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Top 6 5G Smartphones to Watch in 2024 for Cutting-Edge Connectivity

June. 04,2025

Discover the top six 5G smartphones to upgrade to in 2024. From premium flagships like the OnePlus 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra to budget-friendly options like Realme 8 5G, this guide covers the best devices for fast connectivity, advanced photography, gaming, and everyday use. Stay ahead of technology trends with these top picks, ensuring seamless 5G experience and high performance in the upcoming year.

Top 6 5G Smartphones to Watch in 2024 for Cutting-Edge Connectivity

Top 6 5G Smartphones to Watch in 2024 for Cutting-Edge Connectivity

In recent years, technological innovation has accelerated rapidly, and 5G connectivity has revolutionized the smartphone industry. For consumers seeking faster internet speeds, more reliable connections, and the ability to handle demanding applications seamlessly, upgrading to a 5G-enabled device is increasingly essential. The year 2024 promises a variety of outstanding 5G smartphones that combine powerful hardware, innovative features, and competitive pricing. This comprehensive guide explores the top six 5G smartphones worth considering, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a mobile gamer, or a busy professional needing dependable connectivity.

OnePlus 9 Pro: The Flagship Powerhouse

The OnePlus 9 Pro continues its reputation as a flagship device that combines premium performance with sleek aesthetics. Driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, it offers robust processing power capable of handling intensive tasks such as gaming, multitasking, and media editing with ease. The device provides multiple RAM configurations, with up to 12 GB RAM, and storage options reaching 256 GB—ensuring swift operation and ample space for apps, photos, videos, and more. Its display is a stunning 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals and buttery-smooth scrolling experience. The device's IP68 rating guarantees dust and water resistance, making it suitable for everyday use and outdoor adventures.

Although priced at around $800, the OnePlus 9 Pro often goes on sale, making it more accessible. For budget-conscious consumers, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a more affordable entry point into 5G technology, albeit with slightly less powerful specs. The balance of performance, design, and affordability makes the OnePlus 9 Pro a top contender for those seeking a premium 5G experience.

Realme 8 5G: Affordable yet Capable

The Realme 8 5G, launched in April 2021, is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want reliable 5G connectivity. It features a triple-camera setup that captures sharp photos and vibrant videos. The device is equipped with RAM options ranging from 4 GB to 8 GB and expandable storage from 64 GB to 128 GB, accommodating users' multimedia needs. Its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display offers Full HD+ resolution, delivering crisp visuals for streaming and gaming. Powered by Android 11 and a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, the Realme 8 5G provides solid performance without breaking the bank.

Priced between $200 and $260, it is one of the most affordable 5G smartphones on the market today. Customers can frequently find deals and discounts that make it even more attractive, especially for students or first-time smartphone buyers looking to step into the world of 5G.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Premium Photography and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is renowned for its exceptional camera system, featuring a 108 MP primary sensor, and advanced zoom capabilities that support 100x space zoom. Its sophisticated design is complemented by a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, providing vivid colors and deep blacks. Powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung’s Exynos 2100 processor, it offers flagship-level performance with 12 or 16 GB RAM options and starting storage of 128 GB, expandable via a microSD card slot.

Despite its approximate $800 price tag, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a top-tier device preferred by photography enthusiasts and power users. Its 40 MP front camera captures high-quality selfies, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals during gaming and streaming. Even though it lacks a microSD slot, its extensive storage options make it suitable for heavy users who prioritize multimedia storage and consumption.

For those looking for a sophisticated all-round device with professional-grade camera capabilities and a stunning display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra remains an excellent investment.

Nubia Red Magic 5G: Gaming at Its Best

Designed specifically for mobile gamers, the Nubia Red Magic 5G packs a punch with a high-performance Snapdragon 865 processor and at least 8 GB RAM, ensuring seamless gameplay. Its display is a 6.65-inch AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing ultra-smooth visuals critical for gaming. The device also features a robust battery capacity, often exceeding 4500mAh, supporting extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging. Priced just over $500, the Nubia Red Magic 5G combines affordability with powerful gaming features, making it a go-to choice for enthusiast gamers who crave mobile performance on the move.

It also includes shoulder trigger buttons and enhanced cooling systems, maximizing comfort and performance during intense gaming marathons.

Google Pixel 5a: Renowned Photography with 5G

The Google Pixel 5a, priced around $450, offers excellent connectivity with support for both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands, ensuring compatibility across different networks. It is celebrated for its exceptional camera performance, featuring a dual rear camera system with a 12.2 MP main sensor and a 16 MP ultra-wide lens. Leveraging Google's computational photography technology, the Pixel 5a captures stunning images with vibrant colors, low noise, and impressive detail, especially in low-light conditions.

This device runs on Android 11 and promises timely updates and security patches. Its 6.34-inch OLED display provides crisp visuals, while its clean interface offers a streamlined user experience. The Pixel 5a's build quality, combined with brilliant photography capabilities, makes it one of the best mid-range smartphones for users who prioritize photo quality and software support.

Although slightly higher in price relative to some budget models, its camera and network support justify the investment, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Apple iPhone 12 & 13 Series: The Epitome of iOS Innovation

Apple’s iPhone 12 and 13 series continue to offer premium features that cater to fans of the iOS ecosystem. The iPhone 13 series, with a price tag around $800, features a next-generation A15 Bionic chip, improved battery life, and enhanced camera systems with sensor-shift optical image stabilization. Its 5G support ensures faster streaming, gaming, and sharing experiences. The models boast a Super Retina XDR display, with the iPhone 13 featuring a 6.1-inch OLED screen, delivering immersive visuals.

For users seeking a more compact and budget-friendly option, the iPhone 12 mini offers a smaller size and slightly reduced features but retains the core benefits of Apple’s ecosystem and reliable 5G connectivity. Keep an eye out for promotional deals from carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, or Apple itself to get the best prices.

Overall, these devices aim to deliver the best user experience, combining sleek design, powerful hardware, and extensive app support, making them a top choice for Apple enthusiasts in the 5G era.