Although the UK’s 5G network has just begun, there are many 5G-capable smartphones available. These 5G-capable handsets, which promise much faster download speeds than their 4G-limited counterparts, are flooding the shelves of shops, but it can be difficult to decide which one is best. The cost of 5G handsets can make it a difficult decision.
All major UK network operators have switched on 5G services in the UK. This means that you can start to enjoy all that 5G has if you live in a 5G-covered area. Although coverage is not perfect, if you live in one of the UK’s largest cities, you should be able to find small hotspots close to you, regardless of which network you are on.
The good news about 5G is that it continues to grow and we are seeing more people gain access to it. We recommend you verify the coverage map for your UK network provider before you make the big decision to buy a 5G smartphone. Before you decide which 5G network is best for you, look at our list of the UK’s top 5G networks.
What is 5G?
5G, in simple terms, is the fifth generation mobile internet. offering faster download speeds and upload speeds than 4G connections and lower latency. This is an important upgrade for gamers and streaming video.
The actual speeds can reach more than 200Mbits/sec with up to 1,000Mbits/sec under the right conditions. This is significantly faster than UK’s average broadband speeds. It’s also much faster than the 20-50Mbits/sec that you might receive with a 4G connection.
The top 5G smartphones in 2021
1. Moto G 5G PLUS: The most value 5G phone
5G is finally getting cheaper. The Moto G 5G Plus was the first 5G-supported smartphone to fall below £300. The Moto G 5G Plus starts at only £230 and is considerably cheaper than other 5G smartphones on this list. It costs less than half of the Galaxy A90 5G.
The Moto G 5G Plus is the perfect choice if you are interested in exploring the amazing benefits of 5G but are unable to afford expensive handsets like the Galaxy S21 or Huawei P40 Pro. It can connect to all 5G bands available in the UK and it is also an excellent smartphone in every other area. It’s fast and has great cameras for the price. The huge 90Hz screen is also a delight.
2. Samsung Galaxy S21/S21Plus: The best 5G phone money could buy
The Galaxy S21 and S21Plus are the best options if money is not an issue. The bad news is that 5G connectivity comes at a premium on all Samsung Galaxy S21 phones. The Exynos 2100, Samsung’s fastest mobile chipset, is also on board.
Along with a great set of rear cameras that includes a 30x zoom camera, this is a truly impressive package.
The Galaxy S21 is currently our top-rated smartphone, and it’s for good reason. It’s Samsung’s most versatile smartphone to date.
Key specs: Processor: Octacore 2.9GHz Samsung Exynos 2110; Screen: 6.2in x 2,400 x 1,080; Cameras: 12MP, 64MP zoom and 12MP wide; Storage: 128GB; Operating System: Android 11
3. iPhone 12: Apple’s 5G Smartphone is a success
Apple’s iPhone 12 is finally entering the 5G arena. It has been a long wait. Apple succeeds with the iPhone 12. It’s been a long time coming, but it finally entered the 5G arena with the iPhone 12. For instance, the A14 Bionic chipset is the fastest on the market. Its 6.7in HDR10+ screen and video recording capabilities are unmatched.
You might also want to think about the model you should buy. There are four iPhone models to choose from: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 PRO. You also have the option of internal storage options. The iPhone 12 ranges in price from a pocket-friendly £624 to an absurdly high-end model with more storage for a ridiculously low £1,399. You can be sure that no matter which model you choose, you will get one of the best 5G handsets in 2021.
Key specs: Processor: Hexacore 3.1GHz A14 BIONIC; Screen: 6.1in, 2,531×1,170; Camera 12MP, 12MP (wide); Memory: 64GB. 128GB. 256GB. Operating system: iOS 14.
4. Xiaomi Redmi 9T: 5G at a Low Price
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is an excellent alternative to the high-priced 5G-capable phones listed here. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is a fraction of what the other 5G-capable phones cost and has a lot more features than others. The Xiaomi 5G handset at a great low price is no joke. It features a fast MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor and a huge 6.53in Full HD+ display.
Its remarkable value proposition is where it shines. Redmi handsets are proving popular, so why pay more for the same 5G experience? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is the best smartphone for you if you have a tight budget or don’t want to spend a lot on 5G.
Key specs: Processor: Octacore 2.4GHz MediaTek Dimensity800U; Screen Size: 6.53in x 2,340 x 1.080; Cameras: 48MP, 2MP(depth), 2MP(wide); Storage: 64GB, 256GB; Operating System: Android 10
5. OnePlus 9 Pro: 5G flagship smartphone at a slightly lower price
OnePlus 9 is a further entry into the ultra-premium smartphone market. It’s OnePlus’ biggest and most successful phone, but it’s still a fantastic option for those who don’t want to spend the Galaxy S21-sized amount. The OnePlus 9 features a 6.7in AMOLED screen without a bezel and a refresh rate 120Hz. It also benefits from the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, which is one of the fastest available. We were impressed by its battery life.
If you are looking for a high-end 5G phone at a reasonable price, the OnePlus 9 Pro is your best option.
Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 2.84GHz Snapdragon 888; Screen: 6.7in, 3,216 x 1,440; Camera: 48MP, 50MP (wide), 8MP (zoom), 2MP (depth); Storage: 128GB, 256GB; Operating system: Android 11
6. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G: Samsung’s best-value smartphone yet
A decent 5G Samsung phone doesn’t have to cost the earth, but the Galaxy A52 5G is a good option for those who don’t need a Samsung phone but still want one. The Galaxy A52 5G is positioned as a mid-range phone with 5G performance that can be used by people who don’t require the most advanced innards. It’s just behind the Moto G 5G Plus, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T and the Moto G 5G Plus in terms of sheer value.
Although it may not be as glamorous on the inside, it is much cheaper than other phones on this list. You can get 5G phones cheaper from Xiaomi or Moto, but only if you are willing to pay a lot.
You get a flagship-killing phone with the Galaxy A52 5G.
Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 750G; Screen: 6.5in, 2,400 x 1,080; Camera: 64MP, 12MP (wide), 5MP (macro), 5MP (depth); Storage: 128GB; Operating system: Android 11
7. Google Pixel 4a 5G: Best 5G camera phone
The Pixel 4a 5G is the best choice for snap-happy amateur photographers. Google’s latest well-priced smartphone is the first to have 5G connectivity. It also has all of the benefits of its Pixel line. For instance, the 4a 5G’s camera capabilities and lower price are nothing short of amazing.
The device also comes pre-installed with Android 11, a stock version of Google’s mobile operating systems. Our tests showed that the battery life was excellent, and the performance was quite impressive. This is the best way to improve the quality of your Instagram photos.
Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 2.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G; Screen: 6.2in, 2,340 x 1,080; Camera: 12.2MP, 26MP (wide); Storage: 128GB; Operating system: Android 11
8. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: The Best 5G Phone for On-the-Go Working
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G handset is another high-end model from the Korean juggernaut. It connects to all 5G frequencies in the UK and also boasts a 120Hz screen. A detachable S Pen stylus is included, as well as a 50x zoom lens. The Exynos 990 processor by Samsung is also very impressive, and the new “Mystic Bronze” colour is stunning. Although it’s not inexpensive, you won’t regret buying one if you have the means.
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