5G is now pretty much commonplace in most parts of the world, and this means that all the recently launched phones support this high-speed network.
If you want to make the most of your phone plan and network, there’s no better way than investing in one of the devices below. In addition to 5G compatibility, every phone on this list comes packed with great performance, battery life, and the Android Central seal of approval.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro earned the top spot for its expert blend of 5G support and some of the most advanced hardware on the market, but it’s far from the only option worth considering. No matter which phone you choose, you can rest assured you’ll be enjoying excellent 5G coverage wherever you go.
At a glance
Best overall
Complete with a sleek design, the powerful Google Tensor G3 processor, and some of the best cameras in the biz, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is still one of the best phones in 2024.
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2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best premium pick
If you can afford it, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the most powerful phones on the market, complete with a new Snapdragon processor and great AI-powered features.
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Best value
The OnePlus 12R has an incredibly accessible price tag, flasghip specs, and the fastest-ever charging in this segment. It truly earns its “flagship killer” nickname.
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Best mid-range option
The Pixel 7a has a stunning design, excellent haptics, and some flagship-level camera tech. It feels and runs like a phone twice its price, truly defining what a phone under $500 can look like.
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5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Best foldable
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a fast and vibrant 120Hz refresh rate AMOLED display. Despite its folding design, it crams in an IPX8 rating so you can use it even in the rain.
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Best on a budget
The Nothing Phone 2a features an eye-catching transparent back design and glyph lights. For the price, it offers very good specs that checks most of the boxes.
Read more below.
Best overall
We called the Google Pixel 8 Pro the best Android phone that money can buy in 2023, and it’s not hard to see why. For several years now, Google has produced flagship phones that expertly balance premium specs and cutting-edge features with good old-fashioned bang for the buck, and the Pixel 8 Pro is no exception.
The phone ships with Google’s very own Tensor G3 chipset, an ultra-efficient processor that handily powers the phone’s AI-powered camera features, and supports both sub-6 and mmWave. This phone also works with Wi-Fi 6E so it can make the most of modern 6GHz-enabled routers. If you’re looking for a phone that will work great on just about any carrier’s 5G network, the Pixel 8 Pro is a great place to start.
It’s also worth noting that the aforementioned camera software found on the Pixel 8 Pro is just about the best we’ve ever used, with features like Photo Unblur and four modes of video stabilization along with new features like Best Take, Magic Editor, and even Audio Magic Eraser for videos. As we note in our Pixel 8 Pro review, the phone also boasts a stunning 1-120Hz AMOLED display, excellent battery life with wireless charging capabilities, and the bloat-free power of Android 14.
Best premium pick
If you’re someone who likes to play everything from Fortnite to Genshin Impact on their phone without compromising on framerates or quality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is exactly what you’re looking for. It can keep games locked at 60 FPS and running buttery smooth all without making you feel like you’re holding a hot brick.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pairs the super-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, with a large 5,000mAh battery to deliver outstanding performance, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or surfing the web. You still get the vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED display with an integrated stylus, plus the robust camera system with a 200MP resolution main camera.
As we noted in our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review, the phone is also set to receive updates for the next seven years, which is probably longer than you’d typically be using it for. Usually retailing for well over a $1,000, the S24 Ultra is far from cheap, but if you want the most powerful 5G phone that money can buy in 2024, this is it.
Best value
With a starting price of just under $500, the OnePlus 12R gets you a flagship processor, premium design and build quality, a brilliant AMOLED display, and the quickest charging ever in this segment.
The 12R is the first in OnePlus’ R series of phones to finally get a US launch. These phones are typically known for their aggressive specs and low price. We’re talking Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, and 100W wired charging. If that’s not enough to get you excited, the 12R follows the same design as the flagship 12.
In our review, we simply loved how the 12R felt every bit as powerful as the OnePlus 12. The main camera really stood out, delivering flagship-grade performance in daylight and low light. The software is slick and fluid, and the 12R is slated to get three Android OS upgrades. Overall, there’s very little to be disappointed about, especially when you consider how much you’re paying.
Best mid-range option
The Pixel 7a offers some truly outstanding bang for the buck, thanks to specs like the Google Tensor G2 chipset (the same processor found in the more-expensive Pixel 7 Pro), superb haptics, and camera tech that rivals much more expensive Android phones. In fact, we found that the Pixel 7a performed just as well as the base model Pixel 7 in our review.
You also get Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) with all of the usual Pixel-exclusive features straight out of the box, plus five years of Pixel updates guaranteed. The phone also offers an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and it looks slim and stylish, and sports a punchy 6.1-inch AMOLED display with support for HDR playback.
The 7a is available in Charcoal, Snow, and Sea Coral colors, which looks stylish and cool. The 4,385mAh built-in battery offers decent battery life, and you even get wireless charging support up to 7.5W. The cameras are probably the main reason to get this though, as this phone captures truly stunning images and videos.
Best foldable
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is not as intimidating as the more expensive Galaxy Z Fold, which makes it a good balance for someone looking to enter the world of foldables. The Motorola Razr Plus is perhaps this phone’s biggest rival, but between the two, we’d advise picking the Galaxy for its more robust software update history, and better performance.
Part of the phone’s novelty also lies in its cover screen. The larger and more functional display lets you view notifications without having to open your phone, and reply to messages. You also get customizable widgets for the usual standards such as weather and alarms. The Z Flip 5 is incredibly pocketable when closed, making it very easy to carry in your pocket or a little handbag. One of the main praises in our review was its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, which offered good levels of brightness and gorgeous color vibrancy.
The Z Flip 5 is also aesthetically pleasing as it comes in flashy Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender colors, and Samsung has some funky first-party accessories for it too. Overall, this foldable offers a lot of functional value and is available with all the main 5G carriers in the US.
Best on a budget
The Phone 2a is Nothing’s first-ever budget smartphone, and it carries the same quirky DNA as its pricier siblings. It features a transparent back panel, has meticulous attention to detail, and the Glyph lights on the back are some of the unique features.
The Phone 2a has a large 5,000mAh battery with relatively quick charging. The camera specs on paper are also quite good, and from what we’ve tested so far, they perform very well compared to the other phones of its class. The only catch with the Phone 2a is that you can’t buy it outright in the US. However, you can try your luck getting it via Nothing’s developer program from its website for $349.
In our brief time using the phone, we’re already mighty impressed at what the company has pulled off here. You get fewer LEDs around the camera module for the Glyph lights, but the functionality is still solid. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is pretty to look at, and colors and brightness levels are satisfactory. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC, which is more than adequate for casual use. Overall, you get all the main quality-of-life features, reliable performance, and good 5G connectivity at a fantastic price.
The best 5G phones aren’t just for enthusiasts anymore
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5G coverage is widespread in the US, and you’ll find good network coverage from all the major carriers. In order to take full advantage of this, all of them have phased out 4G phones with all 5G models, across the price range. Whether you’re getting your next phone through your carrier or simply buying it unlocked, it’s important to have a good 5G smartphone to benefit from fast data connectivity.
The Pixel 8 Pro is an excellent all-round option as it balances price and features beautifully. You’ll also be getting Android updates straight from Google, so your device will be the first to get new features and patches. On a similar note, we’ve chosen the Pixel 7a as our best mid-range offering, as it has flagship-level features, the same priority attention from Google for updates, brilliant cameras, and is one of the best cheap phones you’ll find.
If you want the best network speeds and you can afford the $1,000+ price tag, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a clear winner, thanks to its impressive hardware design and support for 5G on every carrier. Samsung’s commitment to software updates also helps buyers feel confident that they’ll be able to use this phone for years to come. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is our pick for the best 5G folding phone. It’s easier to live with as it’s more compact than the Z Fold 5, and cheaper as well.
If you don’t mind shopping outside your carrier’s portfolio for the best unlocked phone, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent value proposition. You get exceptional performance, a superb main camera, a premium design, and 100W wired charging which is hard to beat at its price. Another great budget option that you should get (if you can) is the Nothing Phone 2a. It punches well above its weight, has all the current features that you’d need, and flaunts a design that’s from the future.
