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 beneath $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 elements.
Whether or not you want a pro-grade smartphone or wish to save on bills and get the most effective worth, there’s loads 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 choose for the most effective 5G telephone total 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 underneath the hood. All flagship telephones have versatile cameras and large and sharp shows, however facets like these separate this Samsung phone from the remainder.
The brand newiPhone 17 additionally comes shut and wins when it comes to 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 will depend on what you need and the way a lot you might be keen to spend money on it. As an example, 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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The very 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 device that provides contextual shortcuts primarily based on on-screen content material, and extra.
Below the hood, you get an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and environment friendly efficiency. Samsung has finished an excellent job at extracting the most effective of battery life from its 5,000mAh cell. This implies you’ll be able to anticipate the telephone to final a complete day with ease.
The Galaxy S25 Extremely is made from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2. That is perfect for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their units. One other improve consists of the presence of a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces larger element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro pictures.
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Who it is for: The S25 Extremely’s worth remains to be pretty inaccessible at $1,300, however it repeatedly 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: In case you are coming from a previous-generation Galaxy S-series flagship and love the S Pen, this telephone shouldn’t be for you. The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s S Pen now not helps Bluetooth gestures. Plus, this isn’t probably the most ergonomic gadget attributable to its sharp edges. you’ll be able to have a look at the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL if you’d like a cushty to carry large Android telephone.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show measurement: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP principal, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Value: 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 really like the show. It sports activities slimmer bezels, is brilliant sufficient to be legible underneath 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 increase its framing to suit extra folks into pictures. Having a sq. sensor additionally permits customers to seize panorama selfies with no need to rotate the telephone.
Add in stable battery life, the dependable A19 chip, and a enjoyable shade lineup, and you have a well-rounded gadget that delivers glorious worth. Apple left no stone unturned this time because it additionally upgraded the bottom mannequin to 256GB with out rising the worth.
Evaluation: iPhone 17
Who it is for: The iPhone 17 is a good selection for anybody who desires a contemporary iPhone with high-end options however would not want the total Professional expertise, or price ticket. For those who care about dependable cameras, one-handed usability, and glorious efficiency, the iPhone 17 is the telephone for you.
Who ought to look elsewhere: For those who’re an influence person or creator who wants options like a telephoto digicam, a vapor chamber cooling system, or extra superior videography options, you need to have a look at the iPhone 17 Professional sequence.
iPhone 17 specs: Processor: Apple A19 | Show measurement: 6.3 inches with 120Hz refresh fee | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP broad, 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 buy proper now, and it’ll stay this fashion for an additional few months. Samsung gave it an ultra-thin kind issue with a flexible digicam system and an environment friendly processor.
Once I first began utilizing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I liked the design however was skeptical of the battery life. In spite of everything, 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 facet ratio on the duvet show, which is extra intuitive and comfy to make use of.
Whereas the foldable would not match its Extremely sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 delivers glorious efficiency and passable optics with its versatile digicam system led by a 200MP main sensor. It presents the most effective foldable expertise, because of Samsung’s feature-rich method to software program.
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Who it is for: In order for you a book-style foldable telephone, that is the gadget to get. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 presents glorious 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, when you’re extra concerned with value-for-money propositions, you need 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 broad, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,400mAh | Value: Beginning at $2,000
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Why we prefer it: The Moto Razr (2024) was our choose for the most effective compact Motorola telephone final yr and its 2025 variant carries on the legacy. The Razr 2025 is generally an identical 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 choose for the most effective flip telephone due to its worth. The Motorola Razr 2025 is a stable telephone at a superb worth. You get an enormous 3.6-inch pOLED show with a 90Hz refresh fee, so it would not really feel much less practical than its dearer sibling, the Motorola Razr Extremely. It additionally helps wi-fi charging and presents a great main digicam, respectable efficiency, and intuitive person interface
Evaluation: Motorola Razr 2025
Who it is for: The Motorola Razr 2025 is nice for anybody out there for a flip telephone however would not wish to spend $1,000. It presents simply the suitable compromises to land at a great price-to-performance ratio. You will not be disenchanted by the general usability.
Who ought to look elsewhere: There’s not a lot to fault with the Razr, at present on sale for $600. Nonetheless, if you’d like flagship efficiency on a flip telephone, this is not for you. You may want to extend your price range 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 may be costly, however if you’d 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 total attributable to its super-packed characteristic set. It’s the iPhone mannequin that units a brand new commonplace 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 seems and feels completely different from its predecessor. It’s now made with aluminum as an alternative of titanium and will get a pop of Cosmic Orange shade. Probably the most notable {hardware} change with the newest 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 characteristic is good for photographers and videographers who usually expertise recording points as a result of iPhone overheating.
Evaluation: 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 keen to pay for the most effective iPhone out there. In case you are, 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: For those who’re procuring on a price range and do not thoughts a smaller display screen, take into account 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 may as well have a look at the Motorola Moto G Energy.
iPhone 17 Professional Max specs: Processor: Apple A19 Professional Bionic | Show measurement: 6.9 inches with 120 Hz refresh fee | Storage choices: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | Rear cameras: 48 MP broad, 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 not like Apple’s iPhone 16e, which means that it nonetheless begins on the similar $499, regardless of the upgrades on the processor, show, and battery.
This Google price range 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 really 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 fee 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 most important 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 principal sensor and the identical 12MP ultrawide-angle digicam. The 13MP selfie shooter stays unchanged as nicely. These provide 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: In case you are strictly on a price range 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: In order for you the most effective show, battery life and efficiency underneath $500, the OnePlus 13r is a more sensible choice, when you’re happy with fewer software program updates.
Evaluation: 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 | Value: Beginning at $499
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5G is the fifth-generation cellular community after 4G. Virtually all 2025 smartphones assist 5G, and for good causes. The community delivers increased multi-Gbps peak knowledge speeds with ultralow latency and extra reliability than 4G. It has large community capability and elevated availability.
In keeping with Qualcomm, 5G is ready to influence “each business, making safer transportation, distant healthcare, precision agriculture, digitized logistics — and extra — a actuality.” You want 5G in your telephone for a extra uniform person expertise with quicker speeds.
There are a plethora of 5G telephones out there however these are a number of the finest that you would be able to purchase proper now. The Galaxy S25 Extremely stays are high choose even on the finish of the yr, whereas the iPhone 17 is a surprisingly good worth. Here is how all of those telephones examine.
| Finest 5G telephone | Value | Storage | Display screen measurement | Battery measurement | 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, when you care extra about worth or premium options, in addition to how you may be utilizing the telephone.
When you handle these wants, you’ll be able to discuss with the chart beneath to shortly discover the suitable 5G telephone for you.
| Select this 5G telephone… | In order for you… |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | A flagship filled with extras. The Galaxy S25 Extremely is for individuals who need their telephone to be filled with options to the brim. You get a superb show, nice efficiency, versatile set of cameras and S Pen. |
| Apple iPhone 17 | A creator-centric telephone at a price range. The iPhone 17 is the most effective telephone for creators as a result of it has no competitors in relation to filming, modifying 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’d like a folding telephone. |
| Motorola Razr (2025) | Probably the most compact 5G telephone. Get the Razr 2025 if you’d like a flip telephone with out compromising on display screen sizes. |
| Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max | Finest battery life on a telephone. The iPhone 17 Professional Max will final you a day on heavy use and lengthen to virtually two days on average use. It’s also a prosumer-focused telephone. |
| Google Pixel 9a | Finest price range 5G telephone. The Pixel 9a needs to be your choose if you’d like an reasonably priced 5G telephone. |
When searching for a brand new, or no less than new-to-you, 5G telephone, there are a couple of elements to remember so you do not find yourself with a dud of a smartphone:
- Show: Contemplate elements 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 fee for gaming.
- Efficiency: For a lot of, smartphones are the middle of our lives, which implies the most effective ones are performant and might deal with most, if not all, duties you throw at them.
- Digital camera: One of the necessary options on smartphones in latest instances; the consistency and reliability of a digicam system could make or break the general cellular expertise. We check each gadget in broad daylight and within the darkest of nights when finalizing this record.
- Battery: Each choice on this information ought to final you no less than a day of average use. We additionally take into account what units assist quick charging and/or wi-fi charging.
- Worth: Value factors are famous, however crucial factor with shopping for a telephone is getting your cash’s price. With these picks, you’ll be able to 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 record, I saved these standards in thoughts:
- Person expertise: I fee person 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 record 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 have been additionally used for watching motion pictures and TV exhibits on streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with person interface, LTE/5G sign, battery life, and extra. Subsequently, we sometimes start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as steady of a cellular connection as doable.
- Digital camera high quality: ZDNET exams telephone cameras by capturing tons of of photographs and movies of varied topics and in varied lighting situations. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also necessary for us to guage how lengthy telephones final underneath mild, average, 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 convey added worth to customers, not the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Past price range concerns, we additionally be aware if a telephone is offered 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 current 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 newest Pixel 10 lineup, now you can edit photographs with a easy AI immediate.
No, not all smartphones are 5G suitable. It will depend on the chipset they’re utilizing. Nonetheless, virtually all telephones on sale in 2025 are 5G suitable. Annoyingly, most of those smartphones include a “5G” moniker on the finish of their names, which is a positive shot approach of figuring out that they’re 5G suitable.
3G was succeeded by LTE, which stands for “Lengthy Time period Evolution” in the direction of the 4G commonplace. The time period is used interchangeably with 4G, however they aren’t the identical. LTE lies between 3G and 4G and crammed the big 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.
Not like, earlier generations, there are three sorts of 5G community, low-band 5G, mid-band 5G, and high-band 5G, all with completely 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.
For those who’ve seen your smartphone switching between 5G and 4G all through the day or as you journey, there isn’t any have to panic. Since 5G mobile networks are nonetheless comparatively new, they don’t seem to be as widespread as you could assume they’re because of intelligent promoting from cellular carriers. That implies that relying in your location, your telephone might not have entry to a dependable 5G community, however a 4G connection might be out there to maintain you related.
Buying a secondhand 5G phone might be an effective way to save cash on a new-to-you gadget, however there are some things to remember before you purchase:
Shopping for used implies that merchandise will not be underneath 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 further gadget insurance coverage or warranties that retailers provide on pre-owned units, simply in case you find yourself with {hardware} points or a dud telephone.
Shopping for a refurbished telephone additionally implies that you need to take note of the situation of the 5G telephone you are trying to purchase secondhand. Many retailers that provide secondhand units will usually record their situation as: open-box, like- new, good, honest, and poor. Open-box often implies that an merchandise was returned to the shop by a earlier buyer for one cause or one other. Open-box gadgets often will nonetheless have every part included with them like charging cables and documentation.
Different situation tags are used for gadgets which have been traded in as a part of a purchase order of a brand new gadget. These vary from flippantly used for a couple of months to one thing that appears like went by way of a twister. It is necessary to control 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 elements.
For those who do not commerce in your earlier smartphone if you buy a brand new one, recycling your electronics is a good choice to assist cut back e-waste in landfills in addition to muddle in your individual dwelling.
You’ll be able to learn our useful information on what to do with your old smartphone to seek out out extra about 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 record fully by changing all merchandise.
Different 5G telephones to contemplate
There are a couple of actually good 5G smartphones that did not make it to the record attributable to both lesser software program assist or the general worth issue did not match our choose. However you may as well take into account these 5G telephones:
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The Google Pixel 10 Professional is an efficient different to flagship Apple and Samsung telephones.
It will get you an environment friendly LTPO show, passable efficiency, MagSafe-like PixelSnap characteristic, and loads of Gemini smarts alongside the signature Google software program.
It additionally helps 100x ProRes AI zoom, which boosts the photographs which can 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 choice.
It’s my go-to Motorola telephone for these in search of an reasonably priced choose.
You get an enormous display screen, passable cameras and a long-lasting battery life with none main compromises for that worth.
Associated assessment: Moto G 2025
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For those who’re in search of a extra premium flip telephone expertise, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a good Motorola Razr different.
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 mentioned, Samsung manages to undercut its Moto rival by $200.
You get an all-day battery life, because of a much bigger 4,300mAh cell, dependable cameras and two large and brilliant shows.
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
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For extra, try our top flip phone picks, our favorite Android phones, and how the new iPhone 17 models compare.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
