Best 5G Phones in 2025: Budget, Mid-Range, and Flagship Options

As the world transitions from 4G to 5G, choosing the right phone has become more important than ever. With so many models on the market, it's not always clear which one offers the best value or matches your needs.

Whether you are looking for the best budget 5G smartphone, reliable midrange 5G phones, or even the cheapest best 5G phone, this guide simplifies the options. Read on to discover the best 5G phones in 2025 and how to find the one that suits your needs.

Why Choose a 5G Phone?

A 5G phone represents the latest leap in mobile technology, surpassing 4G in both features and performance. Here are the key reasons you should consider upgrading to a 5G device:

● Blazing-Fast Speeds: 5G offers much faster speeds than 4G, which allows you to transfer/download files, stream 4K video, and use data-heavy apps without buffering.

● Lower Latency: With near-instant response times under 10ms, 5G phones are perfect for online gaming, video calls, and real-time applications.

● Enhanced Connectivity: Since 5G networks can handle a greater volume of data at the same time, you can enjoy better connectivity in crowded areas with a 5G phone.

● Future-Proofing: As 5G coverage continues to expand, more apps and services will be optimised for the technology. Owning a 5G phone ensures your device is future-ready for years to come.

● Improved Productivity: The best 5G phones combine advanced hardware with powerful features to deliver smooth app performance and faster loading times. From daily tasks to entertainment, everything feels more efficient and engaging.

Now you know the benefits of 5G phones, the next step is choosing the right device. In the following sections, we will introduce the best flagship 5G phones for top-tier performance, the best mid range 5G smartphone that balances power and price, and the best value 5G Android phone for everyday use without breaking the bank.

Best Flagship 5G Phones to Consider

Flagship 5G phones represent the pinnacle of mobile technology, offering cutting-edge processors, advanced cameras, and premium builds for users who demand the best. Here are two standout flagship models from HONOR.

HONOR Magic7 Pro

Released in October 2024, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is a flagship model designed for users who seek top-tier performance and innovative features. Leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the HONOR Magic7 Pro is designed for speed and efficiency. As one of the best 5G phones in HONOR's lineup, the HONOR Magic7 Pro features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring splendid visuals that perfectly complement its 5G capabilities for an immersive, lag-free experience.

Key features and specs include:

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with integrated Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System.

RAM/Storage: Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage for seamless multitasking.

Camera: AI HONOR Falcon Camera System with 50MP main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, plus a 50MP selfie camera supporting 4K video.

Battery: 5850mAh with fast charging and wireless charging, lasting over 17 hours in tests.

Other: Ultra drop-resistant, MagicOS 9.0 with AI features, HONOR Surround Sub-woofer, 3D Face Unlock, and 5G support for all major bands.

HONOR Magic V5

The HONOR Magic V5 redefines foldables as a flagship 5G phone, offering versatility in a slim, lightweight package. Announced in July 2025, it's the world's slimmest foldable at 8.8mm thick and 217g. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a 5,820mAh silicon–carbon battery, it delivers next-level performance with exceptional power efficiency. The phone has deep integration with Google's Gemini AI, which unlocks new levels of creativity, productivity, and seamless intelligence.

Key features and specs include:

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for flagship-level performance.

Display: 7.95-inch inner foldable screen and 6.43-inch cover display, both with high resolution and 120Hz refresh.

Camera: Falcon Camera System with triple rear setup (50MP main, ultra-wide, telephoto) and advanced AI processing.

Battery: 5820mAh silicon-carbon battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Other: Google Gemini integration, AI call translation, AI deepfake detection, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and robust 5G connectivity.

Best Mid-Range 5G Phones That Offer Great Value

Mid-range 5G phones provide solid performance and features at a more accessible price, striking a balance for everyday users. Here's one of HONOR's best 5G phone deals.

HONOR 400 Pro

The HONOR 400 Pro is crafted for users who want premium performance at a friendlier price point. Positioned as the best mid-range 5G smartphone in HONOR's lineup, it comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a 200MP ultra-clear AI camera system, and a reliable 6300mAh battery. For photography enthusiasts who seek the best budget 5G phones, HONOR 400 Pro strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability.

Key features and specs include:

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to provide flagship-level performance for gaming and multitasking.

RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage.

Camera: 200MP main camera, 50MP telephoto with 3x zoom, 12MP ultra-wide, and 50MP selfie for detailed portraits.

Battery: 5300mAh with 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

Other: 5G support, Wi-Fi 7/Wi-Fi 6E, IP68 & IP69 water resistance, full-scenario NFC, AI deep fake detection, AI Image to Video.

Budget-Friendly 5G Phones Worth Buying

Budget 5G phones make high-speed connectivity affordable, which is ideal for entry-level users without sacrificing essentials.

HONOR 400

For those seeking the best cheap 5G smartphone, the HONOR 400 is a simple yet powerful choice. Equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset and a long-lasting battery, HONOR 400 handles daily tasks efficiently. The 200MP main camera captures sharp images, complemented by a 50MP selfie lens and AI enhancements in MagicOS 9. With affordable pricing, HONOR 400 is great for students and users seeking a simple 5G phone without extras.

Key features and specs include:

Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 for efficient daily tasks.

RAM/Storage: Up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Camera: 200MP main camera for sharp daylight shots, with a 50MP selfie.

Battery: 5300mAh with fast charging support.

Other: Full 5G compatibility, AI photography, sunlight display enhancement, GPU Turbo X Game Engine, 5-star drop resistance, ample storage options.

How to Choose the Right 5G Phone for Your Needs?

So, from premium flagships to a midrange 5G phone and the best cheap Android 5G phone, which one is right for you? The answer depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and budget. Here are a few key factors to consider before making your decision:

● Budget: If affordability is key, opt for entry-level 5G phones like the HONOR 400. With its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, it can handle general tasks and most games well. It's surely one of the best low budget 5G phones for those prioritising a great camera, attractive design, and long battery life.

● Performance: For users heavy multitaskers, gamers, or professionals, mid-range or flagship models with Snapdragon 8 series processors are solid choices. Phones powered by Snapdragon 8 series processors deliver consistently smooth 5G speeds, faster app switching, and superior graphics performance.

● Camera Quality: If photography is a top priority, you should focus on smartphones with high-resolution sensors and advanced AI image processing. Models like the HONOR 400 Pro feature a 200MP sensor, offering flagship-level photo clarity at an affordable price. It's the best budget Android 5G phone for photography enthusiasts who want professional-looking shots without the premium cost.

● Battery Life: For users who stream, game, or work on the go, long-lasting battery performance is essential. Choose devices with at least 5000mAh capacity and fast-charging support. HONOR's lineup excels in battery technology, delivering reliable all-day power with quick recharge options.

● Display and Build: For productivity-focused users, HONOR Magic V5 provides expansive displays that enhance multitasking and entertainment. If you prioritise durability, you can opt for IP-rated builds that protect against water and dust and withstand everyday wear and tear.

Conclusion

5G has become the new standard for smartphones, with global coverage expanding rapidly. This blog has explained why upgrading to 5G makes sense, highlighted the best 5G phones, and shared tips on choosing the right device for your needs. If you are ready to make the switch, HONOR's 5G lineup offers outstanding options across premium, mid-range, and budget tiers. Upgrade today and experience the future of connectivity with HONOR.

FAQs

Do all new phones come with 5G now?

Most smartphones released in 2025 and beyond come with 5G as a standard feature, driven by the global rollout of 5G networks.

Leading brands like HONOR now integrate 5G chipsets even into budget 5G phones to provide affordable access to advanced connectivity.

That said, it's always important to check the specifications for full 5G support before purchasing.

Can we convert a 4G phone to 5G?

No, you cannot convert a 4G phone into a 5G device through software or upgrades. 5G requires specific hardware like compatible modems and antennas built into the device's chipset.

You can try external 5G adapters, but they are impractical, offering limited performance and compatibility issues.

Ultimately, the best approach is to purchase a new 5G-ready phone to access 5G directly without extra effort.

Will a 5G phone work on 4G networks if 5G isn't available?

Yes, 5G phones are backward-compatible with 4G networks, automatically switching to LTE when 5G signals are weak or unavailable.

The phone's modem will handle the fallback seamlessly, maintaining calls, texts, and data without user intervention. It will switch back to 5G when it detects a 5G network again.

As 5G expands, this compatibility bridges the transition, which ensures uninterrupted service in areas with partial coverage.

Does 5G improve gaming performance on mobile?

Yes, 5G can improve gaming performance significantly. With lower latency and faster speeds, online games run smoother with minimal lag.

It also allows faster game downloads, seamless cloud gaming, and high-quality video streaming without buffering, enhancing the overall experience.

Serious gamers who want ultra-smooth gameplay should consider the best 5G phones, as they pair powerful hardware with next-gen connectivity for optimal results.

Is 5G coverage the same across all carriers?

No, 5G coverage differs between carriers, depending on spectrum use and infrastructure investments.

Regional factors also play a big role. Urban areas often enjoy dense, high-speed networks, while rural zones may still struggle with patchy infrastructure and limited capacity.

To ensure the best experience, always check carrier coverage maps and confirm your phone supports the right bands, since no provider yet offers fully uniform nationwide 5G.

Source: HONOR Club