Arrival of 5G technology Promises faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. With 5G now widely available in many countries and providing better internet connectivity than 4G, consumers are looking 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 people are wary of the high prices associated with high-end 5G devices. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly 5G devices available that offer excellent value for money. Here are the six best cheap 5G phones for 2025.
Comparison table of the best cheap 5G smartphones
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G | |||||
| Apple iPhone 14 | |||||
| Google Pixel 8a | |||||
| Motorola moto g Power 5G | |||||
| HMD XR21 |
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
If you’re on a budget but still looking for a smartphone to take advantage of 5G capabilities.The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G could be a smart buy. Apart from the 5G feature, the device comes with a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with 2400×1080 pixel resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate.
See: 5G Networks: A Comprehensive Cheat Sheet
In addition, the device has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 1 TB using a removable microSD card. The Galaxy A53 5G is also compatible with 4G and other previous generations of cellular networks for greater flexibility and wider network coverage when you’re out of range of a 5G network.
The device runs on Android 11 and has a 4500 mAh battery capacity with fast charging to support extended usage. The Samsung Galaxy A53 is available on Amazon for $161.80.
Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 14 might not be as budget-friendly as the iPhone SE, but with a 2022 release only, it’s likely to stay relevant for a long time. Apple’s A15 bionic chip powers the device and comes with a 12 MP camera, 6.1-inch display, 4K video recording, and of course 5G support. Sadly, that doesn’t support it Apple Intelligence And still only compatible with a Lightning cable instead of USB-C, it’s still a solid choice for those not after a top-of-the-range iPhone.
You can get this device at the Apple Store for $599. However, if that still breaks the budget and you’re set on an iPhone, you might want to wait for the iPhone SE 4’s release soon.
Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8A is another affordable device with 5G connectivity. Released in May 2024, it’s equipped with the Google Tensor G3, meaning it matches the standard Pixel 8 in performance. Mobile 5G connectivity is unlocked, so you can choose the data plan and network carrier that suits you.
See: 5G vs 6G: What’s the difference?
With Google Gemini Assistant Incorporated, a 4,492 mAh battery, fingerprint sensor, 4K video quality, dual camera setup, 128 GB storage minimum, and flexible 5G connectivity, the Google Pixel 8A is great for those looking for a cheap 5G phone in 2025. The device is available on Amazon for $399.
Motorola moto g Power 5G
Motorola is another brand that has remained strong in the phone manufacturing industry. This time, they reminded us of their Motorola Moto G Power 5G capabilities.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor, the device offers a smooth experience for everyday tasks and 5G speeds for instant downloads and streaming. Other notable features include a 5,000 mAh battery capacity, which can last up to two days on a single charge, 120 Hz refresh rate, 6.7-inch display, 50 MP camera sensor, wireless charging, 128 GB minimum storage, and 8G. B. Rem.
While not the most impressive 5G handset on the market, it’s a solid offering for what some retailers are offering at $200. comes in less than You can buy one from the Motorola Store for $199.99.
HMD XR21
Apart from being 5G enabled, the HMD XR21 is designed to be extremely durable. It’s drop-resistant, water-resistant, and dust-resistant with Corning Gorilla Glass protection 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 guarantee.
In terms of specifications, the handset has a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chip, a 4,800 mAh battery, 6 GB of RAM, and at least 128 GB of storage. The dual rear camera setup is average, with a 64 MP sensor and an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, but the XR21 is primarily for business use anyway.
The HMD XR21 5G is available on Amazon for $439.99.
What is a 5G phone, and do you need one in 2025?
A 5G phone is a smartphone equipped to connect to 5G networks, which offer faster data speeds and lower latency than older networks like 4G. According to 2029, 5G connections will represent more than half of all mobile connections. GSMA. So, if you’re considering buying a new device, you’ll probably want one that can take advantage of this infrastructure.
A 5G connection will mean the handset performs better in more data-intensive activities, 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 the 5G rollout takes the equipment out of your budget, there’s still plenty of reliability on the market. There are 4G smartphones.
See: How UK SMBs can prepare for 5G rollout
How much faster is 5G than 4G?
Offers 5G speeds. Up to 10 gigabit per second In ideal conditions, compared to 4G maximum surroundings One gigabit per second. It offers download speeds ten to one hundred times faster than 4G and 4.5G. It has less latency, which makes a device more responsive for gaming and video conferencing activities.
Factors to consider while buying 5G smartphones
- 5G coverage in your area: Check if 5G networks are, or soon will be, available and reliable where you live or frequently travel.
- Battery life: 5G connectivity can drain the battery faster because it demands more signal processing from the device, so make sure the phone has good battery capacity or power-saving features.
- Processing Power: Look for a phone with a modern processor and at least 6GB of RAM to ensure it can handle the demands of 5G use.
- Support for advanced 5G bands: To stay relevant as technology evolves, consider whether the smartphone supports the latest 5G bands, e.g. FR2/mmWave.
- Price vs. Value: Balance the phone’s price with its features and benefits, as 5G models can be more expensive than non-5G ones.
Procedure
At TechRepublic, we aim to provide our readers with a fair and honest review of the phones they can invest in. To compile this list, the reviewer reviewed expert reviews, user feedback and detailed descriptions. Key factors considered include performance, price-to-price ratio, battery life and overall reliability.