This yr, we have seen a number of smartphone launches — no-compromise flagship Google Pixel 10, the iPhone 17 Professional, and Samsung’s newest foldable lineup. A number of the best phones of 2025 are priced under $1,000, so you do not have to interrupt the financial institution to get the most effective 5G expertise. I’ve shortlisted telephones beginning at $300 and as much as $1,800 in a number of kind components.
Whether or not you want a pro-grade smartphone or wish to save on bills and get the most effective worth, there’s lots to select from. ZDNET tested and reviewed a plethora of 5G telephones that will help you select the most effective gadget in your wants.
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What’s the finest 5G telephone proper now?
We have tested dozens of devices, and our decide for the most effective 5G telephone general is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It options the most effective show on a telephone in 2025, a bunch of helpful AI options, and loads of energy beneath the hood. All flagship telephones have versatile cameras and massive and sharp shows, however points like these separate this Samsung phone from the remaining.
The brand newiPhone 17 additionally comes shut and wins by way of worth. That is the closest a base iPhone has gotten to its Professional sibling, and it’s my go-to advice this yr.
Nonetheless, the most effective 5G telephone is dependent upon what you need and the way a lot you’re prepared to put money into it. As an illustration, some may want the most effective cameras, whereas others wish to have a foldable. We have picked the most effective 5G telephones for each want.
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One of the best 5G telephones in 2025
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Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is the most effective Android telephone we have examined. I prefer it for its show. The anti-reflective coating paired with the excessive distinction of Samsung AMOLED show makes it the most effective display screen on a smartphone. It additionally presents probably the most polished set of AI options with Galaxy AI together with real-time telephone name translations, AI Choose instrument that gives contextual shortcuts based mostly on on-screen content material, and extra.
Underneath the hood, you get an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and environment friendly efficiency. Samsung has carried out an excellent job at extracting the most effective of battery life from its 5,000mAh cell. This implies you possibly can anticipate the telephone to final a complete day with ease.
The Galaxy S25 Extremely is manufactured from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2. That is preferrred for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their units. One other improve contains the presence of a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces better element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro pictures.
Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Who it is for: The S25 Extremely’s worth remains to be pretty inaccessible at $1,300, however it often goes on sale for round $1,000. It’s for individuals who need the most effective of Android in an enormous telephone kind issue.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you’re coming from a previous-generation Galaxy S-series flagship and love the S Pen, this telephone will not be for you. The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s S Pen not helps Bluetooth gestures. Plus, this isn’t probably the most ergonomic gadget as a result of its sharp edges. you possibly can have a look at the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL if you would like a snug to carry massive Android telephone.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show dimension: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP important, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,300
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Why we prefer it: That is the closest Apple’s base iPhone has gotten to its Professional sibling. The iPhone 17 provides a number of premium options together with the 120Hz ProMotion show, 40W wired charging, and higher efficiency, making it probably the most value-for-money telephone on the market.
I like the show. It sports activities slimmer bezels, is brilliant sufficient to be legible beneath direct daylight and is superlight to carry for day-to-day duties. It is not cumbersome in any respect. It additionally brings an all-new 18MP Heart Stage entrance digicam that may adaptively develop its framing to suit extra folks into pictures. Having a sq. sensor additionally permits customers to seize panorama selfies while not having to rotate the telephone.
Add in strong battery life, the dependable A19 chip, and a enjoyable coloration lineup, and you have got a well-rounded gadget that delivers wonderful worth. Apple left no stone unturned this time because it additionally upgraded the bottom mannequin to 256GB with out rising the worth.
Evaluate: iPhone 17
Who it is for: The iPhone 17 is a good selection for anybody who needs a contemporary iPhone with high-end options however does not want the total Professional expertise, or price ticket. In case you care about dependable cameras, one-handed usability, and wonderful efficiency, the iPhone 17 is the telephone for you.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In case you’re an influence consumer or creator who wants options like a telephoto digicam, a vapor chamber cooling system, or extra superior videography options, it’s best to have a look at the iPhone 17 Professional sequence.
iPhone 17 specs: Processor: Apple A19 | Show dimension: 6.3 inches with 120Hz refresh charge | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP vast, 12MP ultra-wide | Entrance digicam: 18MP | Colours: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, Black | Weight: 177g | Beginning worth: $799
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Why we prefer it: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most effective foldable telephone you should purchase proper now, and it’ll stay this manner for an additional few months. Samsung gave it an ultra-thin kind issue with a flexible digicam system and an environment friendly processor.
After I first began utilizing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I cherished the design however was skeptical of the battery life. In any case, it’s only a 4,400mAh cell. However kudos to Samsung, the corporate has managed to extract the most effective effectivity from its Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor to ship an all-day battery life. It additionally sports activities a wider, extra common side ratio on the quilt show, which is extra intuitive and cozy to make use of.
Whereas the foldable does not match its Extremely sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 delivers wonderful efficiency and passable optics with its versatile digicam system led by a 200MP main sensor. It presents the most effective foldable expertise, due to Samsung’s feature-rich method to software program.
Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Who it is for: If you need a book-style foldable telephone, that is the gadget to get. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 presents wonderful in-hand really feel, dependable efficiency, good battery life and a passable set of cameras.
Who ought to look elsewhere: It is not probably the most reasonably priced smartphone. You are largely paying for the innovation issue with this telephone. So, in the event you’re extra desirous about value-for-money propositions, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 6.5-inch exterior and 8-inch inside | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP vast, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,400mAh | Worth: Beginning at $2,000
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Why we prefer it: The Moto Razr (2024) was our decide for the most effective compact Motorola telephone final yr and its 2025 variant carries on the legacy. The Razr 2025 is usually an analogous telephone, however with an upgraded processor and greater battery. So, you get smoother efficiency, higher software program longevity, and an extended battery backup.
That is my decide for the most effective flip telephone due to its worth. The Motorola Razr 2025 is a strong telephone at a wonderful worth. You get an enormous 3.6-inch pOLED show with a 90Hz refresh charge, so it does not really feel much less useful than its costlier sibling, the Motorola Razr Extremely. It additionally helps wi-fi charging and presents an excellent main digicam, first rate efficiency, and intuitive consumer interface
Evaluate: Motorola Razr 2025
Who it is for: The Motorola Razr 2025 is nice for anybody out there for a flip telephone however does not wish to spend $1,000. It presents simply the appropriate compromises to land at an excellent price-to-performance ratio. You will not be dissatisfied by the general usability.
Who ought to look elsewhere: There’s not a lot to fault with the Razr, presently on sale for $600. Nonetheless, if you would like flagship efficiency on a flip telephone, this is not for you. You may want to extend your finances or purchase a flip telephone for that requirement.
Motorola Razr 2025 specs: Show: 3.6 inches (cowl display screen), 6.9 inches foldable show | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7400X | Cameras: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 4,500mAh
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Why we prefer it: The iPhone 17 Professional Max is perhaps costly, however if you would like your telephone to final greater than a day with ease, with no compromises, that is the telephone to purchase. It’s rated for a battery lifetime of 39 hours on video playback. From our exams, we discovered the telephone lasted for much longer than the usual 17 Professional and final yr’s 16 Professional Max.
The iPhone 17 Professional Max is the most effective iPhone general as a result of its super-packed function set. It’s the iPhone mannequin that units a brand new customary for Apple this yr and a worthy competitor to Samsung’s S Extremely sequence and Google’s Pixel Professional XL.
The iPhone 17 Professional Max appears and feels totally different from its predecessor. It’s now made with aluminum as a substitute of titanium and will get a pop of Cosmic Orange coloration. Probably the most notable {hardware} change with the most recent iPhone is the vapor cooling chamber. It really works in tandem with the up to date A19 Professional chip to optimize and preserve efficiency hundreds. This function is good for photographers and videographers who usually expertise recording points as a result of iPhone overheating.
Evaluate: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Who it is for: The iPhone 17 Professional Max is a flagship telephone that instructions a flagship worth. It is made for individuals who are prepared to pay for the most effective iPhone obtainable. If you’re, you get the most effective battery life on a 2025 smartphone alongside a really succesful digicam system and pro-grade video options.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In case you’re purchasing on a finances and do not thoughts a smaller display screen, think about the $1,099 iPhone 17 Professional. It is $100 cheaper and with a 6.3-inch show. Nonetheless, in case your precedence is simply the battery life and wish to spend as little as doable ,you too can have a look at the Motorola Moto G Energy.
iPhone 17 Professional Max specs: Processor: Apple A19 Professional Bionic | Show dimension: 6.9 inches with 120 Hz refresh charge | Storage choices: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | Rear cameras: 48 MP vast, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP 4× telephoto | Entrance digicam: 18 MP | Colours: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver | Weight: 233 g | Beginning worth: $1,199
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Why we prefer it: The Google Pixel 9a is in contrast to Apple’s iPhone 16e, which means that it nonetheless begins on the identical $499, regardless of the upgrades on the processor, show, and battery.
This Google finances telephone options an up to date design and borrows the Tensor G4 chipset from final yr’s flagship Pixel 9 Professional. Whereas it scores decrease numbers in benchmark exams than the flagship telephone, it stays a succesful gadget. I like the larger 6.3-inch OLED display screen, which is an enchancment over Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch show.
The Google Pixel 9a presents a 120Hz refresh charge show and brings improved brightness. This makes the display screen look extra legible than earlier than, particularly in outside situations. The brand new Google telephone additionally has the largest battery for an A-series Pixel telephone, 5,100mAh, which can possible final you a complete day.
The Pixel 9a will get you a easy and responsive day-to-day expertise. It carries over the Titan M2 chip in addition to a built-in VPN for added safety. Google upgraded the optics, too. You get an improved 48MP important sensor and the identical 12MP ultrawide-angle digicam. The 13MP selfie shooter stays unchanged as effectively. These supply nice digicam processing, pores and skin tones, and wonderful lowlight outcomes. It is nice for hobbyist shutterbugs {and professional} photographers alike.
Who it is for: If you’re strictly on a finances however do not wish to compromise on the flagship Google expertise, the Pixel 9a is for you. Purchase it for the longevity and expertise.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need the most effective show, battery life and efficiency beneath $500, the OnePlus 13r is a more sensible choice, in the event you’re comfortable with fewer software program updates.
Evaluate: Google Pixel 9A
Google Pixel 9a specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 | Show: 6.3 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 64MP Quad PD Bayer, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP entrance | Battery capability: Typical 4492mAh | Worth: Beginning at $499
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5G is the fifth-generation cell community after 4G. Virtually all 2025 smartphones help 5G, and for good causes. The community delivers increased multi-Gbps peak information speeds with ultralow latency and extra reliability than 4G. It has large community capability and elevated availability.
In line with Qualcomm, 5G is ready to influence “each trade, making safer transportation, distant healthcare, precision agriculture, digitized logistics — and extra — a actuality.” You want 5G in your telephone for a extra uniform consumer expertise with sooner speeds.
There are a plethora of 5G telephones out there however these are a number of the finest that you could purchase proper now. The Galaxy S25 Extremely stays are high decide even on the finish of the yr, whereas the iPhone 17 is a surprisingly good worth. This is how all of those telephones examine.
| Greatest 5G telephone | Worth | Storage | Display screen dimension | Battery dimension | Processor |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | $1,300 | As much as 1TB | 6.9 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Apple iPhone 17 | $799 | As much as 512GB | 6.3 inches | n/a | Apple A19 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | $1,890 | As much as 1TB | 6.5 inches and eight inches | 4,400mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Motorola Razr (2025) | $600 | 256GB | 3.6 inches and 6.9 inches | 4,500mAh | MediaTek Dimensity 7400X |
| Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max | $1,199 | As much as 2TB | 6.9 inches | n/a | Apple A19 Professional |
| Google Pixel 9a | $499 | As much as 256GB | 6.3 inches | 5,100mAh | Google Tensor G4 |
*MSRP on the time of writing
Contemplate whether or not you favor Apple or Android, in the event you care extra about worth or premium options, in addition to how you will be utilizing the telephone.
When you tackle these wants, you possibly can consult with the chart under to shortly discover the appropriate 5G telephone for you.
| Select this 5G telephone… | If you need… |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | A flagship stuffed with extras. The Galaxy S25 Extremely is for individuals who need their telephone to be filled with options to the brim. You get a wonderful show, nice efficiency, versatile set of cameras and S Pen. |
| Apple iPhone 17 | A creator-centric telephone at a finances. The iPhone 17 is the most effective telephone for creators as a result of it has no competitors in the case of filming, enhancing and processing with a easy workflow at round $800. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | A productivity-focused 5G telephone. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most effective foldable of the yr and turns into no brainer if you would like a folding telephone. |
| Motorola Razr (2025) | Probably the most compact 5G telephone. Get the Razr 2025 if you would like a flip telephone with out compromising on display screen sizes. |
| Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max | Greatest battery life on a telephone. The iPhone 17 Professional Max will final you a day on heavy use and prolong to virtually two days on reasonable use. It is usually a prosumer-focused telephone. |
| Google Pixel 9a | Greatest finances 5G telephone. The Pixel 9a must be your decide if you would like an reasonably priced 5G telephone. |
When searching for a brand new, or at the very least new-to-you, 5G telephone, there are a couple of components to remember so you do not find yourself with a dud of a smartphone:
- Show: Contemplate components like reflectivity and smudges. A telephone with 2,000 nits of brightness would not be of a lot use if it attracts smudges simply. You’d additionally wish to have a pointy and vibrant display screen with a excessive refresh charge for gaming.
- Efficiency: For a lot of, smartphones are the middle of our lives, which suggests the most effective ones are performant and may deal with most, if not all, duties you throw at them.
- Digicam: One of the vital options on smartphones in current occasions; the consistency and reliability of a digicam system could make or break the general cell expertise. We take a look at each gadget in broad daylight and within the darkest of nights when finalizing this checklist.
- Battery: Each possibility on this information ought to final you at the very least a day of reasonable use. We additionally think about what units help quick charging and/or wi-fi charging.
- Worth: Worth factors are famous, however an important factor with shopping for a telephone is getting your cash’s value. With these picks, you possibly can relaxation assured that you just’re getting the most effective bang in your buck.
At ZDNET, we undertake an extensive phone testing process for each gadget. Whereas testing and researching every 5G telephone featured on this checklist, I stored these standards in thoughts:
- Consumer expertise: I charge consumer expertise and reliability in excessive regard. As a result of what’s a tool if on-paper specs do not translate to real-life benefits? I’ve used each telephone on the checklist and written from my expertise.
- Show: I used these telephones to surf the online, learn on Kindle, Chrome and different apps, and scroll by way of social media. These had been additionally used for watching films and TV exhibits on streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Efficiency: A number of components have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with consumer interface, LTE/5G sign, battery life, and extra. Subsequently, we usually start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cell connection as doable.
- Digicam high quality: ZDNET exams telephone cameras by capturing lots of of photographs and movies of assorted topics and in numerous lighting situations. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also vital for us to judge how lengthy telephones final beneath mild, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined units from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the other.
- Pricing and availability: Past finances concerns, we additionally observe if a telephone is obtainable within the US or solely internationally.
Newest information on 5G telephones
- AT&T has some aggressive presents on Google Pixel 10 telephones proper now. New and present clients can get a Google Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL free after they commerce of their previous Pixel telephone of any yr and any situation.
- Android customers are getting an enormous photo editing upgrade in Google Pictures. Beforehand unique to the most recent Pixel 10 lineup, now you can edit photographs with a easy AI immediate.
No, not all smartphones are 5G appropriate. It is dependent upon the chipset they’re utilizing. Nonetheless, virtually all telephones on sale in 2025 are 5G appropriate. Annoyingly, most of those smartphones include a “5G” moniker on the finish of their names, which is a positive shot means of realizing that they’re 5G appropriate.
3G was succeeded by LTE, which stands for “Lengthy Time period Evolution” in the direction of the 4G customary. The time period is used interchangeably with 4G, however they aren’t the identical. LTE lies between 3G and 4G and stuffed the large hole in efficiency when the latter was rolling out to the lots. LTE was rated to supply as much as 100Mbps speeds, whereas 4G may go as much as 1 Gbps however remained largely round 200Mbps, relying on the community.
In contrast to, earlier generations, there are three sorts of 5G community, low-band 5G, mid-band 5G, and high-band 5G, all with totally different speeds and latency charges. The excessive band can go as much as 20Gbps pace. The brand new community closely relies upon upon decreasing latency to get high-speed web.
In case you’ve observed your smartphone switching between 5G and 4G all through the day or as you journey, there is no have to panic. Since 5G mobile networks are nonetheless comparatively new, they are not as widespread as you might suppose they’re due to intelligent promoting from cell carriers. That signifies that relying in your location, your telephone could not have entry to a dependable 5G community, however a 4G connection shall be obtainable to maintain you linked.
Buying a secondhand 5G phone may be a good way to save cash on a new-to-you gadget, however there are some things to remember before you purchase:
Shopping for used signifies that merchandise will not be beneath guarantee anymore, or have very restricted warranties that solely cowl sure issues like theft and loss. This additionally means that you could be wish to spring for any additional gadget insurance coverage or warranties that retailers supply on pre-owned units, simply in case you find yourself with {hardware} points or a dud telephone.
Shopping for a refurbished telephone additionally signifies that you must take note of the situation of the 5G telephone you are seeking to purchase secondhand. Many retailers that provide secondhand units will usually checklist their situation as: open-box, like- new, good, honest, and poor. Open-box normally signifies that an merchandise was returned to the shop by a earlier buyer for one cause or one other. Open-box objects normally will nonetheless have every thing included with them like charging cables and documentation.
Different situation tags are used for objects which have been traded in as a part of a purchase order of a brand new gadget. These vary from calmly used for a couple of months to one thing that appears like went by way of a twister. It is vital to keep watch over what situation the used 5G telephone you wish to purchase is in so you do not find yourself with one thing meant to be stripped for components.
In case you do not commerce in your earlier smartphone once you buy a brand new one, recycling your electronics is a good possibility to assist scale back e-waste in landfills in addition to litter in your personal residence.
You’ll be able to learn our useful information on what to do with your old smartphone to search out out extra about how you can prep your smartphone on the market, trade-in, or recycling.
Newest updates
- In our September 2025 replace, we carried out an overhaul and revamped the checklist utterly by changing all merchandise.
Different 5G telephones to think about
There are a couple of actually good 5G smartphones that did not make it to the checklist as a result of both lesser software program help or the general worth issue did not match our decide. However you too can think about these 5G telephones:
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The Google Pixel 10 Professional is an efficient various to flagship Apple and Samsung telephones.
It will get you an environment friendly LTPO show, passable efficiency, MagSafe-like PixelSnap function, and loads of Gemini smarts alongside the signature Google software program.
It additionally helps 100x ProRes AI zoom, which boosts the photographs which might be shot previous 30x zoom.
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Whereas not as highly effective because the Moto G Energy, this telephone begins at simply $250, making it an excellent budget-friendly possibility.
It’s my go-to Motorola telephone for these searching for an reasonably priced decide.
You get an enormous display screen, passable cameras and a long-lasting battery life with none main compromises for that worth.
Associated evaluation: Moto G 2025
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In case you’re searching for a extra premium flip telephone expertise, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a good Motorola Razr various.
You get a extremely customizable One UI 8 software program expertise, however the cowl display screen is limiting when in comparison with the Razr Extremely. That stated, Samsung manages to undercut its Moto rival by $200.
You get an all-day battery life, due to a much bigger 4,300mAh cell, dependable cameras and two massive and brilliant shows.
Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
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For extra, take a look at our top flip phone picks, our favorite Android phones, and how the new iPhone 17 models compare.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
