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What are the best mobile devices that let you make the most out of 5G technology?
Long battery life, superb features, affordability—what do you look for in a new phone?
With the introduction of 5G technology, mobile devices are now more powerful than ever. 5G-enabled phones offer lightning-fast download and upload speeds, allowing for seamless streaming, browsing and gaming experiences. Users no longer have to suffer from buffering or lag and can enjoy the full potential of their apps and services.
5G brings improved connectivity and capacity for users, allowing for more devices to be connected to the network simultaneously without compromising performance. 5G also has the ability to transmit data with low latency for a faster, more responsive communication.
Even more impressive, 5G phones are capable of handling demanding tasks, such as 4K video editing, 3D rendering and even VR gaming. However, it’s worth noting that 5G is still in the early stages of deployment, and the coverage is not as wide as it is for 4G mobile plans yet.
Purchasing a 5G device will ensure you’re future-proofed and ready to take advantage of 5G’s benefits as it becomes more widely available. Hopefully, this guide will help you make an informed decision when you decide to purchase a 5G phone.
Use the table of contents below to jump to each section of this post.
| How we came up with our list |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro |
| Motorola Moto Edge 30 Pro |
| Asus Zenfone 9 |
How we came up with our list
Different users will have different priorities, so while some may prioritise camera quality, others may focus on better battery life or performance. For this one, we weigh the factors below to create a well-rounded list that caters to a variety of users. We also made sure to pick only one from each manufacturer on the list.
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Design and build quality
The device should have a sleek and attractive design, and be made of high-quality materials that give it a premium feel.
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Performance
The device should have a powerful processor and ample memory to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing and multitasking seamlessly.
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Battery life
5G devices tend to consume more power, so it’s important to consider how long the battery lasts in real-life usage.
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Camera quality
With the increasing popularity of mobile photography, the device should have a high-quality camera that can take sharp and detailed photos.
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5G capabilities
The device should be able to connect to 5G networks and support the latest 5G technologies, such as mmWave and Sub-6GHz.
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Value for money
The device should be fairly priced given the overall value they deliver.
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Target audience
It’s important to consider who the device is targeted at, whether it’s a budget-friendly option for the masses or a flagship device for power users.
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Additional features
Some devices may have additional features like waterproof, wireless charging and facial recognition that could be important for some users.
These are the best 5G mobile devices you can buy in Australia:
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the phone to buy if you’re looking for the best 5G phones for Android. It offers various improvements from previous models, including camera capabilities like the bigger main sensor that allows for better low-light photos and the new Super Clear lens.
The newest flagship phone from Samsung boasts of an impressive 3088 x 1440 resolution, and with Samsung’s Vision Booster technology, you can enjoy its expansive screen even under direct sunlight. Plus, the highly accurate S-Pen stylus that comes as an integrated accessory adds to the convenience. Bottomline is, this phone means business and it’s built to last.
Samsung makes some of the best Android phones in the market. Other great 5G mobile devices from the manufacturer include the Samsung Galaxy A53 and the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
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One of the latest 5G phones on this list, the iPhone 14 Pro Max (released in September 2022) could well be the best, too. It offers the biggest screen as well as the best design and cameras among all iPhone models. The most notable addition is the Dynamic Island display, which replaces the notch in the iPhone 13 Pro Max and other models.
With its huge screen, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the biggest iPhone ever produced, along with the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Pro Max line is known for its excellent battery life; this new release is no exception.
Other notable features include the Always-on display, which dims the lock screen while showing helpful info, and crash detection, which dials emergency services upon detecting a serious crash.
Other great 5G mobile devices from Apple include the iPhone SE and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
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Google picks up from the success of the Pixel 6 Pro, released two years ago. This edition was launched in October of 2022 and quickly garnered attention. The Google 7 Pixel Pro features a refined design, a brighter display and impressive camera tweaks.
With the new processor comes useful camera system upgrades, such as Photo Unblur, enhanced ultra-wide sensor and the 5x telephoto lens. These updates should be reason enough to upgrade to this new version if you’re fond of using the camera. Add to that a few Google Assistant updates (e.g., Direct My Call improvements), and you’ll surely love this phone.
Other great 5G mobile devices from Google include the Google Pixel 6a and the Google Pixel 6 Pro.
Motorola Moto Edge 30 Pro
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If you’re a fan of Motorola, this is where you spend your money. The Motorola Moto Edge 30 Pro uses the reliable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 platform and is in fact one of the more impressive phones powered by the aforementioned processor.
The battery life may not be best-in-class, but it’s very much respectable, especially given its price. What you might find disappointing though is that it lacks camera features normally found in cameras at this price point, like a telephoto lens. It does have the highest ultra-wide resolutions in the market, though!
Other great 5G mobile devices from Motorola include the Motorola Edge 30 Neo and the Motorola Moto Edge 20 Fusion.
Asus Zenfone 9
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If small, compact phones are right up your street, get your hands on the Asus Zenfone 9. It has a 5.9-inch display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. And with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 as its processor, you know that this isn’t all about size.
The Asus Zenfone 9 has a dual camera setup and a 3.5mm headphone jack for better audio quality, which isn’t too common in flagship phones these days. One of the best things about it is its excellent battery life.
Other good 5G mobile devices from Asus are the Asus ROG Phone 5 and the Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate.
Most major carriers and some smaller ones offer 5G support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 5G phones faster than 4G LTE?
Yes, 5G phones are generally faster than 4G LTE phones. 5G networks offer faster download and upload speeds, as well as lower latency, which means that data transfer takes less time and there’s less delay in communication. This allows for smoother streaming, gaming and video calls, and enables new technologies like virtual and augmented reality.
However, the actual speed of a 5G phone depends on many factors, such as the location of the phone and the availability of 5G networks in that area.
Is it possible to use 4G in a 5G phone?
Yes, it’s possible to use 4G in a 5G phone. All 5G phones are also compatible with 4G and other previous generations of cellular networks, such as 3G and 2G. If a 5G phone is used in an area where 5G is not available, it will automatically switch to the best available network, which could be 4G, 3G or 2G.
In addition, 5G networks are still in the process of being built out, so even in areas where 5G is available, it may not be as widespread or reliable as 4G. In such a case, the phone will use a 4G network to maintain a stable connection.
Is it really worth buying a 5G phone?
Whether or not it’s worth buying a 5G phone depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are someone who prioritises network speed, data transfer and future-proofing and you’re ready to pay a premium price for it, a 5G phone could be worth it for you.
However, if you don’t see a significant benefit for you or if 5G coverage is not available in your area, a 4G phone might be a better option.
Why are 5G mobile devices expensive?
5G devices are generally more expensive than 4G phones for a few reasons. These include:
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Technology
5G technology is still relatively new and requires more advanced hardware and components than 4G. This includes a more powerful processor, more RAM and a special modem to support 5G networks.
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Research and Development
The cost of researching and developing 5G technology is passed on to consumers through the price of the phones.
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Fewer options
5G phones are a relatively new technology, and there are fewer options in the market. As such, manufacturers have more control over the prices.
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High demand
There is a high demand for 5G phones, which allows manufacturers to charge higher prices.
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Additional features
Some 5G phones come with additional features, such as foldable screens or advanced cameras, which can also contribute to the higher price.
As the technology matures, the cost of production will decrease, and competition will increase. This will likely lead to a decrease in the prices of 5G phones.
What’s the best brand for 5G mobile phones?
There are several brands that are considered leaders in the 5G mobile phone market, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Ultimately, the best brand for 5G mobile phones will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different options from different brands before making a decision.
How do you choose the right 5G phone?
When choosing the right 5G phone for you, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Start by researching the 5G coverage in your area and make sure the phone you are considering supports the 5G bands available. Consider the operating system you prefer, whether you want an Android phone or an iPhone.
Look for devices with powerful processors, enough RAM and a high-resolution screen. Battery life is also important, as are the number and resolution of cameras and the amount of storage you need.
Compare prices from different providers and choose one that offers the best value for your money. You might also want to look into additional features you’ll find particularly helpful (e.g., foldable screens, advanced cameras or 5G gaming capabilities).
Where can you buy 5G phones?
5G phones are now available everywhere! You can purchase from mobile carriers, electronic retailers, manufacturer websites and online marketplaces. Some of these options may offer financing or contract deals, so it’s important to consider all options before making a decision.
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