Top 10 smartphones with 5G

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Before you buy it you will need an expert consultation.

Despite all the difficulties with the introduction of the new generation of cellular networks – 5G, the spread of this standard is inevitable. Smartphone manufacturers have started to adjust to the future requirements in advance, and more and more new models with 5G support are entering the market. The editorial staff of Expertology magazine has prepared for you a review of the most interesting models at the beginning of 2022.

The 10 best smartphones with 5G

Best Inexpensive Smartphones with 5G

The first selection of the review is traditionally devoted to the most affordable models in terms of price. In 2022, the market is already fairly saturated with low-cost smartphones that support 5G technology.

oco M4 Pro 5G 4/64GB RU

Rating: 4.6

The selection opens with a super-budget version of the brand Poco. This is a subsidiary brand of the Chinese technology giant Xiaomi. Priced at the beginning of the year at around 20k. rubles.

Despite the ultra-affordable in this segment the price, this model is characterized by an unexpectedly broad functionality and quite good characteristics in general. Some compromise appears in the processor – here is the MediaTek Dimensity 810, which is much cheaper than the flagship Qualcomm`.

The manufacturer has not cut down on the screen resolution too much. It is an inexpensive, but not the cheapest F

lHD+ 2400×1080. And a big one at that – 6.6 inch. And even that’s not all, as far as the screen is concerned. A completely unexpected and pleasant highlight is the 90Hz refresh rate.

One of the most expensive components of modern smartphones – the camera unit – already with noticeable compromises that are inevitable for such a cheap model. The rear unit consists of two cameras – the main 50Mpix and 8Mpix ultra-wide-angle. Front camera – 16Mpix. Overall a pretty good configuration for this price.

As for the 5G module, there is surprisingly no ambiguity here either – the built-in modem is full-fledged, dual-mode, supports NSA and SA, covers 13 major network bands.

As for the other communication modules, here, too, the manufacturer is quite pleased. Installed fast and energy efficient Bluetooth version 5.1. Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac, but the sixth generation is not really needed. But there is an NFC module and infrared port. Of the wired interfaces, there’s mini jack 3.5 mm for headphones and USB Type-C.

Finally, the battery. In this aspect, the manufacturer also did not go against the trends and equipped the smartphone with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh. Not only that, this model also got fast charging feature with the included charger for 33 watts.

To summarize, we say that the Poco M4 Pro 5G is a de facto Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, which made minimal, nothing affecting changes. And this is only a plus, so we get the same configuration, but significantly cheaper.

Advantages

• large screen;
• F resolution matrix
  lHD+;
  • The screen refresh rate is 90Hz;
  • luetooth version 5.1;
  • a high-capacity battery;
  • fast charging;
  • NFC;
  • the most affordable price in the selection.

  Disadvantages

  • Not essential at such an affordable price.

  Xiaomi 11

  te 5G NE 6/128GB RU

  Rating: 4.7

  

  Completes the selection of budget smartphone brand realme. This is a sub-brand of the relatively young but promising Chinese brand Oppo, which belongs to major electronics manufacturer BBK Electronics. The same company owns other well-known brands Vivo and OnePlus. Costs realme GT Master Edition in early 2022 about 32 thousand. rubles.

  Everything about telephony communication standards in this model is almost exactly the same as the previous smartphone. All because it uses the same single-chip system – Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G with 2.4 GHz and 5G support. In many ways the other means of communication are similar – the most advanced Bluetooth version 5.2, NFC module. Fifth generation Wi-Fi – 802.11ac.

  A noticeable difference for the better is shown in the screen characteristics. Specifically, an improved Super AMOLED sensor. Resolution is the same – 2400×1080, but almost flagship refresh rate – 120Hz. In combination with the processor (index G in the name of the chipset means Gaming) it gives a good head start for mobile gaming.

  Another thing to note on the positive side of the camera. The rear unit is not bad, but quite standard for a comparable smartphone – the main camera 64MP, 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro. And the selfies camera is surprisingly “powerful” – 32 MP, and independent tests show impressive results of selfies in different conditions.

  With the battery life in this model is also quite good – the battery 4300 mA⋅h, plus the fast charging function. Moreover, it comes with a high power charger – 65W. It provides almost lightning-fast charge in just over half an hour.

  Most of the positive reviews of ordinary users on the marketplaces are about image quality. Especially note the smoothness of the moving picture thanks to the high refresh rate. From time to time there are remarks-wishes about the stereo sound and moisture protection.

  Advantages

  • Super AMOLED matrix;
  • 120Hz refresh rate;
  • NFC;
  • luetooth 5.2;
  • Quality selfie camera;
  • super fast charging;
  • Powerful bundled charger.

  Disadvantages

  • Some users do not have enough stereo speakers and moisture protection.

  The best smartphones with 5G mid-range

  The second, slightly more extended selection of the review focuses on 5G smartphones of the conditional middle class. A significant part of the price increase in such models is the cost of additional amounts of RAM and built-in memory. But, besides this, in mid-price smartphones you can already see better moisture protection, more powerful chipsets, and so on.

  Samsung Galaxy M52 5G 6/128 GB, black

  Rating: 4.7

  

  The first to consider the device, which is almost similar in price to the above described realme GT Master Edition, but our experts have identified it in the second selection for a number of reasons. Not least because it is Samsung – the choice between any “Chinese” and Samsung potential buyers are often inclined towards the latter.

  As in the previous model, the entire 5G component in this smartphone is concentrated in the chipset, which is the same here – Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G on eight cores. Functional differences are manifested in other characteristics.

  First of all it is worth noting the screen with an even better matrix Super AMOLED Plus with an impressive brightness margin of up to 1000 nits and a top refresh rate of 120Hz. The resolution is the same as in the above variants – 2400×1080 pixels. The screen itself is slightly larger – 6.7 in.

  The performance of the smartphone makes it even partially gaming, although with serious reservations. Still an improved Snapdragon E chipset

• te Gaming with Adreno 642L graphics allows you to cope quite well with quite demanding mobile games. In addition, Samsung has strengthened the chipset with its own proprietary Game Booster technology, optimizing the use of RAM and controlling heat. But it is still necessary to understand that the “maximal” in popular games will not be available.

  The first look at the characteristics of battery life we see more than decent battery capacity – 5000 mAh. But just here lies a small disadvantage, which, however, is realized only in comparison. The fact is that the version of the A52s 5G is equipped with a battery of record capacity – 7000 mAh, and it is this fact that has become an important distinguishing feature of the M-series. That is why some users feel some disappointment. But this is strictly subjective, as the battery can certainly not be called weak.

  From the review of Yandex.Market with the status of “Gadget Inspector Level 2”: “The phone is great, the charge is decent, 120Gz surfing social networks is a pleasure, the game is great for its price, too bad there is no water protection.

  Advantages

  • brand;
  • Super AMOLED Plus matrix;
  • large brightness margin;
  • 120Hz screen refresh rate;
  • top wireless communications;
  • An improved chipset with Game Booster technology;
  • Support for large memory cards up to 1024GB.

  Disadvantages

  • User complaints about the reduced battery (only compared to the record-breaking A52s 5G).

  Xiaomi 11T 8/256GB RU, white

  Rating: 4.8

  

  Again in our review brand Xiaomi, and now it will be a higher class smartphone – 11T, which some review sites cautiously called “alternative flagship”. This wording is partly true for the 11T Pro version. But we will consider a more affordable option, which costs in January-February 2022 just over 40 thousand. rubles.

  Immediately mark the difference between the standard and Pro-version. They are almost identical even in appearance, they have the same batteries, similar screens and cameras, and many other features. The only fundamental difference is in the chipset – the 11T has the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-

  3GHz tra, while the 11T Pro has the more advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. But the 888 “dragon” was not without disadvantages, while the new MediaTek, on the contrary, noticeably pulled up.

  The communications here are arranged at the highest level. In addition to 5G support, we see sixth-generation Wi-Fi 802.11ax, top Bluetooth version 5.2, NFC module.

  The visual component also does not cause any serious complaints. A high-quality AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 2400×1080 with a refresh rate up to 120Hz. The rear camera unit is also impressive – the leading 108MP sensor, 8MP super-wide angle and 5MP macro. the selfie camera is the most common for this class – 16MP.

  Separately worth mentioning the energy component of the smartphone. The battery here, expectedly, has a capacity of 5000 mA⋅h, which already serves as a kind of standard since 2021. But an even more important point is the availability of super fast charging feature. Full charge time – only 36 minutes. Charging and connection interface – USB Type-C.

  There are almost no fundamental shortcomings in terms of performance and functionality in this model, but there is a general point, which you should be prepared for when buying. The device itself is quite heavy – more than 200 grams, and thick – almost 9 mm.

  But what really raises criticism from part of the audience is the lack of a standard mini-jack headphone input 3.5 mm. And there’s not even a USB Type-C adapter included either. This approach is a common feature for flagships, but this model is still “intermediate”, and the abandonment of the usual audio interface rarely meets the understanding of users.

  Advantages

  • Plenty of RAM and built-in memory;
  • Quality AMOLED matrix;
  • screen refresh rate of 120 Hz;
  • powerful rear cameras;
  • top wireless communications;
  • NFC;
  • USB Type-C;
  • super fast charging.

  Disadvantages

  • no jack 3.5 mm “mini jack” and no adapter included.

  OnePlus Nord 2 5G 12/256GB, gray sierra

  Rating: 4.8

  

  Next, let’s look at a smartphone made by the large Chinese holding BBK Electronics, which owns some other well-known brands of wearable electronics. This is the maximum package of the second generation OnePlus Nord, cost at the beginning of the year at about 40 thousand. rubles.

  In a number of parameters, this smartphone is similar to the above Xiaomi 11T. First of all, in terms of chipset. The same Mediatek Dimensity 1200 single-crystal system is used here. Memory even with a surplus – 12GB, and most users will be more than enough and 8GB, so that there is still an option to save money by finding the appropriate modification.

  Exactly the same top level in this model we see in terms of communications – the sixth generation of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth version 5.2 with all the add-ons like aptX HD, NFC module for payment at the POS.

  As for the screen, this smartphone loses only a little to the previous model. Here, too, is a high-quality AMOLED matrix with a good margin of brightness and an excellent “picture” in general, but the refresh rate is limited to 90Hz. Again, for the majority of consumers this will not be a problem at all.

  Finally, the battery life – here too the manufacturer did not disappoint. The smartphone has as many as two batteries. The total capacity is quite normal – 4500 mAh, even I would like more. But it is implemented in full measure super fast charging.

  It is also worth mentioning an individual “feature” of the smartphone, although at first glance it is inconspicuous and unimportant. There is a sound mode switch on the end. It is possible to switch the device to a silent mode, only vibration, or return the full sound profile in three positions. This feature seems a trifle, but many users notice its convenience and usefulness, especially in active and dynamic use of the smartphone in working conditions.

  From the review of the user Yandex.Market with the status of “Gadget Inspector Level 2”: “The phone is excellent! Lots of space, the camera is awesome, the smartphone is fast, everything flies, nothing is slow. a cool feature to switch to silent mode – there is a separate button on the side, not on the menu bar.

  Advantages

  • The top-of-the-line processor in the mid-price segment;
  • Maximum RAM;
  • Quality AMOLED screen;
  • super fast charging;
  • Top-end wireless communications;
  • NFC;
  • The lever to switch the signal mode;
  • Not bad photo quality, including night photography.

  Disadvantages

  • no connector 3.5 inches for headphones.

  OnePlus 9R 12/256 GB, black carbon

  Rating: 4.9

  

  We finish the selection with another OnePlus with 5G support, and it will also be a “budget flagship”. There are many similarities with the previous model, but there are a number of notable improvements. The smartphone costs just under 50 thousand. rubles.

  The device is equipped with the same high-quality AMOLED matrix, as the previous model, but still more advanced at least in terms of refresh rate – up to 120Hz. Brightness, saturation, extended dynamic range – all this is quite at the flagship level. An important point for many – this model has a full-fledged function Always On Display without offensive limitations, as in past models.

  Improvements can be seen in the rear camera unit as well. Here we see four modules – 48 MP wide-angle camera, 16 MP super-wide-angle, 5 MP macro and 2 MP monochrome. What’s important – there is optical stabilization. The front panel is the same as in the above variant – 16Mpix.

  What this model sharply differs from the previous one for the better is the processor – it already uses a single-crystal system Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G. In terms of performance, this chipset is not much weaker than the most advanced Snapdragon 888, but it is devoid of its well-known shortcomings associated with overheating and trotting.

  In addition to 5G other communications also by the latest technology – sixth-generation Wi-Fi, Bluetooth version 5.2, NFC, wired USB Type-C connection. Through the Type-C connects and headphones, the standard 3.no 5 mm output. But there are good stereo speakers in the case.

  Battery life is provided by a nearly identical 4,500 mAh battery pack, and there is a fast charging feature using OnePlus’ own Warp Charge 65 technology.

  A lot of positive feedback this model gets for the well thought out, optimized and balanced shell Oxygen OS. According to experts and ordinary users, this system is currently one of the best in terms of convenience, speed and lack of unnecessary pre-installed software.

  Advantages

  • A high-quality AMOLED matrix;
  • A full-fledged Always On Display;
  • Screen frequency 120 Hz;
  • stereo sound;
  • fast charging;
  • “proprietary” simple sound mode switching;
  • stereo speakers.

  Disadvantages

  • no connector 3.5 mm for headphones and no adapter included.

  The best top smartphones with 5G

  And now let’s move on to the final selection of the review, where we look at the best premium models that support the 5G communications standard. Quite expectedly, the nomination went to the two leading brands – Apple and Samsung.

  Apple iPhone 12 128 GB RU, black

  Rating: 4.7

  

  First consider the “penultimate” iPhone. It is, in its own unique brand, which can afford to successfully sell a particular series for years, despite the fact that there are more and more new generations. The reasons for this user interest are well known. The iPhone 12 version with 128 GB of internal memory in early 2022 you can buy for an average price of 65 to 70 thousand dollars. rubles, depending on the point of sale.

  Support for 5G networks in the iPhone 12 provides the hardware platform itself, as in any other modern smartphones. Here it is in its own way revolutionary Apple Bionic A14, created on a 5-nanometer process. There is no need to explain the performance and stability of the system in detail – here the Cupertinians are on top of the game, as usual.

  And what’s really worth highlighting is the fact of significant changes in the operating system itself and the iOS 14 shell. Here users were delighted with the long-awaited innovations. For example, widgets on the desktop – different purposes and three different sizes. Of these, the so-called “smart button” is particularly noteworthy – a smart algorithm that itself decides what the user needs in certain circumstances (time of day, running programs, lighting, etc.). d.), and changes the widget to the one that “appoints” the best.

  New ways of application sorting, Picture-in-picture feature added for watching video, when the window can be displayed over the top of another application. Siri interface was updated for the better, the Health app was improved, and there are a lot of other interesting and useful things.

  The most obvious changes have occurred in the design. The Cupertinians went back to the 4th generation of iPhones with their sharp corners and aluminum bezel. Most of the fans met this move extremely positively. There is, however, a percentage of complaints that the edges are too sharp, but this is more of a subjective point.

  There is, however, one feature that greatly annoys users – the smartphone does not recognize the face by FaceID while wearing a medical mask, at a time when the new Android systems have already adjusted to the realities of 2021-2022.

  The advantages

  • brand;
  • image quality;
  • shooting quality;
  • optical stabilization;
  • 2x optical zoom;
  • moisture protection IP68;
  • Characteristic of the iPhone stability, durability;
  • “old new” angular design;
  • Significant improvements in iOS 14.

  Disadvantages

  • FaceID does not work when the mask is on;
  • All the typical subjective comments about Apple devices.

  Apple iPhone 13 256 GB RU

  Rating: 4.8

  

  Of course, we couldn’t miss the new iPhone. Here we look at the more or less affordable “regular” version. Maximum modification of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is much more expensive, but in terms of 5G connectivity functionality remains the same.

  The advantages of the 13th iPhone are best seen in comparison with the 12th. The first and most obvious is the new Apple Bionic A15 processor. It’s the new generation, not the upgraded old one. The processor is made by 5-nm technology includes four cores. In terms of performance, this system easily outperforms many flagships from other manufacturers.

  What has also always been a strong point of the iPhone are the cameras. It is true that lately Apple smartphones have been experiencing the strongest competitive pressure from other manufacturers. Nevertheless, the principle of strict attention to detail and focus on impeccable quality components continue to pay off. This model has almost the same dual rear 12MP camera unit.

  The resolution was not and never has been 64 or moreover 108 MPi and no one has ever gone beyond the limits. Which does not prevent modern iPhones from retaining the palm as a mass tool for producing visual content. In the 13th version, though, the cameras are still slightly improved – the sensors are larger and have a higher light sensitivity.

  What continues to please in the new iPhones – it’s amazing optical stabilization, based on the principle of matrix shift. Indeed, recording dynamic video in the iPhone storis a pleasure, no steadicam needed. Note that this applies to just the base version of the 13th, while the 12th iPhone had such powerful stabilization only in the Pro Max version.

  What’s more remarkable is that the iPhone 13, as independent tests have shown, by as much as 2.5 hours longer works on a single charge in video mode. In total, in this mode, the smartphone can spend up to 20 hours.

  Advantages

  • brand;
  • Top image quality;
  • Perfect quality of materials and assembly;
  • Quality photography and video, including night;
  • Powerful optical stabilization even in the basic version;
  • stability and reliability;
  • Fast and wireless charging;
  • autonomy;
  • quality speakers;
  • NFC;
  • luetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6.

  Disadvantages

  • The typical and long-known claims of Apple smartphones.

  Samsung Galaxy S21

  5G (SM-G998B) 12/256GB RU, black phantom

  Rating: 4.9

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