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 very best 5G expertise. I’ve shortlisted telephones beginning at $300 and as much as $1,800 in a number of type elements.
Whether or not you want a pro-grade smartphone or wish to save on bills and get the very best worth, there’s lots to select from. ZDNET tested and reviewed a plethora of 5G telephones that can assist you select the very best system in your wants.
Get extra in-depth ZDNET tech protection: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
What’s the greatest 5G telephone proper now?
We have tested dozens of devices, and our choose for the very best 5G telephone general is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It options the very best 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 massive and sharp shows, however facets like these separate this Samsung phone from the remaining.Â
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.
Nevertheless, the very best 5G telephone relies on what you need and the way a lot you might be prepared to spend money on it. As an illustration, some may want the very best cameras, whereas others want to have a foldable. We have picked the very best 5G telephones for each want.
Type by
All
Worth
Efficiency
Battery life
Digital camera high quality
Show
The most effective 5G telephones in 2025
Present much less
Why we prefer it:Â The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is the very best 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 very best display screen on a smartphone. It additionally gives probably the most polished set of AI options with Galaxy AI together with real-time telephone name translations, AI Choose software that provides contextual shortcuts primarily based on on-screen content material, and extra.
Beneath the hood, you get an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and environment friendly efficiency. Samsung has executed a fantastic job at extracting the very best of battery life from its 5,000mAh cell. This implies you may count on the telephone to final a complete day with ease.Â
The Galaxy S25 Extremely is made from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2. That is excellent for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their gadgets. One other improve contains the presence of a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces larger element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro pictures.
Evaluate:Â Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Who it is for: The S25 Extremely’s worth continues to be pretty inaccessible at $1,300, however it commonly goes on sale for round $1,000. It’s for many who need the very best of Android in an enormous telephone type 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 isn’t for you. The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s S Pen not helps Bluetooth gestures. Plus, this isn’t probably the most ergonomic system resulting from its sharp edges. you may 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:Â Processor:Â Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |Â Show dimension:Â 6.9 inches |Â Storage choices:Â As much as 1TB |Â Rear cameras:Â 200MP foremost, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom |Â Entrance digicam:Â 12MP |Â Battery:Â 5,000mAh |Â Value:Â Beginning at $1,300
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it:Â 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 shiny 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 Middle 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.Â
Add in stable battery life, the dependable A19 chip, and a enjoyable shade lineup, and you have got a well-rounded system that delivers wonderful worth. Apple left no stone unturned this time because it additionally upgraded the bottom mannequin to 256GB with out growing the value.
Evaluate:Â iPhone 17
Who it is for: The iPhone 17 is a good alternative for anybody who desires a contemporary iPhone with high-end options however would not want the total Professional expertise, or price ticket. If you happen to care about dependable cameras, one-handed usability, and wonderful efficiency, the iPhone 17 is the telephone for you.
Who ought to look elsewhere:Â If you happen to’re an influence consumer or creator who wants options like a telephoto digicam, a vapor chamber cooling system, or extra superior videography options, you must have a look at the iPhone 17 Professional sequence.Â
iPhone 17 specs: Processor:Â Apple A19Â |Â Show dimension:Â 6.3 inches with 120Hz refresh price |Â Storage choices:Â 256GB, 512GB |Â Rear cameras:Â 48MP vast, 12MP ultra-wide |Â Entrance digicam:Â 18MP |Â Colours:Â Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, Black |Â Weight:Â 177g |Â Beginning worth:Â $799Â
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it:Â The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the very best foldable telephone you should buy proper now, and it’ll stay this manner for an additional few months. Samsung gave it an ultra-thin type issue with a flexible digicam system and an environment friendly processor.
After I first began utilizing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I beloved 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 very best 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 would 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 gives the very best foldable expertise, because of Samsung’s feature-rich method to software program.Â
Evaluate:Â Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Who it is for:Â In order for you a book-style foldable telephone, that is the system to get. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 gives wonderful in-hand really feel, dependable efficiency, good battery life and a passable set of cameras.
Who ought to look elsewhere:Â 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 about value-for-money propositions, you must 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 | Value: Beginning at $2,000
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The Moto Razr (2024) was our choose for the very best 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 larger battery. So, you get smoother efficiency, higher software program longevity, and an extended battery backup.
That is my choose for the very best 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 price, so it would not really feel much less useful than its costlier sibling, the Motorola Razr Extremely. It additionally helps wi-fi charging and gives a very good main digicam, first rate efficiency, and intuitive consumer interface
Evaluate:Â Motorola Razr 2025
Who it is for: The Motorola Razr 2025 is nice for anybody available in the market for a flip telephone however would not wish to spend $1,000. It gives simply the proper compromises to land at a very good price-to-performance ratio. You will not be upset by the general usability.
Who ought to look elsewhere: There’s not a lot to fault with the Razr, at the moment on sale for $600. Nevertheless, if you would like flagship efficiency on a flip telephone, this is not for you. You will 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
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The iPhone 17 Professional Max could be 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 assessments, 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 very best iPhone general resulting from its super-packed function 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 totally different from its predecessor. It’s now made with aluminum as an alternative of titanium and will get a pop of Cosmic Orange shade. Essentially 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 masses. This function is good for photographers and videographers who typically expertise recording points as a result of iPhone overheating.
Evaluate:Â 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 many who are prepared to pay for the very best iPhone obtainable. In case you are, you get the very best battery life on a 2025 smartphone alongside a really succesful digicam system and pro-grade video options.Â
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to’re procuring on a finances 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. Nevertheless, in case your precedence is simply the battery life and wish to spend as little as potential ,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 price | 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
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it:Â 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.Â
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 assessments than the flagship telephone, it stays a succesful system. 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 gives a 120Hz refresh price show and brings improved brightness. This makes the display screen look extra legible than earlier than, particularly in out of doors circumstances. The brand new Google telephone additionally has the most important battery for an A-series Pixel telephone, 5,100mAh, which can doubtless 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 foremost sensor and the identical 12MP ultrawide-angle digicam. The 13MP selfie shooter stays unchanged as effectively. These provide nice digicam processing, pores and skin tones, and beautiful lowlight outcomes. It is nice for hobbyist shutterbugs {and professional} photographers alike.
Who it is for: In case you are 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: In order for you the very best show, battery life and efficiency underneath $500, the OnePlus 13r is a more sensible choice, when you’re happy with fewer software program updates.
Evaluate:Â 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
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
5G is the fifth-generation cellular community after 4G. Virtually all 2025 smartphones help 5G, and for good causes. The community delivers greater multi-Gbps peak knowledge speeds with ultralow latency and extra reliability than 4G. It has huge community capability and elevated availability.Â
In line with Qualcomm, 5G is ready to affect “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 quicker speeds.Â
There are a plethora of 5G telephones available in the market however these are a number of the greatest that you may 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. This is how all of those telephones examine.
| Finest 5G telephone | Value | 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 |
 Â
*MSRP on the time of writing
Think about whether or not you like Apple or Android, when you care extra about worth or premium options, in addition to how you may be utilizing the telephone.Â
When you handle these wants, you may check with the chart under to shortly discover the proper 5G telephone for you.
| Select this 5G telephone… | In order for you… |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely | A flagship stuffed with extras. The Galaxy S25 Extremely is for many 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 finances. The iPhone 17 is the very best telephone for creators as a result of it has no competitors relating to 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 very best foldable of the yr and turns into no brainer if you would like a folding telephone. |
| Motorola Razr (2025) | Essentially 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 | Finest battery life on a telephone. The iPhone 17 Professional Max will final you a day on heavy use and lengthen to nearly two days on reasonable use. It is usually a prosumer-focused telephone. |
| Google Pixel 9a | Finest finances 5G telephone. The Pixel 9a must be your choose if you would like an reasonably priced 5G telephone. |
When looking for a brand new, or not less than new-to-you, 5G telephone, there are a number of elements to remember so you do not find yourself with a dud of a smartphone:Â
- Show: Think about 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 price for gaming.Â
- Efficiency: For a lot of, smartphones are the middle of our lives, which suggests the very best ones are performant and might deal with most, if not all, duties you throw at them.
- Digital camera: Probably the most essential 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 system in broad daylight and within the darkest of nights when finalizing this checklist.
- Battery: Each possibility on this information ought to final you not less than a day of reasonable use. We additionally take into account what gadgets help 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 may relaxation assured that you just’re getting the very best bang in your buck.Â
At ZDNET, we undertake an extensive phone testing process for each system. Whereas testing and researching every 5G telephone featured on this checklist, I saved these standards in thoughts:Â
- Person expertise:Â I price 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 means of social media. These had been additionally used for watching motion pictures and TV reveals on streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Efficiency:Â A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with consumer interface, LTE/5G sign, battery life, and extra. Due to this fact, we usually start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cellular connection as potential.
- Digital camera high quality:Â ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing a whole bunch of images and movies of varied topics and in numerous lighting circumstances. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging:Â It is also essential for us to judge how lengthy telephones final underneath gentle, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).Â
- Particular options:Â These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully carry added worth to customers, not the other.
- Pricing and availability:Â Past finances issues, we additionally be aware if a telephone is on the market within the US or solely internationally.
Newest information on 5G telephones
- AT&T has some aggressive gives on Google Pixel 10 telephones proper now. New and current prospects can get a Google Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL free once they commerce of their outdated Pixel telephone of any yr and any situation.Â
- Android customers are getting an enormous photo editing upgrade in Google Photographs. Beforehand unique to the newest Pixel 10 lineup, now you can edit images with a easy AI immediate.
No, not all smartphones are 5G suitable. It relies on the chipset they’re utilizing. Nevertheless, nearly 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 certain shot approach of figuring out that they’re 5G suitable.
3G was succeeded by LTE, which stands for “Lengthy Time period Evolution” in direction of the 4G commonplace. The time period is used interchangeably with 4G, however they don’t seem to be 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 totally different speeds and latency charges. The excessive band can go as much as 20Gbps pace. The brand new community closely relies upon upon lowering latency to get high-speed web.Â
If you happen to’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 don’t seem to be as widespread as it’s possible you’ll suppose they’re because of intelligent promoting from cellular carriers. That signifies that relying in your location, your telephone could not have entry to a dependable 5G community, however a 4G connection will probably be obtainable to maintain you linked.Â
Buying a secondhand 5G phone may be a good way to economize on a new-to-you system, however there are some things to remember before you purchase:Â
Shopping for used signifies that merchandise might 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 additional system insurance coverage or warranties that retailers provide on pre-owned gadgets, simply in case you find yourself with {hardware} points or a dud telephone.Â
Shopping for a refurbished telephone additionally signifies that you need to take note of the situation of the 5G telephone you are trying to purchase secondhand. Many retailers that supply secondhand gadgets will typically checklist their situation as: open-box, like- new, good, truthful, and poor. Open-box often signifies that an merchandise was returned to the shop by a earlier buyer for one motive or one other. Open-box objects often will nonetheless have every part included with them like charging cables and documentation.Â
Different situation tags are used for objects which have been traded in as a part of a purchase order of a brand new system. These vary from evenly used for a number of months to one thing that appears like went by means of a twister. It is essential 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 components.Â
If you happen to do not commerce in your earlier smartphone whenever you buy a brand new one, recycling your electronics is a good possibility to assist cut back e-waste in landfills in addition to litter in your individual house.
You possibly can learn our useful information on what to do with your old smartphone to seek out out extra about how one 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 contemplateÂ
There are a number of actually good 5G smartphones that did not make it to the checklist resulting from both lesser software program help or the general worth issue did not match our choose. However you too can take into account these 5G telephones:
Present much less
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 function, and loads of Gemini smarts alongside the signature Google software program.Â
It additionally helps 100x ProRes AI zoom, which boosts the images which can be shot previous 30x zoom.
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
Whereas not as highly effective because the Moto G Energy, this telephone begins at simply $250, making it a fantastic budget-friendly possibility.Â
It’s my go-to Motorola telephone for these in search of an reasonably priced choose.Â
You get an enormous display screen, passable cameras and a long-lasting battery life with none main compromises for that worth.
Associated evaluate:Â Moto G 2025
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
Present much less
If you happen to’re in search of a extra premium flip telephone expertise, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a good Motorola Razr different.Â
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.Â
You get an all-day battery life, because of an even bigger 4,300mAh cell, dependable cameras and two massive and shiny shows.
Evaluate:Â Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Learn Extra
Present Professional Take Present much less
For extra, try our top flip phone picks, our favorite Android phones, and how the new iPhone 17 models compare.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
