The world is changing fast, and the way we communicate is changing even faster. With the advent of 5G networks, we will be able to do things that were never possible before.
The 5G network is the next generation of wireless communication, and it’s currently in development. It is expected to be much faster and more reliable than the current 4G network, which means that 5G phones will be able to download data and stream video much faster. Many companies are currently developing 5G phones, including Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo, etc.
India has seen a significant increase in demand for the best 5G mobile phones. With the world moving faster, nobody wants to fall victim to poor networks or slow internet. That is why 5G phones are necessary.
Now that 5G has been officially launched in India, we are moving towards mainstream 5G connectivity. We need smartphones that support multiple 5G bands for this to be successful.
You should read this article until the end if you are considering buying an advanced smartphone with advanced features. The following smartphones offer features such as powerful processors, capable cameras, large batteries, and more.
Buying a new 5G phone soon? These are must-have features:
You should keep a few things in mind while buying a new 5G smartphone.
– The phone should have a 5G modem and 5G band support.
– Look for longer software support. Apple and Samsung give plenty of OS support.
– The phone should last a day on a single charge, as 5G will keep draining the battery.
– It should have the latest display technology with a high refresh rate and resolution.
– Research the OEM’s after-sales service.
– Try the model offline before ordering it.
– Have additional money ready for the phone’s scratch guard, a good cover, and a charger if you don’t have one.
– Keep your budget in mind. You’ll find 5G phones starting from ₹12,999 (Poco M4 5G) that go up to ₹189,900 (Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max).
In what capacity is 5G available in India?
On 1st October, the Indian government announced the launch of 5G services at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022.
With a 5G smartphone and a telco offering 5G services in your city, you will soon be able to use the latest technology.
Airtel and Reliance Jio are leading the launch of 5G and they support the following 5G bands in India:
Reliance Jio 5G bands
- 700 MHz (n28)
- 3300 MHz (n78)
- 26 GHz (n58)
Airtel 5G bands
- 900 MHz (n8)
- 1800 MHz (n3)
- 2100 MHz (n1)
- 3300 MHz (n78)
- 26 GHz (n258)
Top 10 5G Phones in India
1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a stunner 5G phone, which tops our list of the best 5G mobile phones in India.
Despite its high price, the smartphone has excellent features. With the S Pen, you can perform various operations on your smartphone. You can enjoy your shows and games on the smartphone with an enhanced visual experience thanks to its huge 6.8-inch screen. This smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which is capable of handling multitasking.
There is a 5,000 mAh battery in the S22 Ultra and super-fast charging at 45W. In terms of camera quality, the smartphone is superb. It boasts a quad-camera setup with 108 MP+12 MP ultrawide +10 MP periscope + 10 MP telephoto at the back, and 40 MP at the front.
Both the daylight and nightlight shots are near perfect, and the 100x zoom is worth all the hype. You also get multiple 5G bands support –
5G bands: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Main features:
- Spectacular display
- Outstanding lowlight photography
- Unrivalled zooming capability
- Wide-ranging S-Pen functionality
- Good battery life
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful processor
Drawbacks:
- No charging adaptor in the box
- Lacks 3.5mm headphone jack
- S-Pen adds weight
- No micro SD expansion
- A tad bit heavier as compared to other phones in the market
- Gaming performance needs improvement
Price: Starts at ₹1,09,999
2. Apple iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is a high-end smartphone with top-notch features and exceptional specifications. This iPhone has a 6.10-inch display and a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels.
It is powered by the advanced Apple A16 Bionic processor, which can easily manage any type of job. It is equipped with a 3200mAh battery, giving it a decent battery life and running iOS 16.
The iPhone 14 Pro is one of India’s best 5G mobiles, offering a triple-camera setup at the back. It consists of a 48-megapixel, 12-megapixel, 12-megapixel rear camera, and a 12-megapixel selfie camera.
Moreover, it provides support for more than 25 5G bands, meaning it can be used anywhere in the world.
5G bands: n14 (700 PS), n29 (700d MHz), n53 (TD 2500), and n71 (600 MHz)
Main features:
- Unrivaled performance
- Brilliant 120Hz refresh rate AMOLED display
- Great camera system
- Robust battery life
- Dynamic island notch with Face ID
- 5 years of software support (till 2026)
Drawbacks:
- Still to get 5G update (iOS 16.2 in December 2022)
- No USB-C port
- Not cutting edge
- Charging speed is limited to just 20W
- No charger or headphones in the box
Price: Starts at ₹1,29,900
3. Moto Edge 30
Last month, Motorola made strides in India by introducing the Edge 30, a phone that is quite remarkable in many ways. It stands out from other models due to its thinness, making it the slimmest phone in the world.
Xiaomi had previously released the Mi 11 Lite in an attempt to set a new standard, but Motorola’s device has supplanted it. Not only that, the specs of the Moto Edge 30 make it an attractive offering for the price point.
The Snapdragon 778+ chipset, pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 50-primary sensor, all for under ₹30,000, make it a great value. However, it will be interesting to see how it stacks up to the competition.
5G bands: FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N20 / N28 TDD N38 / N40 / N41 / N66 / N78
Main features:
- Smooth 144Hz pOLED display
- Capable cameras
- Bloatware and Ad-free OS
- A slim and light device
Drawbacks:
- Abysmal battery capacity
- Performance is prone to throttling
- The design is not up to the mark
Price: Starts at ₹27,999
4. Vivo X80 Pro 5G
Vivo is a renowned smartphone company that always surpasses expectations with its range of mobiles. The X80 Pro 5G stands out with a 6.78-inch display, boasting a Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, running Android 12 with the FunTouch OS 12 skin.
The 4,700mAh battery provides 80W of rapid charging, perfect for those days when you don’t have time to wait. Additionally, the rear quad-camera setup of 50-megapixels primary + 48-megapixels ultra-wide + 12-megapixels telephoto + 8-megapixel periscope, as well as the 32-megapixel selfie camera, guarantees an outstanding photography experience.
5G bands: FDD N1 / N3 / N5 / N8 / N28. TDD N41 / N77 / N78.
Main features:
- Stunning display
- Great MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor
- Snappy biometrics
- Extremely capable cameras
- Excellent speakers
- Design is premium
Drawbacks:
- Bloatware-filled UI
- Tad bit costly
- Slippery
- Is prone to heavy throttling and severe overheating
- Ads sprinkled across the UI
Price: Starts at ₹75,999
5. OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
On our list of the top-rated 5G phones available in India is the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G. With a hefty price tag, this handset provides excellent features. Its 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and runs on the latest Android 12 OS.
It is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery which supports 80W VOOC rapid charging. The triple rear cameras of 48MP + 50MP + 8MP and a 32MP front camera make this device an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts.
5G bands: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78
Main features:
- Superb 120Hz LTPO2 AMOLED display
- Amazing stereo speakers
- 80W superfast charging
- Great battery life
- Crisp 2K display
Drawbacks:
- No IP certification outside the US
- Secondary cameras are bad
- Ultra-wide lacks autofocus and Macro
- The shipped charger isn’t faster than a 65W charger in the US
Price: Starts at ₹61,999
6. Apple iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 was unveiled last year and offers a range of enhancements compared to the iPhone 12, like a smarter camera, a brighter display, a bigger battery and a more sophisticated processor, to name a few.
Additionally, there are less noticeable features, such as a reduced notch and a less prominent rear camera module, which may not appear significant, but they can make a huge difference when it comes to utilization.
Of course, it is somewhat heavier than the iPhone 12, but when compared to previous iPhone models, like the iPhone 11 or the iPhone XR, you will be thankful for all the features the iPhone 13 provides.
5G bands: n14 (700 PS), n29 (700d MHz), n53 (TD 2500), and n71 (600 MHz)
Main features:
- Fabulous OLED screen with HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Good battery life
- Loud stereo speakers
- Great photo and video quality
- Long software support (till 2025)
Drawbacks:
- Still to get 5G update (iOS 16.2 in December 2022)
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- Minor upgrade over iPhone 12
- No USB-C port
- Lacks a telephoto lens
- Charging speed is limited to just 20W
- No charger or headphones in the box
Price: Starts at ₹65,999
7. Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
5G phones costing around ₹15,999 are a risky proposition, but Samsung can instil some confidence based purely on brand strength.
This is one of the cheapest 5G-ready phones of its time, having launched in June 2021.
In spite of the fact that the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G has since been replaced, you can currently pick up a brand new A22 5G from an established third-party retailer for under ₹15,000.
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is another well-balanced but uninspiring affordable phone from Samsung. It’s the kind of no-frills, the no-nasty-surprises experience you arguably want for around the ₹15,999.
Among its standout features is a 48MP main camera that can take good photos in good lighting, along with a battery that lasts two days with moderate usage.
The phone feels a little slow, even for a budget phone! The display is not that great, which is bad given Samsung’s reputation.
5G bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6
Main features:
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Superb battery life
- Decent main camera performance
- Dedicated SD-card slot
Drawbacks:
- Overpriced as compared to its competition
- Only 15W Charging
- No 4K video capture
- Lacks IP Protection
Price: Starts at ₹15,999
8. Apple iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 was launched in 2020 and came with a new flat-sided boxy design with squared-off edges.
It is still considered to be a great phone that offers – great hardware, a fabulous display, good colour options, fast biometrics, and good battery life.
It’s easy to recommend this phone over the Pro models, minus the 2x telephoto lens.
The base iPhone 12 has 64GB of storage, which is a little restricting in 2023. Put few more money and you’ll get a 128 GB model.
5G bands: n14 (700 PS), n29 (700d MHz), n53 (TD 2500), and n71 (600 MHz)
Main features:
- One of the cheapest new iPhones
- Still packs a punch
- Good cameras
- On deals on various websites
- Long software support (till 2024)
Drawbacks:
- Still to get 5G update (iOS 16.2 in December 2022)
- No high refresh rate screen
- Lacks a telephoto lens
- No USB-C port
- Charging speed is limited to just 20W
- No charger or headphones in the box
Price: Starts at ₹55,999
9. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S21FE (Fan Edition) has all the key elements of the Galaxy S series but at an affordable price. This means that Samsung still offers features that most fans want in their phone but leave a few that cut the cost.
With S21 FE, Samsung has nailed three things – performance, display, and camera.
The phone is a bit on the higher side but is worth your money. If you want to buy this, wait for the price cut.
5G bands: 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Main features:
- Excellent AMOLED HDR10 screen with 120Hz
- 1200 Nits of peak brightness
- Supports Wireless charging
- Protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Drawbacks:
- Not the fastest phone on the market
- No 3.5mm audio jack
- No charger in the box
Price: Starts at ₹39,999
10. Vivo IQoo 9T
As far as benchmarks go, the iQOO 9T is the fastest phone. It has toppled the Vivo X80 and its Dimensity 9000 SoC.
The phone still has a few issues, like low-light photography is decent the OS has tonnes of bloatware.
The iQOO 9T is a perfect device for geeks who want a phone that performs well in every department.
It is not worth its price tag, but its features justify it.
5G bands: 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
Main features:
- Superb AMOLED display
- 120Hz, 300Hz touch, HDR10+
- 120W charger in the box
- Good battery life
- 3.5mm adapter
- IR blaster
- Customizable Funtouch OS
Drawbacks:
- Limited availability – India & China
- Bloatware
- No IP protection
- Abysmal nighttime video performance
Price: Starts at ₹48,990
FAQs
Can we use a 4G SIM in a 5G smartphone?
Yes. India’s telecom operators are using 5G technology that will allow you to opt for 5G on a 4G SIM card. So, you don’t have to upgrade like the last time!
Which is the cheapest 5G phone in India?
POCO M4 5G is one of the cheapest 5G smartphones in India, which costs ₹12,999 (as of 13th December 2022).
Which 5G phone is the best to buy now?
The answer depends on your budget. If you want a good smartphone that doesn’t cost a bomb, go for Moto Edge 30 or the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G. If you have money to burn, choose Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro (or Max) or Samsung’s top flagship, the S22 Ultra.
Is 5G fast in India?
5G speeds are much higher when compared to 4G LTE in the country. But, a Speedtest Global Index report ranked India at 117 with an average of 13.52 mobile download speed. Ookla, on the other hand, claims that 5G download speeds hit 500 MBPS.
Is a 5G phone worth buying in India?
Yes, if you are using a phone which doesn’t have 5G hardware for a few years now, your next phone should be a 5G one as you’ll be future-proofing. Currently, the 5G data plans are priced equal to 4G. But operators will start charging you for more.
Conclusion
These are the best 5G phones in India right now.
There are more – some better, some not worth your money.
I managed to squeeze in ten smartphones from hundreds and no matter which one you choose, you’ll get good internet speed.
The best 5G mobile phones in India are available at the best prices from leading smartphone manufacturers.
If money isn’t an issue, you should consider the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G in the Android segment, while the iPhone 14 Pro is the best option for Apple fans.
If you want a jack-of-all-trades smartphone, the Vivo X80 Pro is a mid to high-end smartphone with features you’ll be tired to try.
