LPGuard’s Top 5G Phones In 2021

Everybody is getting excited with 5G. But, do you really need it? If your answer is yes, we got the best choices of 5G phones for you. Let’s break them down to give you the best value-for-your-money in 2021. 

Major carriers launched their 5G deployment last year. As a result, we expect to see more 5G phones getting released this year and the next. In the US alone, it’s already live in selected cities. 5G is now being provided by four major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other local carriers. 

But it’s not just the US. In fact, all four major carriers are already offering 5G networks in the UK. For example, Apple’s latest iPhone 12 models support 5G connectivity along with Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Flip 5g, Note 20, and even its affordable Galaxy A71 5G. Although it won’t take 4G’s spot entirely, 5G is becoming the next trend for mobile connectivity. 

5G is fast and offers more benefits from new networks and a number of industries. This includes drones, self-driving cars, and everything else that uses the internet. On the other hand, most of us can only experience its benefits with our phones. With that being said, here are our top picks for the best 5G phones available in the market today. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G was launched in 2019. It’s the predecessor to the Note 20 Ultra. It features a 6.8-inch screen, a long battery life, and an excellent camera. In fact, this particular model used to be one of the most popular 5G phones during its launching. 

Here’s the catch. The Note 10 Plus 5G is a dominant phone. It works best for users who want a bigger device that they can use the S Pen Stylus. If you want a smaller phone and the S Pen Stylus doesn’t interest you, this phone isn’t for you. 

Sony Xperia 5 II

The Sony Xperia 5 II is as affordable as its small size. But don’t take it lightly. The truth is, it takes its bigger siblings’ key advantages and places them into a smaller package. So, if you’re looking for a good 5G phone that you can easily hold, the Xperia 5 II is a great option. Likewise, it comes with an excellent camera, stunning screen, and longer battery life. 

Truth is, this Sony phone is a flagship phone that inherited most of its best traits from the expensive Sony Xperia 1 II. Do you like the looks of Sony’s larger phones on a smaller package? The Xperia 5 II will give you just that. 

Motorola Razr 5G (2020) 

The Motorola Razr 5G (2020) is a 5G folding flip phone. The 2020 Razr features some significant upgrades from the Razr 2019. But with a $1,399 price tag, it’s pretty expensive. All-in-all, it’s a cool phone with the classic look and feel of the Razr model. It also feels thinner and more elegant than the standard iPhone. 

Unfortunately, with its steep price tag, it doesn’t offer the best possible screen. At only 876 x 2142 pixels, it has a very tall aspect ratio with an inferior color and quality. The Razr 2020 has two cameras. The selfie camera with a 20-megapixel sensor is located on the inside, and the main outer camera with a 48-megapixel sensor. Unfortunately, both of these cameras are only good for video conferencing. 

Samsung Galaxy A71 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G is a good option. It’s affordable but doesn’t give off a cheap feel. Moreover, it features a great display, excellent performance, and a solid camera. It’s a mid-range device that can compete with other models in its class. It’s fast and has longer battery life. 

The A71 5G comes with an AMOLED Plus display on a 6.7-inch screen. Its resolution is good enough for your eyes to consume. That’s because it offers a bright, sharp, and color-rich picture quality. Additionally, it has an optical fingerprint scanner under the glass.

LG V60 ThinQ 5G

The LG V60 ThinQ 5G is said to be the cheaper alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S20. Unfortunately, it’s less exciting unless you buy the Dual Screen case. This 5G phone is considered a premium phone that is aimed to compete with the more expensive Galaxy S20. Thanks to some of its notable features that helped the device stand out. 

It’s a great phone. The camera is capable of taking vibrant images, longer battery life, and a good design. The display is large, measuring up to 6.8-inches. As a result, you’ll have a comfortable viewing experience for streaming videos and web browsing. 

Motorola One 5G

It’s not a perfect phone, but it offers the most affordable 5G connectivity. The company has long been popular for its excellent quality budget phones with the Moto G Stylus and G Power. The truth is, when it released the Moto Z3 in 2018, it was almost a bargain despite the fact that you need a 5G Moto Mod accessory to use the next-gen connectivity. 

But to be able to reach its affordable price, the company needs to compromise. So, they settled for an LCD display instead of the OLED. As a result, the phone doesn’t offer an accurate picture quality. With the battery, there’s a 15-watt turbocharging. Additionally, its body is made from plastic which gives off that cheaper feel.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip used to be the best foldable phone. But when the Galaxy Z Fold 2 came along, it immediately took the reins. Unfortunately, the clever flip design can’t compensate for the expensive price tag. Even harder is to recommend this particular phone against other flagship models like the Galaxy S20 Plus or the iPhone 12 series. 

The hinge feels durable to the touch. The flip side is the display. It gives off that plastic feel instead of glass. Moreover, the hinge is effective enough to keep the dust out. Thanks to the thin layer of fabric that makes sure any particles won’t fill in the gaps. 

One Plus Nord10 5G

The One Plus Nord 10 5G is the best budget 5G phone with premium quality features. Some of its notable features include a fast refresh display along with a solid camera. Unfortunately for the Nord 10 5G, the design isn’t all that amazing. It’s because of the plastic material it’s made which gives it a cheap feel. 

It features a full-screen display on the front side and a rectangular camera in the upper left corner at the back. The phone also comes with a fingerprint sensor located above the OnePlus logo, a headphone jack at the bottom, and a USB-C charging port. 

LG Velvet 5G

While it struggled in recent years, LG has finally got a foothold thanks to its major innovations like high-quality audio, wide-angle cameras, dual-screen case, and some odd features like the LG G5. But the LG Velvet is going back to the basics with a 5G connectivity and an affordable price of $599.99. 

This phone features a new and bigger design, more tapered, and a modern look and feel. It has three cameras, front glass with curved edges, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Also, it’s waterproof. This adds to a nice improvement for its affordable price range. In addition, this phone has a 6.8-inch, 2460 x 1080 screen. It’s bright, 60Hz refresh rate, and a midrange user interface feel. 

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

It features some of the best qualities of the expensive Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S20 FE offers 120Hz display, excellent performance, solid cameras, and affordable price. The phone has a big 120Hz display, solid triple-camera system, and its six-color variant. 

This 5G phone is powered by a Snapdragon 865 CPU, 6GB RAM (expandable up to 1TB with microSD), and a 6.5-inch AMOLED display. Here’s another interesting fact. This Samsung 5G phone doesn’t compromise with water resistance. In fact, it features an IP68 rating. 

Samsung Galaxy S21

Although it’s not the best Samsung S series for 2021, this 5G phone comes with a solid camera, powerful chipset, and excellent battery life. Moreover, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a cheaper model than the Galaxy S20 with a range of premium features. 

The Galaxy S21 features improved camera software, effectively fast charging, 120 Hz refresh rate, super-smooth scrolling, accurate color graphics, and strong brightness. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a great 5G phone thanks to its notable features and affordable price. Thanks to its big and versatile screen, it’s a great choice for power users. This phone features a dynamic 6.9-inch 120Hz display, smoother S Pen, allows streaming Xbox games, a powerful zoom camera with laser autofocus, and good battery life. 

The dynamic display offers smooth scrolling thanks to its Adaptive motion smoothness. Additionally, the S Pen tricks can be addictive. This can be credited to the new Air Actions that allow you to draw in the air. But this requires practice. 

Apple iPhone 12 (12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max) 

The new Apple iPhone lineup offers a magnetic backing known as MagSafe, a new Ceramic Shield display, and a 5G connective, among others. Moreover, the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini are the most affordable in the lineup.

The two Pro models on the other hand, are the higher-end models for the performance and of course the price. Aside from the third telephoto camera, these phones also feature a lidar scanner for object detection and modeling.