With 5G support expected to be standard in all US networks, the best 5G phones have set the bar. Even cheaper phones, some as low as $400, are starting to support 5G technology. This means that access to these networks is not limited to those with $1,000 smartphones. Despite this, the top devices that offer the most advanced connectivity push beyond or sometimes exceed the price point to give their customers the best possible smartphone experience.
It is important to know your device priorities before you buy a 5G phone. Also, understand the different methods 5G networks are constructed. We will explain the US 5G network and the benefits it offers to users in real life. The iPhone 13 Pro Max from the outside looks almost identical to its predecessor. As is the case with Apple’s flagships, the real changes are made behind the display or in this instance, within it. ProMotion technology is first to be supported on the iPhone 13 line Pro. This not only increases the maximum refresh rate to 120hz but also allows for variable refresh rates of as low as 10hz to static images. This results in a display that almost always looks smooth and doesn’t drain your battery.
The 13 Pro Max also houses Apple’s “Cinematic Mode,” which is a 1080p, 30fps video-capture mode that supports rack focus and other cinematographer tricks. This mode requires a separate camera that costs a lot more than it does today.
Pros:
- ProMotion displays offer noticeably smoother movement than standard 60hz displays
- A new method of computational photography allows rack focus, filters and more
- FaceID “notch” is smaller than the iPhone 12 line
- New Macro camera can capture images as close as 2cm away
Cons:
- Another year of almost identical external looks
- Apple’s continued dependence on its proprietary lightning connector
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Best 5G foldable phone
Samsung’s latest attempt at a phone/tablet folding form factor is the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It is Samsung’s best yet. The case houses the device’s cutting-edge internal components and is, for the first time, designed to last. It has improvements over its predecessor, including an outer display that looks great on any flagship smartphone, a more enclosed hinge system and Samsung’s first underdisplay camera on a folding device.
Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Although the foldables from Samsung continue to improve in hardware, their pricing is still quite high, although it has fallen a little since last year. In the coming years, smartphone makers will likely target the mid-market with flexible display phones. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 is, at least for the moment, aimed at top-end smartphone enthusiasts who want the best internals and the most stunning display combinations we have ever seen on a smartphone.
Pros:
- High-end memory and CPU specifications
- The device’s external display has been vastly improved and can be folded to get a quick look
- The internal 7.6-inch display is a valid case for its use as a productivity tool
- The best hinge we have seen on a folding device
Cons:
- But it’s almost twice the price of other flagships
- Display internal creasing is less noticeable, but it has been improved.
- Mixed results can be seen behind the display camera