Best Cheap 5G Phones Android Central 2020

Sprint was first out of the gate with sub-6 5G and while it's 5G network hasn't kept pace with the likes of T-Mobile and AT&T, it does have consistent coverage where it has been built. If you're looking for a budget phone you'll need to stick with LTE for now, but 5G phones have finally started to come down in price. If you don't want to spend a finger on a Galaxy S20 phone, for example, there are some more affordable options avaialble depending on your network.

Staff Pick

$600 at Best Buy

Network first

Sprint and Verizon were first out of the gate with consumer-ready 5G networks and had the first phones. Sprint's prices have come down but its early phones won't support a future low-band or mmWave 5G deployment. With solid coverage in the nine cities Sprint covers, 5G should be quick and reliable. T-Mobile and AT&T both launched low-band 5G networks in late 2019 with impressive coverage but will need some time for the phones to come down in price. The OnePlus 7T Pro 5G Mclaren is a great way to get on T-Mobile's 5G.

Luckily, with a device like the Galaxy S20, there are a lot of great discounts for new lines and the price can be brought down further with a trade-in device. If you're willing ot sign up with a new line or account on Sprint, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S20 with 24 months of bill credits elimitnating the montly installment price. You'll still be resposible for taxes upfront though.

If you know you have 5G coverage in your area and want to take it for a test drive, all of these phones are fast and capable devices that should last you quite a while. The Galaxy S10 5G on Sprint is the best value available. If you're taking a risk on future 5G expansion to your area, make sure to turn off 5G if you don't have a signal to save on battery.

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