The three nationwide carriers—AT&T, T-Cell, and Verizon—all supply a number of types of 5G service across the US, and also you want a 5G-capable telephone to take benefit. Checking out which telephone is appropriate with which 5G community could be a headache, however PCMag is right here to make issues simple. We have been protecting and reviewing cellphones for 30 years and know every little thing there’s to find out about 5G. Typically, most telephones over $200 pack not less than some type of 5G, whether or not it is C-band or mmWave. Our prime telephone suggestions run from reasonably priced handsets just like the Editors’ Alternative-winning Samsung Galaxy A15 5G to the premium Google Pixel 9 and Apple iPhone 15. Make sure you learn the opinions of all our prime picks and familiarize your self with our 5G shopping for information beneath so that you could be a 5G skilled, too.
Deeper Dive: Our High Examined Picks
Finest iPhone for Energy Customers
Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max
Execs & Cons
Quick, easy efficiency
Wonderful cameras
Lengthy battery life
Helpful Motion button
USB-C connectivity opens up new options
Lighter than earlier Professional Max
Why We Picked It
The Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max is likely one of the most succesful telephones out there from a wi-fi perspective. It consists of C-band, sub-6GHz, and mmWave 5G spectrum, and it really works effectively on all the key and minor US carriers, in addition to wi-fi networks overseas. Furthermore, it affords prime LTE 4G protection for areas the place 5G is not obtainable. It additionally has a improbable display screen, excellent battery life, the most effective cameras on an iPhone, and slick software program.
Who It is For?
In case you want probably the most succesful 5G telephone out there—and an total good telephone—the iPhone 15 Professional Max is the system you want.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
iOS 17
CPU
Apple A17 Professional
Dimensions
6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Display Dimension
6.7 inches
Display Decision
2,796 by 1,290 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
20 hours, quarter-hour
Study Extra
Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max Evaluation
Finest Midrange Android Cellphone
Google Pixel 8a
Execs & Cons
Wonderful cameras
Highly effective efficiency
Helpful AI options
Lengthy battery life
Seven-year software program help
Older protecting glass on the entrance
Comparatively sluggish charging
Why We Picked It
Google’s software program is the selection of the techno-elite for its velocity, class, and ease. The Pixel 8a brings you that software program, together with years of Android updates earlier than anybody else will get them, and a very good digicam stack all at an reasonably priced worth with strong 5G efficiency alongside for the journey.
Who It is For
Google’s Pixel telephones aren’t the best-selling Android fashions, however many nonetheless choose them due to their clear software program and succesful cameras. The Pixel 8a is the most effective telephone you will get for the worth and it really works on practically each 5G community obtainable.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G3
Dimensions
5.99 by 2.86 by 0.35 inches
Display Dimension
6.1 inches
Display Decision
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
64MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, 50 minutes
Study Extra
Google Pixel 8a Evaluation
Finest for Artists and Word-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Execs & Cons
Speedy efficiency
Stunning display screen
Terrific cameras
Helpful AI options
Comes with S Pen stylus
Lengthy help dedication
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S24 Extremely affords unbelievable 5G efficiency throughout all the key carriers’ most vital bands. Different standout options embrace Galaxy AI instruments, a 5x optical zoom digicam, a built-in S Pen stylus, wonderful battery life, and class-leading efficiency.
Who It is For
In case you want a robust zoom digicam and/or like the thought of a stylus for drawing or taking notes, the S24 Extremely is the telephone to get from Samsung’s present lineup. Its wonderful 5G efficiency means you will get a sign wherever you journey, whereas its massive display screen makes watching motion pictures fulfilling.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Display Dimension
6.8 inches
Display Decision
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, 10 minutes
Study Extra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely Evaluation
Finest Folding Cellphone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Execs & Cons
Improved, extra sturdy design
Wider cowl display screen
Wonderful cameras
Blazing efficiency
Vibrant shows
Lengthy software program help window
Very costly
Lagging charging speeds
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is costly, but it surely’s one of the succesful smartphones in the marketplace. Its book-style folding design offers you a big 7.8-inch inside display screen for multitasking with as much as three apps at a time. It additionally helps the S Pen stylus (not included) and Samsung’s DeX software program for desktop-like productiveness. Furthermore, it is a fantastic 5G smartphone.
Who It is For
The Z Fold 6 is for energy customers who want a tool that may work as arduous as they do and connect with the world’s quickest networks.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.04 by 5.22 by 0.22 inches
Display Dimension
7.6 inches
Display Decision
2,160 by 1,856 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 10MP, 12MP; 10MP, 4MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
11 hours, half-hour
Study Extra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Evaluation
Finest Android Cellphone for Most Individuals
Google Pixel 9
Execs & Cons
Wonderful cameras
Helpful and enjoyable AI options
Good efficiency
Competitively priced
Restricted storage
Would not embrace Gemini Stay subscription
Why We Picked It
The $799 Google Pixel 9 is an thrilling and comparatively reasonably priced possibility because of its Gemini AI-driven characteristic set, wonderful battery life, extremely succesful cameras, and long-term help dedication from Google. The telephone covers all the key 5G bands for US consumers and is out there unlocked in addition to from carriers. It is a sturdy all-around contender.
Who It is For
The Pixel 9 is not fairly as succesful as its Professional siblings, the 9 Professional and 9 Professional XL, but it surely affords all of the options that matter and wonderful efficiency at a lower cost.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches
Display Dimension
6.3 inches
Display Decision
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 48MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
11 hours, 45 minutes
Study Extra
Google Pixel 9 Evaluation
Finest Inexpensive Android Cellphone
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Execs & Cons
Inexpensive
Lengthy battery life
Competent cameras
Wonderful software program improve coverage
No IP ranking
Plastic construct
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is likely one of the least expensive methods to entry 5G networks. It helps the suitable 5G bands for the US and turns in strong efficiency as an reasonably priced, on a regular basis system. We significantly like the big display screen, lengthy battery life, and succesful cameras.
Who It is For
The A15 5G is for individuals who need the newest in connectivity however want to stay to a price range.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Mediatek 6835
Dimensions
6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Display Dimension
6.5 inches
Display Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
14 hours, 3 minutes
Study Extra
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Evaluation
Finest iPhone for Most Individuals
Apple iPhone 15
Execs & Cons
Good measurement and weight
Strong efficiency
Succesful cameras
USB-C port
Dynamic Island
No always-on show
No telephoto digicam
Shorter battery life than different iPhones
Why We Picked It
The Apple iPhone 15 features a nice mix of options that ought to make most individuals glad. It is obtained a refined design, a brighter show, a faster processor, improved cameras, and strong battery life all wrapped up in a chunk of {hardware} that is simple to carry and use. And, critically, Apple did not skimp on the 5G. It is simply as 5G-capable because the dearer Professional line, together with mmWave help.
Who It is For
That is the iPhone for everybody. It strikes steadiness of capabilities, usability, connectivity, and worth.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
iOS 17
CPU
Apple A16 Bionic
Dimensions
5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Display Dimension
6.1 inches
Display Decision
2,556 by 1,179 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
16 hours, quarter-hour
Study Extra
Apple iPhone 15 Evaluation
Finest for Photographers
Google Pixel 9 Professional
Execs & Cons
Progressive AI options
High-tier cameras
Lengthy battery life
Good efficiency
Robust wi-fi connections
Wonderful construct high quality
Low beginning storage
Some Gemini instruments lack polish
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 9 Professional is loads just like the Apple iPhone 15 Professional. It has a full vary of help for 5G and 4G networks, superior Wi-Fi and GPS, and wonderful NFC. It additionally offers improbable software program, respectable battery life, pleasant AI-assisted extras—the most effective cell cameras,
Who It is For
The Google Pixel 9 Professional is for individuals who need the absolute best Android digicam telephone with 5G on board at a good worth. It is an particularly good possibility for photographers who prefer to edit after the very fact.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches
Display Dimension
6.3 inches
Display Decision
2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
17 hours, 25 minutes
Study Extra
Google Pixel 9 Professional Evaluation
Finest Small Android Flagship
Samsung Galaxy S24
Execs & Cons
Compact, premium construct
Flagship efficiency
Helpful AI options
Seven-year software program help dedication
Restricted RAM and storage choices
Can get heat whereas gaming
Why We Picked It
You do not have many decisions for small, premium Android telephones. The Galaxy S24 is not truly a small telephone, but it surely’s as small as you will get and nonetheless take pleasure in class-leading efficiency. Its wonderful 5G reception is just like its bigger stablemates and it has all the identical Galaxy AI options as effectively.
Who It is For
In order for you a smaller Android telephone however do not wish to compromise on velocity or the standard of your 5G reception, get the Galaxy S24.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches
Display Dimension
6.2 inches
Display Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
13 hours, 5 minutes
Study Extra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Evaluation
Finest Various to Google and Samsung
OnePlus 12
Execs & Cons
Vibrant, crisp show
Wonderful battery life
Fast wired and wi-fi charging
Highly effective processor
Lacks mmWave 5G
Not as waterproof as competing telephones
No particular AI options
Why We Picked It
OnePlus’ Android telephones take a unique tack than these from Google, Motorola, and Samsung. The corporate has a definite design language and genuinely useful software program that differentiates itself from run-of-the-mill Android. Its newest flagship, the OnePlus 12, has killer specs, together with a prime display screen, a number one processor, lengthy battery life, and succesful cameras.
Who It is For
If telephones from Google and Samsung aren’t your factor, the OnePlus 12 is a worthwhile various and covers all of the 5G bands you want for dependable service.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Dimensions
6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches
Display Dimension
6.82 inches
Display Decision
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
18 hours, 10 minutes
Study Extra
OnePlus 12 Evaluation
Shopping for Information: The Finest 5G Telephones for 2024
Do You Want a 5G Cellphone in 2024?For 5G to be appreciably quicker than 4G, it must run on wider channels. Consider these channels as broader lanes on the knowledge superhighway. Even with out these channels, 5G nonetheless helps carriers by rising their capability to serve extra customers with larger service plans. However in order for you efficiency, you want these wider channels.
Left to proper: Google Pixel 9, 9 Professional, and 9 Professional XL (Credit score: Iyaz Akhtar)
Proper now, of the closely promoted types of US 5G, T-Cell’s mid-band “UC” community, Verizon’s “UW” mid- and high-band networks, and AT&T’s “5G+” community supply these wider channels. The opposite types of 5G within the US reuse 4G channels, which supplies them 4G-like efficiency.Typically, when you see simply “5G” in your telephone within the US, it will really feel like 4G. In case you see “5G UC,” “5G UW,” or “5G+,” you need to expertise higher speeds.
Apple iPhone 15 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
At this level, the three carriers have accomplished a strong job of deploying each varieties of 5G. For instance, AT&T and Verizon cowl a lot of the nation with 3.45GHz and C-band, respectively. In fact, your telephone additionally must help C-band so that you can see a profit, a spec we cowl in all of our in-depth opinions.
What Is 5G?
All of the telephones Verizon sells help its high-band mmWave community, however not all unlocked 5G telephones do. In case you’re on the lookout for an unlocked 5G telephone that helps all of the bands, take into account the Google Pixel line, the newest iPhone, or the Samsung Galaxy S and Z households. In case you’re with T-Cell, virtually any present telephone helps its faster 5G service.
Really useful by Our Editors
Between T-Cell’s 5G growth and the rollout of C-band protection on AT&T and Verizon, the scenario is all the time altering. Be certain that to verify again typically for all the main points on the telephones that may benefit from these developments.Sascha Segan and Dave LeClair contributed to this story.