Best 5G Phones in 2024 – Specs, Price, and Best Deals

5G is here. While 4G Phones are now widely available, the current upgrade of mobile networks from 4G to 5G will require upgrades in consumer hardware, chief of which are 5G phones. Smartphones with 5G support are now available in the market, here we take a look at some of the best 5G phones you can buy right now.

4G is still dominating the smartphone shipments, but this year (2024) is the year that 5G phones shipment  is expected to overtake 4G phones for the first time. Indeed, after the introduction of 4G technology as an improvement over the previous 3G networks, the enhanced performance was mind-blowing.

The launch of 5G network by MTN in Nigeria and by other networks across Africa, means that markets across Nigeria and Africa will host loads of 5G phones in the coming months, which can make choosing the right model a bit of a challenged.

We at NaijaTechGuide have gone through dozens of 5G phones and we have picked the best models that you can buy right now.

The Best 5G Phones of 2024

So, what are the best 5G phones available today? What are their features and functionalities? Well, to answer these burning questions, we have compiled a list of the best 5G phones and their brief overview below.

1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the top of the line of the S23 series recently launched, the only one in the series that support the S Pen stylus. It is one of the best 5G phones you can buy right now. Compared to the S22 Ultra it offers an upgraded camera and processor amongst other refinements.

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The Galaxy S23 Ultra sports a 6.8-inch touchscreen, Android 13, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 200MP quad rear camera, and 8GB or 12GB RAM. Price starts at 1,200,000 Naira.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs

• 6.8 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, 1440 x 3088 pixels (~500 ppi density), ~89.9% screen-to-body ratio
• 1Hz to 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
• S-Pen Stylus Support
• Android 13, One UI 5.1
• Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 8GB, 12GB RAM
• 200 MP (wide) + 10 MP (periscope telephoto) + 10 MP (telephoto) + 12 MP (ultrawide) Quad Rear Camera
• 12 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (under display, ultrasonic)
• 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Bulit-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 45W Fast Charging Capacity
• 5000 mAh Non Removable Li-ion Battery

Other members of the S23 series include the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus.

2. iPhone 15 Pro Max

The top of the line of the latest iteration of the iPhone series, iPhone 15 Pro Max offers upgraded features, including a compact titanium design, an enhanced camera system with an impressive 5x zoom capability, and the formidable A17 Pro chip.

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You also get a long-lasting battery that can keep you active for up to 14 hours, along with the convenience of a USB-C port, which is being introduced in this model for versatile connectivity and sealing its place as one of the best 5G phones.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Key Specs

• 6.7 inches LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Display, 1290 x 2796 pixels (~460 ppi density), ~89.8% screen-to-body ratio
• iOS 17
• Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Hexa Core Processor
• 8GB RAM
• 48 MP (wide) + 12 MP (periscope telephoto) + 12 MP (ultrawide) Triple Rear Camera
• 12 MP Front Camera
• Face ID
• 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE
• 5G Support
• 4422 mAh Non-removable Li-ion Battery

Other models in the iPhone 15 series include the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, and the iPhone 15 Pro.

3. Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro launched in October 2023 is the latest iteration of the Pixel series and embodies Google’s philosophy of what an android phone should be. It comes with a number of new features, including, Google’s new Tensor G3 chip that promises an outstanding performance, an improved camera system with a new telephoto lens, and a longer battery life.

The Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of the first smartphones to ship with Android 14 and a variety of Google-exclusive features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone. This makes it one of the best 5G phones if you want to buy a premium android phone.

Google Pixel 8 Pro Specs

• 6.7 inches LTPO OLED Display, 1344 x 2992 pixels (~489 ppi density), ~87.4% screen-to-body ratio
• Android 14
• Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) Nona Core Processor (1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4×2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
• 12GB RAM
• 50 MP (wide) + 48 MP (telephoto) + 48 MP (ultrawide) Triple Rear Camera
• 10.5 MP Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (under display, optical)
• 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 30W Fast Charging Capacity
• 5050 mAh Non-removable Li-ion Battery

4. Samsung Galaxy A54

If you are looking for an affordable 5G phone, only a very few models come close to the Samsung Galaxy A54. This is one of the best 5G phones if you are looking for an affordable model as it strikes the right balance between price, performance and affordability. It features a brilliant 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.

It also offers one of the best cameras at its price point. The 50MP triple rear camera offers OIS and is great for photography. The 32MP front camera is also great for selfies.

Samsung Galaxy A54 Specs

• 6.4 inches Super AMOLED Display, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~403 ppi density), ~82.9% screen-to-body ratio
• Android 13, One UI 5.1
• Exynos 1380 (5 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 6GB, 8GB RAM
• 50 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) + 5 MP (macro) Triple Rear Camera
• 32 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (under display, optical)
• 128GB, 256GB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 25W Fast Charging Capacity
• 5000 mAh Non-removable Li-Po Battery

5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the 2023 iteration of the premium foldable smartphone from Samsung offering upgrades to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 with a better hinge called Flex Hinge, a thinner and lighter design, a new powerful Snapdragon chip and longer battery life for improved power and performance.

The smartphone features a brilliant display, a great camera, comes with S-Pen stylus support, and a water resistant design. It is no doubt one of the best 5G phones if you are in the market for a foldable smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Specs

• 7.6 inches Foldable Dynamic AMOLED Display, 1812 x 2176 pixels (~373 ppi density), ~91.1% screen-to-body ratio
• 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Cover Display, 904 x 2316 pixels
• Android 13, One UI 5.1.1
• Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 12GB RAM
• 50 MP (wide) + 10 MP (telephoto) + 12 MP (ultrawide) Triple Rear Camera
• 4 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (side mounted)
• 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 25W Fast Charging Capacity
• 4400 mAh Non-removable Li-Po Battery

6. iPhone 14 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the highest of Apple’s 2022 series with features and capabilities that make it one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. With its stunning OLED display, powerful Apple A16 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, improved camera, and longer battery life, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers the best for its price.

Though a year old, it is still a compelling device, making it one of the best 5G phones to buy right now.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Specs

• 6.7 inches LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Display, 1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) ~88.3% screen-to-body ratio
• iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 16.3
• Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Hexa-Core Processor
• 6GB RAM
• 48 MP (wide) + 12 MP (telephoto) + 12 MP (ultrawide) Triple Rear Camera
• 12 MP Front Camera
• 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 4323 mAh Non removable Li-ion Battery

Other models in the iPhone 14 series include the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, and the iPhone 14 Pro.

7. OnePlus 11

The OnePlus 11 is a fast, smooth performer, powered by an octa-core processor, coupled with large RAM and massive battery capacity. This is one of the best 5G phones you can buy today if you are all about value for money. It comes with a new refined design with great screen, superfast charging and solid camera.

OnePlus 11 features a brilliant 6.7 inches LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED display. On the back, you get a 50MP + 32MP + 48MP triple rear camera, which promises great picture quality. It offers superfast data with support for 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7.

OnePlus 11 Specs

• 6.7 inches LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED Display, 1440 x 3216 pixels (~525 ppi density), ~89.7% screen-to-body ratio
• Android 13, OxygenOS 13 (International), ColorOS 13 (China)
• Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 8GB, 12GB, 16GB RAM
• 50 MP (wide) + 32 MP (telephoto) + 48 MP (ultrawide) Triple Rear Camera
• 16 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (under display, optical)
• 128GB, 256GB, 512GB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 Support
• 100W Fast Charging Capacity
• 5000 mAh Non removable Li-Po Battery

8. Huawei Mate 60 Pro

Huawei wowed the world earlier this year with the Mate 60 series showing off the company’s innovation and creativity. The Huawei Mate 60 Pro features an impressive 6.82 inch OLED display, a 5000 mAh battery, a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens, and 12MP ultrawide sensor. It is powered by HiSilicon Kirin 9000S chipset and runs on the brand’s HarmonyOS 4.0, with up to 12 GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

Huawei Mate 60 Pro Specs

• 6.82 inches LTPO OLED Display, 1260 x 2720 pixels (~440 ppi density), ~88.5% screen-to-body ratio
• HarmonyOS 4.0 (China)
• Kirin 9000S (7 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 12GB RAM
• 50 MP (wide) + 48 MP (periscope telephoto) + 12 MP (ultrawide) Triple Rear Camera
• 13 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (under display, optical)
• 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 88W Fast Charging Capacity
• 5000 mAh Non-removable Li-Po Battery

Other models in the Mate 60 series include the Huawei Mate 60, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro Plus, and the Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate.

9. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the best 5G flip phones. It is the 2023 iteration of Galaxy Z flip design launched alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offering upgrades to the Galaxy Z Flip 4. The flip phone offers a stylish option to a growing market that now includes options like the Motorola Razr+, the Vivo X Flip, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, the Motorola Razr 40, and the Oppo Find N2 Flip.

Just like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with a larger display screen, a new “Flex Hinge” that makes it possible to close without any gap, an upgraded processor, with other improvements to make it a worthy successor.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Specs

• 6.7 inches Foldable Dynamic AMOLED Display, 1080 x 2640 pixels (~425 ppi density), ~85.9% screen-to-body ratio
• 3.4 inch Super AMOLED Cover Display, 720 x 748 pixels (306 ppi)
• Android 13, One UI 5.1.1
• Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 8GB RAM
• 12 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) Dual Rear Camera
• 10 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (side mounted)
• 256GB, 512GB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 25W Fast Charging Capacity
• 3700 mAh Non-removable Li-Po Battery

Other models in the iPhone 14 series include the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, and the iPhone 14 Pro.

10. Google Pixel 7a

This is another affordable 5G phone to checkout. The Google Pixel 7a is one of Google’s latest budget lineup. As far as value for money goes, this is one f the best 5G phones. It is powered by the same Google Tensor G2 processor found in its more premium siblings, the Google Pixel 7, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, and the Google Pixel Fold.

Google Pixel 7a Specs

• 6.1 inches OLED Display, 1080 x 2400 pixels (~429 ppi density), ~81.8% screen-to-body ratio
• Android 13
• Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) Octa Core Processor
• 8GB RAM
• 64 MP (wide) + 13 MP (ultrawide) Dual Rear Camera
• 13 MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (under display, optical)
• 128GB Built-in Storage
• 4G LTE Support
• 5G Support
• 18W Fast Charging Capacity
• 4385 mAh Non removable Li-Po Battery

11. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the latest iteration of the Galaxy S Series. It is a flagship device with a very brilliant display. This is one of the best 5G phones if you looking for an android based device.

You get a brilliant OLED display with adaptive refresh rate that delivers as little as 1Hz refresh rate to up to 120Hz offering just about the right amount of refreshes for the best rates and better battery management.

21. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the latest flagship from Sammy. It features Qualcomm’s top of the line Snapdragon 888 (5nm). However, this processor is only available in models sold in the United States and China. The rest of the world gets an equally capable Exynos 2100 processor (5nm). This is the same processor setup found in the Galaxy S21+ 5G and Galaxy S21 5G.

It features a 6.8-inch dynamic OLED display, which happens to be the biggest S21 series. This is probably one of the best 5G phones if you are looking s-pen stylus support. Like other members of the S21 series there is no charger and headphone in the box.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Specs

• 6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2x Display, 1440 x 3200 Pixels (515 PPI), 120Hz Refresh Rate
• Android 11, One UI 3.1
• 12GB / 16GB RAM
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (USA) – Octa-core Exynos 2100 (Global)
• 128GB/ 256GB Built-in Storage
• 108MP + 10MP +  10MP + 12MP Triple Rear Camera
• 40MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (Under Display, Ultrasonic)
• 25W Fast Charging
• 15W Wireless Charging
• 4.5W Reverse Charging
• Water and Dust Proof (IP68 certification)
• 5000mAh Non-Removable Li-ion Battery

22. iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in as the most premium member of the iPhone 12 series of smartphones, which are the first iteration of 5G phones from Apple. It also support a lot of 5G bands making it one of the best 5G phones around.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a brilliant 6.7-inch and one of the best cameras on a smartphone. Expect a smooth operation, thanks to the Apple A14 Bionic and iOS 14.1.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Specs

• 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED Display, 1284 x 2778 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (458 ppi)
• Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
• iOS 14.1
• 6GB RAM
• 12GB / 128GB / 256GB / 512GB Built-in Storage
• 12MP + 12MP + 12MP + TOF 3D LiDAR scanner Rear Cameras
• 12MP Front Camera
• Magsafe
• 5G / 4G Connectivity
• Fast Wired Charging (20W)
• Qi Wireless Charging (15W)
• IP68 Water / Dust Resistance

23. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was launched in January 2021 and like most Samsung flagships has quickly taken a place as one of the best 5G phones. With a flagship Exynos 2100 processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 in the US and China) packing octa-core processors (5nm), this Galaxy smartphone is Samsung’s latest flagship in the 5G market.

The smartphone runs on Android 11 OS with One UI 3.1. It has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with hole-punch notch.

It functions smoothly with an 8GB RAM with inbuilt storage capacity of 256GB or 512GB. The heavy games and augmented reality experiences that you can enjoy with this phone makes it one of the most desirable 5G phones of its class.

Apart from the usual fast charging technology, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G also supports the next-gen wireless charging and power share functionalities. It however, does not offer a charger or headphone in the box. It also dropped the 3.5mm audio jack.

The phone supports 5G non-stand alone (NSA) and Stand alone (SA) with Sub6 and millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G bands. Price starts at around $799.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Specs

• 6.2-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2x Display, 1080 x 2400 Pixels (421 PPI), 120Hz Refresh Rate
• Android 11, One UI 3.1
• 8GB RAM
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (USA) – Octa-core Exynos 2100 (Global)
• 128GB / 256GB Built-in Storage
• 12MP + 64MP + 12MP Triple Rear Camera and
• 10MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (Under Display, Ultrasonic)
• 25W Fast Charging
• 15W Wireless Charging
• 4.5W Reverse Charging
• Water and Dust Proof (IP68 certification)
• 4000 mAh Non-Removable Li-ion Battery

26. OnePlus 8 Pro

Like many other smartphone foraying into the new 5G technology-enabled phone market, OnePlus 8 Pro is also a contender for the best 5G phones currently launched for public use.

Available since April 2020, the phone comes with 128GB built-in storage and 8GB RAM or 256GB built-in storage and 12GB. It runs on Android 10 with OxygenOS 11 and is upgradeable to Android 11.

The immersive 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED display with an excellent resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels (~513 PPI density) and 120Hz refresh rate gives a great viewing experience.

This is one of the best 5G phones to consider if you are looking for value for money. For its price in really packs a lot of punch. You can also consider the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8T.

OnePlus 8 Pro Specs

• 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED Display, 1440 x 3168 pixels, (513 PPI)
• Android 10.0; OxygenOS 10.0
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) Processor
• 8GB / 12GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB Inbuilt Storage
• 48MP + 8MP + 48MP + 5MP Quad Rear Camera
• 16MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint Sensor (Under Display, Optical)
• IP68 Dust / Water-Resistant
• 4510 mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

27. iPhone 12

This standard version of the latest iteration of the iPhone offers some pricing advantage over the Pro and Pro Max editions. You still get the same Apple A14 Bionic processor with 5G connectivity in the iPhone 12 as the more premium variants.

iPhone 12 Specs

• 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED Display, 1170 x 2532 Pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (460 PPI)
• Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
• iOS 14.1
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Built-in Storage
• 12MP + 12MP Dual Rear Cameras
• 12MP Front Camera
• Magsafe
• 5G
• Fast Wired Charging (20W)
• Qi Wireless Charging (15W)

28. iPhone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Mini is the most affordable 5G phone from Apple. You still get the same processor (A14 Bionic), but in a more compact package. However, its lower price makes it an attractive option if you are looking for an affordable 5G phone from Apple.

iPhone 12 Mini Key Specs

• 5.4 inch Super Retina XDR OLED Display, 1080 x 2340 Pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (476 PPI)
• Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
• iOS 14.1
• 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Built-in Storage
• 12MP + 12MP Dual Rear Cameras
• 12MP Front Camera
• Magsafe
• 5G
• Fast Wired Charging (20W)
• Qi Wireless Charging (15W)
• IP68 Dust/Water-Resistant

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5G is Faster than 4G

Lightning fast internet speed the major driver for the adoption of 5G. If you think that your current 4G phones are fast, wait till you try one of the best 5G phones listed here.

5G connectivity is between 10 and 100 times faster than 4G connectivity. With a lag time of merely one millisecond (should average around 20ms), 5G connectivity once again scores big over 4G, which records a rock-bottom latency of only 20 milliseconds (should average around 50ms).

The question that naturally comes up now is when can one lay hand on a 5G phone and unlock its potentials. The answer is you can do so now. There are many 5G phones in the market.

That is our lineup of best 5G phones. More phones are bound to join the list this year as 2024 is the year 5G phones are expected to lead the smartphone market by overtaking 4G phone shipment for the first time.

5G smartphones were just 1% of global smartphone sales in 2019, but it rose to 18% of global smartphone shipment in 2020 and is expected to account for about 69% of the market this year (2024). So, expect to hear a lot more about 5G phones this year with more affordable options joining the ranks.

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