If you're looking for a phone that can connect to the newest cellular networks, here's what you need to know, along with the top 5G phones we've tested.
ByEric Zeman
Eric Zeman
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
My Experience
I’m PCMag’s managing editor for consumer electronics content, overseeing an experienced team of reviewers and product testers. I’ve been covering tech for more than 22 years. Prior to PCMag, I worked at outlets such as Android Authority, Fortune, InformationWeek, and Phonescoop.
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UpdatedFebruary 16, 2024
Table of Contents
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all advertise 5G as faster, stronger, and better—and you need a 5G phone to get on board.
In this roundup, we picked our favorite 5G phones. Generally, you should expect to get 5G with any new phone that costs about $200 and up, but the ones here are the cream of the crop. Read on for our top picks, followed by everything you need to know about buying a 5G phone.
Our Experts Have Tested 49 Products in the Mobile Phones Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Our Top Tested Picks
Best iPhone for Power Users Jump ToDetails Best for Artists and Note-Takers Jump ToDetails Best Mid-Range Android Phone Jump ToDetails Best Folding Phone Jump ToDetails Best Android for Most People Jump ToDetails Best Affordable Android Phone Jump ToDetails Best iPhone for Most People Jump ToDetails Best for Photographers Jump ToDetails Best Small Android Flagship Jump ToDetails Best Alternative to Google and Samsung Jump ToDetails Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Google Pixel 7a
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Apple iPhone 15
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S24
OnePlus 12
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- RELATED:
- Best Phones
- Best Android Phones
- Best iPhones
- Best Cheap Phones
- Best Camera Phones
- Best Unlocked Phones
Best iPhone for Power Users
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
4.5 Outstanding
- Fast, smooth performance
- Excellent cameras
- Long battery life
- Useful Action button
- USB-C connectivity opens up new features
- Lighter than previous Pro Max
- Expensive
- Big
Operating SystemiOS 17
CPUApple A17 Pro
Dimensions6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size6.7 inches
Screen Resolution2,796 by 1,290 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)20 hours, 15 minutes
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the most capable phones in the market from a wireless perspective. It includes C-band, sub-6GHz, and mmWave 5G spectrum, and it works well on all the major and minor US carriers, as well as wireless networks abroad. Moreover, it offers top LTE 4G coverage for areas where 5G isn't available. It also has a fantastic screen, outstanding battery life, the best cameras on an iPhone, and slick software.
If you need the most capable 5G phone in the market—and an overall good phone—the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the device you need.
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review
Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
4.5 Outstanding
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
- Big
- Expensive
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Screen Size6.8 inches
Screen Resolution3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours, 10 minutes
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers incredible 5G performance across all the major carriers' most important bands. Other standout features include Galaxy AI tools, a 5x optical zoom camera, a built-in S Pen stylus, excellent battery life, and class-leading performance.
If you need a powerful zoom camera and/or like the idea of a stylus for drawing or taking notes, the S24 Ultra is the phone to get from Samsung's current lineup. Its excellent 5G performance means you can get a signal wherever you travel, while its large screen makes watching movies enjoyable.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review
Best Mid-Range Android Phone
Google Pixel 7a
4.5 Outstanding
- Solid performance
- Above-average cameras
- Unique design
- Wireless charging
- Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing
Operating SystemAndroid 13
CPUGoogle Tensor G2
Dimensions5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.1 inches
Screen Resolution2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)64MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)13 hours, 25 minutes
Google's software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 7a brings you that software, along with years of Android updates before anyone else gets them, at an affordable price with solid 5G performance along for the ride.
Folks whose taste outpaces their budget. Google's Pixel phones aren't the best-selling Android models, but many people still prefer these phones because of their clean software and capable cameras. The 7a is the best phone you can get from the price and it works on nearly every 5G network available.
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Google Pixel 7a Review
Best Folding Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
4.5 Outstanding
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
Operating SystemAndroid 13
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Dimensions6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches
Screen Size7.6 inches
Screen Resolution2,176 by 1,812 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP
Battery Life (As Tested)11 hours, 20 minutes
The Samsung Galazy Z Fold 5 may be a pricey smartphone but it is one of the most capable on the market. It's book-style folding form factor gives you a large 7.8-inch interior screen for multitasking with up to three apps at a time. It also supports the S Pen stylus and Samsung's DeX software for desktop-like productivity. Moreover, it's a great 5G smartphone.
The Z Fold 5 is for power users who need a device that can work as hard as they do and connect to the world's fastest networks.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
Best Android for Most People
Google Pixel 8
4.0 Excellent
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUGoogle Tensor G3
Dimensions5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.2 inches
Screen Resolution2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)10 hours, 20 minutes
The $699 Google Pixel 8 is an exciting and affordable option thanks to its AI-driven feature set, excellent battery life, highly capable cameras, and long-term support committment from Google. The phone covers all the major 5G bands for US buyers and is available unlocked and via carriers. It's a strong contender for those looking to save a couple hundred bucks.
The Pixel 8 may not have all the features of its larger sibling, the 8 Pro, but it has all the feaures that matter for a much lower price and top performance across the board.
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Google Pixel 8 Review
Best Affordable Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4.0 Excellent
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUMediatek 6835
Dimensions6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size6.5 inches
Screen Resolution2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)14 hours, 3 minutes
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is one of the cheapest ways to access 5G networks. It supports the right 5G bands for the US and turns in solid performance as an affordable, everyday device. We particularly like the large screen, long battery life, and capable cameras.
The A15 5G is for people who want the latest in connectivity but need to stick to a budget.
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Review
Best iPhone for Most People
Apple iPhone 15
4.0 Excellent
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- USB-C port
- Dynamic Island
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
- Shorter battery life than other iPhones
Operating SystemiOS 17
CPUApple A16 Bionic
Dimensions5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size6.1 inches
Screen Resolution2,556 by 1,179 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)48MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)16 hours, 15 minutes
The Apple iPhone 15 includes a great blend of features that should make most people happy. It's got a refined design, a brighter display, a quicker processor, improved cameras, and solid battery life all wrapped up in a piece of hardware that's easy to hold and use. And, critically, Apple didn't skimp on the 5G. It's just as 5G-capable as the more expensive Pro line, including mmWave support.
This is the iPhone for everyone. It strikes a good balance of capabilities, usability, connectivity, and price.
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Apple iPhone 15 Review
Best for Photographers
Google Pixel 8 Pro
4.0 Excellent
- Exclusive Assistant features
- AI-assisted photo and video editing
- Seven years of software support
- Super-bright display
- Excellent build quality
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUGoogle Tensor G3
Dimensions6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size6.7 inches
Screen Resolution2,992 by 1,344 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)9 hours, 5 minutes
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a lot like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. It has a full range of support for 5G and 4G networks, advanced Wi-Fi and GPS, and excellent Bluetooth. It also has fantastic software, the best mobile cameras, decent battery life, and delightful AI-assisted extras.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is for people who want the best possible Android phone with 5G on board at a fair price.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro Review
Best Small Android Flagship
Samsung Galaxy S24
4.0 Excellent
- Compact, premium build
- Flagship performance
- Useful AI features
- Seven-year software support commitment
- Limited RAM and storage offerings
- Can get warm while gaming
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches
Screen Size6.2 inches
Screen Resolution2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)13 hours, 5 minutes
You don't have many choices for small, premium Android phones. The Galaxy S24 isn't actually a small phone, but it's as small as you can get and still enjoy class-leading performance. Its excellent 5G reception is similar to its larger stablemates and it has all the same Galaxy AI features as well.
If you want a smaller Android phone but don't want to compromise on speed or the quality of your 5G reception, get the Galaxy S24.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Review
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
OnePlus 12
4.0 Excellent
- Bright, crisp display
- Excellent battery life
- Rapid wired and wireless charging
- Powerful processor
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Not as waterproof as competing phones
- No special AI features
Operating SystemAndroid 14
CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Dimensions6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches
Screen Size6.82 inches
Screen Resolution3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)18 hours, 10 minutes
OnePlus' Android phones take a different tack than those from Google, Motorola, and Samsung. The company has a distinct design language and genuinely helpful software that differentiates itself from run-of-the-mill Android. Its latest flagship, the OnePlus 12, has killer specs, including a top screen, a leading processor, long battery life, and capable cameras.
If phones from Google and Samsung aren't your thing, the OnePlus 12 is a worthwhile alternative and covers all the 5G bands you need for reliable service.
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OnePlus 12 Review
Buying Guide: The Best 5G Phones for 2024
The Best Phones of the Year
Do You Need a 5G Phone in 2024?
The 5G situation in the US is confusing right now, but there's one way to understand things clearly. For 5G to be much faster than 4G, it needs to run on wider channels. Think of them as broader lanes on the information superhighway.
Even without those channels, 5G still helps carriers by increasing their capacity to serve more users with bigger service plans. But if you want performance, you need those wider channels.
Google Pixel 8 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Right now, of the heavily promoted forms of US 5G, T-Mobile's mid-band "UC" network, Verizon's "UW" mid- and high-band network, and AT&T's "5G+" offer those wider channels. The other forms of 5G in the US are reusing 4G channel sizes, which give them 4G-like performance.
In general, if you see just "5G" on your phone in the US, it's going to feel like 4G. If you see "5G UC," "5G UW" or "5G+," you should experience better speeds.
Apple iPhone 15 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Expect to see continually improving mid-band coverage on and Verizon as they roll out C-band and 3.45GHz. Of course, your phone also needs to support C-band for you to see a benefit, a spec we cover in our in-depth reviews of each handset on this list. At this point, the three carriers have made significant progress in completing their C-band rollouts.
What Is 5G?
All the phones Verizon sells support its high-band mmWave network, but not all unlocked 5G phones do. If you're looking for an unlocked 5G phone that supports all the bands, consider the Google Pixel line, the latest iPhone, or the Samsung Galaxy S and Z families.
If you're with T-Mobile, almost any current phone supports its 5G network.
Recommended by Our Editors
What Is 5G?
What Is C-Band, and What Does It Mean for the Future of 5G?
Between T-Mobile's 5G expansion and the rollout of C-band coverage on AT&T and Verizon, the situation is always changing. Make sure to check back often for all the details on the phones that can take advantage of these advancements.
Sascha Segan and Dave LeClair contributed to this story.
Compare SpecsThe Best 5G Phones for 2024
Our Picks | Apple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSee It$0.01 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraSee It$1,199.66 at Amazon | Google Pixel 7aSee It$474.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5See It$1,519.99 at Amazon | Google Pixel 8See It$699.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy A15 5GSee It$159.99 at Amazon | Apple iPhone 15See It$0.01 at Amazon | Google Pixel 8 ProSee It$999.00 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy S24See It$859.99 at Amazon | OnePlus 12See It$799.99 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review |
Operating System | iOS 17 | Android 14 | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 14 | Android 14 | iOS 17 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
CPU | Apple A17 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G3 | Mediatek 6835 | Apple A16 Bionic | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
Dimensions | 6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 5.98 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches | 6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches | 5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches | 6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches | 5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches | 5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches | 6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches |
Screen Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches | 6.1 inches | 7.6 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.82 inches |
Screen Resolution | 2,796 by 1,290 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,176 by 1,812 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 2,556 by 1,179 pixels | 2,992 by 1,344 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 3,168 by 1,440 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP | 64MP, 13MP; 13MP | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP; 4MP | 50MP, 12MP; 10.5MP | 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP | 48MP, 12MP; 12MP | 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 10.5MP | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP | 64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 20 hours, 15 minutes | 14 hours, 10 minutes | 13 hours, 25 minutes | 11 hours, 20 minutes | 10 hours, 20 minutes | 14 hours, 3 minutes | 16 hours, 15 minutes | 9 hours, 5 minutes | 13 hours, 5 minutes | 18 hours, 10 minutes |
Where to Buy | $0.01 at Amazon $1,399.99 at Best Buy | $1,199.66 at Amazon | $474.00 at Amazon $499.00 at Best Buy | $1,519.99 at Amazon $1,799.99 at Samsung | $699.00 at Amazon $699.00 at Best Buy | $159.99 at Amazon $199.99 at Best Buy | $0.01 at Amazon $829.00 at Walmart | $999.00 at Amazon $999.00 at Best Buy | $859.99 at Amazon $799.99 at Samsung | $799.99 at Amazon $799.99 at Best Buy |
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I’m PCMag’s managing editor for consumer electronics content, overseeing an experienced team of reviewers and product testers. I’ve been covering tech for more than 22 years. Prior to PCMag, I worked at outlets such as Android Authority, Fortune, InformationWeek, and Phonescoop.
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