What are the best 5G phones?
Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen for its Z Flip 5. Credit: CBS Interactive
Nearly every phone from Apple, Samsung and Google is 5G-ready. That means these smartphones come equipped to deliver the fastest possible data speeds across your wireless network. And while they tend to be pricey, there are plenty of affordable 5G options like the Google Pixel 6A and Apple's cheapest, the 2022 iPhone SE. Here we offer CNET's picks for three of the best 5G phones out there.
WHAT Apple iPhone 15 Pro
THE COST From $999
AVAILABLE FROM apple.com
Apple's iPhone 15 Pro brings a variety of changes, including a new customizable Action button, powerful camera upgrades, thinner bezels, a lightweight titanium design and the new A17 Pro processor. All these upgrades come together to make for an experience that feels fresh and fast compared with older generations.
It's the most expensive iPhone you can buy, especially if you opt for the larger Max version, but if you want the high performance and stellar camera quality of Apple's top phone, then the iPhone 15 Pro is for you.
WHAT Samsung Galaxy S24
THE COST $859.99
AVAILABLE FROM samsung.com
The Samsung Galaxy S24 sports new Galaxy AI features, a brighter screen and a solid camera, but what's most impressive is it's the life of its battery, which has no trouble plowing through a long day of use on a single charge.
The S24 is a wonderful, well-built phone that is excellent right out of the box, just as the nearly identical S22 and S23 were before it. This similarity to the S22 and S23 can be viewed as either a strength, because the design reflects three years of refinements, or a weakness, because features like the camera hardware are essentially identical to what came out in 2022. But all of this is overshadowed by the great battery life.
WHAT Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
THE COST $1,1199.99
AVAILABLE FROM samsung.com
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the biggest leap forward Samsung's flip phone has seen in years. Samsung has significantly expanded the size of the cover screen located on the outside of the device, meaning you can look up directions, take photos and send messages without opening the phone. Add in the Z Flip's solid battery life and sturdy design, and it's easy to see why this is a top pick.
While this is the best flip phone, there are drawbacks. The price tag is pretty hefty for a phone without a telephoto camera. And not all apps work natively on the front screen.
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: managing editor Patrick Holland, editor-at-large Andrew Lanxon and copy editor Jim Hoffman. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit cnet.com.
