5G phone deals

When it comes to connectivity, nothing compares to 5G. The term stands for fifth generation and represents a new era of mobile phone coverage. While it’s not available across the UK, you can enjoy 5G coverage in most major cities, including London and Birmingham.

With an ever-growing range of 5G phone deals to choose from, taking advantage of 5G connectivity has never been easier. Tech giants like Samsung and Apple offer amazing 5G deals and handsets. You’ll also see terrific 5G phone deals from manufacturers like Huawei and OnePlus.

What is 5G?

As mentioned, 5G stands for fifth generation. It’s the latest era of mobile connectivity and like previous generations, is a game changer. As well as lighting fast speeds, 5G has the capacity to simultaneously host multiple devices. Response times are instant, and lag is virtually non-existent. No wonder so many Brits are switching to 5G phone deals.

One of the biggest benefits of 5G is buffer-free streaming. Whether you’re catching up on your favourite Netflix shows, streaming live Premier League games or uploading content to your socials, 5G delivers a new standard of connectivity.

For motorists, 5G deals promise seamless communication between vehicles and devices. From Google Maps to Spotify, expect instant updates and zero lag. That’s one less cause of road rage taken out of the picture!

How does 5G work?

Like its 3G and 4G predecessors, 5G uses unique radio spectrum frequencies. In the UK, 5G frequency bands range from 700MHz to 3.8GHz. This allows the network to instantly send and receive data over long distances.

The 5G network is relatively new, which means upgrades are always on the cards. Moving forward, coverage and connectivity will only improve. You can also expect to see more providers offering 5G phone deals.

How fast is 5G?

Compared to previous generations, 5G is supersonic. Vodafone, one of our leading 5G mobile network providers, says UK users can expect a tenfold improvement compared to 4G. Vodaphone promises average 5G speeds of between 150 and 200Mbps. At its fastest, Vodaphone 5G can hit speeds of up to 1000Mbps. Considering 4G averages around 23 to 35Mbps, 5G is leagues ahead.

Most importantly, these figures aren’t just an empty boast from UK companies. Testing from US-based mobile phone network company RootMetrics revealed the UK 5G network boasts average download speeds of more than 100Mbps. RootMetrics also recorded ultra-fast top speeds of over 450Mbps.

To put this into perspective, let’s take a look at a real-world example. Using the Vodafone 5G network, downloading a HD movie would take around three minutes. Downloading the same movie on the slower 4G network would take around 15 minutes. If you prioritise speed, it’s hard to look past 5G phone deals.

What mobile phones are compatible with 5G?

5G is advanced technology which means not all mobile phones are compatible with the network. The good news is that you can absolutely enjoy 5G deals with the right device. Models are often advertised as ‘5G ready’ which means they’ll use 5G coverage where available and switch to 4G in other areas.

Over the past year, almost all new mobile phone models feature 5G compatibility. Wondering which 5G phone to buy in 2023? Let’s take a closer look at some of the top-selling models.

Apple iPhone 13

With a dazzling 6.1-inch OLED screen and a huge 512GB of storage, the Apple iPhone 13 is the ultimate 5G device. Capture special moments with the dual camera and enjoy incredible responsiveness thanks to the Apple A15 Bionic chip. If you’re looking for the best 5G phone deals on the iPhone 13, you’re in the right place.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max raises the bar with a hypnotising 6.7-inch OLED display. Three back cameras and one front camera makes it easy to capture pro-grade photos. Enjoy a huge 1TB of storage and surgical grade stainless steel casing. All powered by one of the fastest smartphone chips in the world.

Samsung Galaxy S22

5G connectivity isn’t the only feature to love in the Samsung Galaxy S22. A 50MP sensor camera, 6.1-inch display and 256GB memory make it one of the best models yet – from the brand often seen as Apple’s main competitor.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Looking for even more features? The S22 Ultra offers a 108MP camera that takes some of the best portraits you’ll ever see from a smartphone. A whopping 1TB of storage rivals the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Samsung Galaxy A90

You don’t need to splurge on a high-end handset to enjoy 5G. The Samsung Galaxy A90 combines 5G compatibility with a 6.7-inch screen, 48MP camera and irresistible price tag – making it an ideal budget-friendly 5G phone from a well-known brand.

Huawei P40 lite 5G

Chinese tech giant Huawei will win you over with 5G compatibility and a 6.5-inch LCD display. The fantastic price makes it one of the best 5G phone deals on the UK market.

Samsung Galaxy Note20

The S-Pen stylus is a major selling point for the business-ready Note20. The 10MP front-facing camera is purpose-built for selfies while the 64MP back camera is ready for portraits and more.

Huawei Mate 20X 5G

The best-selling Huawei Mate 20X 5G has been winning over Brits since 2019. The enormous 7.2-inch screen is one of the biggest on the 5G market.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2

Part smartphone, part tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 is the best of both worlds – and 5G ready, of course.

OnePlus 8 Pro

If you’re looking for something a little different, consider the 5G-ready OnePlus 8 Pro. The impressive 120Hz refresh rate makes this model ideal for streaming and on-the-go gaming.

Moto G 5G Plus

This budget-friendly model from Motorola is a great entry level 5G phone. The powerful 5000 mAh battery offers a huge two days of battery life.

Google Pixel 6

Despite the lower price, the Google Pixel 6 holds its own against counterparts from Apple, Samsung and Huawei.

What features to consider in 5G phones

From screen size to camera performance, there’s lots to consider when browsing 5G deals. Use the factors below to develop a better understanding of what to look for when choosing a 5G handset.

Screen size

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better when it comes to 5G phones. It’s all about your personal preferences. If you use your phone to watch movies or play games, it’s worth upsizing. If you prefer a smaller phone that easily slips into your pocket, small screens can be a better choice.

Camera

Cameras are a priority for most smartphone users. Lens technology is outrageously good these days and many phones can capture professional portraits and crystal-clear night shots. Quality often comes down to megapixels (MP). The number of lenses can also have a big impact on the quality of your shots. However, it’s worth reading through reviews of the phone’s camera to highlight any flaws or positives by people who’ve put it to the test.

Price

Price is a big factor when shopping for the best 5G phone deals. You’ll generally spend more for top-of-the-range models from brands like Samsung and Apple. Offerings from Google, Motorola and OnePlus appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

Operating system

iOS and Android are the two main operating systems used by 5G phones. There are a few differences like the charger port and less customisation on iOS. On the flipside, there’s the reliability you get from a single brand (Apple) using its own system. However, they’re pretty comparable, which means it usually comes down to your personal preference.

Battery life

5G phones are advanced and require powerful batteries to function. Apple has a great reputation when it comes to battery life, though brands like Samsung are also top performers.

Storage

From downloading apps to storing photos and videos, storage has a big impact on your smartphone experience. The good news is, you’ll find some amazing 5G phone deals on handsets with a huge amount of storage.

Is 5G coverage good in the UK?

The Big Four – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – all offer 5G coverage across the UK. That said, access to the network isn’t guaranteed and depends on where you’re based. All four have targeted major cities where demand is high.

What providers offer 5G phone deals in the UK?

Let’s take a closer look at 5G phone deals offered by EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.

EE

EE currently provides 5G services to more than 150 major towns and cities across the UK. This includes London, Liverpool, Leeds and Portsmouth, as well as Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland.

O2

O2 offers some of the best 5G phone deals in around 750 major towns and cities, as well as smaller villages. In 2023, the company is on track to deliver 5G to around 50% of the British population. There’s a handy coverage checker on the website that makes it easy to find out if 5G is available in your area. All O2 pay monthly plans come with 5G connectivity, which means all you need to do is secure a 5G-compatible device.

Three

Three provides 5G mobile network coverage to towns and cities across the UK. The provider sets itself apart with a huge 140MHz of spectrum dedicated exclusively to the 5G service. This is significantly more than any other 5G provider in the UK.
Whether you’re streaming Wimbledon matches, video calling with friends and family across the globe or signing into a work conference call, expect outstanding speeds and no lag.

Vodafone

Find Vodafone 5G coverage in more than 160 towns and cities in the UK. The service is fast, reliable and lag-free. What more could you want from a 5G provider? The company also maintains a large 5G presence in European countries like Italy, Germany and Spain.

Where to find the best 5G phone deals?

All four major providers offer great 5G mobile phone deals. This includes coveted models like the Samsung Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13, as well as more affordable options like the Google Pixel 6. We take a closer look at some of the deals below:

EE

EE offers deals on all the 5G-ready mobile phones. Enjoy mountains of data, plus extras like unlimited streaming on Apple Music and Amazon Prime Video or free overseas roaming in select countries.

O2

Find all the top-rated 5G handsets on the O2 network. Many 5G mobile phone deals from O2 include limitless streaming on platforms like Amazon Music Unlimited and Disney+.

Three

From phone cases to headphones, Three tempts smartphone users with all kinds of 5G phone deals. Whether you’re looking for the latest deals on top-of-the-range iPhones or something a little more affordable, you’ll find it with Three.

Vodafone

Vodafone offers some great 5G deals budget-friendly handsets, as well as high-end models like the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22. It’s also the longest-running UK network, established way back in 1985.

Sky Mobile

EE, O2, Three and Vodaphone aren’t the only options when it comes to 5G-ready handsets. Find some great 5G phone deals from providers like Sky Mobile, which operates on the O2 network.

Tesco Mobile

Tesco is hard to beat when it comes to pay monthly 5G phone deals. The supermarket giant utilises the O2 network, which means you’ll enjoy excellent coverage and connectivity. You can also use your Tesco Clubcard to score deals on 5G plans and sims.

BT Mobile

Bring your own 5G phone and score great deals on SIM-only plans from BT Mobile. Like other providers, BT Mobile offers a 5G coverage checker.
Other 5G phone retailers

Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile and giffgaff also offer a range of phones with 5G connectivity. You’ll also find some great 5G phone deals from these providers.

5G FAQs

Can I use 5G overseas?

Absolutely. As long as you’re using a 5G-ready phone you should be able to connect to the local 5G network. Many providers offer free international roaming in select countries but it’s always best to check before you connect to avoid unexpected costs.

Is it worth buying a 5G phone in 2023?

If you want the fastest possible connectivity, it’s definitely worth buying a 5G phone in 2023. Yes, coverage isn’t guaranteed across the UK. But if you live in a major town or city, chances are you can take advantage of 5G deals. There are big plans to expand the 5G network in the UK which means connectivity will only improve. Buy a 5G phone and you’ll be ready to go when 5G mobile phone deals are available in your area.

Can I use 5G on a 4G phone?

Unfortunately, 5G can only be used on 5G-ready handsets. This is because the technology operates on different radio frequencies not available with other generations. If your phone is 4G you won’t be able to connect to the 5G network. That said, many 5G phones are also 4G compatible which makes it easy to switch between networks.

Which 5G phone has lowest price?

Looking for the cheapest 5G deals? Models like the iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 are top-of-the-range and come at a premium. If you’re looking for the best deals on 5G phones, consider brands like Motorola or Huawei. Google Pixel models offer incredible features and performance at a fraction of the cost. Lower spec Samsung phones can also be a great option for budget-conscious buyers.