The Best 5G Smartphones Available In 2022

Technology: This list covers the leading contenders for the crown of the best 5G smartphone for 2022. At the same time, we are waiting for the novelties of the year, of course.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, arguably the best 5G smartphone available

External display: 6.2 inches (definition of 2260 x 832 pixels), refresh rate of 120 hz | Internal screen: 7.6 inches (definition of 2208 x 1768 pixels), flexible | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12 GB | Internal storage: 256 GB |

Rear cameras: 12 MP f / 1.8 wide angle, 12 MP f / 2.4 telephoto, and 12 MP f / 2.2 ultra-wide | Front cameras: 4 MP f / 1.8 underscreen camera and 10 MP f / 2.2 cover camera | Weight: 271 g | Battery capacity: 4,400 mAh

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is Samsung’s latest foldable phone/tablet model and hands down the best yet. The device’s high-performance internals are housed in a housing that, perhaps for the first time, seems built to last a long time. Improvements over its predecessor include:

An exterior display.
An improved hinge system.
Samsung’s first under-screen camera on a foldable device.

While the hardware of Samsung’s foldable devices continues to improve, their price is still relatively high, although it has fallen slightly since last year. Phone makers will likely start targeting the mid-market with flex-screen devices within a few years. But, at least for now, Samsung is targeting high-end smartphone aficionados with its Galaxy Z Fold 3.

Strong points:

A high-end CPU and memory.
The dramatically improved external display lets you leave the device folded up and usable.
The 7.6-inch internal display allows it to be used as a productivity device.
One of the best hinges we’ve seen on a folding device.

Weak points:

Still almost twice as expensive as many other flagship smartphones.
Internal screen wrinkling has improved, but it is still noticeable.
The camera behind the screen gives mixed results.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple finally joins the 120 Hz party

The iPhone 13 Pro Max looks almost identical to its predecessor from the outside. However, as is often the case with Apple’s flagship, the real improvements are inside. The Proline of the iPhone 13 is the first to support ProMotion technology, which increases the maximum refresh rate to 120Hz and helps variable refresh rates as low as 10Hz for static images. The result is a screen that looks remarkably fluid without being battery hungry.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is also the best for Apple’s new “cinematic mode,” a 1080p 30fps video capture mode that supports features that would have required an expensive standalone camera just a few years ago. Years.

Strong points:

The ProMotion screen allows significantly smoother movements than standard 60 Hz screens.
New digital photography tips allow for gear focus, filters, and more.
The Face ID notch is smaller than that of the iPhone 12 range.
The new macro camera can capture images from a distance of 2cm.

Weak points:

Another year with an almost identical exterior appearance for Apple’s top-of-the-range model.
Apple continues to rely on the proprietary Lightning connector.

Google Pixel 6 Pro, the return of the “visor”

For its sixth-generation Pixel, Google took inspiration from its Nexus 6p, bringing the camera visor that runs through the entire back of the device to life. This achieves a more stable resting position when the phone is put down and provides sufficient space for the 50 Mp primary camera and the 48 Mp telephoto lens. When combined with Google’s ever-impressive image processing software on the device, they can deliver the best results we’ve seen on smartphones today.

The Pixel 6 range is also the smartphone where Google does the same as Apple: its flagship smartphone uses its chip. The Tensor chip offers faster processing and the same battery life benefits that other companies have already enjoyed by being able to optimize their chips for their hardware and software.

Strong points :

The hardware is optimized across the board thanks to Google’s first Tensor chip.
The new cameras finally combine the excellent image processing of Google with large numbers of MP.
The suggested retail price is surprisingly low for onboard components.

Weak points:

No charger in the box.
There are reports of slow responses from the fingerprint reader.

OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, affordable 5G flagship phones

Oneplus 9

OnePlus 9 Pro

Screen: 6.7 inches (definition of 3216 x 1440 pixels), refresh rate of 120 hz | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12 GB | Internal storage: 256 GB of storage | Rear cameras: 48 MP f / 1.8 wide angle with optical image stabilization and laser autofocus, 50 MP f / 2.2 ultra-wide, and 2 MP depth sensor | Front camera: 16 MP f / 2.4 | Weight: 197 g | Battery capacity: 4,500 mAh

OnePlus released two flagships in 2021 with very similar internal specifications. These devices are available in multiple colorways and at better prices than almost any of their counterparts on this list. With fast performance, an adaptive high refresh rate, and more, the OnePlus 9 Pro is ideal for work and play.

Strong points :

Performance equivalent to that of the big flagships at a reduced price.
An almost standard version of Android with valuable modifications.
Some of the fastest wired and wireless charging speeds on the market.

Weak points:

Camera performance falls short of Hasselblad’s branding.
Unique storage options for each model, without the possibility of expanding them.

Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21 Plus / S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy s21

Galaxy s21 plus

Galaxy S21 Ultra

Screen: 6.8 inches (definition of 3200 x 1440 pixels), variable refresh rate of 120 hz | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12/16 GB | Internal storage: 128/256/512 GB | Rear cameras: 108 Mp f / 1.8 wide angle, 10 Mp f / 4.9 telephoto periscope, 10 Mp f / 2.4 telephoto, and 12 Mp f / 2.2 ultra-wide | Front camera: 40 MP f / 2.2 | Weight: 227 g | Battery capacity: 5000mAh

Samsung released three models of the S21 in early 2021, with 5G support across the lineup. And they are less and less expensive. Despite being relatively late in their buying cycle, these devices continue to hold up thanks to high-end components, excellent Samsung displays, and the still unmatched zoom and resolution capabilities of the Ultra input.

Strong points:

The 108 Mp resolution and optical zoom performance make the Ultra unique.
Regular price cuts.
Stunning edge-to-edge displays and variable refresh rates.

Weak points:

Some loss of display resolution compared to models from the previous year.
Samsung’s persistent bloatware issues.

How did we choose these smartphones?

To establish this selection of smartphones, we tested the devices for weeks, read reviews on other websites and publications, researched review guides and manufacturers’ websites, chatted with colleagues and other users who have hands-on experience with smartphones, then selected the best from all the choices available.

Over the past year, we’ve tested phones from Google, Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, and several others. As new models come out, we spend a lot of time testing, analyzing, and comparing devices to the competition and their predecessors.

Should I upgrade to a 5G phone?

The adaptation of the 5G cellular network is still under development. Many areas around the world do not have the antennas to support it. That said, there’s no downside to not buying a 5G-capable phone right now, especially if you plan to use it for the next three years or more. The availability of 5G-capable phones is more extensive than ever (as this list proves), and the chances that your next phone will support the network are high.