The advent of 5G technology promises faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. With 5G now widely available in many countries and offering better internet connections than 4G, consumers are keen to upgrade to 5G devices to take advantage of these benefits.
SEE: Made by Google 2024: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold revealed
Many are wary of the high prices associated with high-end 5G devices. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly 5G devices that offer excellent value for money. Here are the six best cheap 5G phones for 2025.
Comparison table of the best cheap 5G smartphones
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G | |||||
| Apple iPhone 14 | |||||
| GooglePixel 8A | |||||
| Motorola Moto G Power 5G | |||||
| HMD XR21 |
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
If you are on a budget but still looking for a smartphone that can enjoy 5G capabilitiesThe Samsung Galaxy A53 5G can be a great buy. In addition to 5G functionality, the device comes with a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
SEE: 5G networks: a complete cheat sheet
Additionally, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded to 1TB using a removable microSD card. The Galaxy A53 5G is also compatible with 4G and other previous generations of cellular networks for greater flexibility and wider network coverage when you are out of 5G network range.
This device runs Android 11 and has a battery capacity of 4,500 mAh with fast charging to support heavy usage. The Samsung Galaxy A53 is available on Amazon for $161.80.
Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 14 may not be as budget-friendly as the iPhone SE, but having only been released in 2022, it will likely remain relevant for much longer. Apple’s A15 Bionic chip powers the device and comes with a 12 MP camera, 6.1-inch display, 4K video recording, and of course, 5G support. Unfortunately it does not support Apple Intelligence and is still only compatible with the Lightning cable rather than USB-C, but it’s still a solid choice for those not looking for the high-end iPhone.
You can purchase this device from the Apple Store for $599. However, if that’s still out of budget and you’re going with an iPhone, you might want to wait until the iPhone SE 4 is released soon.
GooglePixel 8A
Google Pixel 8A is another affordable device with 5G connectivity. Released in May 2024, it is equipped with Google Tensor G3, which means it matches the performance of the standard Pixel 8. 5G mobile connectivity is unlocked, so you can choose the data plan and network operator that suits you.
SEE: 5G or 6G: what is the difference?
With Google Twins are helpers included, 4,492 mAh battery, fingerprint sensor, 4K video quality, dual camera setup, at least 128 GB of storage and flexible 5G connectivity, the Google Pixel 8A is a good deal for someone looking for a good 5G phone market in 2025. You can get this device from Amazon for $399.
Motorola Moto G Power 5G
Motorola is another brand that has lasted in the phone manufacturing industry. This time they reminded us of their capabilities of the Motorola Moto G Power 5G.
Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor, the device delivers a smooth experience for everyday tasks and 5G speed for fast downloads and streaming. Other notable features include a 5,000mAh battery capacity, which provides up to two days of use on a single charge, 120Hz refresh rate, 6.7-inch display, 50 MP camera, wireless charging, minimum storage of 128 GB and 8 GB of RAM.
While it’s not the most impressive 5G handset on the market, it’s a solid offering that costs well under $200 at some retailers. You can get your hands on one for $199.99 from the Motorola store.
HMD XR21
In addition to being 5G compatible, the HMD XR21 is designed to be extremely durable. It’s drop, water and dust resistant with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, but it doesn’t feel like a rugged phone with its sleek design. It will also receive security updates until July 2027 and come with a one-year screen replacement warranty.
In terms of features, the handset has a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chip, a 4,800 mAh battery, 6 GB of RAM and a minimum of 128 GB of storage. The dual rear camera setup is average, with a 64 MP sensor and an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, but the XR21 is primarily aimed at professional use anyway.
The HMD XR21 5G is available on Amazon for $439.99.
What is a 5G phone and will you need one in 2025?
A 5G phone is a smartphone equipped to connect to 5G networks, offering faster data speeds and lower latency than older networks like 4G. 5G connections expected to account for more than half of mobile connections by 2029, according to the GSMA. So if you’re considering purchasing a new device, you’ll probably want one that can take advantage of this infrastructure.
A 5G connection will mean the handset will perform better in more data-intensive activities, such as streaming, gaming and using artificial intelligence tools. However, if these features aren’t important to you, if you know your area won’t have 5G for the foreseeable future, or if preparing for 5G takes devices out of your budget, there are still plenty of 4G smartphones available reliable on the market.
SEE: How UK SMEs can prepare for 5G rollout
How much faster is 5G than 4G?
5G offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second in ideal conditions, compared to the 4G maximum of around one gigabit per second. It offers download speeds between ten and a hundred times faster than 4G and 4.5G. It has lower latency, making the device more responsive to gaming and video conferencing activities.
Factors to consider when purchasing 5G smartphones
- 5G coverage in your area: Check if 5G networks are, or soon will be, available and reliable where you live or frequently travel.
- Battery life: 5G connectivity can drain the battery faster because it requires more signal processing from the device, so make sure the phone has good battery capacity or power-saving features.
- Processing power: Look for a phone with a modern processor and a minimum of 6GB of RAM to ensure it can meet the demands of 5G usage.
- Support for advanced 5G bands: To stay relevant as technology evolves, find out if the smartphone supports advanced 5G bands, like FR2/mmWave.
- Price versus value: Balance the cost of the phone with its features and benefits, as 5G models may be more expensive than non-5G models.
Methodology
At TechRepublic, we aspire to provide our readers with a fair and honest review of phones they might invest in. To compile this list, the reviewer evaluated expert reviews, user feedback, and detailed specifications. The main factors considered included performance, value for money, battery life and overall reliability.
