The advent of the network 5G is becoming more and more concrete and with it the new smartphones capable of connecting to this new line of communication which, according to many, will revolutionize the way we use the network once again. In fact, 5G connectivity will not be a simple increase in network speed but will improve many aspects, now lacking in current networks, such as response latency and coverage.
Therefore, if you are thinking of changing phones, you will most likely have asked yourself the problem of understanding which smartphones are on the market today with 5G connectivity, so as to buy a product as long-lived as possible. Hence this purchase guide dedicated to the best 5G phones which aims to recommend the best phones for this aspect and beyond.
Index:
5G is no longer elite
5G coverage began commercially starting in June 2019 and this thanks to Vodafone. In fact, on 5 June 2019, the red operator switched on the first 5G antennas in the following locations: Milan, Turin, Bologna, Rome, Naples, proposing the first coverage and the first 5G offers. For some plans the 5G network will be included for free while for all the others it is possible to activate it with an option costing.
Vodafone aims to cover 50 Italian cities in 2020 and 100 cities in 2021 while the other operators have not yet exposed themselves. For this reason, 5G will initially be a connectivity for a few, offered mainly where consumers will be able to use it and unlikely before the second half of 2021 we will see a more widespread coverage on national soil. So you shouldn’t worry too much if your next smartphone doesn’t have 5G connectivity, you probably won’t need it until you need to change it.
Starting from July 2020 5G smartphones begin to become numerous, thanks also to the Snapdragon 765 and Snapdragon 750 platforms, much cheaper, so we preferred to start dividing them by price range so as to identify more easily the most suitable for everyone’s wallet. From October 2020 , Apple will also enter this guide, which with the iPhone 12 made its debut in the world of 5G telephony.
In the course of 2021, on the other hand, 5G is also cleared through customs in the lower ranges, so much so that mobile phones with 5G connection are now also found in the range below 200 pounds , where POCO is the master.
Best 5G mobile phones under 200 pounds
Realme 8 5G
It is available from May 2021, in two memory variants and two different colors. The 6.5-inch screen, along with not particularly optimized bezels, brings the dimensions to 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 millimeters, with a weight of 185 grams. So the compromise between ergonomics and screen is not bad, too bad for the plastic back cover with a decidedly cheap appearance.
The 5,000 mAh battery, which now seems to be a fixed point in this price range, allows you to get to at least 8 hours of screen and a couple of days of autonomy, as long as you don’t overdo it with 5G. Also in this case the 48 megapixel sensor alone is able to take good quality photos, even in more difficult situations. Substantially useless the other two sensors, depth and macro that do not help to improve the quality of the shots.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceMotorola Moto G50
It has been on sale on the Italian market since the spring of 2021 in a single color and in the 4-128 GB memory size only. Despite having a 6.5-inch screen, the Moto G50 is not particularly compact, thanks to a very evident lower frame. It measures 164.9 x 74.9 x 8.95 mm and weighs 192 grams, with ergonomics not at the top.
The 5,000 mAh battery guarantees high autonomy, a pity only for the presence of charging at only 10 watts which forces long charging times. Nothing fancy about the rear camera: a 48-megapixel (f / 1.7) sensor with a 5-megapixel macro sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Not bad photos, but you miss the wide angle.
Buy it on Amazon at the best pricePOCO M4 Pro 5G
Designed for a young audience, POCO M4 Pro 5G arrived with features and specifications in step with the times and 5G connectivity. With its 6.6-inch screen, the dimensions are generous, but not so extreme: 163.56 x 75.78 x 8.75 millimeters and 195 grams of weight. Excellent fingerprint reader placed on the digital frame.
The 5,000 mAh of the battery does not scream a miracle, but it is always possible to arrive in the evening even on the most demanding days. And for the most extreme cases there is fast charging at 33 watts. There are two rear camera sensors: the main 50 megapixel one and an 8 megapixel ultra wide angle, for shots that are of good quality during the day. At night the quality drops while remaining acceptable.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceSamsung Galaxy A22 5G
It was announced in June 2022 but it was necessary to wait until autumn to see it on the Italian market, in four colors and with different memory variants. It is anything but compact with its 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 millimeters and 200 grams of weight, also due to a 6.6-inch screen and not particularly accurate optimizations. It is almost impossible to use it with one hand and feels in your pocket. The autonomy is good but not very well, despite a 5,000 mAh battery.
You can arrive in the evening but with about 5 hours of screen on, not the best given the battery available, but with a little attention you can cover even the busiest day. The shots of days are good, but when the light goes down a fair amount of noise appears and the focus is not always fast. It is possible that things will improve with a software update.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceBest 5G mobile phones under 400 pounds
Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE
It arrived in mid-September 2021 to make up for the lack of chips that made the previous model impossible to find, from which it inherits the design. The dimensions, in particular weight and thickness, are one of the strengths, despite a metal chassis. It measures 160.53 x 75.63 x 6.81 mm and weighs just 158 grams, a featherweight these days.
The 4,250 mAh battery guarantees excellent autonomy and the fast recharge at 33 watts allows you to fill up with energy in about 60 minutes. Difficult not to arrive in the evening with a charge, unless you overdo it. There remains the excellent rear camera with 74 megapixel main sensor (f / 1.79) which is flanked by an 8 megapixel (f.2.2) ultra wide angle sensor (FoV 119 degrees) and a 5 megapixel telemacro sensor. Very good photos, much better than the 4G version.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price of 249£ instead of 399£Realme 8 Pro
Realme 8 Pro was also launched, like many other mobile phones, in March 2021 and is available in two different memory versions and three color variants. The dimensions (160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1) are important despite a 6.43-inch screen, but the weight of 176 grams allows you to keep ergonomics within more than acceptable limits, thanks also to a cover in satin plastic that improves grip.
The 4,500 mAh is more than enough to arrive in the evening without problems, even on busy days. In any case, there is the fast charge at 50 watts that recharges the smart phone in a heartbeat. Realme shoots high with the main rear camera sensor, a 108-megapixel (f / 1.88) model, flanked by an 8-megapixel (f / 2.25) ultra wide angle defending itself, while the two 2-megapixel (f / 2.4 ) are of little use. Very good overall photos, good exposure and color balance.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceRealme GT 5G
Sales of Realme Gt 5G began in summer 2021, with two different memory cuts and three colorways, including the iconic yellow color. Despite the 6.43-inch screen, the dimensions are acceptable: 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm and 186 grams of weight. The design is anonymous, but if you buy the vegan leather version, yellow with black insert, it is spectacular. With its 4,500 mAh battery Realme GT 5G it offers a good autonomy, enough to cover even the most demanding days.
Occasional overheating can cause an abnormal battery drain, but these are software problems that can be solved. Nothing extraordinary about the photographic sector, which defends itself well with a lot of light and suffers in darker environments. The main 64-megapixel (f / 1.8) sensor is flanked by an 8-megapixel (f / 2.3) ultra-wide angle (FoV 119 degrees) and a 2-megapixel (f / 2.4) monochrome sensor.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceOPPO Find X3 Lite
It made its debut on the Italian market in March in three different colors and a single memory variant. Interesting dimensions, which stand at 159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm and 172 grams of weight, not bad for a model with a 6.4-inch screen. Overall, therefore, ergonomics and usability are acceptable. The 4,200 mAh battery, with fast charging at 65 watts, always manages to take you into the evening, leaving all functions active.
By reducing the screen refresh to 60 Hz it is possible to squeeze something more, without however reaching two days, if not with a very quiet use. Four rear camera sensors: one 64 megapixel (f / 1.7), one ultra wide angle (FoV 119 degrees) 8 megapixel (f / 2.2), two 2 megapixel (f / 2.4) sensors for macro and image enhancement . Nice shots obtained, with the wide angle that suffers when the light goes down.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price of 299£POCO F3
POCO F3 arrived in three different colors and two memory cuts. Despite the thin edges (“chin” excluded) the dimensions are important: 163 x 76 x 7.8 mm and 196 grams of weight. On the other hand, you need space to house a 6.67-inch screen. The ergonomics are acceptable, thanks also to the fingerprint reader in the power button. With 4,520 mAh POCO F3 covers without any problem even the most demanding days, and in case you have exaggerated a charge (at 33 watts) of a few minutes is enough to rest assured.
The most attentive to consumption will be able to reach two days without problems. The photographic sector is a bit disappointing, with the ultra wide angle that suffers in every situation. The main 48-megapixel (g / 1.8) sensor is combined with an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle (FoV 119 degrees) sensor and a 5-megapixel (f / 2.5) macro sensor. On the front instead there is a 20 megapixel sensor (f / 2.5).
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceSamsung Galaxy A52s 5G
You can buy it from August 2021 in a single version with 6-128 GB of memory and in four different colors, including two very special ones. It is certainly not a compact, but given the presence of a 6.5-inch screen, the dimensions are not bad: 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm and 189 grams of weight. To report the IP67 certification and the 120 Hz screen that offer an excellent user experience.
The 4,500 mAh battery, with fast charging at 25 watts, does not shine with autonomy and allows you to reach 5 hours of screen with difficulty. The use of a fast recharge to arrive in the evening cannot be ruled out. There are four main camera sensors: a 64 megapixel (f / 1.8), a 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide angle (FoV 123 degrees), a 5 megapixel (f / 2.4) macro and a depth sensor 5 megapixel (f / 2.4). Apart from the inevitable suffering from the wide-angle lens (although the HDR mode helps a lot), the main camera defends itself well in all circumstances. The videos are good too.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceOnePlus Nord 2 5G
Presented in July 2021, exactly one year after its predecessor, OnePlus Nord 2 is available in two memory variants and two different colors. Optimized frames, albeit not symmetrical and a design that incorporates that of OnePlus 9, are a strong point, together with a plastic frame that make it comfortable and pleasant to handle.
Despite a 4,500 mAh battery, it is not so obvious to be able to cover a particularly busy day: it is difficult to exceed 6 hours of screen on, fortunately charging at 65 watts allows you to fill up in just over 30 minutes. The camera convinces, thanks above all to the quality 50 megapixel (f / 1.88) sensor, flanked by an 8 megapixel (f / 2.25) ultra wide angle (FoV 119 degrees) and a third 2 megapixel sensor. Too bad only for the wide-angle under tone and which slightly drops the overall level.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceBest 5G mobile phones under 600 pounds
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) 5G debuted in the colors Cloud Navy, Cloud Red, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud White and Cloud Orange. It is not exactly a compact device (159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm) but the plastic helps to contain the weight in 190 grams. Impossible to handle it with one hand, so the ergonomics goes a bit to bless you. The 4,500 battery, combined with the Snapdragon 865 which has better consumption management, allows you to arrive without problems in the evening, even if it is difficult to go much further unless you do not reduce the use of the device.
Good, also for variety, the triple rear camera: 12 megapixel (f / 1.8) main sensor, 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide angle (FoV 123 degrees) and 8 megapixel 3X optical zoom (f / 2.4). The shots are of quality, in line with the standard version, in any light condition.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceSamsung Galaxy S21
It was presented earlier than in previous years and is on sale from January 2021 in two memory variants and different colors. Despite a 6.2-inch screen, the dimensions are acceptable: 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and 169 grams in weight, thanks also to the use of plastic for the back cover. Ergonomics are very good, thanks to a lack of slipperiness. With 4,000 mAh good results can be expected and the Galaxy S21 does not disappoint.
About 7 hours of screen on, which means that with intense use you always arrive in the evening, even leaving the screen at 120 Hz at the same time. The photographic sector is good, but it remains substantially unchanged compared to that of the s20 series. Main sensor 12 megapixel (f / 1.8), ultra wide angle (FoV 120 degrees) 12 megapixel (f / 2.2), telephoto 64 megapixel (f / 2.0) 3x hybrid. There are still some problems when the light goes down, even if the night mode solves almost all the problems.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceBest 5G mobile phones under 800 pounds
Google Pixel 6
It was presented by Google in the autumn of 2021. The 6.4-inch screen would suggest small dimensions but it measures 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm and weighs a good 207 grams. The rear camera has a unique design in the smart phone landscape. Ergonomics are not bad, net of a demanding weight. After a period of adaptation, the 4,614 mAh battery gives its best, allowing you to cover up to 8 hours of screen, following the user’s habits.
Present wireless charging at 23 watts, along with wired charging at 30 watts. The camera fleet has been renewed, with a 50 megapixel (f / 1.8) main sensor flanked by a 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide angle (FoV 114 degrees). The photos obtainable are of the highest quality, in any condition. Too bad only for the absence of the optical zoom.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceASUS ZenFone 8
It was presented obtaining a good response thanks to the top performance combined with compact dimensions. You can buy it in two colors and four memory cuts. As we said, ASUS ZenFone 8 is very compact, 148 x 68.5 x 8.9mm and weighs 169 grams. A figure clearly below average, which makes it easy to use even with one hand. Too bad only for the decidedly anonymous back cover. Given the size it was reasonable to expect a smaller battery than the competition. In reality we find a 4,000 mAh unit that allows you to arrive in the evening, with over 5 and a half hours of screen on.
In any case, with a 30 W recharge, one hour is enough to get it back into shape. The quality of the shots leaves something to be desired, and the 64 megapixel sensor (f / 1.8) struggles in strong light, where problems with white balance are noticeable. The 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle is useful but not perfect.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceOnePlus 9
Announced at the end of March together with the Pro version, OnePlus 9 has been on the market since April 2021, with three color variants and two different memory cuts to choose from. With a 6.55-inch screen, dimensions are obviously important: 160 x 74.2 x 8.8 mm and 192 grams of weight. So don’t overdo it, one-handed use is not out of the question, and the iconic slider for silent mode is always present on the left side of the phone.
The 4,500 mAh battery, with wired charging at 65W and wireless at 15W, takes you to the evening even if you need to be careful also due to the high refresh rate. Thanks to the collaboration with Hasselblad the photographic quality improves, although not reaching the best performances on the market. The main 48 megapixel sensor (f / 1.8) is flanked by a 50 megapixel ultra wide angle (f / 2.2) and a 2 megapixel monochrome sensor.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price of 529£ instead of 629£Realme GT 2 Pro
Activated in Europe at the end of February 2022, Realme GT 2 Pro is certainly one of the most interesting devices of the first part of the year. Only one memory variant available to Italian users. The dimensions are very important, 163 x 74.4 x 8.16 mm but the weight is not bad, stopping at 189 grams. However, the ergonomics are not bad, thanks also to the particular back cover that simulates the feeling of the card.
The 5,000 mAh battery allows you to reach the evening even on the most demanding days, with over six hours of screen on. And if necessary, there is fast charging at 65 watts, which drastically reduces charging times. The camera results are very good, but given the equipment it is not a surprise: 50 megapixel main sensor (f / 1.8) flanked by an ultra wide angle (FoV 150 degrees) very pushed with a 50 megapixel sensor (f / 2.2) and a a 2 megapixel microscopic lens. Very good shots in low light, even if the ultra wide angle tends to suffer.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceBest top-of-the-range 5G mobile phones
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro was announced on March 23, 2021 and has been on the market since April 2021 in three different colors and two memory sizes to choose from. With a 6.7-inch screen, dimensions are inevitably important and come in at 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 millimeters and 197 grams in weight. The iconic side slider to silence notifications remains, overall the ergonomics are acceptable. The results of the 4500 mAh battery (with fast charging at 65 watts, wireless at 50 watts) are good but not amazing, also the fault of the QHD screen. To arrive in the evening you will have to pay attention to the use you make of it.
The collaboration with Hasselblad can be seen, but we are still slightly below the best, especially in terms of color rendering. It improves the night mode, even if the wide angle is not up to the main sensor, lacking the optical stabilization.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price of 729£ instead of 829£Apple iPhone 13 mini
It’s the most compact Apple phone around, measuring just 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65mm, weighing in at just 140 grams. Perfect for those who want a performing product but not bulky The new A15 Bionic processor reduces consumption and allows you to easily cover a working day, even if the most demanding ones could involve an intermediate recharge. The dual rear camera, with two 12 megapixel sensors (f / 1.6 the main and f / 2.4 the wide angle) suffers from the lack of an optical zoom. Excellent as always the quality of the shots in every situation.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Also in 2021 Samsung presented three variants of the Galaxy S series and this S21 + is the most interesting compromise for its features. It is available in two memory variants and five colors. With a 6.7-inch screen it was impossible to get a compact device: 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 millimeters and 202 grams of weight feel, but thanks to the flat screen and satin back cover the ergonomics are acceptable.
With 4,800 mAh of battery, and thanks to the new Exynos processor, S21 + manages to arrive in the evening with maximum tranquility even on the most demanding days, with over 7 hours of screen on. As for S21, also in this case the photographic sector does not change compared to the previous year. 12 megapixel (f / 1.8) main sensor, 64 megapixel (f / 2.0) 3x hybrid zoom and 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide angle (120 degree FoV) sensor. Excellent photos, with only the wide angle that suffers in night photos. The hybrid zoom loses image detail and cleanliness.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceOPPO Find X5 Pro
Presented on February 24, 2022 together with two other smart phones, OPPO Find X5 Pro is the flagship model of the brand, available in two colors and only one memory cut. Challenging dimensions but not exaggerated, given the 6.7-inch screen: 163.7 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm (and 215 grams of weight) will still be felt in the hand, making it difficult to use with one hand .
The autonomy is of an absolute level, thanks to a 5,000 mAh battery, arriving in the evening is not a problem. And for the most demanding days there is fast charging at 80 watts with the wireless one reaching 50 watts, really not bad. Three rear camera sensors: main 50 megapixel (f / 1.7) with 5-axis OIS, ultra wide angle (FOV 110 degrees) 50 megapixel (f / 2.2) and 3x zoom 13 megapixel (f / 2.4). The collaboration with Hasselblad, but above all the presence of the Marisilicon chipset, allow to obtain shots of the highest quality, at the level of the best models in this sector.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price of 1030.45£Apple iPhone 13
You can buy it in three memory cuts and five different colors. Once again the dimensions are a strong point, 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and 173 grams of weight, despite a 6.1-inch screen. Excellent therefore for those who want a pocket product or to put in the clutch. The autonomy is also excellent, thanks to a less energy-intensive processor, with the battery lasting up to two hours longer than the previous model. As in the mini variant, an optical zoom is missing, but the two 12 megapixel sensors (f / 1.6 the main and f / 2.4 the wide angle) allow you to take very high quality photos in all circumstances.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Like its “little” brother, Pixel 6 Pro also arrived at the beginning of 2022, after having been purchased only by importing from abroad. It is a large but not huge phone, with its 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9 millimeters, justified by the presence of a 6.7-inch screen. The quality is perceived at the first touch and there are some goodies such as the dry but pleasant vibration.
The 5,000 mAh battery needs a few weeks to calibrate itself, adapting to the type of use by the user, and allows you to reach the 6-7 hours of screen without particular problems. Good fast charging, at 30W wired and 23W wireless. The photographic sector has been renewed, with the main sensor from 50 megapixel (f / 1.9), ultra wide angle (FoV 114 degrees) from 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) and 4x optical zoom from 48 megapixel (f / 3.5) periscopic. Impeccable photos even if the algorithm needs some improvements to achieve excellence.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price of 833.63£Apple iPhone 13 Pro
It can be purchased from the end of September 2021 in four different memory sizes (up to 1 TB) and four colors, including the new Sierra blue. The dimensions are the same as the iPhone 12m, or 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and 203 grams of weight. Compact enough to fit into any pocket and smallest handbag. Once again the optimization allows to improve autonomy, thanks to a processor that consumes less, without particularly changing the size of the battery.
Three rear camera sensors, all 12 megapixels: main with f / 1.5 aperture, ultra wide angle (FoV 120 degrees) from f / 1.8 and 3x optical zoom from f / 2.8. The images are of the highest quality, a constant for this family of products.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
It is the flagship model of the S22 series presented in February 2022 and can be purchased in four colors and four memory cuts. Includes the S Pen, which has its own slot. If the dimensions are all in all acceptable (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) what in the long run tires is the weight of 227 grams, which combined with the above average width makes it more complicated to grip with one hand.
After a few days of settling in, the battery easily reaches six hours of screen on: hard to do worse with a 5,000 mAh unit, which can also count on fast charging at 45 watts (no charger in the package) and on wireless at 15 watts . Four sensors to keep Samsung at the top even in the photographic field: main 108 megapixel (f / 1.8) with OIS, 10 megapixel (f / 2.4) telephoto lens (f / 2.4) with 3x optical zoom, 10 megapixel (f / 4.9) periscopic telephoto lens with zoom 10x optical and 12 megapixel ultra wide angle (FoV 120 degrees) (f / 2.2).
The zoom reaches 100x with impressive sharpness, the shots are always convincing, even at night, when some imperfection is still visible.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceSamsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
It is available in our country from 27 August 2021 in two memory variants (8-128 GB and 8-256 GB) and numerous colors, some of which are exclusive to the official Samsung store. The thickness of 15.9 mm is felt only in the pocket, but the weight contained in only 183 grams makes the smartphone very manageable The measures are equal to 86.4 72.2 x 15.9 mm closed and 166 x 72 , 2 x 6.9mm when opened.
The battery remains unchanged compared to the predecessor, 3,300 mAh, and this makes it difficult to arrive in the evening in a quiet way. It is difficult to exceed four hours of battery life and charging at 15 watts does not help to reduce charging times. The photos that can be obtained with the dual rear camera are comparable to those of Galaxy S21, net of the absence of the optical zoom. The 12-megapixel (f / 1.8) main sensor is flanked by a 12-megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide-angle sensor with 123-degree FoV.
Buy it on Amazon at the best priceSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
It can be purchased from 27 August 2021, in the 12-256 GB and 12-512 GB versions, and in three different color variants. It is definitely an important device to handle and keep in your pocket, especially due to the weight of 271 grams. The thickness of 14.4 mm when closed is not the best, but once opened it changes radically. It measures 158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4mm when closed and 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4mm when open.
The 4,400 mAh battery, with support for wired charging at 25W and wireless charging, does its own thing, even if the large internal screen affects consumption a lot. With a little attention, however, it is possible to arrive in the evening without particular problems, with a screen time on between four and a half hours and six hours. The three rear 12-megapixel sensors (main with f / 1.8 and OIS, 2X telephoto f / 2.4 and ultra wide-angle from 123 degrees and f / 2.2) return photos very similar to those of Galaxy S21 and S21 +, with a quality worthy of the product while without overdoing it.
Buy it on Amazon at the best price