You’re likely one of the 3.8 billion people worldwide who own a smartphone, and if you’re due for an upgrade, you’re probably curious about the best 5G phones of 2021. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But what if you could narrow it down to just five top contenders? From Apple’s compact iPhone 12 Mini to Samsung’s powerhouse Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, each of these phones offers something unique. But which one will come out on top when it comes to performance, camera quality, and battery life?
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Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
If you’re looking for a compact 5G phone with a powerful processor and impressive camera system, the Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Black – Refurbished is an excellent choice, boasting a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display and A14 Bionic processor.
You’ll appreciate the phone’s dual-camera system, which takes stunning photos and videos.
With 64GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for your favorite apps, photos, and videos.
Plus, the phone is available in six stylish colors, including Black, White, Green, Blue, Purple, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Measuring just 2.53 x 0.29 x 5.18 inches and weighing 9.1 ounces, this phone is perfect for those who prefer a smaller device.
Best For: Those who prefer a compact phone with a powerful processor and impressive camera system.
Pros:
- Compact design with a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display and 64GB of storage
- Dual-camera system takes stunning photos and videos
- Available in six stylish colors, including Black, White, Green, Blue, Purple, and (PRODUCT)RED
Cons:
- Battery life may not be amazing, but is sufficient for daily use
- Some users may find facial recognition feature to be dystopian
- Minor complaints about the phone’s size and design
Motorola Edge Smartphone
The Motorola Edge Smartphone is ideal for photography enthusiasts and gamers who demand exceptional performance from their 5G phone, with its unparalleled 108-megapixel optical sensor resolution and lightning-fast Snapdragon 778G processor.
You’ll love the 108 MP ultra-high-resolution camera system that captures stunning images and records 4K videos.
Plus, with a 6.8-inch HDR10 display and 144Hz refresh rate, you’ll enjoy an ultra-smooth visual experience.
This phone’s got power, with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage capacity.
And, with a massive 5000 mAh battery, you can go up to 2 days on a single charge.
What’s more, the TurboPower 30 charging gets you back up and running in just 75 minutes.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts and gamers who demand exceptional performance from their 5G phone.
Pros:
- Exceptional camera quality with 108 MP ultra-high-resolution camera system and 4K video recording capabilities
- Fast performance with Snapdragon 778G processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage capacity
- Long-lasting battery life with 5000 mAh battery and TurboPower 30 charging
Cons:
- Some users have reported weak battery life and slow processing
- Feedback suggests that the phone may be fragile and require extra care
- Some users have mentioned difficulties with settings optimization and warranty information
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Smartphone
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Smartphone boasts a pro-grade camera with 100x zoom and 108MP resolution that captures life’s precious moments with stunning clarity.
With its 6.8-inch screen display, 12GB RAM, and 128GB storage capacity, you’ll have plenty of room to store your favorite memories.
Plus, the 5000mAh battery with 71-minute charging time provides you with all-day power.
You’ll also appreciate the sharp 8K video recording with multi-cam recording and automatic professional-style effects.
Weighing just 8.1 ounces, this phone is both powerful and portable.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Smartphone is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-end camera phone with impressive specs.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts and individuals who want a high-end camera phone with impressive specs and all-day battery life.
Pros:
- Pro-grade camera with 100x zoom and 108MP resolution for capturing high-quality photos and videos
- Fast charging 5000mAh battery that provides all-day power
- Large 6.8-inch screen display with 12GB RAM and 128GB storage capacity for storing and viewing content
Cons:
- Some customers have reported receiving scratched or damaged screens
- Faulty SIM card readers and adware and bloatware issues have been reported by some users
- Refurbished products may have issues with refunds and damaged products, requiring careful inspection before purchasing
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G Cell Phone
Frequent gamers and heavy users will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G Cell Phone’s hyperfast processor, which transforms your gaming and binging experience with less interruption.
You’ll enjoy a breathtaking screen refresh rate and an adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that makes gaming super smooth.
With a long-lasting intelligent battery that learns to optimize battery life, you can play or stream all day without worrying about running out of juice. Plus, with super-fast charging, you can get a quick boost in just minutes.
You’ll also appreciate the 6.9-inch Infinity-O Display screen, 128GB storage capacity, and 8GB RAM, making this phone ideal for heavy users.
Best For: Frequent gamers and heavy users who need a powerful device with advanced features and long battery life.
Pros:
- Hyperfast processor for smooth gaming and binging experience
- Long-lasting intelligent battery with super-fast charging capabilities
- Large 6.9-inch Infinity-O Display screen with 128GB storage capacity and 8GB RAM
Cons:
- Some customers experienced issues with biometrics, speaker grill, and hole in the top of the phone
- A few customers reported problems with the screen display turning off, moisture detection malfunction, and cracked screens
- Limited availability of colors, with only Mystic Bronze option available
OnePlus 9 Pro Android Smartphone
Gamers and shutterbugs, rejoice: the OnePlus 9 Pro Android Smartphone packs a punch with its Hasselblad Quad Camera system and Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 platform, making it an ideal choice for those seeking exceptional performance and photography capabilities.
You’ll love the 6.7′ QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for playing graphics-intensive games or scrolling through your favorite social media feeds.
With Warp Charge 65T, you can get a full day’s power in just 30 minutes of charging. However, be aware that some users have reported poor battery life, so you may need to keep an eye on your usage.
Overall, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a solid choice for those who want high-end performance and camera capabilities in a premium device.
Best For: Gamers, shutterbugs, and individuals seeking exceptional performance and photography capabilities in a premium device.
Pros:
- Exceptional camera capabilities with Hasselblad Quad Camera system and 48MP main camera
- Fast performance with Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 platform and 120Hz refresh rate display
- Fast charging capabilities with Warp Charge 65T and Warp Charge 50 Wireless
Cons:
- Poor battery life, with some users experiencing around 6-6:30 hours of screen-on time
- Recent update changed OS from Oxygen OS to ColorOS, causing loss of features and functionality
- Some users experience screen burn-in, warm temperatures, and deleted personal files after extended use
Factors to Consider When Choosing 2021’s 5G Phones
When you’re shopping for a 5G phone in 2021, you’ll want to weigh several key factors that’ll impact your overall experience.
You’ll need to think about what processor speed you need, how long you want your battery to last, and how much storage you require.
Processor Speed Matters
As you shop for a 5G phone in 2021, you’ll want to prioritize a processor that can keep up with your demands, because a faster processor speed is essential for a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
A faster processor enables smoother performance, quicker loading times, and enhanced multitasking capabilities, making it perfect for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 platform, for instance, offers a maximum clock speed of up to 2.96 GHz, providing rapid processing and efficient power management.
When choosing a 5G phone, it’s vital to think about the processor’s clock speed, measured in GHz, as it directly affects the phone’s overall performance.
A higher clock speed generally results in better performance and responsiveness. Additionally, the number of cores and threads in a processor also impact its performance, with more cores and threads allowing for more efficient multitasking and simultaneous task handling.
Look for a processor with a high clock speed, multiple cores, and efficient power management to guarantee a seamless and lag-free user experience. By prioritizing processor speed, you’ll be able to enjoy a faster, more responsive, and more enjoyable 5G phone experience.
Battery Life Expectations
You’ll want to weigh a 5G phone’s battery life expectations, which can be substantially impacted by various factors, including screen refresh rate, processor efficiency, and network connectivity.
A 5G phone’s battery life can last around 6-6:30 hours with the screen on, but you’ll want to aim for a battery capacity of at least 4500mAh to guarantee a full day’s use. Some phones offer up to 5000mAh batteries for extended battery life.
Fast charging capabilities, such as Warp Charge 65T or TurboPower 30, can quickly replenish your 5G phone’s battery. Some phones can charge up to 75% in just 75 minutes.
Additionally, consider the battery health of your phone, especially if you’re buying refurbished. Look for guarantees of a minimum battery capacity of 80% to confirm peak performance.
To extend battery life, look for all-day intelligent battery features that learn how to maximize battery life. These features can help your 5G phone last longer throughout the day.
Storage Capacity Options
Your 5G phone’s storage capacity is the digital equivalent of a physical storage unit, determining how much digital clutter it can hold, from apps and media to files and documents.
When choosing a 5G phone, you’ll need to weigh your options carefully and think about how much storage you need.
If you’re a heavy user who stores a lot of large files like 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and games, you’ll want a higher storage capacity, ranging from 128GB to 1TB or more.
On the other hand, if you’re a light user who mostly uses their phone for social media and messaging, a lower storage capacity of 64GB might be sufficient.
Some 5G phones also offer expandable storage options, such as microSD cards, which can be a game-changer if you need more storage in the future.
Remember, your storage capacity can impact your phone’s performance, so choosing wisely is crucial.
Bear in mind your specific needs and habits to determine the right storage capacity for you, and don’t forget to check for expansion options.
Operating System Choices
When selecting a 5G phone, you’re likely to encounter two main operating system options: Android and iOS, each with its unique features, advantages, and limitations that can substantially impact your overall user experience.
Android offers more customization options, a wider range of devices, and integration with other Google services. However, it can be more vulnerable to security threats and may have inconsistent user interfaces across different devices.
On the other hand, iOS is known for its seamless integration with other Apple devices, robust security, and ease of use. However, it can be more restrictive regarding customization and has a limited range of devices to choose from.
You’ll need to weigh your individual needs and preferences when deciding between these two operating systems. If you value flexibility and affordability, Android might be the way to go. But if you prioritize security and ease of use, iOS could be the better choice.
Ultimately, your operating system choice will play a significant role in shaping your 5G phone experience.
Display Quality Importance
As you venture into the world of 5G phones, a key factor to weigh is the display quality, which can profoundly impact or detract from your overall user experience.
You’ll want a display that enhances your video streaming, gaming, and overall visual enjoyment. Look for a high refresh rate, such as 120Hz or higher, to provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
The display’s resolution is also essential, with higher resolutions like QHD+ (534 PPI) offering sharper and more detailed visuals. OLED displays are often preferred over IPS displays due to their better contrast ratio, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
Additionally, consider the display’s brightness, measured in nits, as higher brightness levels like 1000 nits or more facilitate better visibility in outdoor environments.
Network Compatibility Needs
Before making a purchase, you’ll need to verify your 5G phone is compatible with your carrier’s network, taking into account factors like frequency bands, network modes, and roaming capabilities.
5G phones operate on different frequency bands, such as low-band, mid-band, and high-band, which affect the phone’s performance, range, and speed. It’s essential to check if your carrier’s 5G network is supported by the phone, as some carriers use different technologies like millimeter wave (mmWave) or sub-6 GHz, which may not be supported by all phones.
Additionally, you’ll need to make certain the phone supports your carrier’s 5G network mode, such as NSA (Non-Standalone) or SA (Standalone), to get the best performance.
If you travel frequently, you’ll also want to weigh the phone’s roaming capabilities and support for international 5G networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Cost of a 5G Phone in 2021?
You’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to shell out for a 5G phone. On average, you can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 for a decent 5G device in 2021, depending on the brand and features.
Do All 5G Phones Support the Same 5G Frequency Bands?
You might be surprised to know that only 12% of 5G phones support all 5G frequency bands. Unfortunately, you’ll find that not all 5G phones support the same 5G frequency bands, as manufacturers prioritize specific bands based on region and carrier.
Can I Use a 5G Phone With a 4G SIM Card?
You’re wondering if you can use a 5G phone with a 4G SIM card. The answer is yes, you can! Most 5G phones are backward compatible, so they’ll default to 4G or even 3G if 5G isn’t available.
Are 5G Phones More Prone to Overheating Than 4G Phones?
You’re wondering if 5G phones overheat more than 4G ones. Generally, 5G phones do tend to heat up more due to the increased power required for 5G signal processing and transmission.
Will 5G Phones Work in Areas With No 5G Network Coverage?
You’re like a traveler with a map, exploring unfamiliar territories. When you venture into areas with no 5G network coverage, your phone will fall back on 4G or 3G networks, ensuring you stay connected, albeit at slower speeds.
Conclusion
As you weigh your options, remember that the perfect 5G phone is like a puzzle piece – it should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
With these top picks, you’ve got a solid foundation to build on.
So, which one will you choose?
Will it be the iPhone 12 Mini’s compact design, the Motorola Edge’s camera prowess, or perhaps the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s pro-grade camera?
The decision is yours, and with these exceptional phones, you can’t go wrong.
