The smartphone market in 2025 is more exciting than ever. With powerful processors, smarter AI features, and longer-lasting batteries, 5G phones have evolved into all-rounders that can easily replace tablets, cameras, and even mini computers for many users. Whether you’re after a flagship powerhouse, a compact foldable, or an affordable all-rounder, there’s a perfect option waiting for you.
After testing and comparing top models from Samsung, Apple, Google, and Motorola, we’ve rounded up the best 5G phones in 2025 for every kind of user.
What Makes a Great 5G Phone in 2025
Before diving into the list, it’s worth knowing what separates an average smartphone from a truly great one. In 2025, most 5G phones already deliver fast speeds and smooth performance. However, factors such as display brightness, software support, camera consistency, and battery life still determine whether a phone is worth your money.
A top-tier 5G phone should handle demanding apps effortlessly, deliver reliable connectivity, and provide a long-lasting experience that won’t slow down after a year or two. That’s why our selections focus on real-world usability rather than just flashy specs.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The Best Overall 5G Phone
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently the best Android smartphone you can buy. It combines cutting-edge performance with a refined design and a display that’s simply stunning.
Samsung’s 6.9-inch AMOLED panel remains unmatched, offering exceptional brightness and clarity even under direct sunlight. The anti-reflective coating makes the screen feel premium, while Galaxy AI features enhance productivity. From real-time call translations to context-based shortcuts, Samsung’s AI feels practical rather than gimmicky.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, this phone is lightning fast. It handles gaming, video editing, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. The 5000mAh battery lasts a full day, even with heavy use, and the titanium frame ensures durability without making the phone feel bulky.
The S25 Ultra’s camera setup includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and two telephoto lenses that deliver crisp and detailed images. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or close-ups, this phone never disappoints.
The only drawback is its size. With sharp edges and a large body, it might not be the most comfortable to hold. Still, if you want the ultimate Android experience, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the best choice in 2025.
iPhone 17 – The Best 5G iPhone for Most Users
Apple’s iPhone 17 is easily the most balanced iPhone the company has ever made. It takes several premium features from the Pro lineup and brings them to a more accessible price point.
The biggest highlight is the new 120Hz ProMotion display, which feels incredibly smooth for scrolling and gaming. The bezels are slimmer, the design is lighter, and the color options are more refreshing this year. The phone also introduces a new 18MP Center Stage front camera that adjusts framing dynamically for group selfies.
Under the hood, the A19 chip powers everything seamlessly, ensuring snappy performance and excellent battery efficiency. The iPhone 17 also supports faster 40W wired charging, a welcome improvement over previous models.
With a starting price of $799 for 256GB storage, it offers genuine value for an iPhone. It’s perfect for users who want a premium iPhone without paying for the Pro Max.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – The Best Foldable 5G Phone
If productivity and innovation are your top priorities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a game-changer. The book-style foldable offers a unique blend of portability and power.
Samsung has refined the hinge, reduced the weight, and optimized the software for multitasking. The outer 6.5-inch display now has a wider aspect ratio, making it easier to use for messaging or social apps. When unfolded, the massive 8-inch screen is perfect for watching movies, editing documents, or gaming.
Despite its 4400mAh battery, efficiency improvements from the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor allow the phone to last through a full day. The camera system, led by a 200MP primary lens, delivers flagship-quality images with natural colors and good contrast.
While its price tag of around $2000 makes it a luxury purchase, the Fold 7 remains unmatched for users who want a phone that doubles as a mini workstation.
Motorola Razr 2025 – The Best Flip 5G Phone
Motorola continues to perfect the art of compact foldables, and the Razr 2025 is the company’s best effort yet.
The phone’s biggest strength lies in its design. The 3.6-inch cover display is large enough to handle notifications, calls, and quick replies without unfolding. Inside, the 6.9-inch OLED screen is vibrant and smooth, with a 90Hz refresh rate that feels fluid.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400X, the Razr 2025 performs well for its class and now includes a larger 4500mAh battery for longer runtime. The clean software experience makes it pleasant to use, especially for those who dislike bloated interfaces.
Priced around $600, the Razr 2025 is ideal for those who want a stylish and functional flip phone without spending flagship money. It’s fun, practical, and refreshingly compact in a market filled with large slabs.
iPhone 17 Pro Max – The 5G Phone with the Best Battery Life
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max continues to dominate the battery life charts. It easily lasts more than a day and a half with regular use and still delivers peak performance throughout.
The A19 Pro chip and the new vapor cooling chamber ensure that the device stays cool even during heavy workloads like 4K video recording or gaming. The large 6.9-inch ProMotion display remains bright and vivid, while the new Cosmic Orange finish adds a touch of uniqueness.
The triple 48MP camera system produces exceptional photos and videos in any lighting condition, making it a top choice for professionals and content creators.
Yes, it’s heavy and expensive at $1,199, but if longevity, performance, and quality are your top concerns, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth every penny.
Google Pixel 9a – The Best Affordable 5G Phone
For those looking to save money without sacrificing quality, the Google Pixel 9a stands out as the best budget-friendly 5G option of 2025.
It borrows the Tensor G4 processor from last year’s flagship Pixel 9 Pro, offering reliable performance for daily tasks. The 6.3-inch OLED display now supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making it smooth for scrolling and gaming.
The Pixel 9a also has a large 5100mAh battery, the biggest in any A-series Pixel so far. Its dual camera setup – featuring a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide – produces accurate colors and excellent night shots.
Starting at just $499, it delivers outstanding value, guaranteed software updates, and all the signature Google AI features like Magic Eraser and Live Translate.
What is 5G and Why It Matters in 2025
5G is more than just faster internet. It represents the next step in connectivity, offering higher speeds, lower latency, and better network stability. With 5G, streaming high-resolution content, cloud gaming, and real-time collaboration all happen seamlessly.
In 2025, nearly all smartphones come with 5G support, but the experience can vary depending on the device’s modem and network optimization. Premium models generally offer faster and more stable 5G connections, while mid-range phones now deliver reliable performance for everyday use.
How We Chose These Phones
Each phone on this list has been tested in real-world conditions. We used them for photography, video streaming, gaming, web browsing, and day-to-day communication. We also considered long-term software support, build quality, and price-to-performance ratio.
Battery endurance, camera reliability, and display usability under bright sunlight played a major role in determining the winners. Every phone listed here performs well in these categories, ensuring that you get your money’s worth.
2025 has brought us a diverse range of 5G smartphones catering to every kind of user. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the ultimate all-rounder for those who want it all. The iPhone 17 offers unmatched value for Apple fans. The Fold 7 showcases the future of mobile productivity, while the Motorola Razr 2025 keeps things fun and pocket-friendly.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Google Pixel 9a proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a great smartphone experience. And if you demand the longest battery life and top-tier performance, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands tall.
No matter your needs or budget, 2025 is the year where 5G phones finally deliver the complete package.