What all good 5G smartphones have in common is that they not only offer faster download speeds, but also sharp cameras, impressive displays, and huge batteries.
Finding a 5G smartphone is easier than ever, as 5G service is now widely available. Here are Tom's Guide tech magazine's best 5G smartphone models for 2023.
What these models have in common is that they not only offer faster download speeds, but also sharp cameras, impressive displays, and huge batteries.
iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 ProMax is the best smartphone out there, so if you're looking for a great 5G phone, it should be the first thing that comes to mind. Apple's flagship smartphone can connect to all major carriers' 5G networks. Its long battery life also lets you use it all day on a full charge.
Apple has brought a lot of changes to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, such as dynamic islands, always-on display, and increased screen refresh rates. This version of the iPhone also incorporates a host of improvements users have come to expect from annual updates, such as faster processors and cameras that work well in low-light conditions.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
If you're looking for the best 5G smartphone running the Android operating system, look no further than Samsung's flagship Galaxy S models. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display with a faster refresh rate than its predecessor. The screen is also brighter, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight.
The US version of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip (in other markets, Samsung uses an Exynos 2200 chip), which has higher performance than the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
While the battery life of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is nothing compared to the S21 Ultra, Samsung has improved its smartphone in terms of other features, such as the camera.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro is Google's best and most iconic smartphone yet. It has a refined design, a brighter screen, a more powerful Tensor G2 chip, and a sharper camera.
Google Assistant has also gotten smarter, giving users a better experience when it comes to voice input.
With 5x optical zoom, the Pixel 7 Pro can perform some interesting zoom tricks, although it doesn't offer as vivid colors as the iPhone 14 Pro.
iPhone 14
Not everyone can afford to spend $1,000 or more on a new-generation smartphone. The $799 iPhone 14 can still give you a premium experience, even if it doesn't have the drastic changes Apple has brought to the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models.
The iPhone 14 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which while not as powerful as the A16 Bionic, is still capable of outperforming Android smartphones. Camera improvements also help improve the low-light performance of the iPhone 14.
Google Pixel 6a
If you're willing to overlook the somewhat disappointing battery life, the Google Pixel 6a is unrivaled in the race for the best overall low-power 5G smartphone.
Like its predecessor, the Pixel 6a's camera could challenge more expensive smartphones. Plus, it beats the iPhone SE when it comes to Night Mode support.
The Google Pixel 6a has an ultra-wide-angle camera that can take panoramic photos. The Tensor chip provides the device with high performance, the same chip that Google puts in the Pixel 6, its high-end smartphone. Overall, at $449, the Pixel 6a is a solid value.
