As 5G tech becomes the norm across the cellular world, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections, choosing the very best 5G phone has become essential. Whether you’re streaming high-definition videos, gaming on the go, or expect an upcoming phone to be fully future-proof, we’ve included options to fit every budget here.
Firstly, you need to be living somewhere with 5G coverage, which, as 5G has become more common, is increasingly widespread. If you live in the middle of nowhere and rarely venture into a large city, you won’t see the benefits of 5G. You’ll also need to sign up for a 5G cellular contract at the same time (if you don’t have one already). While most phone plans include 5G now, you’ll need to double-check, just to make sure.
It’s worth noting that pretty much every smartphone is 5G compatible nowadays, so check out our guides to the best phone, best mid-range phone and best budget phone for more options. If you still want to take the plunge, here’s our pick of the best 5G phones you can buy right now.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
The best premium 5G phone
1. Apple iPhone 16
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1in 2556×1179 Super Retina XDR OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | A18 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Software | iOS 18 |
| Cameras | 48MP ƒ/1.6 main, 12MP ƒ/2.2 ultra wide rear; 12MP ƒ/1.9 front |
| Battery | 3561mAh |
| Dimensions | 148x72x7.8mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in), 170g (6oz) |
2024 is the first time in a long while that Stuff has recommended the vanilla iPhone over its Pro counterpart. The iPhone 16 may miss out on features you’ll find on the Pro and Pro Max (and which the Android world takes for granted) like a 120Hz display refresh rate or a dedicated telephoto camera – but otherwise makes very few compromises.
The Action button makes its way down from the Pro models, and is joined by the clever Camera Control touch surface that gives photographers more physical sway over their snapping. Dynamic Island is now a given, and the OLED display is very easy on the eyes. The A18 chipset is primed for Apple Intelligence (once it rolls out fully) and there’s no denying iOS remains about as a complete a package as it gets in the mobile world.
Consistently excellent battery life, a very capable pair of rear lenses (which can now take cropped 2x zoom shots) and a palm-friendly 6.1in screen size make it a fantastic choice for Apple fans.
The best mid-range smartphone
2. Google Pixel 9a
| Google Pixel 9a specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3in Actua Display, 1080 x 2424 OLED, 2700 nits, 60-120Hz |
| CPU | Google Tensor G4 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Cameras | 48MP f/1.7 main + 13MP,f/2.2 ultrawide rear 13MP, f/2.2 front |
| Storage | 128 GB/256 GB |
| Operating system | Android 15 |
| Battery | 5100 mAh |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, 185.9 g 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4in, 6.6 oz |
The Pixel 9a is part of Google’s affordable ‘A’ series, which promises a similar Pixel experience to its more expensive siblings for less money. We think this makes it a superb bang-for-buck option. And there’s lots to love here.
From its impeccable camera skills and punchy performance to a minimalist Pixel design and pure Android experience, this could be the ultimate choice for Google fans. Previous Pixel A phones had a few specs that lagged behind some of the competition, but the latest 9a has fixed that, making it unquestionably the best mid-range smartphone around.
Okay, the charging speeds remain slightly behind rivals, and the bezels could be smaller, but unless you’re willing to spend nearly double the money on a flagship with even more versatile cameras, the Pixel 9a is everything you’ll ever need.
The best budget 5G smartphone
3. Samsung Galaxy A56
| Samsung Galaxy A56 specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7in, 2340×1080 AMOLED w/ 120Hz |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1580 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128/256GB on-board |
| Cameras | 50 MP + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro rear 12MP front |
| Operating system | Android 15 w/ One UI |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 45W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 162x78x7.4mm, 198g |
Want the Samsung prestige without the high-end price tag? Then the A56 is a 5G contender worthy of your shortlist. With a price tag well below the lofty heights of the Galaxy S25 range, this is a super affordable 5G handset which sacrifices some flagship style and power, while still providing a solid smartphone experience.
It actually looks and feels like a far pricier phone, the colourful AMOLED display shines brightly, and the software ecosystem is as appealing as ever for those already invested in it. Battery life and charging speeds even eclipse the more expensive Galaxy S25. And unlike previous A series phones (which massively disappointed on the power front), we’re pleased to report that the A56’s Exynos 1580 CPU and 8 of RAM make for a far smoother experience.
Throw in fast 45W charging, and you’ve got yourself a more affordable Samsung handset that provides the highly coveted Samsung-esque experience, at a far more palatable price.
