Although 5G is still a relatively new technology, we are already seeing cheaper smartphones that can support this super-fast data speed. When 5G phones were first introduced to the market, they were special iterations on existing devices (e.g. the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G or the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, and the Oppo Reno 5G) were highly priced because of this.
The cost of 5G technology implementation is dropping rapidly, and we are seeing more handsets that don’t have the flagship price to still offer what might be considered a top-of-the-line feature.
Cheapest 5G phones
1. OnePlus Nord 2 – Best overall
- Great design
- Slightly thick
- A great follow-up to 2020’s best mid-range smartphone.
It features outstanding performance, 5G, OnePlus’ Oxygen OS user experience, and the primary camera is almost at flagship level. What’s not love about this phone?
The OnePlus Nord 2 is an excellent example of its ability to prioritize the features users want and package them in an appealing package at a competitive price.
Although the Nord 2 is missing flagship features like waterproofing and wireless charging, these are not the only compromises.
The OnePlus NordCE 5G is also available. This version offers a stripped-down version of the original Nord at a slightly lower cost.
2. Realme GT – Best value flagship
The Realme GT offers flagship specs:
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- No IP rating
- A Snapdragon 808 and 65W charging.
- It also has a 120Hz AMOLED screen.
- This is at a lower price than the OnePlus 9.
This phone is a great value, thanks to the striking leather finish on the yellow model. It even feels premium.
There are limitations, such as lack of wireless charging and water resistance and a rather average camera setup. The OnePlus 8T is a better camera. If you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, the Realme GT will do the trick.
3. OnePlus 8T – Best user experience
The OnePlus 8T is a great deal because it has larger numbers in everything except price.
- Stunning display
- Rapid fast charging
- Great user experience
It is cheaper than the OnePlus 8’s RRP, but it has a smoother refresh rate of 120Hz and integrates a lightning-fast 65W fast charger.
This is an excellent long-term investment because it launches on Android 11 with Oxygen OS, the company’s excellent OS. Also, promises of many years of OS updates make this a great buy.
4. Nubia Red Magic 6 is the best for gaming
Red Magic phones from Nubia always offer a great price/performance ratio, and the Red Magic 6 is no exception.
- Top-notch performance
- User experience isn’t for everyone
- rapid 165Hz refresh rate display
- the processor of Snapdragon 888 (backed up by up to 12GB of RAM and a 4500mAh battery capable of a remarkable 66W fast wired charging) is also a highlight.
It’s also more conservative than previous models, so even if you don’t like the stereotypical ‘gamer” aesthetic that products in this sector often sport, you won’t feel embarrassed to show off the Red Magic 6.
5. Xiaomi Poco F3 is the best value mid-range smartphone
Poco, the Xiaomi sub-brand of Xiaomi, is playing hardball in 2021. It delivers some of the most value-for-money smartphones on the market by quite a bit.
- Nice OLED display
- MIUI is not for everyone
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset.
- Coupled with an astonishingly low asking price considering the performance offered, is the main draw.
- The F3 also boasts 33W fast charging and has a considerable 120Hz AMOLED Full HD+ screen.
This makes it great for media and gaming.
6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T – Most affordable
The Redmi Note 9T is a budget-friendly device that packs premium features and delivers exceptional performance, despite its low price.
- Good performance
- Cons: Cheap design elements | Weak fingerprint sensor | Middling display
The design is not very appealing, and you will have to accept 60Hz visuals. However, beyond that, there are plenty of options for your money.
7. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G – The world’s thinnest and lightest 5G smartphone
The Mi 11 Lite 5G has the same stunning proportions as its 4G counterpart, but it delivers better specs and greater performance.
- Feature-packed
- No IP certification
The Lite 5G, which was deemed the “world’s thinnest 5G smartphone” when it was reviewed, is a beautiful piece of kit. It features a Gorilla Glass 6-covered HDR10+ OLED display and runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 780G. However, a slim waistline doesn’t mean you can’t use OIS or wireless charging.
8. Red Magic 6R – Great for gaming
The Red Magic 6R is a 5G phone with flagship-level specs and can handle competitive gaming without looking too typical.
- Fantastic performance
- Stunning 144Hz display
- Tasteful design
- Average battery life
Although the Red Magic 6R’s high refresh rate of 165Hz is not as impressive as the standard model, it is still considered the best gaming phone on the market. It also has a more conservative aesthetic than you might think.
9. Realme 7 5G – Great performance
The Realme 7 5G does not resemble the standard model, but it does have a 5G modem. Although it has a similar camera setup, virtually everything else – from processor to display – has been updated.
- Competitive SoC
- Nice finish
- Great value
- Plastic build
- A 120Hz LCD
- a massive 5000mAh battery with 30W’ Dash Charge’ fast charging
- the first phone to boast MediaTek’s Density 800U chipset, make this an impressively powerful and yet affordable device.
It was launched with the title “Europe’s Most Affordable 5G Phone” (a title that has since been given to the budget Xiaomi Redmi 9T).
10. Nokia 8.3 5G – Great for easy use
The Nokia 8.3 is a mid-range 5G device that HMD Global has made clean by focusing on Android. It also comes with many years of security updates and software upgrades.
- Long battery life
- Pleasing display
- Pro video recording features
- Poor palm rejection tech
The Nokia 8.3 5G is a delayed-release that proves to be worth it. It has superior 5G band support than any phone, and a flair in videography, all at a very affordable price.
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