handles most everyday multitasking comfortably, while heavy gamers or power users may prefer 12GB or more for smoother performance with multiple demanding apps open.
Our pick
The Apple iPhone 16 is the strongest overall 5G smartphone thanks to its camera system, chip performance and long software support window. Android shoppers who want comparable flagship power should choose the Samsung Galaxy S24, while budget-conscious buyers get the best value from the Motorola Moto G Power 5G.
Marcus Chen
Marcus covered consumer electronics for enthusiast tech publications for six years before joining ChoiceCrest. He specializes in translating manufacturer spec sheets into plain-language buying advice, with a focus on audio, computing accessories and smart-home gear.
