As you immerse yourself in the world of 5G, you’ll find a myriad of flagship devices vying for your attention. From the stunning display and powerful camera of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to the premium experience and competitive pricing of the OnePlus 9 Pro, the options can be overwhelming. But fear not – with our in-depth analysis, you’ll uncover the true standouts and discover the one that aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences. So, sit tight and prepare to explore the crème de la crème of 5G smartphones in 2021.
For power users seeking a feature-packed 5G smartphone with a stunning display, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (N985F/DS) is a top contender in 2021. This premium device boasts a dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a blazing-fast 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 1500 nits of brightness.
The pro-grade 8K camera and 5x optical zoom let you capture breathtaking shots, while the S Pen offers unparalleled note-taking and precision control. Powered by an intelligent processor and 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks and seamless multitasking.
With IP68 water and dust resistance, plus fast wireless charging, this flagship phone is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Whether you’re a mobile professional or a content creator, the Note 20 Ultra’s impressive specs and versatile features make it a compelling choice in the 5G smartphone landscape.
Best For: Power users and mobile professionals seeking a feature-rich 5G smartphone with a stunning display, impressive camera, and S Pen functionality.
Pros:
Stunning AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1500 nits of brightness
Pro-grade 8K camera with 5x optical zoom and 50x super resolution zoom
Powerful performance with 12GB RAM and intelligent processor
Cons:
Premium pricing compared to some other flagship smartphones
Potential battery life and heating issues with extended usage
Lack of included accessories like charger and headphones
OnePlus 9 Pro 5G Unlocked Smartphone (Morning Mist)
If you’re after a premium 5G smartphone with a stunning display, powerful performance, and professional-grade cameras, the OnePlus 9 Pro is an exceptional choice. Boasting a vibrant 6.7-inch QHD+ Fluid Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 9 Pro delivers an immersive viewing experience.
Powered by the flagship Snapdragon 888 processor and 12GB of RAM, it offers blazing-fast performance, ensuring seamless multitasking and smooth gaming. The phone’s Hasselblad-tuned quad-camera system, including a 48MP main shooter, 50MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto, and 2MP monochrome lens, captures breathtaking photos and videos.
While some users have reported screen burn-in issues, the overall feedback on the OnePlus 9 Pro’s display, performance, and 5G capabilities is overwhelmingly positive. With its premium features and competitive pricing, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a compelling flagship option for those seeking a well-rounded 5G experience.
Best For: Power users who desire a flagship 5G smartphone with a stunning display, exceptional camera performance, and premium features at a competitive price point.
Pros:
Vibrant and smooth 6.7-inch QHD+ Fluid Display with 120Hz refresh rate
Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor and 12GB of RAM for lightning-fast performance
Versatile Hasselblad-tuned quad-camera system for professional-grade photography and videography
Cons:
Reports of screen burn-in issues on some OnePlus devices
Concerns about recent software updates affecting features and user experience
Complaints about Amazon’s price adjustment policy and issues with Sprint activation
Boasting a pro-grade camera with 8K video and 100x zoom, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Smartphone (Renewed) makes an exceptional choice for photography enthusiasts seeking a powerful 5G-enabled device.
Packed with features like an all-day intelligent battery, a spacious 6.8-inch display, and 12GB of RAM, this renewed smartphone delivers a smooth and responsive user experience.
While some reviewers have reported minor issues with battery life, software, or physical condition, the majority of customers are highly satisfied with the phone’s performance and overall value.
Whether you’re capturing stunning 8K footage or taking advantage of the 108MP camera resolution, the Galaxy S21 Ultra (Renewed) is a solid 5G option that won’t break the bank.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts seeking a powerful 5G-enabled device with impressive camera capabilities.
Pros:
Pro-grade camera with 8K video and 100x zoom
All-day intelligent battery and 12GB of RAM for smooth performance
Spacious 6.8-inch display for an immersive viewing experience
Cons:
Some reviewers reported issues with battery life, software, or physical condition
Potential heating concerns mentioned by a few customers
Limited storage capacity may be a drawback for some users
Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
The compact yet powerful Apple iPhone 12 Mini, with its 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display and blazing-fast A14 Bionic processor, is a 5G-enabled device that caters to those seeking a premium smartphone experience in a more portable form factor.
You’ll enjoy fluid performance, advanced dual-camera capabilities, and seamless connectivity thanks to 5G support. This renewed model offers exceptional value, providing the flagship-level features of the iPhone 12 series at a more affordable price point.
With a durable yet stylish design available in a range of eye-catching colors, the iPhone 12 Mini is a smartphone that effortlessly blends power and portability. Whether you’re streaming content, capturing stunning photos, or simply staying connected, this compact 5G powerhouse is sure to impress.
Best For: Users seeking a premium 5G smartphone experience in a compact and portable form factor.
Pros:
Powerful A14 Bionic processor for smooth performance
Impressive dual-camera system for high-quality photography
Vibrant 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
Cons:
Smaller battery capacity compared to larger iPhone models
Limited storage options (only 64GB available)
May be too compact for users with larger hands or who prefer a bigger display
With a powerful Snapdragon 778 processor and a stunning 144Hz display, the Motorola Edge Smartphone (2021) offers a cost-effective alternative for those seeking flagship-level performance and features.
Its impressive 108MP rear camera and 32MP front-facing shooter capture detailed, high-quality photos and 4K videos. The phone’s 5,000mAh battery delivers up to two days of use, and fast 30W TurboPower charging ensures you’re never left waiting.
While the LCD screen may not match the OLED panels found in premium devices, it still delivers a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. With 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, the Motorola Edge keeps you seamlessly connected, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or browsing.
Overall, this device provides an excellent balance of specifications and value, making it a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade to a capable 5G-enabled smartphone without spending excessively.
Best For: Customers seeking a balanced, cost-effective 5G smartphone with flagship-level features and performance.
Pros:
Powerful Snapdragon 778 processor
Excellent battery life of up to two days
High-quality 108MP rear and 32MP front cameras
Cons:
LCD display may not match OLON panels in premium devices
No headphone jack
Non-mmWave 5G connectivity
Factors to Consider When Choosing 5G Phones of 2021
When shopping for a 5G phone in 2021, you’ll want to take into account the display’s technology and refresh rate, the camera’s capabilities and zoom level, the phone’s overall performance and multitasking efficiency, the battery life and charging speed, as well as the connectivity and 5G support.
These factors will greatly impact your experience and determine whether the 5G phone meets your needs. Take the time to research and compare these features to find the best 5G phone for your usage.
Display Technology and Refresh Rate
Certainly, your selection of display technology and refresh rate will greatly impact the viewing experience on your 5G phone.
For vibrant colors and deep blacks, you’ll want to take into account OLED, AMOLED, or IPS displays. OLED panels provide true blacks and enhanced battery life, while AMOLED delivers vivid colors and high contrast ratios – perfect for premium 5G models. Meanwhile, IPS displays offer good color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making them suitable for more budget-friendly 5G options.
Additionally, higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 144Hz will result in smoother scrolling, reduced motion blur, and improved gaming performance on your 5G device. This is especially beneficial if you’re an avid mobile gamer looking to take full advantage of your 5G connection.
Camera Capabilities and Zoom Level
In addition to the display quality, the camera capabilities and zoom level of 5G phones in 2021 are equally important factors when making your purchase.
Many of the top 5G devices now boast impressive camera systems, with high megapixel counts up to 108MP for incredibly detailed and sharp photos. You’ll also find advanced features like 8K video recording, allowing you to capture professional-quality footage.
When it comes to zoom, some 5G phones offer up to 100x zoom, making it easy to capture clear shots of distant subjects. And with optical image stabilization, you can say goodbye to blurry photos and videos, even in low light.
To get the most versatility, look for 5G phones with multiple camera lenses, including ultra-wide, telephoto, and macro options. With these impressive camera capabilities and zoom levels, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos and videos with your 5G phone.
Performance and Multitasking Efficiency
Alongside the camera capabilities and zoom level, the performance and multitasking efficiency of 5G phones in 2021 are crucial considerations when making your purchase.
You’ll want to prioritize phones with a powerful processor, like Snapdragon or Apple’s Bionic chip, to guarantee seamless 5G performance and smooth multitasking.
Opt for a device with 8GB or more of RAM, which will allow you to run multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing any lag.
Additionally, look for a phone with a high refresh rate display, such as 120Hz, for an enhanced user experience with fluid scrolling and interactions.
To optimize your 5G phone lasts throughout the day, choose a model with a large battery capacity, around 4000mAh or higher.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
When selecting a 5G phone in 2021, you’ll want to consider the battery capacity, which typically ranges from 4000mAh to 5000mAh, for prolonged usage on 5G networks.
Also, look for fast charging technologies like Warp Charge, TurboPower, or other proprietary systems to swiftly top up your phone’s battery.
You’ll also want to check for battery optimization features and power-saving modes to maximize battery life on your 5G-enabled device.
Keep in mind that 5G connectivity can impact battery drain, since faster speeds can result in increased power consumption. Therefore, you’ll need to evaluate the balance between battery life and charging speed, ensuring a good mix for your daily usage requirements on a 5G phone.
Connectivity and 5G Support
Robust 5G connectivity lies at the heart of a cutting-edge 5G phone, so you’ll want to make sure the device supports the latest 5G standards and bands for peak performance.
The latest 5G phones offer extensive 5G coverage, supporting both sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies. Sub-6GHz provides broader coverage and better penetration, while mmWave delivers ultra-fast speeds in dense urban areas. With this dual-band support, you can enjoy improved connectivity and reliable 5G performance no matter where you are.
Beyond the 5G capabilities, look for phones that offer reduced latency and enhanced network reliability. This will secure a seamless experience, whether you’re streaming high-quality content, gaming online, or videoconferencing.
The 5G phones of 2021 also future-proof your device, as the technology continues to evolve and expand. By investing in a 5G-enabled phone now, you’ll be prepared for the latest advancements in mobile connectivity and the digital experiences to come.
Build Quality and Durability
Why not consider smartphones with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, guaranteeing durability in various environments? Look for phones with Gorilla Glass protection to prevent scratches and damages to the display. This additional layer of protection can keep your screen intact, even if you drop your device.
Don’t forget to check for MIL-STD-810G certification. This military-grade standard ensures your phone can endure extreme conditions like temperature, humidity, and shock.
When it comes to build quality, evaluate the materials used, too. Phones crafted from aluminum, glass, or polycarbonate typically offer better impact resistance and sturdiness than those with cheaper plastics.
Software Updates and Security
In addition to the physical durability of your 5G phone, you’ll want to contemplate the longevity of its software support. Manufacturers’ commitment to providing regular updates is essential for maintaining your device’s performance and security over time.
Timely software updates guarantee your phone stays protected against the latest security vulnerabilities and malware threats. They also bring enhancements that can improve your phone’s speed and compatibility with the newest apps and services.
Look for a manufacturer with a proven track record of delivering consistent, long-term software support. Devices that receive prompt updates over several years will serve you better in the long run.
Security patches are particularly crucial for safeguarding your personal data and sensitive information. Keeping your 5G phone’s software up-to-date is an integral part of getting the most value from your investment.
Don’t overlook this vital aspect when selecting the right 5G flagship for your needs.
Price-to-Feature Ratio
When selecting a 5G phone in 2021, you’ll want to carefully evaluate the price-to-feature ratio to guarantee you’re getting the best value for your money. Factors like display quality, camera capabilities, processor performance, battery life, and 5G connectivity all contribute to a phone’s overall value.
Consider the balance between what you’re paying and the features you prioritize for your usage needs. Assess whether the 5G phone offers a good mix of advanced technology and affordability.
For instance, a flagship 5G device may cost more upfront, but it may also provide superior display, camera, and processing power. In contrast, a mid-range 5G phone could be more affordable while still delivering solid performance and 5G connectivity.
Evaluate which features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves based on your usage. Understanding the price-to-feature ratio will help you make an informed decision and select the 5G phone that best aligns with your budget and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Battery Last on These 5G Phones?
Battery life can vary considerably on 5G phones, depending on factors like screen size, processor efficiency, and your usage habits. Most 5G flagships offer all-day battery life, but heavy use may require more frequent charging.
What Are the Storage and RAM Options for These Models?
The storage and RAM options vary across the 5G phone models. Typically, you’ll find options ranging from 128GB to 512GB of storage, and 8GB to 12GB of RAM, allowing you to choose the configuration that best suits your needs.
Are the Cameras Capable of High-Quality Video Recording?
Ah, so you want to know about those cameras, do you? Well, let me tell you, these phones can capture video so crisp and clear, it’s like you’re filming your next blockbuster hit. Just don’t expect to win any Oscars, champ.
How Do the Displays Compare in Terms of Resolution and Refresh Rate?
The displays on these phones offer impressive specs, with high resolutions and fast refresh rates. You’ll enjoy vibrant, smooth visuals whether you’re streaming videos, browsing the web, or playing games.
What Are the Dimensions and Weights of These 5G Smartphones?
The dimensions and weights of these 5G smartphones vary, but you can expect them to be relatively compact and lightweight. The exact measurements will depend on the specific model, so it’s best to research each one individually.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best 5G phones of 2021, you can’t go wrong with the flagships we’ve showcased. Whether you’re after a stunning display, powerful camera, or long-lasting battery, these devices have it all.
The real kicker? They all pack a punch at a price that won’t break the bank. So why not take the bull by the horns and upgrade your mobile experience today?
