Since 5G’s roll-out in 2019, we’ve seen a constant growth in the choice and range of handsets available to maximise this superfast service. As coverage becomes more widespread across the nation, 5G phone plans to suit all budgets are becoming available.
With such an exciting selection on the market, you may wonder which are the best 5G handsets for 2021, so we’ve picked out a number of candidates, each offering something to fit different audiences.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Perhaps the most eye-catching member of Samsung’s Galaxy S21 family is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. With a stunning 6.8-inch quad HD screen that uses Samsung’s AMOLED 2x display tech, and a metal contoured-frame, it boasts a truly eye-catching design. Don’t let the stunning aesthetic fool you, with Gorilla Glass Victus forming the most robust layer of protection over both the front and back, this phone is as tough as it is stylish.
Creativity is a major component, with first-time features showcased, on this Android 11 handset, with the quality of pictures playing a major part. A 40MP front facing camera is concealed at the top of the display, while an all new 108MP wide camera can be round on the rear. It's accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide camera and dual 10MP telephoto camera that offers up to 100x zoom capabilities, for extreme closeups. 8K video is provided with Super Steady Shot, making sure that fantastic footage is captured when the moment strikes. Alongside its impressive photographic capabilities, this is also the first member of the Galaxy S series to be paired with an S Pen, which can be used for notes and drawing, as well as being an expernal clicker for talking photos and scrolling through documents.
With a powerful 5,000 mAh battery, that you can charge up via 25W Super Fast Charging, 15W Fast Wireless Charging or 4.5 Wireless PowerShare, you’ll be able to enjoy 5G surfing for longer.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
If you’re an iPhone user looking out for a 5G handset that’s heavy on features, spec and tech, then check out iPhone 12 Pro Max. As the largest model of the iPhone 12 range, the first element to focus on its terrific 6.7-inch screen, which has a pin-sharp 1284 x 2778 resolution display. This makes it the ideal handset for making the most out of 5G’s superfast speed for streaming, and provides the perfect picture for watching films on Apple TV + or Netflix. With a 3,687mAh battery, you don’t need to worry about your phone running out of juice, but charging is a breeze with MagSafe, which can improve wireless charging speeds by up to 15W.
Internally sits Apple’s powerful A14 Bionic Chip, while its operating system is the user-friendly iOS 14. This is protected by a hard-wearing surgical stainless steel exterior, and enhanced with a frosted glass back.
In tandem with the design, it’s the external features that really capture the attention. Camera quality is high on the agenda, and with the triple-lens rear set-up featuring a 12MP ultra wide lens, a 12MP telephoto lens and a 12MP wide angle lens – as well as Night Mode – picture quality is paramount. In addition to features like Deep Fusion, Smart HDR3 and a pioneering LiDAR scanner for your pictures, video editing is taken up a notch by being able to use the pro-filmmaker endorsed 4K Dolby Vision.
Google Pixel 5
If your preference for a 5G handset is one that packs a punch, and easily fits into your hand, then the Google Pixel 5 is the perfect compact choice. At 151g, and providing a 6 inch FHD+ display, it offers 5G connection with a clean interface, perfect for scrolling through high speed content, and watching media for hours on this Android 11 handset.
Processing power and battery life are key to taking advantage of the best features that 5G has to offer, and with its Qualcomm Snapdragon SDM765 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 4,080mAh battery, the Google Pixel 5 is comfortable running all day long.
Camera quality is a case in point with a dual rear camera set-up that combines a 12.2MP wide lens and a 16MP ultra-wide lens, capturing top-quality images which need minimal editing. This pair is joined by a wide-angled 8MP selfie camera on the display, which provides an 84-degree field of view. For budding photographers the handset is packed with phototography features, and the camera system is capable of handling low-light shots. Plus, with Google’s exciting astrophotography feature, this handset even has the capacity to capture the Milky Way.
Oppo Find X2 Lite
A strong candidate for best all-rounder when it comes to the best 5G handsets of 2021, is the Oppo Find X2 Lite. It’s a member of the Oppo Find family, and so like its fellow 5G-ready siblings carries with it a sense of stylishness, reliability and strength, protected by an external shell of Gorilla Glass. However, the Find X2 Lite also boasts a 6.4-inch display, which coupled with its dual stereo speakers mean that whether you’re streaming media or music, you’re in for an immersive experience.
Powered by Snapdragon’s 765G octa-core processor that works alongside 8GB RAM, you can cruise along when using 5G to game or surf online. There’s no threat of dropping power through the day, with a long-lasting 4,015 mAh battery, that makes it possible to boost your charge from 3% to 50% in under 10 minutes.
Camera quality is of course a vital component when sending your snaps to your friends, and with a quad-lens camera system, the Oppo Find X2 Lite boasts a strong set of credentials. A 48MP main lens is joined by an 8MP wide-angled lens, a 2MP portrait mono lens and a 2MP portrait retro lens, providing scope for shots of all angles and settings. Meanwhile, a selection of features including Ultra Night Mode with AI noise reduction makes it possible to capture immaculate shots, regardless of the level of natural light.
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