The best 5G phones for 2021
These are the best 5G phones you can buy right now in 2021, according to MindShift786 editors.
While 5G's super-fast data speeds once seemed like a distant dream, 5G is now common, with all major phones released last year, including Samsung's iPhone 12 series and Galaxy S21 fully enabled to take advantage of them. speeds. Better yet, we are now seeing that the service is available on much more affordable phones, which means that not only the wealthy can take advantage of 5G speeds.
Although it will not replace 4G in its entirety, 5G is the next generation of mobile connectivity. 5G works fast and many industries will benefit from the new network, including drones, autonomous cars, and the Internet of Things. Its growth in the US, UK and the world in general has been rapid, but it is not everywhere yet, so make sure it is available, or at least soon, in your area before spending money on a 5G-enabled phone.
However, remember that a 5G phone will continue to work normally on a 4G network (albeit at lower speeds), so don't be afraid to buy a 5G phone like the S21 Ultra even if you are not in a 5G zone. In fact, it is good practice to prepare for the future; You may not be in a 5G zone at the moment, but it is possible that 5G will arrive in your area in the three years or so that you have your phone, so at least you'll be ready to take advantage of it when it arrives. .
But now that almost every major phone manufacturer offers 5G phones, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for you. We did some of the hard work and put together our list of our best 5G-enabled phones you can buy right now.
Apple iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro y 12 Pro Max
In October, Apple introduced four iPhones, all of which are 5G phones. At the helm of the line is the iPhone 12, which starts at $ 829 (£ 799, AU $ 1,349) and features the A14 Bionic processor and dual rear cameras. If you're looking for something smaller and cheaper, the iPhone 12 Mini is your best bet for a 5G-capable phone. And if you want something more premium, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are packed with more features.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best phone Samsung makes right now, with everything you'd expect from an elite flagship phone. It has a large, vibrant screen and an incredible rear camera setup (including a zoom lens unlike anything we've seen) and it's absolutely packed with power. This phone is not cheap, but it is the ideal phone if you are looking for the best of the best in an Android phone.
Google Pixel 4A 5G and Pixel 5
Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G are 5G phones from Google that have long-lasting batteries, great cameras with fantastic low-light capabilities, and Google software support. As the more expensive of the two 5G phones, the Pixel 5 smartphone costs $ 699 (£ 599, AU $ 999) and has a 90Hz display, wireless charging or reverse wireless charging.
Motorola Edge Plus
Despite its high price tag and being exclusive to Verizon in the US, Edge Plus is still a premium 5G smartphone worth considering. It features a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a giant battery, an OLED screen with a high refresh rate, and several rear cameras with heavy-duty specs. As CNET's Patrick Holland stated, it is "one of the most wonderful Android phones I've tried in a long time."
OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro
The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro impressed with their excellent performance, stylish designs, and generally decent cameras. While both are 5G-enabled, it was the entry-level OnePlus 9 that particularly surprised us, with its much better battery life and more affordable price. It's the go-to phone if you want a flagship experience but don't want to empty your bank account to get it.
Samsung Galaxy S21
There's a lot to like about the Galaxy S21, but the best thing about it has got to be the price. Samsung's next-gen flagship lineup starts at $800, and you can find it on Amazon right now for an extra $100 off. Samsung made some trade-offs to get to that price: The phone has 4GB of RAM less than its predecessor, the wall charger and headphones don't come in the box and it doesn't have a microSD card slot for expanded storage. But even with those sacrifices, you're getting a lot for your money, including a striking design, the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip and 5G connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
A combination of 5G connectivity, solid specs, and an enticing price tag earned the Galaxy S20 FE a CNET Editors' Choice Award for 2020. Plus, it has a large screen, a blazing-fast Snapdragon 865 processor, and a powerful triple camera.
LG Velvet 5G
The LG Velvet is a slick, mid-range 5G smartphone, available in the US from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The device costs between $ 588 and $ 700, depending on the operator: Verizon's more expensive model can access a faster version of 5G. The Velvet has a high-end look, a headphone jack, and a sizable 6.8-inch screen.
OnePlus Nord and Nord N10 5G
As part of the OnePlus family of mid-range phones, the Nord N10 5G (pictured here) features a 90Hz display, a headphone jack, and a generous 6.49-inch display. The new phone will be available in Europe first and then North America at a later date. It follows the company's first Nord phone, which also has 5G and is only available in the UK.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Just before unveiling the Note 20, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, a 5G variant of the Galaxy Z Flip that went on sale earlier this year in February. The foldable flip phone costs $ 1,450, though it's currently on sale for $ 950, and is sold through Samsung, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Motorola One 5G
The $ 445 One 5G is one of the best and most affordable 5G phones available. This budget phone has a total of six, yes six, cameras, a 90Hz high refresh rate display, and fast charging technology. It is now available in the US on the AT&T and Verizon wireless networks.
LG V60 ThinQ 5G
Aside from its headphone jack (a rarity among top-tier phones these days), the LG V60 is unique in that it works with a case accessory that effectively doubles the size of its screen. Known as a dual screen, it allows the V60 to open like a book, so you can display two apps on both screens or view content as a single tablet (albeit with a large hinge in the middle).
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
The $ 600 Galaxy A71 5G features a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, four rear cameras, and a robust 4,500 mAh battery. In the US, you can get it from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Samsung.
Motorola Razr 5G (2020)
In late 2019 and early 2020, Motorola announced two flexible Razr phones months apart. The 2020 version is the better of the two. Available for $ 1,400 (£ 1,399, which is roughly AU $ 2,470), this model has 5G support, a 48-megapixel camera, more memory, and a faster Snapdragon 765G processor.
Sony Xperia 5 II
The $ 950 (£ 799 or around AU $ 1,350) Xperia 5 II is an expensive but beautiful phone for users who like to play games, take photos and record videos. Its 120Hz screen is silky smooth and its near mirrorless camera can shoot 4K video at 120fps. And although it can connect to 5G, the American model of the phone cannot.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G
Released in 2019, the pricey Galaxy Note 10 Plus is the predecessor to the Note 20 Ultra and has a 6.8-inch screen, an all-day battery, and great camera tools. Its 5G variant, the Note 10 Plus 5G, was one of the most popular 5G phones when it first launched. It's still available on Verizon for $ 1,300.
