Best cheap 5G smartphones for 2025

The emergence of 5G technology promises faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections. With 5G now widely available in many countries and offering better internet connections 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 are concerned about the high prices associated with high-end 5G devices. Luckily, there are several affordable 5G devices available that offer great value for money. Here are the six best cheap 5G phones for 2025.

Comparison table of the best cheap 5G smartphones

Device	Storage options	Chipset	Battery capacity	Loading time	Price
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G	128GB, 256GB	Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G	5,000mAh	1 hour 43 minutes	$161.80
Apple iPhone 14	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	A15 Bionic	3,279mAh	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 Dimensity 7020	5,000mAh	1 hour 58 minutes	$199.99
HMD XR21	128GB	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G	4,800mAh	2 hours 15 minutes	$439.99

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

If you are on a budget but still looking for a smartphone that can take advantage of 5G features, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G can be a good buy. In addition to the 5G capability, the device features a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

SEE: 5G Networks: A Comprehensive 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 using a removable microSD card. The Galaxy A53 5G is also compatible with 4G and other previous generation mobile networks, providing greater flexibility and broader network coverage when you are out of 5G network range.

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

Apple iPhone 14

The Apple iPhone 14 may not be nearly as affordable as the iPhone SE, but since it won’t launch until 2022, it’s likely to stay relevant for much longer. Apple’s A15 Bionic chip powers the device and features a 12MP camera, 6.1-inch display, 4K video recording and of course 5G support. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence and is still only compatible with the Lightning cable instead of USB-C, but it’s still a good choice for those not looking for the top-of-the-line iPhone.

You can purchase this device from the Apple Store for $599. However, if that’s still out of budget and you’ve decided on an iPhone, you might want to wait for the upcoming release of the iPhone SE 4.

Google Pixel 8A

Google Pixel 8A is another affordable device with 5G connectivity. Released in May 2024, it features Google Tensor G3, meaning it’s on par with the standard Pixel 8 in performance. 5G mobile connectivity is unlocked, so you can choose the data plan and network operator that suits you.

SEE: 5G vs. 6G: What’s the difference?

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

Motorola Moto G Power 5G

Motorola is another brand that has proven itself in the phone industry. This time they reminded us of the capabilities of their Motorola Moto G Power 5G.

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor, the device offers a smooth experience for everyday tasks and 5G speeds for fast downloads and streaming. Other notable features include a 5,000mAh battery capacity that provides up to two days of use on a single charge, 120Hz refresh rate, 6.7-inch display, 50MP camera sensor, wireless charging , at least 128 GB storage etc 8 GB RAM.

While it’s not the most impressive 5G phone on the market, it’s a solid deal for one that’s available at some retailers for well under $200. You can purchase one for $199.99 from the Motorola Store.

HMD XR21

The HMD XR21 is not only 5G ready, but also extremely durable. With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, it’s drop, water and dust resistant, but its slim design doesn’t make it look like a rugged phone. It also receives security updates until July 2027 and has a one-year display replacement warranty.

In terms of features, the handset has a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chip, a 4,800mAh battery, 6GB of RAM and at least 128GB of storage. The dual-camera setup on the back is average, with a 64MP sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, but the XR21 is primarily intended for business use anyway.

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

What is a 5G phone and will 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 such as 4G. According to the GSMA, 5G connections are expected to account for more than half of mobile connections by 2029. So if you’re thinking about buying a new device, you probably want one that can take advantage of this infrastructure.

A 5G connection means the phone will perform better during more data-intensive activities such as streaming, gaming and using artificial intelligence tools. However, if these features aren’t important to you, you know there won’t be 5G in your area any time soon, or 5G readiness is beyond your budget, there are still plenty of reliable 4G smartphones on the market.

SEE: How UK SMEs can prepare for 5G adoption

How much faster is 5G than 4G?

5G offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second under ideal conditions, while 4G maxes out at around one gigabit per second. It offers download speeds that are 10 to 100 times faster than 4G and 4.5G. Latency is lower, making the device more responsive to gaming and video conferencing activities.

Factors to consider when purchasing 5G smartphones

5G coverage near you: Check whether 5G networks are available and reliable, or will be available soon, where you live or travel frequently.
Battery life: 5G connectivity can drain the battery faster because it requires more signal processing from the device. Therefore, make sure the phone has good battery capacity or power saving features.
Computing power: Look for a phone with a modern processor and at least 6GB of RAM to ensure it can handle the demands of 5G usage.
Extended 5G Bands Support: To stay abreast of evolving technology, consider whether the smartphone supports extended 5G bands such as FR2/mmWave.
Price vs. Value: Compare the cost of the phone with its features and benefits as 5G models may be more expensive than non-5G models.

methodology

At TechRepublic, we want to give our readers a fair and honest review of the phones they might invest in. To compile this list, the reviewer evaluated expert reviews, user feedback, and detailed specifications. Key factors considered included performance, value for money, battery life and overall reliability.