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Expensive to cheap Best 5G phones in 2023

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Five different 5G smartphones, featuring their front display, labeled as 5G at the top.

Are you on the hunt for the top 5G smartphones? Nowadays, it’s all about finding the best phones because nearly every worthwhile device has 5G connectivity. So, let’s explore the top-notch options! Our top 5G smartphones bring more than just faster downloads to the table. They come with fantastic cameras, large screens, and impressive battery life. So let’s explore my list of the finest 5G phones available today, catering to all budgets.

Things to consider before buying the best 5G phone

Like other inventions 5G technology first comes in Top-notch countries of the world like the US, UK, China, and many others. But still, some regions of the world have been deprived of the fastest 5G connection until now. So, before investing your money and time in buying a 5G smartphone, confirm whether your country is serving a 5G connection or not. After this, you can benefit from my recommendations for buying the best 5G phones in 2023.

Best expensive 5G phones

Let’s start with the expensive 5G smartphones available in the market.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come packed with exciting changes. They’ve introduced a cool customizable Action button, major camera enhancements, slimmer bezels, a sleek titanium design, and the speedy A17 Pro processor. These improvements create a decent approach as compared to previous generations.

iPhone 15 Pro Max featuring white titanium frame placed vertically against a grey background
Source: Times Now

Why it’s for you?

In addition to a good 5G connection, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will serve you best with their extraordinary performances and exceptional camera quality, even though it’s the priciest option. The iPhone 15 Pro Max steps up its game in the performance department, thanks to the new A17 Pro chip. This means you get outstanding speed and top-notch gaming experiences. Plus, there’s a fresh telephoto camera that lets you take shots from greater distances than ever before. These are available along with the super-fast 5G connection. Exciting upgrades all around!

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
– Comes with a fast 5G network and SOS satellite calling feature.
– Exceptional camera, having a periscope lens.
– Comes with an Action button.  
– Quite expensive.
– The camera is still not as good as the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
– Netizens are complaining of overheating problems in it.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

If you’re after a top-tier smartphone with amazing 5G performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a must-consider. It covers all the necessary bands for lightning-fast mmWave, ensuring you won’t have to wait for app updates or game downloads. Plus, even if mmWave isn’t available in your area, the S23 Ultra also supports sub-6 5G. So, you’re all set for a seamless 5G experience!

Samsung Galaxy S23 ultra placed in rocks unveiling its rear design
Source: Digital Trends

Why it’s for you?

It’s the only one in the S23 lineup that features the company’s flagship 200MP ISOCELL HP2 camera sensor, which offers a ton of versatility and can help you capture some incredible shots. In our comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 ultra, we already brief you that the 15 Pro Max is still a step back in zoom-in picture quality. Moreover, the captured photos look as sharp as possible on the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a truly adaptive refresh rate between 1 and 120Hz. Plus, if you enjoy doodling or taking notes, it comes with a built-in S Pen – a feature that’s quite unique in the smartphone world. This device has you covered!

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
– Battery time is quite amazing.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has beat the A17 Pro chip on graphics.
– Its camera is exceptionally stunning.
– It’s quite expensive.
– The charging wire of Galaxy – – S23 ultra is limited to 45W wire.

Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

Two models, Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro placed vertically against a wall.
Source: DPReview

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are quite impressive. They both run on Google’s own Tensor 3 processor, which doesn’t just offer speed but also efficiency. Both phones have 5G support allowing you to connect to the fastest internet connection ever.

Both of these phones operate on the newest Android 17 version, giving you a smooth and clutter-free experience along with a super-fast 5G connection. Google has also pledged prompt updates, guaranteeing you’ll have access to the latest features and security enhancements. It’s tech that stays up-to-date with you!

Why it’s for you?

In addition to this, both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro boast a versatile camera system in various situations, featuring a Night Sight feature that allows you to take remarkable low-light photos, all without the hassle of using a flash. Moreover, the Pixel 8 Pro steps things up when it comes to video, offering advanced features like 4K recording and top-notch stabilization. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who need a phone to take their daily vlogging to the next level.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
– Incredible camera system
– Compact smartphone
– Includes advanced AI features
– A quite satisfying build quality
– Incredible camera system
– Compact smartphone
– Includes advanced AI features

iPhone 14 Pro Max

This premium iPhone model boasts a bigger screen and superior cameras compared to the standard version. Having a 5G data network means you can share pictures and videos at almost lightning speed. The transfer of files and data is considerably faster than the 4G available in your area. Quite interesting?

Two iPhone 14 Pro Max models, showing a rear triple camera setup as well as a front dynamic island bezel, placed in a tilt position against a dark background
Source: Apple

Why it’s for you?

iOS serves as the perfect platform for creative professionals. It boasts top-notch third-party cameras and photo/video editing apps. Besides, it usually gets early updates for social media apps compared to Android. This makes it a great choice for those who create content professionally. Plus, it boasts the longest battery life, ensuring you can record for extended periods without worry.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
– Exceptional hardware quality.
– Features an always-on display with widgets.
– Outstanding camera capabilities.
– Impressive wireless performance
– Expensive.
– Outdated design and still using the Lightning connector

Best cheap 5G phones

Nokia G400 5G

Talking about a budget-friendly option, I must start my list with the Nokia G400 5G. The phone is primarily for those who want a 5G network connection but cannot invest in expensive top-notch mobile phones. It’s priced at under $200, yet it packs some impressive specs, including that crucial 5G modem. This phone is a great bang for you!

Two Nokia G400 Gray colored smartphones revealing their front display and back design against a blue & orange design
Source: The Tech Outlook

Why it’s for you?

The G400 comes with a 120Hz FHD+ screen, making navigating the operating system super smooth and responsive. It uses IPS technology instead of the pricier OLED, but it still offers sharp and vibrant visuals that should satisfy most users. The phone also includes a 48MP main camera, which is quite impressive considering its price.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
– Have an impressive 48MP camera.
– Uses an OLED screen, usually found in top-notch smartphones.  
– Not a dust and water-resistant phone.
– Wireless charging option is unavailable.    

Samsung Galaxy A54

The Samsung Galaxy A54 is also an affordable 5G smartphone that doesn’t break the bank. Priced under $500, it boasts a 50MP main camera, just like the pricier Galaxy S23, ensuring impressive photos. What creates an exception is its solid performance in handling the power-hungry 5G network, which does not drain the battery faster than other 5G smartphones.

Galaxy A54 smartphone held in right hand featuring its display, against a wooden floor background
Source: Stuff

Plus, if you switch off the phone’s 120Hz refresh rate, you can save even more battery life. It’s a great all-around option for those seeking 5G without the flagship price tag.

Why it’s for you?

While there are phones out there with stronger performance, even in the midrange segment, the Galaxy A54 covers all the important bases for smartphones: it has a good camera, a long-lasting battery, and a vibrant screen. It’s truly one of the top deals you can find among 5G devices.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
 – long-lasting battery
– 50MP camera will stun you with extraordinary picture quality
– Display is quite bright and satisfying as well
– The bezel is large and noticeable
The wireless charging option is absent here.    

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G phone features its users a spacious 6.72-inch screen with a sharp 1080p resolution. Also, it runs at a fast 120Hz refresh rate like other premium 5G smartphones. This means your apps, games, websites, and streaming videos will all look incredibly smooth and lively.

But here is a twist you should know about, the 108-megapixel main camera, although its higher value in digits, it doesn’t mean it will offer you considerable good pictures as compared to other smartphones available at the same price.

Left hand holding blue colored One Plus Nord N30 featuring it's sleek design.
Source: CNN

Why it’s for you?

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is packed with great features, but what stands out in its price category is the blazing-fast 50W charging. This phone can go from completely empty to fully charged in just 45 minutes, while most other phones under $300 take a much longer 90 minutes to two hours to achieve the same.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
– The software update timeline is quite short than many other smartphones. – The photography experience is just OK    -The software update timeline is quite short than many other smartphones.
– The photography experience is just OK    

Are 5G phones really expensive?

5G modems come with a price tag, and that’s why you’ll come across many affordable smartphones that don’t come with 5G. But the good news is that this is starting to change.

Many affordable smartphones now come with 5G, and even budget choices are starting to feature it. You can readily discover 5G smartphones for under $200, and their prices are likely to drop further in the future. So, getting that faster connection won’t break the bank! So, when you are buying your first 5G smartphone?

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