Last year we already saw the first 5G phones, but now that the auction of the first 5G frequencies has taken place in the Netherlands and more and more countries are embracing 5G, the development of 5G smartphones is accelerating. A lot came out this year and we can expect a lot from these phones for next year as well. Which smartphones should you keep an eye on?
Although 5G will not replace the existing 4G network for the time being, it is seen as a major step forward in faster internet. Many phone manufacturers are capitalizing on the increasing popularity and releasing the first 5G phones. Samsung in particular already has a few 5G phones to its name, including the Galaxy Note 20 phones, the Galaxy Z Flip and the somewhat cheaper Galaxy A71. Which 5G phones are there currently from the well-known smartphone manufacturers?
Samsung
Both the Galaxy Note 20 and 20 Ultra are equipped with 5G. At a first impression, the device impresses with its sleek design and hardware, but on the other hand, the Note 20 feels very familiar. "It is a typical Note phone in design, with almost all the specifications of the S20 series but a less good screen," we wrote earlier. Moreover, the price tag is not tender: for the Note 20 you pay 1049 euros.
Furthermore, Samsung comes with a 5G variant of the Galaxy Z Flip that appeared in February of this year. We were not very pleased with the original device. The specifications and especially the camera are not great. The Z Flip has the hardware of a flagship device from last year, with the look of yesteryear. “The asking price of 1500 euros is simply not justifiable for everyone”, we concluded.
In addition, three smartphones from the S20 series recently appeared: the exaggerated Galaxy S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S20+ and the regular Samsung Galaxy S20. They are all ready for the 5G era. For the Ultra you have to dig deep into your pocket: the price of the device rises to 1349 euros. The S20 is a bit cheaper.
Google is coming with the Pixel 4A 5G and Pixel 5, but a lot of details about the phones are not yet available. The Pixel 5 is rumored to be released on September 30 and the Pixel 4a in October.
OnePlus
The OnePlus Nord is an affordable 5G device from the Chinese phone manufacturer OnePlus. For 500 euros, the OnePlus Nord offers almost all the pluses that the brand has made known. If you're in the market for a good smartphone that isn't overly priced, the OnePlus Nord is definitely worth considering.
LG
LG's new phone, the LG Velvet, was officially launched in South Korea in June and the device is now also available in the Netherlands for a suggested retail price of approximately 600 euros. Some striking details: the phone supports the use of a stylus, the battery is stronger than that of the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the internal storage space can be expanded via memory cards. That's how we get to know LG again!
LG has also released the LG V60 ThinQ, which is more expensive than the Velvet with a suggested retail price of about 1,139 euros. In addition to a headphone jack (which you hardly find on phones these days), the V60 comes with a Dual Screen case. This gives you two screens, on which you can open multiple apps at the same time.
Motorola
Motorola is also back with the arrival of the Moto G 5G Plus. With a price tag of 350 to 400 euros, the phone is one of the cheapest 5G smartphones you can get. “The Motorola Moto G 5G Plus is a beautiful smartphone with a good screen, complete and solid specifications, 5G support and user-friendly software. Motorola's moderate update policy is the biggest stain on the excellent phone, which itself only has some fairly subjective beauty flaws," we concluded in our review.
apple
Apple isn't exactly ahead of the curve when it comes to 5G phones. For now, no iPhone offers support for the new network, but that could change this year with the arrival of the iPhone 12. According to some rumors, Apple may even announce three new 5G iPhones. But for now we have to be patient.
