The three big national carriers—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—all deliver multiple varieties of 5G service around the US, and you need a 5G-capable phone to take advantage. Sorting out which phone is compatible with which 5G network can be a headache, but PCMag is here to make things easy. We’ve been covering and reviewing mobile phones for 30 years and know everything there is to know about 5G. Generally, most phones over $200 pack at least some form of 5G. Our top phone recommendations run from affordable handsets, like the Editors’ Choice-winning Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, to flagship-level devices like the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Apple iPhone 17. Be sure to read the reviews of all our top picks and familiarize yourself with our 5G buying guide below so you can be a 5G expert, too.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
December 26, 2025: With this update, we removed the OnePlus 13 and added the OnePlus 15. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated half a dozen new phones for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other phone roundups.
- Best value among iPhone 17 models
- Fast performance
- Competitive battery life
- Speedy wireless connections
- Pro-level display
- Flexible cameras
With the iPhone 17, Apple has upgraded the base model in meaningful ways that level it up against the rest of the iPhone 17 family—and competing flagship phones. With more than 24 hours of battery life, fast charging, and high-quality hardware, it’s a near total package. Moreover, it costs hundreds less than the Pro models, making the iPhone 17 the better value proposition. And, of course, it features the latest 5G radios on board for seamless connectivity to today’s fastest networks.
Budget-conscious iPhone fans: The entry-level iPhone 17 would be considered a Pro-level model just a few years ago. In fact, it gets you much of the iPhone Pro experience for hundreds less. For $799, it packs 256GB of storage, a powerful Apple processor, and excellent cameras.
Selfie lovers: Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a new selfie camera capable of capturing both vertical and horizontal photos without requiring the user to rotate the phone. If you want some variety in your selfies without having to change the way you use your phone, the iPhone 17 is a great pick.
Operating System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19
Dimensions
5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,622 by 1,206 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
24 hours, 31 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Review
- Powerful performance
- Excellent cameras
- Useful Google AI
- Seven-year software support commitment
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- No reverse wireless charging
Google’s software is the choice of the techno-elite for its speed, elegance, and simplicity. The Pixel 9a brings you that software, along with years of Android updates before anyone else receives them, and an excellent camera stack—all at an affordable price, with solid 5G performance along for the ride.
Budget-conscious Google fans: The Pixel 9a offers the best of Google in an affordable package. This is Android as Google envisions it, featuring various AI capabilities that make the Pixel 9a a fun device to use.
Photographers: Every phone on this list can take good photos, but the $499 Pixel 9a provides the best value. Google’s hardware and software shape the Pixel’s image workflow to effortlessly produce beautiful pictures.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 9a Review
- Class-leading performance
- Powerful AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Sharp, anti-reflective screen
- Better ergonomics than previous Ultras
- Long software support window
- Expensive
- Less S Pen functionality than previous generation
The Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers exceptional 5G performance across all major carriers’ key bands. Other standout features include Galaxy AI tools, a 5x optical zoom camera, a built-in S Pen stylus, excellent battery life, and class-leading performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
Artist and note-takers: The Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps stylus fans happy. The Ultra features a removable S Pen, which allows you to place the stylus directly on the screen for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching in ways that a keyboard cannot replicate.
People who want the best Samsung phone: The S25 Ultra’s specs are truly exceptional, boasting a 200MP main camera, a 5x optical telephoto zoom lens, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a titanium frame. Plus, its enormous 6.9-inch OLED is just gorgeous.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
- Exceptional hardware
- Excellent displays
- Solid performance
- Powerful software
- Strong radios
- Outlandishly expensive
- Only average battery life
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s best folding phone yet. It’s thinner and lighter than previous iterations, has a more durable design, and comes with genuinely useful Galaxy AI features. Both screens are bright and beautiful, the performance is excellent, and the cameras take great pictures. The software experience continues to be top-notch as well, particularly for those who like to multitask.
Tablet users: If you want a larger screen while working with the Z Fold 7, just open it up, and you’ve got a tablet to work with. It’s a great option for those looking to do more with one device.
The style-conscious: Somehow, Samsung made the Z Fold 7 so thin that it resembles a regular (non-folding) smartphone while closed. Opening up the Z Fold 7 reveals its remarkable thinness, measuring just 0.17 inches. The refined hinge feels sturdy, while its excellent build quality showcases Samsung’s design prowess.
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
2,184 by 1,968 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review
- Refined and appealing hardware
- Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Long-term support
- Battery life should be longer
- No physical SIM card support
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro packs the company’s best hardware and software into a tough, mid-sized phone. You get premium construction, a bright and detailed screen, great cameras, and AI that runs locally to speed up everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you rarely find elsewhere.
Camera buffs: Google’s Pixel phones have built their reputation on outstanding photography, and the Pixel 10 Pro consistently produces beautiful images. Google pairs high-end camera hardware with powerful image-processing software to deliver accurate skin tones and colors, even in low-light conditions. The built-in Camera Coach also offers practical tips to help you take better photos.
AI enthusiasts: If you want a phone that actually uses AI, the Pixel 10 Pro delivers. The jaw-dropping Voice Translate feature translates calls on-device, preserving each person’s voice and intonation. Magic Cue provides you with helpful information before you ask, and ongoing updates should continue to make the software smarter for years to come.
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G5
Dimensions
6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
12 hours, 40 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 10 Pro Review
- Excellent value
- Good performance
- Above-average cameras
- Splashproof
- Six-year support window
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is one of the cheapest ways to access 5G networks. It supports the right 5G bands for the US and performs solidly as an affordable, everyday device. We particularly like the large screen, long battery life, and capable cameras.
Budget-conscious buyers: If your budget is limited, the Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent choice thanks to its good everyday usability, above-average cameras, and long battery life. Midrange models outgun it, but it’s easily the best phone under $200.
Parents: If the thought of spending nearly $1,000 on a phone for your child seems daunting, the Galaxy A16 should grab your attention. This Samsung is perfectly capable of handling the basics, so kids won’t think of it as a toy.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours 46 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review
- Outstanding cameras
- Top video features
- Category-leading battery life
- Terrific screen
- Fast performance
- High-quality hardware
- Might be too big for some
- Most expensive iPhone
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the most capable phones in the market from a wireless perspective. It includes C-band, sub-6GHz, and mmWave 5G spectrum, and it works well on all major and minor US carriers, as well as wireless networks abroad. Moreover, it offers top LTE 4G coverage for areas where 5G isn’t available. It also has a fantastic screen, outstanding battery life, the best cameras on an iPhone, and slick software.
People who want the best battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s battery life is remarkably long, lasting 32 hours and 11 minutes in our battery rundown test. The Pro Max outlasts not only its siblings but also most Android phones.
Serious multimedia creators: The iPhone 17 Pro Max includes some of the most powerful camera and video features of any phone on the market. Few others can record super high-quality ProRes footage in HDR at 4K120. If you create content for a living, this is the phone to get.
Operating System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19 Pro
Dimensions
6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,868 by 1,320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
32 hours, 11 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review
- Exceptional performance
- Useful AI features
- Bright screen
- Good battery life
- Excellent build quality
- No S Pen or 5x optical camera
- Limited storage options
- Dated design
Few options exist for small, premium Android phones. The Galaxy S25 isn’t a small phone, but it’s as small as you can get and still enjoys class-leading performance. Its excellent 5G reception, including the speedy mmWave, is similar to its larger stablemates’ and has all the Galaxy AI features.
People who like small phones: The Galaxy S25 might be considered compact compared with the S25+ and S25 Ultra, making it an outstanding pick if you want something smaller, and its 6.2-inch, high-resolution display delivers sharp images.
Speed demons: The Galaxy S25 pairs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite with swift 5G so apps open instantly, games run smoothly, and large files download fast. Whether you run tasks on-device or in the cloud, the S25 handles them quickly and efficiently.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
5.78 by 2.78 by 0.28 inches
Screen Size
6.2 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S25 Review
- Bright displays
- Category-leading battery life
- Powerful performance
- Fun folding form factor
- Middling cameras
- Mediocre AI
The Motorola Razr Ultra effectively leverages its dual-screen design, unlike many alternatives; you can run virtually any app on either the vivid 4.0-inch outer display or the expansive 7.0-inch inner panel. We also like its IP48 waterproof rating, stylish design, competitive performance, and fast 68W wired charging.
Fashionistas: In a world of sameness, the Motorola Razr Ultra stands out. Its clamshell design harkens back to the flip phones of the past, but is modernized for our smartphone present. Its two screens are eye-catching, while its Pantone color palette offers options you won’t see from other phone makers.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
Dimensions
6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed
Screen Size
7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,992 by 1,224 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP; 50MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
22 hours, 3 minutes
Learn More
Motorola Razr Ultra Review
- Category-leading battery life
- Excellent screen
- Quick performance
- Superb value
- No mmWave
- Limited availability
OnePlus’s Android phones differ from those of Google, Motorola, and Samsung. The company has a distinct approach that sets itself apart from run-of-the-mill Android. Its latest flagship, the OnePlus 15, boasts impressive specs, including a top-notch screen, a leading processor, long battery life, and capable cameras.
People who want something a little different: If the road everyone else takes isn’t for you, consider the OnePlus 15. Its powerful specs deliver flagship-level performance, utterly epic battery life, and clean software, while the customizable Plus Key maps shortcuts to a dedicated hardware button for instant launches.
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Dimensions
6.35 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size
6.78 inches
Screen Resolution
2,772 by 1,272 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
26 hours, 11 minutes
Learn More
OnePlus 15 Review
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The Best 5G Phones for 2026
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best 5G Phones for 2026
Do You Need a 5G Phone in 2026?
For 5G to be appreciably faster than 4G, it needs to run on wider channels. Think of those channels as broader lanes on the information superhighway. Even without those channels, 5G still helps carriers by increasing their capacity to serve more users with bigger service plans. But if you want performance, you need those wider channels.
Left to right: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro, 10 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Right now, of the heavily promoted forms of US 5G, T-Mobile’s mid-band “UC” network, Verizon’s “UW” mid- and high-band networks, and AT&T’s “5G+” network provide those wider channels. The other forms of 5G in the US reuse 4G channels, which gives them 4G-like performance but under the banner of 5G.
In general, if you see just “5G” on your phone in the US, it will feel like 4G. If you see “5G UC,” “5G UW,” or “5G+,” you should experience better speeds.
Apple iPhone 17 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
At this point, the three carriers have done a solid job deploying 5G. For example, AT&T and Verizon cover much of the country with 3.45GHz and C-band, respectively. Of course, your phone also needs to support C-band to see a benefit, a spec we cover in our in-depth reviews.
Most of the phones Verizon sells support its high-band mmWave network, but not all unlocked 5G phones do. If you’re looking for an unlocked 5G phone that supports all the bands, consider the Google Pixel line, the latest Apple iPhone, or the Samsung Galaxy S and Z families.
Recommended by Our Editors
If you’re with T-Mobile, almost any current phone supports its quicker 5G service.
However, the situation is always changing. Boost Mobile, for example, launched a nationwide 5G network and then, barely a year later, changed its direction altogether. Make sure to check back often for all the details on the phones that can take advantage of these advancements.
