5G for Less: The Best Budget 5G Phones in the UK

We all know how rapidly the 5G revolution is taking place in the UK and worldwide. Considering the fast expansion of 5G and to cater to the users’ needs, all smartphone manufacturers started launching their headline-grabbing 5G phones.

Compared to their predecessors – 4g handsets – 5G phones are capable of much more, like superior performance, fast downloads, and better connectivity. To stay ahead of the competition, we’ve noticed some of the best 5G phones unveiled by all stakeholders, like Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, and others.

Interestingly, all smartphones with 5G capability don’t have hefty price tags. Some of the best 5G phones are targeted toward the budget segment. Considering the financial situation and consumer buying behavior, we hope companies are fighting it out for the best budget 5G phones in the UK.

With a plethora of 5G phones up for grabs, it can take time to find the best one based on your budget, requirements, and features. Before we discuss the best 5G phones in the UK, their power-packed features, and other reasons to buy, let’s tell you what 5G is.

What is 5G?

5G is the next generation of mobile data connectivity. It allows for rapid uploading and downloading compared to fourth generation or 4G connection. As it offers lower latency, 5G upgradation also means a better gaming experience and uninterrupted video streaming.

A stable 5G connection in the latest 5G device can offer download speeds between 200Mbits/sec and 1000Mbits/sec. Compared to the average fiber broadband speeds or a standard 4G connection in the UK of 20-50Mbits/sec, 5G can be 15 to 25 times faster.

Although the coverage of 5G could be better, if you are lucky to be living in a major city across the country, chances are that you can find hotspots near you. So, irrespective of your network, if you have a 5G connection and a device, you can enjoy the ultimate experience.

Best 5G phones in the UK

With the 5G network coverage expanding with every passing day and more and more locations gaining access, it’s time to take the leap and join the revolution by buying a 5G smartphone. Here are some of the best 5G phones to buy in 2023.

Let’s roll!

1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

 

Regarding customer satisfaction and adapting to the latest technologies, Samsung leaves no stone unturned. And rolling out 5G smartphones, considering the rising demands of its worldwide consumers, is no different.

Their latest flagship phone, Galaxy S22 Ultra, is considered a blockbuster worldwide. However, it is not a budget phone. Still, getting your hands on this superphone and enjoying its remarkable features is worth every penny.

It has a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED screen supporting a resolution of up to 3088 x 1440 and the highest brightness of 1750 nits. The refresh rate is a staggering 120Hz and can adapt to different situations.

Samsung’s all-new vision booster technology ensures excellent visibility even in the brightest of lights and direct sunlight. The camera range is also spectacular as it boasts a range of lenses to give you multiple options.

The primary camera is 1080MP, accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide and two 10MP zoom lenses on the back for images like never before. At the same time, the front camera is 40MP for great selfies. The integration of a sleek S Pen, super-fast performance, and a decent battery makes Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra one of the best 5G phones, if not ‘the best.

More about Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

• Release date: February 2022
• Weight: 228g
• Dimensions: 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.8-inch
• Resolution: 1440 x 3088
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200
• RAM: 8GB / 12GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Rear camera: 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP
• Front camera: 40MP

2. iPhone 14 Pro Max

 

Till now, the biggest and the best phone from iPhone with some great features. It is accurate when you hear or read that iPhone 14 Pro Max has many specs borrowed from the iPhone 13, like the display and the charging speed.

However, Apple’s latest and most premium device comes with a fast A16 Bionic chip, 1TB storage, a big display, enhanced camera resolution, a new-punch hole selfie camera, and an always-on display. iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with a sizeable 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display meaning sharp visuals and contrast.

So, whether you’re subscribed to Apple TV Plus or any other online streaming service like Hulu or Netflix, you are in for a fantastic visual ride. Watching videos on YouTube or TikTok is also fun, thanks to its large screen size.

iPhone users worldwide are ecstatic as the battery life of 14 Pro Max is long-lasting compared to older models. So, watching videos for hours or on the go and playing online games non-stop is not an issue anymore. Even if you want to download movies to watch later, the 5G functionality helps you complete the task in no time.

More about iPhone 14 Pro Max Specifications

• Release date: September 2022
• Weight: 240g
• Dimensions: 8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm
• OS: iOS 16
• Screen size: 6.7-inch
• Resolution: 1290 x 2796
• CPU: A16 Bionic
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
• Battery: 4,323mAh
• Rear camera: 48MP + 12MP + 12MP + TOF
• Front camera: 12MP

3. OnePlus 10 Pro

 

Apart from the latest 5G connectivity, the OnePlus 10 Pro comes loaded with many new features that are now considered essential in every leading smartphone. Considered one of the top android phones for gaming and streaming, it has a stunning 6.7-inch 2K screen and a staggering refresh rate of 120Hz.

To make it a powerful 5G phone that fulfills the needs of a modern user, OnePlus has gone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips for sustained performance. The integration of a cooling system to make sure that the phone doesn’t overheat even after excessive use comes as a surprise for many.

The only debatable thing about the OnePlus 10 Pro is the camera quality. The camera result and features aren’t at par with some of its counterparts, like Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, still a sturdy and reliable phone with great features and performance for those on the go. Not to forget, it’s economical, making it one of the best 5G phones in the UK.

More about OnePlus 10 Pro

• Release date: January 2022
• Weight: 201g
• Dimensions: 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.7-inch
• Resolution: 1440 x 3216
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• RAM: 8/12GB
• Storage: 128/256/512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Rear camera: 48MP + 50MP + 8MP
• Front camera: 32MP

Interesting Read: Best Phones for Seniors to Buy in 2023

4. Sony Xperia 1 IV

 

Sony has always been known to produce high-end phones with brilliant display capabilities. The Xperia 1 IV also boasts magnificent visuals perfectly augmented by an extraordinary battery that lights up its 4K screen and supports 5G connectivity.

Due to these reasons, professional content creators worldwide love Sony’s smartphones and are head over heels for this smartphone too.

Some people may not like its bar design, yet millions fall for its long and thin 6.5-inch display with a 4K resolution and a fast refresh rate of 120Hz. If you are a hardcore gamer or spend hours streaming content daily, this smartphone will serve you better than the rest.

If you dive into its camera systems and explore all the features, you’ll know why Sony Xperia 1 IV is one of the best 5G phones. The phone comes with a continuous 3.5x-5.2x camera zoom and can also record 4K 120fps video. It is ideal for uploading and downloading at high 5G speeds.

More about Xperia 1 IV

• Release date: June 2022
• Weight: 185g
• Dimensions: 165 x 71 x 8.2mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.5-inch
• Resolution: 1644 x 3840
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256/512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP + 0.3MP
• Front camera: 12MP

5. Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate

 

Marketed as the best 5G gaming phone by Asus, this handset is the best bet for mobile gamers who immerse themselves in the pleasure of online gaming without looking at the clock.

As Asus ROG Phone 6D comes with an intelligent heating dissipation system, there are no chances of it getting hot while you enjoy and do what you do best, gaming and streaming. This feature is also supported by its remarkable battery timing, which keeps it going on and on and on.

On the software side, its performance is out of this world as it is powered by MediaTek’s new Dimensity 9000 Plus chipset. Rog Phone 6D has a flipside too. The camera could be a talking point for the price. Still, if you want to take advantage of 5G connectivity and its capabilities, we advise you to go for Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate.

More about Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate

• Release date: September 2022
• Weight: 247g
• Dimensions: 173 x 77 x 10.4mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.78-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2448
• CPU: MediaTek Dimension 9000+
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Battery: 6,000mAh
• Rear camera: 50MP + 13MP + 5MP
• Front camera: 12MP

6. Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro

 

Another phone making it to our list of best 5G phones going around is Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro. Its performance is enhanced by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which means it is fast and competent for intense gaming, streaming on the go, and blazing downloads.

The best thing about Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is that it has some fun pop-up physical triggers on one side, turning it into a gaming controller. Many youngsters love this feature, and according to them, it makes Black Shark 5 Pro different from other phones in the same lineup.

Considering that it supports 5G, the battery can be a downside as you may need to charge it every few hours after intense gaming and streaming sessions. Moreover, some of its units are reportedly getting hot during usage.

Lastly, it would’ve been great had Xiaomi gone for an AMOLED screen instead of an OLED screen. Still, we would say this is one of the best 5G phones available now to enjoy the perks of 5G.

More about Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro

• Release date: March 2022
• Weight: 220g
• Dimensions: 163.9 x 76.5 x 9.5mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.67-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2400
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• RAM: 8/12/16GB
• Storage: 256/512GB
• Battery: 4,650mAh
• Rear camera: 108MP + 13MP + 5MP
• Front camera: 16MP

7. OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G

 

OnePlus is at it again. If you’re looking for the best mid-range 5G phones, your search should end with OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G. As it is a budget phone to fulfill your desire for an affordable phone, its specifications are also mid-range, and understandably so.

Some of its notable perks apart from 5G capabilities are 65W fast charging, a slim and lightweight build, and a seamless software performance free of hiccups. As far as the camera is concerned, it is less efficient than other phones discussed above but satisfactory enough to keep going.

With a 6.43-inch screen coupled with 1080 x 2400 resolution, the display is quite similar to the original Nord CE 5G, which is quite good for a budget phone. Storage of 128GB and a 4500mAH battery makes it an excellent gadget.

More about OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G

• Release date: February 2022
• Weight: 173g
• Dimensions: 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8mm
• OS: Android 11
• Screen size: 6.43-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2400
• CPU: Density 900
• RAM: 6/8GB
• Storage: 128GB
• Battery: 4,500mAh
• Rear camera: 64MP + 8MP + 2MP
• Front camera: 16MP

8. Realme 9 Pro Plus

 

Another of the best budget 5g phones in the UK that is making waves is the Realme 9 Pro Plus. Although a cheaper option for 5G, it has some fantastic features for which other brands charge heftily.

One striking feature of this smartphone is the ability to take superb low-light images. Others include a fast 60W charging option, a stunning design, a large 6.6-inch screen, and the color-changing functionality of the rear panel in direct sunlight.

Apart from the low light photography, its 50MP, 8MP, and 2MP primary camera and a 16MP front camera serve the purpose very well for a budget phone. The performance is also quite good as it has a MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset and two storage options of 128GB and 256GB.

Not to forget, Realme 9 Pro Plus has a built-in heart-rate monitor. This is quite a rare functionality and is primarily available in wearables like smartwatches which you don’t often get in phones.

More about Realme 9 Pro Plus

• Release date: February 2022
• Weight: 182g
• Dimensions: 160.6 x 73.3 x 8mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.4-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2400
• CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G
• RAM: 6/8GB
• Storage: 128GB/246GB
• Battery: 4,500mAh
• Rear camera: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP
• Front camera: 16MP

9. iPhone 13 mini

 

Although small, but packs a punch and mighty impressive. We are talking about iPhone 13 mini because many people like decent-sized phones, and this is one of them. They love to hold and text using one hand and do all sorts of tasks without using both hands on the go.

After the iPhone 14 series launch, iPhone 13 mini still holds its place among the best 5G phones available in the market. It has a gorgeous 5.4-inch Super retina XDR OLED display. Look-wise, it is bound to impress you; feature-wise, it has everything as in iPhone 13.

The refresh rate of 60Hz is a bit compromising, but you can live with it considering other benefits of this high-in-demand phone. With iPhone 13 mini in your hand, you can surprise your friends and family with great low-light images.

This phone is not all about a beautiful compact design compromising performance. The battery performance is quite good, and it can last an entire day before you plug it in, while the software also allows you to perform all tasks with no worries.

It has a 12MP f/1.6 wide camera and a 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field view. Taking great photos in low light conditions is not a problem anymore.

More about iPhone 13 Mini

• Weight: 131g
• Dimensions: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm
• OS: iOS 15
• Screen size: 5.4-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340
• CPU: A15 Bionic
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/
• Battery: 2,438 mAh
• Rear camera: 12MP+12MP
• Front camera: 12MP

10. Sony Xperia 10 IV

 

It is a fact that modern-day phones had become quite frail compared to phones back in the day when Nokia used to be the undisputed king. Ah… the good ol’ days. We were never worried even if the mobile landed on the ground from 10 feet.

Sony Xperia 10 IV gives the same vibes in 2023. (Of course, no phone can match the sturdiness of Nokia phones). Known to be quite a sturdy phone, it has a solid built quality and gives you a cushion against falls and scratches. The advanced 5G connectivity goes hand in hand with a basic headphone jack.

A strong battery of 5000mAh means you can play and enjoy live shows all day long – even on the go – on its 6-inch OLED display. The 60Hz refresh rate and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695-based performance are not too bad when considering the price tag of the Xperia 10 IV.

An efficient camera system with 2x optical zoom is good enough for avid social media fans. Go for it if you are looking for a good phone that stays with you all day.

More about Sony Xperia 10 IV

• Weight: 161g
• Dimensions: 153 x 67 x 8.3mm
• OS: Android 12
• Screen size: 6.0-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2520
• CPU: Snapdragon 695 5G
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Rear camera: 12MP+8MP+8MP
• Front camera: 8MP

11. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

 

This is one of the best budget 5G phones in the UK and an ideal choice for those who want to have a Samsung 5G phone without spending a fortune. The best return for value matches other inexpensive preferences like Moto G 5G Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T.

Marketed as Samsungs best mid-range 5G phone, it is evident that Samsung Galaxy A52 5G lags in features when compared to flagship phones from the tech giant. Still, it’s worth a try if you can compromise on a few internal elements.

Regarding features of this best-value smartphone from Samsung, they may not be as flashy. However, considering the camera, processor, and the latest Android 11, you may be in for a competent and killer 5G smartphone in your hand.

More about Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

• Processor: Octa-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 750G
• Screen: 6.5in, 2,400 x 1,080
• Camera: 64MP, 12MP (wide), 5MP (macro), 5MP (depth)
• Storage: 128GB
• Operating system: Android 11

12. Google Pixel 4a 5G

 

If you are a camera maniac and high-quality image freak searching for a good 5G camera phone, explore no further. Google Pixel 4a 5G has you covered. Backed by Google and priced fantastically to target the mid-range segment, it has many attractive features in the Pixel lineup.

With a pre-installed operating system of Android 11, Pixel 4a 5G also uses a stock version of Google’s operating system. Three significant factors why this phone has stolen the limelight are its excellent battery life, swift performance, and exceptional camera quality.

Its shooting capabilities are outstanding because it has the same shooting features as in Pixel 5; however, you’ll be paying a lot less. So, if you plan to take amazing pics you want to cherish year after year or enhance the quality of Instagram snaps, this is the phone you should get in 2023.

More about Google Pixel 4a 5G

• Processor: Octa-core 2.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
• Screen: 6.2in, 2,340 x 1,080
• Camera: 12.2MP, 26MP (wide)
• Storage: 128GB
• Operating system: Android 11

13. Samsung Galaxy S21

 

With the launch of the latest Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and owing to its features and sleek style, the inferior model Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus haven’t lost the attention. People are still interested in these phones due to the elements like 5G and their modern look.

Some might say S21 and S21 Plus are pricey; however, with the price you are paying, you’ll get the absolute best in terms of features and specifications. The best thing is that you aren’t paying a premium price only for the 5G feature, as the entire series comes loaded with this feature as standard.

With the S21 in your hand, you’ll enjoy an impressive performance as these mobiles come with Samsungs best and fastest mobile chipset, Exynos 2100. If you are a snap-happy amateur photographer, the set of cameras, including a 30x zoom camera, will surely surprise you with its phenomenal results.

Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus make it to our list of the best 5G phones because they are the most well-rounded smartphones.

More about Samsung Galaxy S21/S21 Plus

• Processor: Octa-core 2.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
• Screen: 6.2in, 2,340 x 1,080
• Camera: 12.2MP, 26MP (wide)
• Storage: 128GB
• Operating system: Android 11

14. OnePlus 9 Pro

 

Another flagship 5G phone from OnePlus at an affordable price. OnePlus has been knocking on the door of the ultra-premium phone segment for quite some time now.

The best thing about their phones is that they are feature-rich, affordable, and can be purchased easily without breaking the bank. OnePlus 9 Pro has a large 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with no bezels to make it more appealing.

It has an incredible refresh rate of 120 and is powered by a speedy 5G chipset, the Snapdragon 888. With the latest android version 11, a brilliant camera to catch every detail, and a battery that stays with you for a long time, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a top-tier and one of the best budget 5G phones in the UK.

More about OnePlus 9 Pro

• Processor: Octa-core 2.84GHz Snapdragon 888
• Screen: 6.7in, 3,216 x 1,440
• Camera: 48MP, 50MP (wide), 8MP (zoom), 2MP (depth)
• Storage: 128GB, s256GB
• Operating system: Android 11

Final Words

Above mentioned are some of the best 5G phones in the UK to fulfill your appetite for the latest phones with 5G connectivity and out-of-the-world features. They let you enjoy super-fast speeds, blazing uploads and downloads, pixel-perfect gaming experiences, high-end gaming, and intense streaming while on the go.

Another prominent feature of these phones is that you don’t have to top up their battery now and then as they come with lasting batteries so that you stay connected for a long time.