Best 5G Smartphones For Everyday Life: The Tech You Need, Simplified

Photo credit: Asus, Samsung, (Technovus Lens)

Ready to ditch those buffering videos and endless loading screens? 5G is here to save the day (and your sanity). It’s not just about faster downloads (although let’s be honest, those are pretty sweet). 5G opens up a whole universe of possibilities, from lag-free gaming marathons and crystal-clear video chats with Grandma to browsing so fast that you’ll feel like you’ve warped into the future. But with a galaxy of 5G smartphones competing for your attention, finding the perfect match can feel like a quest of its own. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve scoured the tech landscape and curated a list of the top 5G smartphones of 2024, designed to simplify your life and amplify your mobile experience.

What to Consider When Choosing a 5G Smartphone

Before diving headfirst into the world of 5G smartphones, let’s take a moment to consider what truly matters to you. It’s easy to get swept away by flashy specs and marketing buzzwords, but remember, the best 5G smartphone isn’t the same for everyone. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Your Budget: 5G smartphones come in all shapes and sizes, with price tags ranging from affordable to “Are you kidding me?!” levels. Before you start swooning over the latest flagship model, it’s wise to set a budget. This will help you narrow down your choices and avoid any unpleasant surprises when you hit the checkout button.

2. Carrier Compatibility: Not all 5G phones work on every carrier’s network. Before you fall head over heels for a particular phone, double-check that it’s compatible with your carrier’s 5G network. A quick visit to your carrier’s website or a chat with their customer service should do the trick.

3. Must-Have Features: We all have different needs and preferences when it comes to our smartphones. Are you a photography enthusiast who craves a top-of-the-line camera? Or a mobile gamer who demands the latest processor and graphics? Maybe you’re a social butterfly who needs a phone with exceptional battery life for endless scrolling and chatting. Take some time to think about the features that matter most to you. This will help you filter out the noise and focus on phones that truly cater to your individual needs.

4. 5G Speed and Coverage: 5G is undoubtedly the star of the show, but its performance can vary depending on your location and carrier. Before you invest in a 5G smartphone, check your carrier’s 5G coverage map. This will give you a realistic picture of the 5G speeds you can expect in your area. Keep in mind that 5G coverage is still expanding, so it might not be available everywhere just yet.

By considering these key factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best 5G smartphone that perfectly balances your budget, needs, and preferences.

Best Overall 5G Smartphones: A Battle of Titans

Choosing the “best overall” smartphone is tricky, as it often boils down to personal preference. However, two titans consistently emerge as top contenders: the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both phones pack a punch in performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience, but they each have their own unique strengths.

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Photo credit: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a true marvel of engineering, boasting Apple’s latest A17 Bionic chip for unparalleled speed and efficiency. It’s a content creator’s dream, thanks to its advanced camera system with a remarkable 5x optical zoom and impressive low-light capabilities. The Super Retina XDR display delivers stunning visuals, while the all-day battery life ensures you’re never left stranded. If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem and value a seamless, user-friendly experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a natural choice.

Pros

• Unrivaled performance (A17 Bionic chip)
• Excellent camera system, especially for low-light photography
• Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem (iCloud, Apple Watch, etc.)
• Intuitive and user-friendly iOS interface
• Impressive battery life

Cons

• Higher price tag
• Limited customization options compared to Android.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: A17 Pro chip
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
• Rear Camera: Triple camera system, 48MP wide, 12MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom), 12MP ultrawide
• Front Camera: 12MP wide
• Battery: 4441mAh
• Software: iOS 17 (planned upgrade to iOS 18)
• Other Features: Face ID, MagSafe, water and dust resistance (IP68), Ceramic Shield front cover,

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Photo credit: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse Android phone that excels in almost every area. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip, it effortlessly handles demanding tasks and multitasking. Its versatile camera system boasts a remarkable 5x optical zoom, capturing breathtaking shots from a distance. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a visual feast, adapting to your surroundings for optimal viewing. And with its massive battery, you can go days without worrying about running out of juice. Plus, Android’s customization options allow you to tailor the phone to your exact preferences.

Pros

• Powerful performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy)
• Versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities
• Huge, vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
• Excellent battery life with a larger capacity
• More affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Cons

• Not as tightly integrated with non-Samsung ecosystems
• Some users may find the Android interface less intuitive than iOS
• The camera’s low-light performance may not match the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Key Specs

• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
• Rear Camera: 200MP wide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), 50MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom), 12MP ultrawide
• Front Camera: 12MP wide
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Software: Android 14, One UI 6.1.1
• Other Features: Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, IP68 water and dust resistance, Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, S Pen support

Both phones deliver top-of-the-line performance, stunning displays, and impressive battery life. The choice is yours – pick your champion and experience the power of 5G at its finest.

Best Budget 5G Smartphone: Google Pixel 8a

Photo credit: Google

The Google Pixel 8a is the latest addition to Google’s impressive lineup of budget-friendly smartphones, offering a compelling blend of performance, features, and value. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a introduces several notable upgrades that solidify its position as the top budget 5G smartphone in 2024.

Pros

• Exceptional Value: The Pixel 8a delivers impressive performance and features for its price point, offering an exceptional value proposition.
• Powerful Performance: The Google Tensor G3 chip provides a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency compared to the Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance.
• Stunning 120Hz Display: The 120Hz OLED display offers smoother scrolling and animations than the Pixel 7a’s 90Hz display, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
• Impressive Camera: The dual rear camera system captures excellent photos and videos in various lighting conditions, rivaling the performance of some flagship phones.
• Long-Term Software Support: Google promises an impressive 7 years of software support for the Pixel 8a, ensuring you’ll receive the latest features and security updates for a long time.
• Clean Android Experience: Runs on a pure, bloatware-free version of Android, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.

Cons

• No Expandable Storage: You’re limited to the built-in storage capacity.
• Slower Charging: Charging speeds are not as fast as some high-end phones.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Google Tensor G3
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB
• Rear Camera: 64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide
• Front Camera: 13MP
• Battery: 4492mAh
• Software: Android 14
• Other features: IP 67 dust and water resistance

While the Pixel 8a is our top pick for the best budget 5G smartphone, there are plenty of other affordable options available. If you’re looking for even more budget-friendly choices, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the Best Budget Smartphones of 2024, where we explore a wider range of options to fit every budget.

Best 5G Smartphones for Photography

The title of Best 5G Smartphone for Photography is a close race between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Both phones offer exceptional camera capabilities, making it difficult to declare a single winner. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Photo credit: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro Max shines in the photography department, particularly in low-light conditions. Its triple-lens camera system, featuring a new main sensor and improved telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, captures stunning photos with impressive detail and clarity. While its main sensor may not have as many megapixels as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, its low-light performance is unmatched.

Key Strengths for Photography

• Exceptional low-light performance: Captures bright, detailed photos in challenging lighting conditions.
• Natural Image Processing: Produces realistic and true-to-life images.
• Improved telephoto lens: The 5x optical zoom lens captures sharp and detailed zoomed-in shots.
• Intuitive camera app: Easy to use, even for beginners, with various shooting modes and creative tools.
• Excellent video capabilities: Records high-quality videos with cinematic stabilization and ProRes support.

Cons

• Fewer Camera Lenses: Offers only three lenses (main, ultrawide, and telephoto) compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s four.
• Lower Resolution Main Sensor: The 48MP main sensor has a lower resolution than the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 200MP sensor.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Photo credit: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to impress with its quad camera system, offering a range of lenses to capture stunning shots in various scenarios. Its 200MP main sensor delivers exceptional detail and clarity, while the 5x telephoto lens and improved image processing algorithms ensure sharp and vibrant zoomed-in shots. Plus, the enhanced Night Mode captures impressive low-light photos, and the 8K video recording capability is a bonus for content creators.

Key Strengths for Photography

• Versatile Camera System: Four lenses (200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom) cater to various photography needs.
• High-Resolution Sensor: The 200MP main sensor captures incredibly detailed images.
• Impressive Zoom: The 5x telephoto lens with improved image processing delivers sharp zoomed-in shots.
• Enhanced Night Mode: Captures stunning low-light photos with minimal noise.
• 8K Video Recording: Offers professional-grade video capabilities.
• Expert RAW app: Offers advanced controls for professional photographers who want to fine-tune their shots.

Cons

• Image Processing: Some users may find the image processing a bit too aggressive, resulting in overly sharpened or saturated photos.
• Bulkier Design: The phone is relatively large and heavy compared to other models.

Both phones excel in different areas of photography.

• Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you prioritize low-light performance and value a seamless, intuitive camera experience.
• Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want a versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities and prefer a more customizable experience.

Best 5G Smartphone for Battery Life: OnePlus 12R

Photo credit: OnePlus

If you’re the type who’s always on the go, constantly snapping photos, streaming videos, or just scrolling through social media, you need a phone that can keep up. That’s where the OnePlus 12R comes in. This mid-range marvel boasts a massive 5500mAh battery that can easily power you through a full day of heavy use. Plus, its 100W SUPERVOOC Endurance Edition fast charging technology can juice up your phone from 0% to 100% in just 25 minutes, ensuring you’re never out of the game for long.

Key Strengths for Battery Life

• Massive 5500mAh Battery: Outlasts most other smartphones on the market, offering exceptional endurance for even the most demanding users.
• Lightning-Fast 100W Charging: Recharges the battery incredibly fast, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet.
• Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip ensures smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and impressive gaming capabilities.
• Stunning 120Hz AMOLED Display: Enjoy a vibrant, smooth, and responsive viewing experience.
• Great Value: Offers a compelling combination of features and performance for its price point.

Cons

• No Wireless Charging: Lacks the convenience of wireless charging.
• Camera Performance: While good, the camera might not match the quality of some flagship models.
• Software Updates: OnePlus’s track record for timely software updates is not as strong as Google’s.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 8GB/16GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB
• Rear Camera: Triple camera system, 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro
• Front Camera: 16MP wide
• Battery: 5500mAh
• Software: OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14)
• Other features: In-display fingerprint sensor, IP64 water, and dustproof, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front

Best Foldable 5G Smartphones

The competition for the Best Foldable 5G Smartphone is heating up. The Google Pixel Fold emerges as a strong contender, giving the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 a run for its money.

Google Pixel Fold

Photo credit: Google

Google’s first foray into the foldable market is a promising one. The Pixel Fold impresses with its sleek design, durable hinge, and impressive camera capabilities. It seamlessly transitions between a compact 5.8-inch phone and a spacious 7.6-inch tablet, offering the best of both worlds. While it’s not without its quirks, the Pixel Fold showcases Google’s commitment to innovation and user experience.

Pros

• Sleek and Durable Design: The Pixel Fold feels solid and well-built, with a hinge that inspires confidence.
• Beautiful Displays: Both the cover and inner displays are vibrant and responsive, offering a great viewing experience.
• Excellent Camera System: Inherits the Pixel’s renowned camera prowess, capturing stunning photos and videos.
• Pure Android Experience: Runs on a clean, bloatware-free version of Android with timely updates.
• Innovative Features: Offers unique software features designed to enhance the foldable experience.

Cons

• Crease: The crease on the inner display is noticeable, especially in certain lighting conditions.
• Battery Life: Battery life could be better, especially when using the larger inner display.
• Limited App Optimization: Some apps are not yet fully optimized for the foldable form factor.
• Price: The Pixel Fold is a premium device with a hefty price tag.

Key Specs

• Displays:
  • Inner Display: 7.6-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Outer Display: 5.8-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Google Tensor G2, Titan M2 security coprocessor
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB
• Rear Camera: Triple camera system, 8MP wide,v10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)
• Front Cameras:
  • Outer Display: 9.5MP
  • Inner Display: 8MP
• Battery: 4821mAh
• Software: Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14)
• Other features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IPX8 water resistance, Wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Photo credit: Samsung

Samsung, the pioneer of foldable phones, continues to refine its formula with the Galaxy Z Fold5. It boasts a more durable design, a brighter display, and an upgraded processor compared to its predecessor. While the crease is still noticeable, it’s less prominent than before. The Galaxy Z Fold5 remains a powerful and versatile device for those who want the ultimate in multitasking and productivity.

Pros

• Refined Design: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
• Improved Hinge Design: The new Flex Hinge is more durable and allows the phone to fold completely flat.
• Large, Immersive Display: The 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a spacious canvas for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking.
• Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip delivers snappy performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
• Multitasking Features: Samsung’s software offers a range of features, like Taskbar and Multi-Window, to enhance multitasking on the larger inner display.
• S Pen Support: The optional S Pen stylus provides added precision and functionality for note-taking and drawing.

Cons

• Crease: The crease on the inner display is still noticeable, although less so than previous models.
• Price: The Galaxy Z Fold5 remains a premium device with a high price tag.
• Limited App Optimization: Some apps still need to be fully optimized for the foldable form factor.

Key Specs

• Displays:
  • Main Display (Unfolded): 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
  • Cover Display (Folded): 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
• Rear Camera: Triple camera system, 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
• Front Cameras:
  • Cover Display: 10MP
  • Under Display (Main): 4MP
• Battery: 4400mAh
• Software: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1
• Other features: Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, IPX8 water resistance, Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Flex Mode

While the Google Pixel Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 are leading the pack, the foldable phone market is constantly evolving. If you want to explore other options be sure to check out our guide on the Best Foldable Phones of 2024.

Best 5G Smartphone for Gaming: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

Photo credit: Asus

For mobile gamers who demand the ultimate in performance and features, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro reigns supreme. This beast of a phone is engineered from the ground up to deliver a console-like gaming experience on the go. Its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, coupled with a stunning 165Hz AMOLED display and innovative cooling system, ensures smooth gameplay, vibrant visuals, and minimal lag, even for the most demanding titles. Plus, the unique AirTrigger shoulder buttons and customizable Game Genie software elevate your gaming prowess to new heights.

Pros

• Unrivaled Gaming Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and up to 24GB of RAM deliver exceptional power and speed for seamless gaming.
• 165Hz AMOLED Display: The stunning 165Hz AMOLED display with 720Hz touch sampling rate offers ultra-smooth visuals and lightning-fast responsiveness.
• Advanced Cooling System: The GameCool 8 thermal system keeps the phone cool under pressure, preventing performance throttling during intense gaming sessions.
• AirTrigger Shoulder Buttons: These ultrasonic buttons provide a console-like gaming experience with customizable controls.
• X-Mode: Boosts performance and optimizes settings for the ultimate gaming experience.
• Game Genie Software: This powerful software suite offers a range of features to enhance your gaming experience, including performance optimization, live streaming, and macro recording.
• Immersive Audio: Dual front-facing speakers deliver powerful and immersive sound.

Cons

• Bulky Design: The ROG Phone 8 Pro is quite large and heavy compared to other smartphones.
• Gaming Aesthetic: The design might not appeal to everyone, with its aggressive styling and RGB lighting.
• Price: It falls into the premium price range, making it a significant investment for casual gamers.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• RAM: 16GB/24GB
• Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
• Rear Camera: 50MP wide+ 32MP telephoto+ 13MP ultrawide
• Front Camera: 32MP
• Battery: 5500mAh
• Software: ROG UI (based on Android 14)
• Other features: IP68 dust and water resistance, In-display fingerprint sensor, Aura RGB lighting

There you have it – your guide to the best 5G smartphones of 2024, designed to simplify your tech choices and make the most of this exciting new technology. Remember, the best phone is the one that fits your lifestyle and needs. Don’t be afraid to prioritize the features that matter most to you.

If you’re still on the fence about whether 5G is right for you, be sure to check out our in-depth article on the Pros and Cons of 5G. It’ll help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks and make an informed decision about this exciting new technology.

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