Mario Bautista
Nearly every phone from Apple, Samsung and Google, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 lineup, is 5G-ready. That means these smartphones come equipped to deliver the fastest possible data speeds across your wireless network. While they tend to be pricey, there are plenty of affordable 5G options like the Google Pixel 8A. Rest assured, you should be able to find a good 5G-ready phone at a price you’re comfortable with.
Although it won’t replace 4G in its entirety, 5G is the next generation of mobile connectivity. 5G works fast, and many industries and products can benefit from the upgraded network, including drones, self-driving cars and internet-of-things devices. Its growth across the US, the UK and the wider world has been fast, but it’s still not everywhere quite yet, so make sure 5G coverage is available — or at least coming soon — in your area before you spend your cash on a 5G-enabled handset. Apple will be holding an event on Mon. Sept. 9 where we expect the rumored iPhone 16 to be revealed. So if you’re considering an iPhone 15 model and can wait, it might be worth your while not to buy an iPhone right now.
With 5G handsets being offered by every major phone manufacturer now, it can be difficult to work out which is best for you. We’ve done some of the hard work and put together a list of our top 5G-enabled phones that you can go and buy right now.
What is the best 5G phone right now?
In 2024, there isn’t one specific phone that stands conspicuously head and shoulders above the others. If you’re an iOS user, the best phone you can buy is the iPhone 15 Pro. It has an A17 Pro processor, a new main camera with a larger and higher megapixel sensor, a new Action button and the Dynamic Island (a display cutout that shows system alerts and background activities).
If you’re on Android, our favorite phone is the $800 Samsung Galaxy S24. The battery life is amazing. That’s not the only reason it’s our pick as the best Android phone. It gets seven years of major Android updates and the cameras are good (there’s even a 3x telephoto lens for zooming). Then there are all the AI features. Most are just OK, but Circle to Search is outstanding. Samsung didn’t reinvent the phone, but it did take a great phone (the Galaxy S23) and make it better.
Best 5G phones of 2024
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The iPhone 15 Pro Max (left) alongside the iPhone 15 Pro (right)
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“,”imageCredit”:”James Martin/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”iPhone 15 Pro Max”,”imageFilename”:”iphone15-pro-81.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4000,”imageHeight”:2250,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-09-18″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”2bly7en3icft07z”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__99f69fc4-98b0-46c5-9a44-7d422a505e26″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”James Martin/CNET” imagealttext=”iPhone 15 Pro Max” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
Apple gave its Pro models a glow-up with a refreshed lighter build, a new shortcut button and the world’s smallest processor. And it did all this while managing to keep that tried-and-true iPhone aesthetic front and center. They also made more of a differentiation between the Pro and Pro Max model. The 15 Pro also still has the same familiar 3x telephoto camera found on previous models.
The brain behind the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, which has the performance chops to handle console tier video games like Resident Evil Village. If the A17 Pro chip is the brains, then iOS 17 is the 15 Pro and Pro Max’s soul. The new OS is filled with lots of quality of life improvements throughout like StandBy mode, Check-In, Stickers in Messages and better autocorrect for the keyboard.
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are some of the best phones released by Apple or any phone maker this year. Read our Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max review.
The S24 is a wonderful, well-built phone that is excellent right out of the box just as the nearly identical S22 and S23 were before it. This similarity to the S22 and S23 can be viewed as either a strength because the design reflects three years of refinements or a weakness. After all, features like the camera hardware are essentially identical to what came out in 2022. All of this is overshadowed by the great battery life. You’ll never hear anyone complain about getting too much battery life. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 review.
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“,”imageCredit”:”James Martin/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Samsung Galaxy S24″,”imageFilename”:”samsung-galaxy-s24-s24-plus-5664.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4000,”imageHeight”:2250,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-01-25″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”false” ng-block='{“id”:”al7tb9qn6mye1d4″,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__8c6bcb23-ae8c-4068-9722-73c63a1ca723″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”” imagealttext=”Samsung Galaxy S24″ class=”c-bestListListicle”>
What impresses me the most about the Samsung Galaxy S24 isn’t the new Galaxy AI features, brighter screens or solid cameras. It’s the battery life. After testing, I can say the larger battery in the Galaxy S24 has no trouble plowing through a long day of use on a single charge.
The S24 is a wonderful, well-built phone that is excellent right out of the box just as the nearly identical S22 and S23 were before it. This similarity to the S22 and S23 can be viewed as either a strength because the design reflects three years of refinements or a weakness. After all, features like the camera hardware are essentially identical to what came out in 2022. All of this is overshadowed by the great battery life. You’ll never hear anyone complain about getting too much battery life. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 review.
” page-position=”” linktext=”” linkurl=”” like=”~USB-C port for more convenient charging ~Colorful matte design ~Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits ~Dynamic Island brings better multitasking” dislike=”~No always-on display ~Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 phones ~Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value ~Galaxy S24 offers a longer optical zoom” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer='{“id”:”eef842db-b3a0-4f24-ad7b-5e3508ea37f6″,”label”:”Apple iPhone 15″,”slug”:”apple-iphone-15″,”edition”:[“us”],”imageId”:”f1d33c23-9f26-4f42-86bf-c4ffc9bf5839″,”imgUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/f0e836495ba574e8477484c288cc4eb61cbb13ac/hub/2023/12/07/f1d33c23-9f26-4f42-86bf-c4ffc9bf5839/1024.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=300&height=300&fit=crop”,”imageHeight”:0,”imageWidth”:0,”typeLabel”:”Series”,”objectType”:”content_product_series”,”icon”:””}’ techobjectinfo='{“uuid”:”eef842db-b3a0-4f24-ad7b-5e3508ea37f6″,”slug”:”apple-iphone-15″,”name”:”Apple iPhone 15″,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1725066742207}’ overridecredit=”John Kim/CNET” overridecaption=”
The iPhone 15
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The iPhone 15
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The iPhone 15
“,”imageCredit”:”John Kim/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”The iPhone 15 in someone’s hand”,”imageFilename”:”iphone-15.jpg”,”imageWidth”:3932,”imageHeight”:2212,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-09-18″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”mz8cmil52qp7jhn”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__3ab118c9-270c-4931-8425-3305ee64033c” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”John Kim/CNET” imagealttext=”The iPhone 15 in someone’s hand” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and an upgraded camera with a higher resolution and a crisper zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for those with older iPhones. It feels like a scaled-back version of the iPhone 14 Pro, making Apple’s entry-level iPhone 15 feel like a bigger leap forward than last year’s.
The iPhone 15 is available in two size options: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the same chip as the iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic, which should bring notable performance upgrades to those with an iPhone that’s several years old. These phones also have Apple’s second-generation ultra wideband chip, enabling a new feature that makes it easier to find friends or family members in a crowd.
Last year’s iPhone 14 Pro may be a better choice if you can still find it through third-party retailers at a discount, particularly because it has a dedicated telephoto lens. The iPhone 15 is the most exciting upgrade Apple’s standard iPhone has seen in years. Read our iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review.
There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. But Google’s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software, and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features to Pixel phones throughout the year through updates it calls Feature Drops.
The Pixel 9 comes with a few new AI tricks that you may find useful, like the ability to search for content in screenshots, generate images from scratch in the Pixel Studio app and add new objects in photos. These features aren’t must-haves, and they’re not without flaws. Plus, at a starting price of $799, the Pixel 9 has a higher bar to live up to. But the Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that class of device.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
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With a sharper 5x optical zoom, a faster new processor and that familiar giant display and 100x digital zoom, the Samsung’s “Ultra” phone remains a top choice for mobile photographers who want plenty of screen space. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also one of the first phones with Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, which include tools for translating text messages and phone calls instantly and Circle to Search, a new gesture that lets you launch a Google search for almost anything simply by drawing a circle around it. Like the previous two generations, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with an embedded S Pen for those who like jotting down notes or doodling. Perhaps best of all, Samsung has committed to updating these devices with new versions of Android for seven years, meaning it shouldn’t feel out of date anytime soon.
Still, there are some important downsides to consider. At $1,300, this phone is expensive, so be sure to look for trade-in discounts if you plan to upgrade. And for that high price, I had hoped Samsung would’ve added extra Galaxy AI features that are specific to the Ultra — perhaps some that take advantage of the S Pen. Galaxy AI is the same on all Galaxy S24 devices, and it’ll be coming to the Galaxy S23 lineup soon too, so you don’t have to splurge on Samsung’s top-of-the-line phone if you just care about those features. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review.
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The Pixel 8A is so good it makes the regular Pixel 8 almost feel irrelevant. It shares so much in common with its pricier sibling, from its selection of AI-powered features like Circle to Search to its cool aesthetic and powerful Tensor G3 processor, that it’s hard to see why anyone would buy the Pixel 8 instead.
The Pixel 8 does offer a marginally better camera system, a slightly larger screen and the ability to charge other phones and accessories wirelessly on the back of the device. But those features don’t feel significant enough to impact the buying decision for most people. As I wrote in my review, the Pixel 8A raises the bar for what a $500 phone should be. That also means I’ll be expecting more from the Pixel 9 this fall.
Add to that a long battery life, fast charging, improved cameras and an IPX8 rating that certifies that the Razr Plus will survive temporary dunking and you realize just how much value Motorola has poured into its flagship foldable. It’s $1,000 price is steep, but you’re getting one of the best clamshell style foldables you can buy.
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“,”imageCredit”:”James Martin/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”motorola-razr-plus-9409″,”imageFilename”:”motorola-razr-plus-9409.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4000,”imageHeight”:2667,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-07-03″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”0zc9v2kqqdeukue”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__ab6b700d-d3e0-4807-80c4-99fedcfba6ec” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”” imagealttext=”” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
When I consider the Motorola Razr Plus on its own terms, it is outstanding. And, perhaps more importantly, it’s a delight to use. The 4-inch cover screen makes the Razr feel like two phones in one. You can use pretty much any app on the outer display as well as respond to messages, watch videos, make video calls and even play games – all without opening the Razr Plus up.
Add to that a long battery life, fast charging, improved cameras and an IPX8 rating that certifies that the Razr Plus will survive temporary dunking and you realize just how much value Motorola has poured into its flagship foldable. It’s $1,000 price is steep, but you’re getting one of the best clamshell style foldables you can buy.
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G and its 50W charger.
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G and its 50W charger.
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G and its 50W charger.
“,”imageCredit”:”Mike Sorrentino/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”OnePlus Nord N30 5G and its 50W charger.”,”imageFilename”:”oneplus-n30-phone-and-charger.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4032,”imageHeight”:2268,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-06-13″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”8zebpajauv7123i”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__d4e59357-b597-4d55-873e-be8bdf3f0e8a” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Mike Sorrentino/CNET” imagealttext=”OnePlus Nord N30 5G and its 50W charger.” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G includes a lot of features for the money, but its 50-watt charging speed is a standout for this price range. The phone can charge from 0% to 100% in 45 minutes, and most other phones that cost $300 or less need 90 minutes to two hours to do the same thing. Its large 6.72-inch 1,080p display runs at a 120Hz refresh rate and makes apps, games, websites and streaming video animate smoothly.
It’s worth calling out that the 108-megapixel main camera — despite being an astounding megapixel number on a phone — takes photos that are only marginally better than what I usually see from phones in this price range. While the OnePlus does face stiff competition from Google’s Pixel 6A — especially when the Pixel is discounted to $270 — it does include a lot of functionality for its price. Read our OnePlus Nord N30 5G review.
” page-position=”” linktext=”” linkurl=”” like=”~Affordable ~Home button and Touch ID FTW ~Good battery life ~Camera takes good photos and videos” dislike=”~Lacks night mode for photos ~Screen could be brighter ~Bezels above and below screen look dated ~Selfie camera not on par with rear camera ~20-watt USB-C charger not” can-collapse=”false” can-truncate=”false” truncate-on-page-load=”false” offer='{“id”:”9bc2b5a6-db53-4cb5-aeda-fbb7ec967936″,”label”:”Apple iPhone SE (2022)”,”slug”:”apple-iphone-se-2022″,”edition”:[“us”],”imageId”:”a1a22112-58b2-497a-a705-17b8dd141bcb”,”imgUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/fd31565b6acf0345b81bab52f19d794cb87b4351/hub/2022/03/08/a1a22112-58b2-497a-a705-17b8dd141bcb/470.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=300&height=300&fit=crop”,”imageHeight”:0,”imageWidth”:0,”typeLabel”:”Product”,”objectType”:”content_product”,”icon”:””}’ techobjectinfo='{“uuid”:”9bc2b5a6-db53-4cb5-aeda-fbb7ec967936″,”slug”:”apple-iphone-se-64gb-midnight”,”name”:”Apple iPhone SE (64GB, Midnight)”,”productType”:”PRODUCT”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1725066742183}’ overridecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” overridecaption=”
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“,”imageCredit”:”Patrick Holland/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”iPhone SE 2022″,”imageFilename”:”iphone-se-2022-008.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4000,”imageHeight”:2667,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2022-03-12″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”t9i9wha6l8jbjdd”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__3598f733-e843-4c1f-81aa-3467c39c392f” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Patrick Holland/CNET” imagealttext=”iPhone SE 2022″ class=”c-bestListListicle”>
Apple’s new iPhone SE for 2022 is a mix of an older design with the latest smartphone features, including Apple’s latest A15 Bionic chip and 5G support, for $429. It’s also one of the few phones on the market that includes a smaller, 4.7-inch screen.
Yet it’s that throwback design, which continues the general shape that Apple has used since 2014, that could be what you will love or dislike most about this phone. If you want a larger iPhone in this price range, you can also consider the iPhone 11 at $499 in order to get a bigger screen and Face ID. But that phone, first released in 2019, does not include 5G connectivity.
Even though this phone does suffer from having a shorter software and security support timeline (1 year of major Android OS, three years of security updates) than Samsung’s Galaxy A25 5G, it is a more useful device. And it’s this appeal that makes the Moto G Power 5G our top recommendation for a phone that costs $300 or less.
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“,”imageCredit”:”James Martin/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Moto G Power 5G phone”,”imageFilename”:”moto-g-power-5g-7812.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4000,”imageHeight”:2250,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-03-20″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”hmnn339h1q3ln3l”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__1228b852-117d-4700-bd46-a6628850e32a” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”” imagealttext=”Moto G Power 5G phone” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is the most versatile option in this roundup, offering wireless charging, a 120Hz high refresh rate screen, Google Pay for contactless payments and a fantastic vegan leather design. Combine that with a camera that takes decent photos in bright environments, and a processor that is capable for most daily tasks, and you have a phone that’s both fun to use without cramming itself with the extra bells and whistles we see in higher priced phones.
Even though this phone does suffer from having a shorter software and security support timeline (1 year of major Android OS, three years of security updates) than Samsung’s Galaxy A25 5G, it is a more useful device. And it’s this appeal that makes the Moto G Power 5G our top recommendation for a phone that costs $300 or less.
The phones aren’t perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they’re just okay in low-light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (though you get the first year for free) But if you’re keen to experiment with AI on your phone then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it.
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“,”imageCredit”:”James Martin/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Google’s Pixel 9 Pro mobile phone”,”imageFilename”:”pixel-9-pro-1643.jpg”,”imageWidth”:4000,”imageHeight”:2667,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-08-21″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”5w1kf81uht2145v”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__4414f3e1-b8ed-4ccd-86a5-f6dc0e309607″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”” imagealttext=”Google’s Pixel 9 Pro mobile phone” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. But it’s the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live, to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.
The phones aren’t perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they’re just okay in low-light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (though you get the first year for free) But if you’re keen to experiment with AI on your phone then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it.
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“,”imageCredit”:”Andrew Lanxon/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Image of oneplus phone in green”,”imageFilename”:”oneplus-12-12r-cnet-lanxon-review-17.jpg”,”imageWidth”:3000,”imageHeight”:2001,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-01-22″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}’ usepricing=”true” ng-block='{“id”:”djfnzd67q6b1wgg”,”type”:”cross-content-listicle”}’ edition=”us” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__442f0484-0f31-402f-8d0b-0af2e0bac2e9″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”5g,hv28,google,lenovo,lg,motorola,samsung,sony,samsung-galaxy,apple,oneplus” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”” imagealttext=”Image of oneplus phone in green” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
If fast charging, powerful performance and having a large, bright screen matter most to you in a phone, check out the OnePlus 12. OnePlus’ new phone can go from empty to full in less than 30 minutes thanks to its 80-watt charging in the US, a perk that can be helpful if you have a long day ahead and forgot your charger. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which feels swift and zippy whether you’re playing games or just scrolling around the interface. The OnePlus 12’s 4,500-nit peak brightness also makes it ideal for outdoor use, since its screen is noticeably brighter than rivals like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
There’s room for improvement when it comes to the camera. While shots taken on the Plus 12 are decent, CNET’s Andrew Lanxon found nighttime photos look too dark and described the optical zoom as “very hit or miss.” It’s also worth noting that the OnePlus 12 gets four years of software updates. That would have been fine by 2023’s standards, but Google and Samsung now offer seven years of Android updates, which keeps those devices fresh and relevant for a longer period. Read our OnePlus 12 review.
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a $1,200 gaming phone that takes nearly every feature to the extreme. It has a 5,500-mAh battery, a 6.78-inch AMOLED with a high refresh rate and touch sampling rate, 65-watt wired charging and even a door on the back for a detachable fan to keep the phone’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip as cool as possible. The software is optimized and easily customized for gaming including touch-sensitive areas on the sides of the phone that double as shoulder buttons for games.
The $1,400 Sony Xperia 1 V retains all the best features of previous Xperia 1 phones, like a 4K high refresh rate display, expandable storage, cutting-edge cameras with eye-tracking autofocus, a 5,000-mAh battery, a dedicated hardware shutter button and a headphone jack, all wrapped in Sony’s lovely, mundane utilitarian design. The phone brims with numerous quality-of-life improvements for its target audience of creative types like photographers, filmmakers, musicians and gamers who want nuanced control over the content they make. Its $1,400 price tag keeps this phone squarely aimed beyond most consumers.
Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We use the phone, test the features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. If we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it.
We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:
- Display
- Design and feel
- Processor performance
- Battery life
- Camera quality
- Features
We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and nighttime scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real-world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.
We take into account additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. We also weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price so you know whether a phone represents good value or not.
Read more: How we test phones
Consider last year’s models: They can often be a great deal, too. Many companies keep previous generation models of their phones around at a lower price.
Try it out before you buy it: The best way to know if you like a phone is to actually go to a store and try it out.
Prioritize which features are the most important: Do you want a large screen? Are cameras the most important feature for you? What about battery life? Narrow down your choices. This will save you time and money.
Don’t discount affordable phones: You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a flagship can do for a fraction of the price.
Save with sales: Companies and retailers usually roll out deep discounts around major holidays, especially Amazon’s Prime Day and Black Friday.
Are 5G phones more expensive?
Is a 5G phone better than a 4G phone?
