New technology works best when everyone commits to it, and over the past couple of years, 5G coverage has reached the mass on every major carrier with further speed improvements in the works. If you want to make the most of your phone plan and network, you need a phone that works with 5G. Excellent 5G compatibility and some of the most advanced hardware on any phone you can buy is what the SAMSUNG GALAXY S22+ hits all the right marks for.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Review

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One of the best phones you can buy from any angle is the SAMSUNG GALAXY S22+, it has a beautiful design and is one of the best phones on the market. The cheaper S22+ makes more sense for most people than the bigger brother, the S22 Ultra. It's still an excellent phone with some of the best specifications around including the blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and support for every carrier's 5G networks.

The S22+ will work even if you still rely on low-band 5G or C-band, as well as supporting newer mid-band 5G including C-band. This phone will keep up its excellent speeds in dense areas where the networks have been deployed. If you upgrade to one of the best wi-fi 6e routers, you can get the most out of it.

The big 50MP main shooter makes the most of the top-notch camera performance. It can be charged at up to 45W with the 4,500mAh battery. On the front, you have a vibrant 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display that feels smooth thanks to a 240Hz touch sample rate. It's also robust with a Gorilla Glass Victus on the front.

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Best alternative: Google Pixel 6 Pro

Google Pixel 6 Pro Display Home Red Blue

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We are fans of the Pixel 6 Pro because it was designed to show off the very best of the Android OS. The Pro model ships with a Tensor processor that is very fast for a phone. This chip has support for 5G as well. If you're looking for a phone that will work on any carrier's 5G network, this is the phone for you.

On the back, you get a large 50MP camera for the majority of your photos as well as a telephoto camera that sets it apart from the smaller Pixel 6 model. One of the best night modes around is one of the amazing pictures taken by this phone. You can take photos on the 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and you can also use the 5,003mAh battery.

This phone is a great showcase for the Material You theming that allows you to change the look of your home screen with vibrant color choices. When it comes to software updates, the Pixel 6 Pro will be at the very front of the line with three platform updates and five years of security updates promised.

Best value flagship: Google Pixel 6

Google Pixel 6 with Smart Launcher 5 and Material You

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The smaller sibling of the larger one, the Google Pixel 6, offers a more sensible package at a more affordable price. This phone supports both low-band and mid-band 5G when purchased unlocked from T-Mobile or AT&T. For the majority of people, sub 6 5G is the best option with the greatest coverage and more than enough speed for just about anything you need to do on your phone. In dense areas, like a sports arena, there is a lot of people trying to connect at the same time.

This comes with the same processor as the Pro, delivering great performance. This phone has a large display that feels responsive and smooth to navigate. The battery has enough power to get you through the day. The phone doesn't have the telephoto camera of its older sibling, but still has a 50MP main camera that delivers great results. If you get caught out in the rain with your phone, you don't need to worry.

The phone is running the latest version of the software and is one of the first to get security updates. Three platform updates and five years of security updates are promised by the company.

Best cheap 5G phone: OnePlus Nord N200 5G

OnePlus Nord N200 in a beautiful field of flowers

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The cheapest phone on this list is the OnePlus N200, but it has a lot of features. It doesn't have c-band support so it won't be a great fit for AT&T. If you're looking for a cheap 5G phone to try out with a carrier like Mint Mobile, this is a good choice. It looks good with a blue back.

This phone is powered by the Snapdragon 480, which makes it easy to keep up with most of the apps on the market. The display has a 90Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3. The phone has 64 gigabytes of storage, but it can be expanded with a microSD card. There is a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro camera around the back.

The Nord N200 ships with a promised update to Android 12 at some point in the future. This will be the only planned update, and it is on par with most other phones in this price range.

Best mid-range 5G phone: Google Pixel 5a with 5G

Google Pixel 5a

Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central (Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

If you like what you see with the N10 5G but have a bit more money to spend, it might be worth considering the 5a with 5G. This might be one of the most overlooked phones of 2021, but as far as affordable 5G phones are concerned, it is one of the best options.

In our testing, the performance of the Pixel 5a with 5G is genuinely excellent. It may not be on the same technical level as something like the 865+, but for the vast majority of people, it is more than fast enough for almost any task. The largest ever battery on a Pixel phone is 4,680 mAh, and you are also getting 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a massive 6 cameras.

The camera system is the same as on the more expensive Pixel 5, which is a big draw for the Pixel 5a with 5G. The 12.2MP primary camera and 16MP ultra-wide camera may not sound impressive on paper, but in actual use, this is a phone that produces stunning photos every single time you press the shutter button.

The 5G situation is a bit clunky. There are no plans for ammWave variant of the unlocked variant of the Pixel 5a with 5G.

Best for Verizon: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

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Like most of the A-series of phones, the A42 5G punches above its weight. The A42 5G is one of the cheapest phones around with support for sub 6 and is a great fit for the network. Make sure you get the U.S. version. Under the hood, the 750G does a good job, keeping it humming along without delay, and making the 5,000mAh battery last.

The camera on this unit could be better, but in proper lighting, you can take some solid shots with the 48MP main camera. The phone has a nice modern look, with the display area reaching the edge of the phone with a small notch at the top. The phone ships with the flavor of the phone's operating system, and will get an update in 2022. The A53 5G will have a newer design and a slight upgrade in specifications when it arrives in April.

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

$400 champ.

Best 5G flip phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G

Spotify On Galaxy Z Flip 3 Galaxy Buds Pro

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The dual-screen phone market has been limited by the exit of the smartphone market. The most convenient form factor with 5G onboard is the foldable, which is the SAMSUNG Z FLIP 3.

The Z Flip 3 may not look like a huge upgrade from the previous version, but it features small improvements that improve its utility. It now sports IPX8 water resistance for the first time ever, and its hinges, display, and outer glass have all been re- engineered to be more durable than ever. Its external display is much larger and more usable, and it offers flagship-grade cameras and a top-of-the-line processor.

You can get the best speeds on the 5G side, even if you use a different network or carrier. The phone is a little slippery, though. Pick up a great case before you take it out into the real world.

Best foldable 5G phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 S Pen Taking Notes

Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

When it comes to talking about the Z Fold 3, where does one begin? It is almost as if the original and even the Fold 2 are from a different device lineup altogether. The cover screen fills up the entire front of the device and it provides you with a 7.6-inch device that is more useful than you may think. The S Pen supports it, making it a great note-taking device.

The camera system is still better than a lot of other phones, even though it is not as good as the S21 Ultra. While it's still not known how to handle foldable devices, Samsung has made sure that you can take full advantage of the apps. This is the most expensive of the bunch, with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of onboard storage, and an all-day battery, along with 5G.

The Z Fold 3 is the most durable fold ever, with an improved hinge, display, and stronger glass, and it is the first to sport IPX8 water resistance. While the phone comes with up to 512GB of onboard storage, that may not be enough for some, but you won't be able to use one of the best microSD cards with this bad boy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G - Phantom Black

The best phone for those who want to live in the future.

The best 5G phones aren't just for enthusiasts anymore

5G coverage is growing, but it isn't yet to the point where we can say that you have to get a 5G phone. 5G is a staple feature in most phones launching these days. Whether you can take advantage of 5G speeds today or need to wait a little longer, it is a good idea to make sure you are prepared for the latest generation of wireless communication.

Thanks to its impressive hardware design and support for 5G on every carrier, the S22+ is a clear winner for those who want to get to the best network speeds. Buyers feel confident that they will be able to use this phone for years to come, not to mention that they will be able to sell it at a higher price, because of the commitment to software updates.

The S22+ is an excellent option, but if you want the best of both worlds, you can get the Pixel 6 and the Pro. The base Pixel is one of the most powerful phones you can get.