Top 10 best 5G smartphones (2020)

Below is a list of the best 5G smartphone in 2020 and their specifications, their features and functionalities. Here is a compiled a list of the best 5G phones and their brief overview below.

1. Samsung Galaxy S10 5G

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G came out in February 2019 and quickly made its name as one of the best 5G phones. It is more or less like the Galaxy S10 with a 5G radio. With a flagship Exynos 9820 processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 in the US) packing octa-core processors, this Galaxy smartphone is Samsung’s early foray in the 5G market.

Just like the S10, it runs on Android 9 Pie OS with One UI. It will also get Android 10 updates coming. It has a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with hole-punch notch and is bigger the 4G version.

It functions smoothly with an 8GB RAM with inbuilt storage capacity of 256GB or 512GB. The heavy games and augmented reality experiences that you can enjoy with this phone makes it one of the most desirable 5G phones of its class.

Apart from the usual fast charging technology, Samsung Galaxy S10 5G also supports the next-gen wireless charging and power share functionalities. One of the complaints against big-sized smartphones is how unwieldy they are.

The lighter weight of Galaxy S10 5G as compared to other similar-sized phones works to its advantage, while its water resistance feature, if not unique, is, at least, a popular feature.

Its dedicated headphone socket and top-class camera, haptic vibrations and palm rejection technique to avoid touches in error while handling the curved edge touchscreen are some of the enviable features to find favour among the 5G phone users.

The phone supports 5G non-stand alone (NSA) with Sub6 and millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G bands. Price starts at around $1299.

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G Key Specs & Features

• 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED Display, 1440 X 3040 pixels (502 ppi)
• Always On Display, HDR10+
• Android 9.0 (Pie), One UI with 8GB RAM
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (USA, China, Latin America), Octa-core Exynos 9810 (EMEA)
• 256GB / 512GB Built-in Storage, no support for memory card
• 12MP + 12MP + 16MP + ToF Quad Rear Camera
• 10MP + ToF Dual Front camera
• 4G LTE (up to 2.0Gbps) with VoLTE
• 5G Support, band 41 (2500MHz), band 78 (3500 MHz), band 260 (39GHz), band 261 (28GHz), 5G NR
• Fingerprint Sensor (Under Display)
• Fast Wireless Charging
• Water and Dust Proof (IP68 Certification)
• 4,500mAh Non-Removable Li-ion Battery

 

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, released in August 2019, is one of the best 5G phones in the market today. It has several new features which make this phone a premium option among 5G phones.

With dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, it runs on Android 9 Pie (will get Android 10 update), based in One UI, similar to the 4G variant of the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. It has active noise cancellation with a dedicated microphone and Dolby Atmos sound feature tuned by AKG.

The android phone functions very smoothly with 12GB RAM and Exynos 9825 processor (Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 for USA and China) to facilitate 5G connectivity and has two variants in internal memory as 256GB/512GB.

It has unique sensors features such as fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass and barometer, while the unique Samsung DeX functionality for desktop experience support.

The smartphone also boasts of a fast-charging capability using USB Power Delivery 3.0 whereas the latest Qi wireless including the option of reverse wireless charging function is a bonus.

Some of the other features of this top 5G phone from Samsung include video capture boosted by video zooming function which allows 4K video capture at 30fps in default mode with increasing capacity up to 60fps available.

Like most other premium smartphones of this class, Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G also incorporates the new feature of water resistance and is one of the best 5G phones as recommended by users. Price starts at $999.

3. LG V50 ThinQ 5G

LG V50 ThinQ 5G was launched in February 2019 as the company’s flagship entry to the new 5G phone market. It comes with an advanced touchscreen with a sharp resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels at a pixel density of 538 pixels per inch (PPI) and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, making it one of the best in class phones available today.

It runs on Android 9 Pie with the customary Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor to facilitate the 5G network connection. With an internal storage capacity of 128GB, expandable up to 2TB and 6GB RAM, it runs smoothly and can multitask with ease.

One of the top draw features of LG V50 model that makes is its triple camera function with specifications of 12-megapixel (f/1.5, 1.4-micron) + 16-megapixel (f/1.9, 1-micron) + 12-megapixel (f/2.4, 1-micron).

According to the company source, in line with the best 5G phones, LG V50 ThinQ 5G also has a unique feature sporting a cooling system at the rear which guarantees great battery performance and also ensures that it lasts longer.

Furthermore, it comes with a “Conversations with Character” feature that functions while video chatting and can entertain friends and family with fun real-time AR stickers and effects which can be applied by the user.

The battery features of this LG phone model can compete with the best 5G phones currently available and sports similar features to them such as wireless charging and quick charging, while some users have lauded its waterproof technology as a useful functionality.

LG V50 ThinQ 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.4-inch P-OLED Display, 1440 x 3120 pixels (539 ppi)
• HDR10, Always-on Display, Dolby Vision
• Android 9.0 Pie OS
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 CPU
• 6GB RAM
• 128GB built-in storage space, up to 512GB Memory Card
• 12MP + 12MP + 16MP Triple Rear Camera
• 8MP + 5MP Dual Front Camera
• 4G LTE
• 5G Network Support (5G band 41 (2500 MHz), 260(39 GHz), 261(28 GHz); NSA)
• Wireless Charging (10W)
• 18W Capacity Fast Charging
• Fingerprint scanner (rear)
• 4,000 mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

 

4. Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G

Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G was launched in October 2019 and has quickly established itself as one of the best 5G phones worthy of buying. With unique processor HI Silicon Kirin 990 5G, it is one of the latest processors in among 5G phones.

It also supports wireless charging and superfast charging of its Li-ion battery. Its unique array of charging features includes 40W Huawei SuperCharge, 27W Wireless Huawei SuperCharge, and Huawei Reverse Charge, which helps charge the phone anytime anywhere.

With Super Sensing camera functionality, it allows to record and watch 4K videos on the phone. According to company sources, just using a natural finger-touch on the display unlocks the phone with ultra-fast speed.

It also allows quick and reliable fingerprint payment system which can save user’s efforts and time without compromising on security. With its unique volume feature “Virtual Volume Tuner” (VVT), Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G employs no physical buttons to adjust the volume, and only double-tapping and scrolling on the screen edges from both sides will do this for users.

With only virtual buttons to give users a great experience while gaming helps establish Huawei’s claim of this model being one of the best 5G phones. Innovative design and great processor make this phone one of the top models of 5G phones in the market for cloud gaming, mass image processing and better graphic results.

Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.53 inch OLED Display, 1176 x 2400 pixels, (409 ppi density), HDR10
• Android 10; EMUI 10, 8GB RAM
• Octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 990 (7 nm+), Mali-G76 MP16
• 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, up to 256GB Memory Card
• 40MP + 8MP + 40MP + 3D ToF Quad Rear Camera
• 32MP + 3D ToF Dual Front Camera
• Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
• 4G LTE
• 5G Network Support (5G band 1(2100), 3(1800), 28(700), 38(2600), 41(2500), 77(3700), 78(3500), 79(4700); NSA/Sub6)
• Fast Wireless Charging (27W Capacity)
• 40W Fast Charging Capacity
• IP68 Dust and Water Resistant
• 4500 mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

 

5. OnePlus 7 Pro 5G

Like many other smartphone companies foraying into the new 5G technology-enabled phone market, OnePlus 7 Pro 5G is also a contender for the best 5G phones currently launched for public use.

This model has a similar design and looks just like the 4G capable phones with the additional feature of a 5G modem for superfast mobile connectivity.

Users of the model have reported impressive 5G speed in the UK using EE network and the US using Sprint as the carrier, but otherwise, a look at the phone’s features and functionalities gives no different result than using its 4G variant.

Available since June 2019, the phone comes in three variants of RAM – 6G/ 8GB/ 12GB and can have an internal memory of 128GB or 256GB depending on which phone you buy.

Like most 5G phones, it also runs on Android 9 Pie but is based on the company’s own UI of OxygenOS 9.5.11. OnePlus 7 Pro 5G’s 3.1 Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go ensures fast battery recharge using the Warp charge technology.

The immersive display of 6.67-inch screen with an excellent resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~515 PPI density) makes it one of the top desirable 5G phones in the market.

It is, however, highly recommended by users that unless a smooth 5G connectivity from your mobile service provider is guaranteed, going for this model can be a costly affair.

 

 

OnePlus 7 Pro 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED Display, 1440 x 3120 pixels (515 ppi), HDR10+
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Processor
• 6GB RAM / 8GB RAM / 12GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB Built-in storage with no support for expansion
• 48MP + 16MP + 8MP Triple Rear Camera
• 16MP Pop-up Front Camera
• 4G LTE
• 5G Network Support (5G band 41(2500))
• Optical Under-screen Fingerprint Scanner
• 4, 000 mAh Non Removable Li-Po Battery

 

6. Samsung Galaxy A90 5G

Samsung Galaxy A90 5G is the next generation phone with ultra-speed and quick charge features which making this model not only one of the company’s top phones but also a top buy in today’s 5G phone market since its launch in September 2019.

With long-lasting battery and triple ultra-wide camera, users are treated with an immersive phone experience and can view the images using an ultra-wide angle.

Users can also record videos like a pro-level action camera utilising the ultra-wide camera and advanced software. It produces super-steady live videos without any motion sickness with live focus.

In line with the best 5G phones, Samsung Galaxy A90 5G comes with octa-core processor and Super AMOLED main display design and has enjoyed smooth multitasking using 6GB/ 8GB RAM variants.

It also has multiple sensors such as Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, RGB Light Sensor, and Proximity Sensor which features in most of Samsung’s flagship phones in this class. Interestingly, in spite of being feature-rich, the model is a lightweight phone which is easy and comfortable for carrying.

Further, with its pre-loaded Samsung Pay function, it allows to make very smooth and secure payment. Among other features that set Samsung Galaxy A90 5G apart from other top 5G phones, is the unique Bixby functionality which can reduce the blue light and turn on Night mode to get your eyes ready for bed.

Bixby also adds multiple features and can be customised according to the needs and preferences of the users.

Samsung Galaxy A90 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.7 inch Super AMOLED infinity-U Display, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 aspect ratio (~393 ppi)
• Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
• Octa-core Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
• 6GB RAM or 8GB RAM
• 48MP + 8MP + 5MP Triple Camera
• 32MP Selfie Camera
• 128GB Built-in Storage
• up to 512 GB microSD support (6GB model only)
• 5G Network Support (5G band 41(2500), 78(3500)), NSA / Sub6
• Fingerprint Sensor (Under Screen)
• 25W Fast Charging Capacity
• 4500 mAh Non-removable Li-Po Battery

 

7. ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G

ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G is the company’s flagship 5G phone available since May 2019. Compared to some of the other top 5G phones in the market, the specifications of this ZTE model score a little lower.

Unlike most other top premium smartphones of this class, it has only a smaller screen size of 6.47-inch. ZTE is also offering multiple models sporting 6GB, 8GB or 12GB RAM to suit your preferences or system requirements, depending on how much multitasking or heavy game playing you plan to do with the phone.

The 2.84GHz processor and Qualcomm 855 Snapdragon chipset are in line with industry standards, but the popular features like waterproof or dustproof technologies that many of the other best 5G phones offer is missing with this model.

The phone also features Qi wireless charging functionality which seems to be a top specification among 5G phones apart from the regular fast charging capability.

The USP of choosing this latest model of the ZTE Axon series is that it is reasonably priced with excellent hardware in terms of camera setup and quality, and works on a near-stock build of Android 9 Pie OS that promise and deliver power-packed performance in this range.

Like some of the other 5G phones that have been recently introduced without a host of unique features to differentiate it from the 4G predecessors, ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G is only recommendable for the potential of 5G connectivity. Price starts at around $765.

ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.47-inch AMOLED Display, 1080 x 2340 Pixels (398 ppi)
• HDR10, 19.5:9 ratio
• Android 9.0 Pie OS, MiFavor 9.1
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Processor
• 6GB RAM / 8GB RAM / 12GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB Built-in Storage, up to 1TB Memory Card
• 48MP + 20MP + 8MP Triple Rear Camera
• 20MP Front Camera
• In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
• 4G LTE
• 5G connectivity (5G band 41(2500), 78(3500); NSA/Sub6)
• 18W Fast Charging Capacity
• Wireless Charging
• 4, 000 mAh Non Removable Li-Po Battery

 

8. Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G

Another mid-range phone from Xiaomi, Mi Mix 3 5G is similar to the 4G variants in terms of features and functionalities. Indeed, some of its specifications are not as great as the best 5G phones that are trying to corner the premium flagship smartphone market.

That said it is one of the most affordable options available right now. It still boasts 6GB RAM and a screen size of 6.39-inch display but weighs a little heavy at 225gm.

The Android 9 Pie OS is based in the company’s own MIUI 10, and while fast charging is available as a regular feature to most new brands of smartphones, the battery life at 3800mAH is considerably lower than other 5G phones currently available.

While sharp pixel density is one of the features of this phone, it’s not as good as an iPhone XS although better than the XR variant from Apple.

Some users have rated the phone average compared to some of the top models from other companies such as Samsung or OnePlus, while the unavailability of wireless charging in a future technology phone has been a source of disappointment for some.

The faulty sliding mechanism is another point against Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G whereas its first-class design has generally attracted buyers. Only in countries offering ultrafast 5G mobile connectivity, the model performs at its best, otherwise, the internet works as expected of 4G network or sometimes a tad better.

If you are looking to buy a new phone with 5G capability combining decent features at a commensurate cost, this is the phone for you, but if you are unfazed about forking out extra to get the best 5G phone experience that money can buy, Mi Mix 3 5G might not be for you. Price starts at around $289.

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.39-inch AMOLED Display, 1080 x 2340 pixels (403 ppi)
• Android 9.0 Pie
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
• 6GB RAM
• 64GB / 128GB Built-in Storage, no Memory Card support
• 12MP + 12MP Dual Rear Camera
• 24MP + 2MP Dual Pop-up Camera
• 4G LTE
• 5G Network Support (5G band 78(3500); NSA/Sub6)
• Fingerprint Scanner (Rear)
• Wireless Charging
• 18W Fast Charging Capacity
• 3, 800 mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

 

9. Oppo Reno 5G

One of the new-age popular smartphone company, Oppo, entered the market for 5G phones in May 2019 when it launched its Reno 5G model.

If you are looking for an affordable product that can offer an immersive experience of the best features and functionalities of 5G mobile connectivity, then Oppo Reno is a top choice.

According to company sources, this model is a hi-tech fusion of 5G capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) enabling and internet of things (IoT).

Coming with a modest 6.60-inch size, the almost bezel-less model boasts of a high screen to body ratio thanks to its Shark Fin pop-up selfie camera.

With an 8GB RAM, running on Qualcomm’s 855 Snapdragon processor, with an in-built storage capacity of 256GB, Oppo Reno 5G uses the latest Android 9 Pie OS and comes with fast charging capability.

To boost its claim as one of the best 5G phones, Oppo guarantees its 5G connectivity to allow smooth and lag-free mobile internet running as per operator’s service so that streaming of high-resolution content and cloud gaming become effortless.

The unanimous review about the 5G phone from Oppo Reno is deliberating if the connectivity is strong enough to go for it. The reason is that the features and functionalities of the model sporting 4G capabilities and the 5G variant are similar apart from network connectivity promise.

Oppo Reno 5G Key Specs and Features

• 6.6-inch Super AMOLED Display, 1080 x 2340 pixels (402 ppi)
• Corning Gorilla Glass 6
• Android 9 Pie OS (ColorOS 6)
• Octa-core Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 CPU
• 6GB RAM / 8GB RAM
• 256GB Built-in Storage, expandable to 256GB via MicroSD
• 48MP + 13MP + 8MP Triple Rear Camera
• Motorized side-swing 16MP Front Camera
• Fingerprint sensor (under-display)
• 4G LTE
• 5G Network Support (5G band 78(3500); NSA/Sub6)
• 4,065 mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

 

10. Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G

Samsung’s foray into foldable feature-enabled 5G phones became a reality when it announced in February 2019 about Galaxy Fold 5G and the product came into the market later in September.

The primary display of the phone is a large 7.30-inch touchscreen with a super-sharp 1536×2152 resolution, while the secondary display isn’t far behind sporting a handsome 4.60-inch touchscreen and 720×1680 resolution.

The multitasking functionalities of Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G are well-supported by the humongous 12GB RAM, a 2.84GHz octa-core processor using Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855, and smooth running of its hardware and software is ensured by Android Pie 9 OS in One UI.

Other usual features that the best 5G phones of today include, such as face unlock function and wireless charging in addition to the regular fast charging with USB Type-C, are also available with this model.

Flexible 5G phones being a novelty still, and with Huawei Mate X yet to come out for public use, Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G scores some sizzling positive reviews from users. The feel of holding the unfolded phone has been compared in some circles to an iPad Mini with an option to fold and carry comfortably.

As imperative with foldable touchscreen phones, Samsung has beefed up the phone protection around its Infinity Flex screen, and with a sleeker look and design improvement compared to the earlier iterations of Fold models, this is possibly one of the best 5G phones available in the market today. Price start at around $2,199.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G Key Specs & Features

• 7.3 inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED Display, 1536 x 2152 pixels (362 ppi), HDR10+
• 4.6 inch Super AMOLED Display, 720 x 1680 pixels, 21:9 aspect ratio
• Android 9.0 Pie, 12GB RAM
• Octa-core Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855
• 16 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP Triple Rear Camera
• 10 MP + 8 MP Front Camera
• 10 MP Cover Camera
• Fingerprint Scanner (Side)
• 512GB inbuilt Storage
• 5G Network Support (5G band 41(2500), 78(3500); NSA/Sub6)
• 4G LTE
• Fast Charging (15W Capacity)
• 15W Fast Wireless Charging
• 4235 mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

 

11. Huawei Mate X

Huawei kept its promise of launching foldable 5G phones when it announced the Mate X at a pre-conference at 2019 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

It vies with the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G model in terms of features and functionalities. Huawei, however, delayed its public launch until January 2020 as it aims to first perfect the design and function through comprehensive testing.

A look at the promised features of Huawei Mate X is enough to convince that the future of mobile telecommunication, design and technology is indeed at hand.

Take, for example, its single FullView Display panel that can fold two-way – 6.60-inch at the front and 6.38-inch at the back, and when unfolded, it creates a display notch-free 8-inch FullView Display panel which gives a feel of tablet screen.

Like most 5G phones, it also boasts of a powerful 8GB RAM and has a unique array of design and features to ensure 5G mobile connectivity for its users. Along with its flagship Kirin 980 SoC and Huawei Balong 5000 5G chipset, Mate X has a state-of-the-art 7nm modem which can guarantee a downlink of up to 4.6Gbps, while on mmWave, the speed improves further up to 6.5Gbps.

Already acclaimed as one of the best 5G phones, the quad 5G antenna of Huawei Mate X is an important feature of the phone’s 5G competencies.

Sources in Huawei have also claimed that not only the phone’s features support the current 5G functionalities, but it is also future-ready with the ability to support the next level SA architecture in newer 5G technologies.

Some of the other popular features of Huawei Mate X 5G phone include thin and sleek design, a massive inbuilt-storage 512GB and two-in-one front and rear camera powered by Leica optics. The phone is available in China starting at CNY 16,999.

Huawei Mate X Key Specs and Features

• 8-inch Foldable OLED Display, 2200 x 2480 pixels (Unfolded)
• 6.6-inch OLED Front Display (2480 x 1148 pixels); 6.38-inch Rear OLED Display (2480 x 892 pixels) (Folded)
• Android 9.0 Pie OS (EmUI 9.1.1)
• Octa-core Huawei Kirin 980 SoC
• 8GB RAM
• 512GB Built-in Storage, up to 256GB Nano Memory Card
• 40MP + 16MP + 8MP Triple Camera
• 4G LTE
• 5G Network Support (5G band 41(2500), 77(3700), 78(3500), 79(4700); NSA/Sub6)
• 4,500mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery

 

That is our lineup of best 5G phones. More phones are yet to join the list this year as 2020 might be the year 5G phones gets more mainstream adoption.

 

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CREDIT: naijatechguide