What’s the Big Deal with 5G?

So, we’re deep into 2024, and if your phone isn’t rocking 5G, it’s basically living in the past. 5G is the real deal, offering crazy fast speeds, super low latency, and a connection that’s so stable you’ll forget what buffering even is.

Think about downloading a massive game or streaming a 4K movie in seconds—that’s the power of 5G. It’s also setting the stage for all the cool stuff we’ve been hearing about, like AR, VR, and smart devices everywhere. Simply put, 5G is more than just an upgrade; it’s a whole new level of mobile tech that’s shaping the future.

Why You Need the Right 5G Phone

With 5G becoming standard, picking the right phone is about more than just making sure it has that little “5G” icon. You need a device that can fully leverage this new tech. In 2024, that means looking at everything from processing power to battery life to ensure you’re getting a phone that’s not only fast but also future-proof. And let’s be real—you want something that’s going to keep up with you, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or just multitasking like a boss.

What Makes a Great 5G Phone?

Performance and Speed

When we’re talking performance, it’s all about the latest chipsets—think Apple’s A18 Bionic or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. These beasts are what make your phone fly, especially when paired with 5G. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or juggling a million apps, these processors make sure everything runs smoothly. And don’t forget about RAM—more RAM means better multitasking, so look for phones packing at least 8GB.

Display and Design

In 2024, your phone’s display is as crucial as what’s under the hood. We’re seeing OLED and AMOLED displays everywhere, delivering those deep blacks and vibrant colors that make everything pop. And with refresh rates hitting 120Hz or higher, your screen’s never looked smoother. As for design, foldables are all the rage, but if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of slick, bezel-less designs that scream “future.” Durability is key, too—these phones need to survive your day-to-day adventures.

Camera Quality

Cameras on smartphones just keep getting better. In 2024, we’re talking multi-lens setups with AI doing the heavy lifting. Whether you’re snapping pics in low light, zooming in from across the room, or just trying to get that perfect selfie, today’s cameras are up for the challenge. If photography is your jam, you’ll want to pay close attention to the camera features when picking your next phone.

Battery Life and Charging

Let’s be honest—5G is a battery hog. That’s why battery life is more important than ever. Look for phones with big batteries and smart power management features that keep you going all day. Fast charging is another must-have, with some phones giving you a 50% charge in just 15 minutes. The best devices also learn your habits and optimize power usage so you’re not left scrambling for a charger.

Software and Updates

Software can make or break your phone experience. iOS is known for its smooth performance and long-term updates, while Android offers more customization and a broader range of devices. Either way, regular updates are crucial for security and new features, so make sure your phone’s manufacturer is reliable in that department.

Value for Money

Not everyone wants to drop a thousand bucks on a phone, and in 2024, you don’t have to. Mid-range phones are killing it with great performance, solid cameras, and 5G connectivity, all at a much friendlier price. The key is figuring out what features matter most to you and finding the best balance between cost and capability.

Top 5G Smartphones of 2024

Flagship Models

Apple iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max

Chipset: A18 Bionic

Display: 6.1″ (Pro) / 6.7″ (Pro Max) Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz

Storage: 128GB to 1TBCameras: Triple 12MP rear, 12MP front

Battery: ~3,500mAh (Pro) / ~4,400mAh (Pro Max)

5G: mmWave, Sub-6GHz

Other: iOS 18, IP68, MagSafe

Key Features: Apple’s latest powerhouse, featuring the A18 Bionic chip, a silky-smooth ProMotion display, and a camera system that’s tough to beat.

Pros: You get the top-notch iOS experience, killer build quality, and software updates for years to come.

Cons: It’s pricey, and if you love customizing your phone, iOS might feel a bit restrictive.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Chipset: Exynos 2400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Display: 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz

Storage: 256GB to 1TB

Cameras: Quad 108MP rear, 40MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh5G: mmWave, Sub-6GHz

Other: S Pen, IP68, One UI 6.0

Key Features: Packed with Samsung’s top-tier Exynos or Snapdragon chip, a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and an insanely versatile camera setup.

Pros: This phone is a beast with everything from display tech to productivity features like S Pen support.

Cons: It’s big, it’s expensive, and it might be overkill if you’re not using it to its full potential.

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Google Pixel 8 Pro

Chipset: Tensor G3

Display: 6.7″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz

Storage: 128GB to 512GB

Cameras: Triple 50MP rear, 11.1MP front

Battery: 4,950mAh5G: mmWave, Sub-6GHz

Other: Pure Android 14, IP68

Key Features: Powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, offering a pure Android experience and top-notch AI-driven camera capabilities.

Pros: Fast updates, clean software, and some of the best computational photography in the game.

Cons: Availability can be a bit limited, and the battery could be better compared to other flagships.

Mid-Range Models

OnePlus 12

Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Display: 6.7″ Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz

Storage: 128GB to 256GB

Cameras: Triple 50MP rear, 16MP front

Battery: 4,800mAh5G: mmWave, Sub-6GHz

Other: OxygenOS 14, 100W fast charging

Key Features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Fluid AMOLED display, and solid battery life make this a strong contender in the mid-range market.

Pros: Great value for the money, with fast charging and a clean, bloat-free software experience.

Cons: The camera is good but doesn’t quite reach flagship levels, and it’s missing some premium features.

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Xiaomi 14 Pro

Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Display: 6.73″ OLED, 120Hz

Storage: 256GB to 512GB

Cameras: Triple 50MP rear, 32MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh5G: mmWave, Sub-6GHz

Other: MIUI 15, 120W fast charging, IP68

Key Features: High-end Snapdragon chipset, a vibrant OLED display, and a battery that won’t quit.

Pros: It’s packed with features at a competitive price, and performance is strong across the board.

Cons: MIUI isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and Xiaomi’s update schedule can be hit or miss.

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Special Mentions – Best Budget 5G Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Chipset: Exynos 1380

Display: 6.4″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz

Storage: 128GB to 256GB (microSD expandable)

Cameras: Triple 50MP rear, 32MP front

Battery: 5,000mAh5G: Sub-6GHz

Other: One UI 6.0, 25W fast charging

Looking for a solid 5G phone without draining your bank account? The Galaxy A54 5G gives you decent performance, a reliable camera, and that sweet 5G connection at a budget-friendly price.

Source: pcmag.com