5G smartphones cheat sheet: Complete guide for 2023

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Mobile network operators around the world are sprinting to fortify 5G network deployments to more efficiently serve the increasing number of 5G-comparable phones users and businesses are connecting to mobile networks.

Though smartphones are already ubiquitous, the increased use of mobile broadband adapters, always-connected computers, and consumer and enterprise Internet of Things devices require more data than previous 4G networks could sustainably supply.

SEE: Hiring Kit: 5G Wireless System Engineer (TechRepublic Premium)

Naturally, smartphone manufacturers are eager to continue to incorporate 5G in quality and popular phone offerings.

This cheat sheet for 5G-compatible smartphones is an overview of smartphones marketed as being 5G capable as well as a forecast of when manufacturers will release new devices. This article will be updated periodically as new announcements and products are released.

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Technical details of 5G

5G refers to the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications. Strictly speaking, the industry standard is called 5G NR. Unlike the fourth generation of cellular mobile communications, which had two competing standards — LTE and WiMAX — there is no competing standard to 5G NR. However, the 5G NR standards are designed to be quite versatile in order to accommodate a diverse range of use cases.

5G NR allows for networks to operate on a wider variety of frequencies, recycling frequencies vacated from the decommissioning 2G and 3G networks as well as the digital dividend of spectrum vacated from the transition to digital TV broadcasts, and previously unused extremely high frequency or millimeter wave frequencies, which comprise the 30 to 300 GHz range.

The 5G NR standard allows for speeds up to 20 gigabits per second, though this is a theoretical maximum based on laboratory testing of proof-of-concept hardware. While initial rollouts may only reach speeds already attainable on current 4G networks, 5G is engineered to minimize latency compared to 4G. Further, mature 5G modems are anticipated to have modestly lower power requirements than 4G, thereby extending the battery life of 5G-powered smartphones.

SEE: All of TechRepublic’s cheat sheets and smart person’s guides

It is important to note that 5G is not an incremental or backward-compatible update to existing mobile communications standards. 5G is separate from 4G standards like LTE or WiMAX and cannot be delivered to existing phones, tablets or wireless modems by means of tower upgrades or software updates.

Mobile network operators are deploying upgrades to its LTE infrastructure, including technologies like LTE Advanced and LTE Advanced Pro, which allow for download speeds over one gigabit on smartphones. While these are worthwhile and welcome advances, these are ultimately transitional 4G technologies and do not provide the full range of benefits of 5G NR.

For a technical overview of 5G networks, when and where 5G networks are being deployed, and how businesses and consumers can benefit from 5G technologies, check out TechRepublic’s cheat sheet for 5G networks.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of 5G-compatible smartphones?

The two most obvious benefits of 5G smartphones are reduced latencies compared to 4G networks and resilience against performance degradation in densely packed areas.

Structures that have been historically difficult to serve via cellular networks are often subject to network degradation or service disruption due to the number of devices connected to the available infrastructure. Examples include high-rise office buildings, which are architecturally difficult to serve due to the physics of radio waves, and large stadiums intended to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators.

SEE: 5G: More must-read coverage (TechRepublic Flipboard magazine)

As 5G extensively utilizes small cell towers communicating on mmWave frequencies, these towers can more effectively serve customers in these types of structures.

The use of mmWave frequencies is also a significant drawback, as early antenna and modem designs cause excessive heat in smartphones, which can deplete the battery charge quickly. Likewise, for traditional lithium-ion batteries, excessive exposure to elevated temperatures can shorten the lifespan of the battery.

What devices are 5G compatible, and what hardware is needed?

Just about every major phone manufacturer produces 5G compatible phones, including Apple, ASUS, Google, HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, Samsung, Sony, TCL, Xiaomi and ZTE. Below is a forecast of current popular vendor 5G-capable phone offerings from each of these manufacturers as well as when some of their new 5G-capable phones will be released.

SEE: Mobile Device Security Policy (TechRepublic Premium)

Apple

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
iPhone 14 6.1 6GB 128GB–1TB
iPhone 14 Pro 6.1 6GB 128GB–1TB
iPhone 14 Max 6.7 6GB 128GB–1TB
iPhone 14 Pro Max 6.7 6GB 128GB–1TB
iPhone 13 5.4″ / 6.1″ 4GB 128–512GB
iPhone 13 Pro 6.1″ 6GB 128GB–1TB
iPhone 13 Pro Max 6.7″ 6GB 128GB–1TB
iPhone 13 Mini 5.4″ 4GB 128–512GB
iPhone SE 4.7″ 4GB 64–256GB
iPhone 12 6.1 6GB 64-128-256GB

ASUS

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
ROG Phone 5s 6.78″ 12–18GB 128–256GB
ROG Phone 5s Pro 6.78″ 18GB 512GB
Zenfone 7 6.67″ 6–8GB 128GB
Zenfone 7 Pro 6.67″ 8GB 256GB
Zenfone 8 5.9″ 6GB 128GB
Zenfone 8 Flip 6.67″ 8GB 128–256GB
Zenfone 9 5.9″ 16GB 256GB
ROG Phone 6 6.78 8–16GB 512GB
ROG Phone 6 Pro 6.78 18GB 512GB

Google

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
Pixel 6 6.4″ 6GB 128–256GB
Pixel 6 Pro 6.7″ 12GB 128–512GB
Pixel 6a 6.1″ 6GB 128GB
Pixel 7 6.3 8GB 128–256GB
Pixel 7 Pro 6.7 12 GB 256–512GB

HTC

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
HTC Desire 21 Pro 6.7″ 8GB 128GB
HTC Desire 22 Pro 6.6″ 8GB 128GB
HTC U20 6.8″ 6–8GB 256GB
HTC U12 Plus 6″ 6GB 64–128GB

Huawei

As a major vendor of networking equipment to network operators, as well as manufacturing its own Kirin SoCs for use in smartphones, Huawei would have theoretically been well-positioned to be among the first vendors to release 5G-capable products. However, due to sanctions from the U.S. government, which are still in place, Huawei phones are not sold in the U.S. and thus are not covered by this article.

LG

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
Wing 6.8″ 8GB 256GB
K92 6.7″ 6GB 128GB
V50S ThinQ 6.4″ 8GB 256GB
V60 ThinQ 6.8″ 8GB 128GB
Velvet 6.8″ 6GB 128GB

Motorola

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
Edge 2020 6.7″ 12GB 256GB
Edge 2021 6.8″ 8GB 256GB
Moto G 6.5 6GB 256GB
Moto G Stylus 6.8″ 6GB 128GB
Razr 6.2″ 8GB 256GB
Edge 30 6.5″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Edge 30 Pro 6.7″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
One 6.7″ 4GB 128GB
One Ace 6.7″ 4–6GB 64–128GB
One UW Ace 6.7″ 4GB 64GB
Moto Raz 6.7″ 8–12GB 128–512GB
Moto G32 6.5 4–6GB 64–128GB

Upcoming devices

As of January 2023, Motorola has announced several 5G compatible phones expected to be released into the market early in the year.

Model Screen Memory Storage
Moto Edge 40 Pro 6.7″ 8–12GB 128-512 GB
Moto G73 6.5 8GB 128–256GB
Moto G53 5G 6.5 4GB 128GB
Moto G23 6.5 8GB 128GB
Moto G13 6.5 8GB 128GB

Nokia

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
X100 6.67″ 6GB 128GB
G300 6.62″ 4GB 64GB
XR20 6.67″ 4GB 64GB
X10 6.67″ 4–6GB 64–128GB
X20 6.67″ 6–8GB 128GB
G10 6.52″ 3–4GB 32–64GB
8.3 6.81″ 6–8GB 64–128GB
8 V 6.81″ 6GB 64GB
G50 6.82″ 4–6GB 64–128GB
G400 5G 6.58″ 4GB 64GB

Upcoming devices

Nokia is expected to release these upcoming phones; the first two are “coming soon” while the XR21 is projected to ship in mid-2023.

Model Screen Memory Storage
X11 6.67″ 6GB 128GB
X21 6.52″ 4GB 64–256GB
XR21 6.67″ 8GB 128GB

OnePlus (Oppo)

Current devices

The 10T and the Nord N20 SE were just released in August 2022.

Model Screen Memory Storage
Nord N10 6.49″ 6GB 128GB
Nord N20 SE 6.56″ 4GB 64GB
Nord CE2 Lite 6.59″ 6–8GB 128GB
Nord 2T 6.43″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
9 6.44″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
9 Pro 6.7″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
9RT 6.62″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
10R 6.7″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
10T 6.7″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
10R 150W 6.7″ 12GB 256GB

Samsung

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
Galaxy Z Flip3 6.7″ 8GB 128–256GB
Galaxy Z Fold3 7.6″ 12GB 256–512GB
Galaxy S21 6.2″ 8GB 128GB
Galaxy S21 FE 6.4″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Galaxy S22 6.1″ 8GB 128–256GB
Galaxy S21 Ultra 6.8″ 12–16GB 128–512GB
Galaxy S22 Ultra 6.8″ 8–12GB 128GB–1TB
Galaxy Note20 6.7″ 8GB 256GB
Galaxy Note20 Ultra 6.9″ 8–12GB 128–512GB
Galaxy A32 6.5″ 4–8GB 64–128GB
Galaxy Z Flip4 6.7″ 8GB 128–512GB
Galaxy Z Fold4 6.2″ 12GB 256GB–1TB

Sony

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
Xperia PRO 6.5″ 12GB 512GB
Xperia PRO-I 6.5″ 12GB 512GB
Xperia 1 III 6.5″ 12GB 256–512GB
Xperia 1 IV 6.5″ 12GB 256–512GB
Xperia 5 II 6.1″ 8GB 128–256GB
Xperia 5 III 6.1″ 8GB 128–256GB
Xperia 10 III 6″ 6GB 128–256GB
Xperia 10 III Lite 6″ 6GB 64GB
Xperia 10 IV 6″ 6GB 128GB

TCL (Alcatel)

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
TCL 10 6.53″ 6GB 128GB
TCL 20 6.67″ 6GB 256GB
TCL 20R 6.52″ 4GB 64–128GB
TCL 30 6.7″ 4GB 64–128GB
TCL 30 XE 6.52″ 4GB 64GB
TCL 30 V 6.67″ 4GB 128GB

Xiaomi

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
11i HyperCharge 6.67″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
11 Lite 6.55″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
12 6.28″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
12 Lite 6.55″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
12 Pro 6.73″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
12 S 6.28″ 8–12GB 128–512GB
12 S Pro 6.73″ 8–12GB 128–512GB
12 S Ultra 6.73″ 8–12GB 128–512GB
12 X 6.28″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
Mi 9 Pro 6.39″ 8–12GB 128–512GB
Mi 10 6.67″ 8–12GB 128–256GB
Mi 10i 6.67″ 8–12GB 128GB
Mi 10 Lite 6.57″ 6–8GB 64–256GB
Mi 10 Pro 6.67″ 8–12GB 256GB–1TB
Mi 10 Youth 6.57″ 6–8GB 64–256GB
Mi 10T 6.67″ 6–8GB 128GB
Mi 10T Lite 6.67″ 6GB 64–256GB
Mi 10T Pro 6.67″ 8GB 128–256GB
Mi 11 Lite 6.55″ 6–8GB 64–256GB
Mi Mix 3 6.39″ 6GB 64–128GB
Poco F4 6.67″ 6–12GB 128–256GB
Poco M3 Pro 6.5″ 4–6GB 64–128GB
Poco X4 Pro 6.67″ 6–8GB 64–256GB
Redmi 10X 6.57″ 6–8GB 64–256GB
Redmi 10X Pro 6.57″ 8GB 128GB
Redmi K30 6.67″ 6–8GB 64–256GB
Redmi K30i 6.67″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Redmi K50i 6.6″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Redmi Note 9 6.53″ 4–6GB 64–256GB
Redmi Note 9 Pro 6.67″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Redmi Note 10 6.5″ 4–8GB 64–256GB
Redmi Note 10G 6.5″ 4–6GB 64–128GB
Redmi Note 11 Pro 6.7″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Redmi Note 11S 6.6″ 4–6GB 64–128GB
Redmi Note 11T 6.6″ 4–8GB 64–128GB
Redmi 10 6.5 4-6GB 128 GB

ZTE

Current devices

Model Screen Memory Storage
Axon 10 Pro 6.47″ 6–12GB 128–256GB
Axon 10 S Pro 6.47″ 6–12GB 128–256GB
Axon 11 6.47″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Axon 11 SE 6.53″ 6GB 128GB
Axon 20 6.92″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Axon 20 Extreme 6.92″ 12GB 128GB–1TB
Axon 30 6.92″ 6–12GB 128–256GB
Axon 30 Pro 6.67″ 6–8GB 128–256GB
Axon 30 Ultra 6.67″ 8–16GB 128GB
Blade 20 6.52″ 6GB 128GB
Blade 20 Pro 6.47″ 8GB 128GB
Blade X1 6.5″ 6GB 128GB
Blade V2020 6.53″ 6GB 128GB
Nubia 6.65″ 8–16GB 128–256GB
Nubia Lite 6.65″ 8GB 256GB
Nubia X 6.26″ 6–8GB 64–512GB

Editor’s note: The original reporting for this article was by James Sanders and was later updated by Brandon Vigliarolo and Scott Matteson to include the latest information on 5G smartphones. The most recent update was completed by Ray Fernandez to include the latest updates on 5G smartphone models and upcoming releases.

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