Best cheap 5G smartphones for 2025


The arrival of 5G technology promises faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections. Now that 5G is widely available in many countries and offers better internet connections than 4G, consumers want 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 affordable 5G devices available that offer excellent value for money. Here are the six best budget 5G phones for 2025.

Comparative table of the best cheap 5G smartphones

Device
Storage options
chipset
Battery capacity
Charging time
Price
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
128GB, 256GB
Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G
5,000 mAh
1 hour 43 minutes
$161.80
iPhone 14
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
A15 bionic
3,279 mAh
1 hour 56 minutes
$599
Google Pixel 8A
128GB, 256GB
Google Tensor G3
4,492mAh
2 hours 9 minutes
$399
Motorola moto g Power 5G
128GB
MediaTex Dimension 7020
5,000 mAh
1 hour 58 minutes
$199.99
HMDXR21
128GB
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
4,800 mAh
2 hours 15 minutes
$439.99

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Image: Amazon

If you're on a budget but still looking for a smartphone that can take advantage of 5G capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G can be a great buy. Apart from the 5G feature, the device comes with a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400×1080 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 via a removable microSD card. The Galaxy A53 5G also supports 4G and other previous generations of cellular networks for greater flexibility and broader network coverage when you are out of range of the 5G network.

This device runs Android 11 and has a 4500 mAh capacity battery with fast charging to withstand intensive use. The Samsung Galaxy A53 is available on Amazon for $161.80.

iPhone 14

Apple iPhone 14 product image.
Image: apple

The Apple iPhone 14 may not be as affordable as the iPhone SE, but since it only launched in 2022, it's likely to remain relevant for much longer. Apple's A15 Bionic chip powers the device and it comes with a 12MP camera, a 6.1-inch display, 4K video recording, and of course, 5G support. Unfortunately, it doesn't support Apple Intelligence and only supports the Lightning cable instead of USB-C, but it's still a solid option 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 dead set on buying an iPhone, you might want to wait for the imminent release of the iPhone SE 4.

Google Pixel 8A

Google Pixel 8A product image.
Image: Amazon

Google Pixel 8A is another affordable device with 5G connectivity. Launched in May 2024, it is equipped with the Google Tensor G3, meaning it matches the standard Pixel 8 in performance. 5G mobile connectivity comes unlocked, so you can choose the data plan and network operator that suits you best.

SEE: 5G vs 6G: What's the difference?

With the included Google Gemini Assistant, 4,492mAh battery, fingerprint sensor, 4K video quality, dual camera setup, 128GB of storage at least, and flexible 5G connectivity, the Google Pixel 8A is a great deal for someone who look for a cheap 5G phone. in 2025. You can get this device on Amazon for $399.

Motorola moto g Power 5G

Motorola Moto G Power 5G product image.
Image: Motorola

Motorola is another brand that has endured in the phone manufacturing industry. This time they reminded us of its Motorola Moto G Power 5G capabilities.

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor, the device offers a smooth experience for daily tasks and 5G speed for fast downloads and streaming. Other notable features include a 5000 mAh battery capacity, providing up to two days of use on a single charge, a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 6.7-inch display, a 50 MP camera sensor, wireless charging , 128 GB of minimum storage and 8 GB of RAM.

While it's not the most impressive 5G phone on the market, it's a solid deal for one that costs well under $200 at some retailers. You can get one for $199.99 at the Motorola store.

HMDXR21

HMD XR21 product image.
Image: Amazon

In addition to being 5G enabled, 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 look like a rugged phone with its sleek design. It will also receive security updates until July 2027 and comes with a one-year screen replacement warranty.

In terms of features, the phone 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 64MP sensor and an 8MP ultrawide sensor, but the XR21 is primarily designed for business use anyway.

The HMD XR21 5G is available on Amazon for $439.99.

What is a 5G phone? Do 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. According to the GSMA, 5G connections are expected to account for more than half of mobile connections by 2029. 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 that the phone will perform better in activities that require higher data usage, such as streaming, gaming and using artificial intelligence tools. However, if those features aren't important to you, you know your local 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 reliable 4G smartphones on the market.

SEE: How UK SMEs can prepare for the 5G rollout

How much faster is 5G than 4G?

5G offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second under ideal conditions, compared to 4G's maximum of around one gigabit per second. It offers download speeds ten to one 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 buying 5G smartphones

  • 5G coverage in your area: Check if 5G networks are, or will soon be, available and reliable where you live or travel frequently.
  • Battery life: 5G connectivity can drain your battery faster because it requires more signal processing from the device, so make sure your 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 handle the demands of 5G usage.
  • Support for advanced 5G bands: To stay relevant as technology evolves, consider whether the smartphone supports advanced 5G bands, such as FR2/mmWave.
  • Price versus value: Balance the cost of the phone with its features and benefits, as 5G models can be more expensive than non-5G ones.

Methodology

At TechRepublic, we aim to give our readers a fair and honest evaluation of the phones they can invest in. To compile this list, the reviewer evaluated expert reviews, user feedback, and detailed specifications. Key factors considered included performance, price-to-value ratio, battery life and overall reliability.

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