5G is currently one of the most exciting innovations in technology. After all, as the next generation of mobile connectivity, it provides extra bandwidth and lightning-fast speeds. What’s more, it also has improved reliability and connection stability compared to 4G. Users can stream movies, game online, and download large files faster than ever before.
Experts predict that 5G will reach 3.6 billion connections by 2025. It’s also now becoming more accessible to a wider consumer base as more 5G smartphones are being rolled out. Rest assured, however, that this new feature doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to break the bank to get it.
If you’re on the lookout for a 5G-compatible smartphone, here are some exciting models for every budget.
iPhone 12 Pro Max ($1,099)
For Apple fans, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the best 5G phone. It covers all 5G bands, which makes for great future-proofing and is ideal for traveling abroad. It also contains the 5nm A14 Bionic CPU, giving it its superior performance. Plus, the phone has an immersive OLED screen with the HDR10 Super Retina HDR Panel that has 1,200 nits peak brightness. Meanwhile, the camera is Apple’s most powerful and can function well even in low-light situations. If you’re worried about battery life, you’d be happy to know it can last up to 11 hours even while using 5G.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra ($969.95)
Of course, Apple competitor Samsung has their own take on the 5G phone — and the Galaxy S21 Ultra is perhaps their top-of-the-line model. Running on the Snapdragon 888 with 16GB of RAM, it performs excellently and quickly without any lag. Its AMOLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate and a camera system that allows up to 10x optical zoom. If you’re someone who uses their phone a lot for productivity and creative tasks, you’ll appreciate that the S21 Ultra supports the S Pen stylus.
OnePlus 8 Pro ($699.99)
The OnePlus 8 Pro is the best OnePlus phone yet. With a fluid AMOLED display with 513ppi, it has one of the best smartphone displays so far. What makes this model so impressive is that manufacturers have been able to solve the PCB layout challenges that previous smartphones had to deal with. Now, the phone’s circuit boards can fit into tiny and unconventionally shaped products. As a result, designers are able to elevate its functionality while maintaining efficiency and even power distribution. Aside from that, it supports reverse and fast wireless charging, and the battery lasts up to 9 hours.
Google Pixel 4a 5G ($499)
The Pixel 4a has a large, colorful screen, making it an excellent choice for photographers and those who want cutting-edge visuals. It has 12MP for the main shooter lens and 16MP ultra-wide angle lens. Plus, this model supports several AI software features — such as AI-powered charging, speech recognition, Google Assistant, and facial recognition to verify payments. These features make it an instant stand out from other phones. Another thing that makes the Pixel 4a great is that it works with every 5G network.
Motorola One 5G ($269.71)
As the most affordable phone on this list, the Motorola One 5G might make you skeptical. However, it performs better than you’d expect. For instance, it contains the Snapdragon 764G chipset, which makes the phone smooth and snappy to use. The maximum 90Hz refresh rate is impressive for the price as well. Meanwhile, the battery can last almost 12 hours even if you’re watching a video in HD over Wi-Fi with full brightness. If you want to get your hands on a 5G phone but don’t have a huge budget, this one’s for you.
