Let’s be real—5G has been around for a while, but now, in 2025, it’s finally at the point where it actually makes a difference. The days of wondering if 5G is worth it are over. Whether you’re streaming in 4K, gaming on the go, or just want ultra-fast browsing, a good 5G phone is a must-have. But with so many options out there, which one should you go for? What are the best 5g phones?  Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Here are the best 5G phones you can buy right now, based on performance, camera quality, battery life, and, of course, value for money.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – The Ultimate Flagship

If you want the absolute best of the best, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the phone to beat. Samsung continues to dominate the high-end smartphone game, and this year’s Ultra model is no exception.

Why You’ll Love It:

✅ Insane Display – A 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz refresh rate. Simply gorgeous.
✅ Crazy Good Camera – 200MP main sensor, plus a periscope zoom that can capture things miles away (well, almost).
✅ Super Fast 5G – Works flawlessly on every major 5G network.
✅ S Pen Returns – Because sometimes, you just need to jot things down old-school style.

Who Should Buy It?

If you want a powerhouse that does everything and money isn’t a concern, this is it. The only downside? It’s expensive—starting at around $1,299. But hey, quality comes at a price.

READ MORE: OPPO Tops Android 5G Smartphone Shipments Globally

2. iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Best 5G iPhone

Apple lovers, rejoice. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is here, and it’s hands-down the best iPhone ever made. It finally ditches the notch for the Dynamic Island, and the new titanium build makes it lighter and stronger.

Why You’ll Love It:

✅ A17 Pro Chip – Faster than most laptops. No exaggeration.
✅ Superb Cameras – A new 5x telephoto zoom, perfect for portraits and close-ups.
✅ ProMotion Display – 120Hz smoothness that feels incredible.
✅ Long Battery Life – Easily lasts all day, even with heavy use.

Who Should Buy It?

If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, this is the best 5G phone for you. It works seamlessly with other Apple devices, and iOS 17 is buttery smooth. Just be ready to pay at least $1,199.

3. Google Pixel 8 Pro – The Smartest 5G Phone

If you care about AI features, camera magic, and pure Android, the Pixel 8 Pro is a fantastic choice. Google’s Tensor G3 chip brings next-level AI smarts and the camera. Oh man, it’s probably the best in the game for point-and-shoot photography.

Why You’ll Love It:

✅ AI-Powered Magic – Magic Eraser, Best Take, and other insane AI photo tricks.
✅ Stock Android Experience – Clean, smooth, and first in line for updates.
✅ 5G Optimized – Works well on both sub-6GHz and mmWave networks.
✅ Affordable (ish) – Compared to other flagships, starting at $999 isn’t too bad.

Who Should Buy It?

If you love Google’s ecosystem and want the smartest AI features in a phone, this is it. Plus, the cameras are unbeatable for still photography.

4. OnePlus 12 – The Best Value Flagship

OnePlus has always been about speed and smoothness, and the OnePlus 12 continues that tradition. It packs top-tier specs at a slightly lower price than Samsung or Apple flagships.

Why You’ll Love It:

✅ Blazing Fast Performance – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB RAM = beast mode.
✅ Super Fast Charging – 100W charging means 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes.
✅ OxygenOS is Smooth – Near-stock Android with useful customizations.
✅ Great 5G Connectivity – Works well on most global 5G networks.

Who Should Buy It?

If you want flagship performance but don’t want to pay over $1,000, the OnePlus 12 (around $899) is a solid pick. Just keep in mind, OnePlus software updates aren’t as long-lasting as Google or Samsung.

5. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G – The Best Budget 5G Phone

Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a phone, and that’s totally fair. The Galaxy A54 5G gives you solid 5G performance without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love It:

✅ Great Display – 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate.
✅ Decent Cameras – 50MP main sensor that takes good shots in daylight.
✅ Solid Battery Life – 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts over a day.
✅ Affordable – Priced around $450, making it a steal.

Who Should Buy It?

If you need a reliable 5G phone without spending big bucks, this is the best budget option. It’s not as powerful as the flagships, but it gets the job done.

Final Thoughts: Which 5G Phone Should You Get?

It really depends on what you need:

• If you want the absolute best (and have the cash to burn) – Get the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
• If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem – The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a no-brainer.
• If you want AI-powered photography magic – Grab the Pixel 8 Pro.
• If you want flagship specs without flagship pricing – OnePlus 12 is your best bet.
• If you just want a good, affordable 5G phone – The Galaxy A54 5G is a fantastic choice.

At the end of the day, 5G is here to stay, and these phones make the most of it. So whether you’re upgrading from an older 4G phone or just looking for the best tech out there, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Got a favorite 5G phone? Let me know in the comments!