Technologies

Best 5G Phones of 2023

Looking to get the fastest data possible? We’ve got picks for the best 5G phones out there.

Most of the latest flagship phones from Apple, Samsung and Google — including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, the Galaxy S23 range, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro — are 5G-ready in order to deliver the fastest data speeds possible across your wireless network. And while they tend to be pricey, there are plenty of affordable 5G options like the Google Pixel 6A and Apple’s cheapest, the 2022 iPhone SE. Rest assured, you should be able to find a good 5G-ready phone at a price you’re comfortable with.

Though it won’t replace 4G in its entirety, 5G is the next generation of mobile connectivity. 5G works fast, and many industries and products can benefit from the upgraded network, including drones, self-driving cars and internet-of-things devices. Its growth across the US, the UK and the wider world has been fast, but it’s still not everywhere quite yet, so make sure 5G coverage is available — or at least coming soon — in your area before you spend your cash on a 5G-enabled handset.

Remember that a 5G phone will still work as normal on a 4G network (albeit at lower speeds), so don’t be afraid of buying a 5G phone like the S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 even if you aren’t in a 5G zone. It’s good practice to future-proof yourself; you may not be in a 5G zone right now, but it may well be that 5G will come to your area in the three years or so you have your phone, so at least you’ll be ready to take advantage of it when it arrives.

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With 5G handsets being offered by every major phone manufacturer now, it can be difficult to work out which is best for you. We’ve done some of the hard work and put together a list of our top 5G-enabled phones that you can go and buy right now.

What is the best 5G phone right now?

In 2023, there isn’t one specific phone that stands conspicuously head and shoulders above the others. If you’re an iOS user the best phone you can buy is the iPhone 14 Pro. It has an A16 Bionic processor, a new main camera with a larger and higher megapixel sensor, and the Dynamic Island, a display cutout that shows system alerts and background activities.

If you’re on Android, our favorite phone is the Google Pixel 7 Pro. We like it better than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra mainly because, at $899, the Pixel 7 Pro costs $300 less than the S23 Ultra. The Pixel has an upgraded camera, runs on Google’s Tensor G2 chip and comes with exclusive goodies like Photo Unblur.

Best 5G phones of 2023

Stephen Shankland/CNET

Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduce a variety of changes, like the Dynamic Island instead of the old notch, a new 48-megapixel camera system that’s seriously impressed us, and the new A16 Bionic processor. All these upgrades come together to make for an experience that feels fresh and fast compared with older generations.

It’s the most expensive iPhone you can buy, especially if you opt for the larger Max version, but if you want the high performance and stellar camera quality of Apple’s top phone, then the iPhone 14 Pro is for you.

Read our Apple iPhone 14 Pro review.

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7

Google’s Pixel 7 range has seriously impressed us with the combination of a slick refreshed design, superb cameras and a smooth overall experience which makes both these phones a joy to use. At $599 the base Pixel 7 is an affordable option for those of you looking for a solid Android phone for all of your everyday needs.

The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger $899 price tag, for which you get a larger display and a more fully-featured camera system that includes a superb telephoto zoom lens. Otherwise its processor and interface is the same as the cheaper model, so it’s worth considering how important the extra camera features are.

Read our Pixel 7 Pro review.

$899 at Best Buy $899 at Target

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James Martin/CNET

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Galaxy S23 is a lot, but in a good way. It’s more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera’s resolution (200 megapixels compared to 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There’s also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized specifically for Samsung’s phones, which brings faster performance compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

With a starting price of $1,200, it may be an understatement to call this phone expensive. But those willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won’t be disappointed. Read our full review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Pixel 6A

The Pixel 6A is Google’s most affordable phone, replacing the Pixel 5A as the $449 device in its lineup. CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco called it the «best Android phone under $500» in her Pixel 6A review, calling out how it keeps the same Tensor chip seen in the $599 Pixel 6 and many of its features.

The phone is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, featuring an 6.1-inch OLED display and a refresh rate of 60Hz. And it has a similar camera to the Pixel 5A, including a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. But by including the Tensor chip, photos can benefit from its Real Tone skin tone feature, Face Unblur, Night Sight for darker photography and the Magic Eraser for removing unwanted elements from a photo.

Read our Google Pixel 6A review.

$340 at Amazon $349 at Best Buy $349 at Target

Patrick Holland/CNET

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

The iPhone SE may be the cheapest phone Apple produces, but it still comes with superfast 5G. While it lacks the camera prowess of the much more expensive iPhone 13 Pro, it runs the latest iOS 15 software and uses the same processor found in the higher-end models, making it a great phone for everyday use and light gaming.

Read our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.

OnePlus 11

The $700 OnePlus 11 is a powerful phone that’s well equipped to handle gaming, video streaming and other common tasks. In typical OnePlus fashion, this phone is also cheaper than the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 Pro. The cameras aren’t the best, but they’re fine for casual photographers that just want to capture their next vacation or a night out. What sets the OnePlus 11 apart from many of its rivals is its blazing fast 100-watt fast charging, which can replenish the battery in just 25 minutes. (The US version only supports 80-watt charging, but that’s still an improvement over the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 45-watt charging). Overall, the OnePlus 11 is ideal for those who want a powerful phone that charges quickly and won’t break the bank. Read our full review of the OnePlus 11.

Patrick Holland/CNET

Apple iPhone 13 Mini

Although Apple’s new iPhone 14 range didn’t bring with it a new iPhone Mini, it has resulted in last year’s iPhone 13 Mini being offered at a lower $599 starting price. If you’re someone who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly devices, this is a good option to consider. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is easy to use with one hand and even fits into tight jean pockets. While battery life isn’t as strong as others in the range, this petite Apple iPhone doesn’t sacrifice on camera capabilities or processing power.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Samsung’s new Galaxy A53 5G has a lot to offer for the price. With a spacious 6.5-inch display, a camera with cameras for wide, ultrawide and macro shots and long battery life, it’s easy to forget this phone costs just $450. That also makes it $50 cheaper than its predecessor, and Galaxy A53 5G is guaranteed to get at least four generations of Android updates. It supports all three flavors of 5G: sub-6GHz, C-band and millimeter-wave.

$469 at Walmart $450 at Target

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Angela Lang/CNET

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

The Z Flip 4 is a phone that folds in half to become a smaller phone. When it’s open, this Samsung Galaxy phone has a big 6.7-inch display, but fold it in half and it becomes a small square that’s easy to slide into a jeans or jacket pocket. This latest generation of Samsung’s compact folding phone brings various refinements to the table including a more robust hinge and improved cameras.

The price for these quirky foldables is still higher than a regular smartphone, so you’re certainly paying a hefty premium for that folding novelty. Still, if you love the idea of having cutting-edge bendable mobile tech in your pocket, the Z Flip 4 is one of the best options to go for right now.

Read our Galaxy Z Flip 4 review.

$1,060 at Samsung $1,060 at Amazon $1,060 at Best Buy

Michael Sorrentino/CNET

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) for $500 is one of the best stylus-equipped phones you can get right now, especially for the price. You get Android 12, 5G connectivity, a large 6.8-inch screen and a spacious 256GB of storage. Unfortunately, the phone is only promised one software update and three years of security updates, which is a much shorter timeline than the four years promised by Samsung for the Galaxy A53.

Yet if you want a stylus-equipped phone, the next step-up option is the substantially more expensive Galaxy S22 Ultra at $1,200. Read our Moto G Stylus 5G review.

$500 at Best Buy

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OnePlus Nord 2T 5G

OnePlus’s Nord range is sold exclusively in Europe, so people in the US will have to look on envy at this great-performing, budget 5G phone. The Nord 2T has power enough for all your everyday essentials, handles gaming perfectly well, has a decent camera setup for the price and comes with extra features including 80W fast charging, a 90Hz refresh rate and, yes, 5G speeds.

It’s a solid phone to consider if you’re looking for a flagship experience without spending top-end levels of cash.

How we test phones

Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We actually use the phone, test the features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. And if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it.

We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:

Display
Design and feel
Processor performance
Battery life
Camera quality
Features

We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and night time scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.

We take into account additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. And we, of course, weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price so you know whether a phone represents good value or not.

Read more: How we test phones

5G phone FAQs

Are 5G phones more expensive?

Yes. As more and more phones are released that support 5G connectivity, the prices of those phones have typically gone higher. Part of the increase in price is for the 5G modem. And while the majority of phones now include 5G connectivity, not every phone’s price has risen. The iPhone 14 Pro still has the same $999 price that the 13 Pro, 12 Pro, 11 Pro, XS and iPhone X had when each was released.

Is a 5G phone better than a 4G phone?

Technically, no. A smartphone’s cellular connectivity doesn’t really determine whether a phone is better than another. Having 5G support on a phone does help future-proof it as carriers continue to roll out and upgrade their towers to 5G. Since the majority of phones now come with 5G support, there really isn’t a way to compare them to 4G ones. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro supports 4G and 5G. There isn’t a 4G-only version in the US.

More phone advice

Technologies

The FDA Just Upgraded an Egg Recall to the Highest Severity Level. Are You Affected?

Over 6 million eggs were caught up in a salmonella-related recall in September. Now, the FDA says there’s a «reasonable probability» of serious illness.

Scan your shelves for cartons from Black Sheep Egg Company. The company voluntarily recalled more than 6 million eggs after the US Food and Drug Administration found environmental samples at one of its processing centers tested positive for salmonella.

Read more: How Long Do Eggs Really Last in the Fridge? An Expert Explains

«Of the samples collected, 40 environmental samples were positive for salmonella including seven different strains of salmonella,» said the initial recall alert from the FDA. «Some of these strains are known to cause human illness.»

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While multiple Black Sheep Egg Company products have been affected by this recall, the FDA identified 12- and 18-count cartons of Black Sheep Egg Company Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs as Class 1.

This is the agency’s highest-severity level recall, and it warns against consuming a product that could «cause serious adverse health consequences or death.»

Which products are affected by the recall?

The recall doesn’t affect every Black Sheep Egg Company egg carton, but check the eggs in your fridge.

You should get rid of the following products if they have a Best By date between Aug. 7 and Oct. 31, or a UPC code that reads 860010568507 or 860010568538:

Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 12-count cartons
Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 18-count cartons
Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose-packed in boxes
Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose-packed in boxes
Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose open skid
Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose open skid
Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, loose open skid
Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, loose open skid
Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, 12-count cartons
Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, 18-count cartons

Additionally, Black Sheep Egg Company is a supplier for Kenz Henz in Texas. Kenz Henz is also issuing a voluntary recall of the following product if it has a Best By date between Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 and a UPC code of 86949400030:

Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs, 12-count cartons

Where did the affected eggs come from?

According to the FDA, the salmonella samples were found in Black Sheep Egg Company’s Arkansas processing center.

While Black Sheep Egg Company cooperated with the FDA and voluntarily recalled the potentially contaminated eggs, it had already shipped products to other companies within Arkansas and Missouri. These eggs may have been repackaged and further distributed to other states, so this recall could expand over time.

What should I do if I find the affected eggs in my fridge?

If you find a recalled Black Sheep Egg Company or Kenz Henz product in your refrigerator, discard it immediately. If you’ve eaten any eggs, monitor yourself for signs of illness.

«Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days,» the FDA statement said. «Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.»

If you believe you’ve developed symptoms of a salmonella infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

If you find affected eggs in your home, carefully sanitize any countertops, surfaces or containers the eggs have touched. Wash utensils and cooking implements with hot soapy water, then wash your hands afterward.

Technologies

Samsung TVs Now Can Provide Weather Forecast, Find a Pizza Place

The company is adding a Perplexity AI app to all of its new TVs and even older ones.

You’re sprawled on the couch, watching the latest stream of your favorite show. Why not plan your next vacation while you’re at it? That’s the thought behind Samsung’s latest AI innovation, the Perplexity TV app. It’s a standalone AI agent available on all 2025 Samsung TVs and, later this year, on 2023 and 2024 TVs with the latest OS upgrade.

Earlier this month, at the Berlin consumer-electronics show IFA 2025, the company introduced Samsung Vision AI, which allowed TV viewers to access more information about the shows and actors they were watching. Viewers can also use the Vision AI Companion in other ways, such as receiving recommendations for shows and movies. The Perplexity TV app builds on Vision AI’s skillset.

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Samsung integrated AI across a wide range of its products, including smartphones, appliances, earbuds, tablets and TVs, as part of the company’s vision to «leap forward as an AI-driven company that makes the best use of AI, works with AI, and grows with AI,» executive Roh Tae-Moon said at the 2025 Tech Forum in Silicon Valley last week.

‘Curiosity can strike at any time’

Samsung partnered with Perplexity, a self-proclaimed «free AI-powered answer engine.» Samsung says its Perplexity TV app can provide the weather forecast, find you the closest pizza shop or tell you the date of the Kentucky Derby.

Ryan Foutty, Perplexity’s vice president of business, said creating an AI app for TVs makes sense because «curiosity can strike at any time» and that consumers should be able to access information from AI regardless of the AI-driven interfaces they are using.

Use the apps tab on your Samsung TV to access the Perplexity TV App, or hit the AI button on your remote to access Samsung’s Vision AI Companion. You can also ask the AI questions by speaking into the built-in microphone on the remote and TV, or using the on-screen keyboard.

CNET expert isn’t yet sold

CNET’s David Katzmaier saw Samsung’s AI-enhanced TVs earlier this year at CES 2025, and isn’t quite convinced that this is a vital addition.

«At first blush, a built-in AI agent doesn’t seem to me like a good reason to choose one TV over another,» Katzmaier said. «To make it worthwhile, Samsung needs to prove that it’s better than, say, Perplexity on your phone.»

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Oct. 22, #394

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle No. 394 for Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.

How much do you like basketball? If it’s your game, today’s Connections: Sports Edition is for you. If you’re struggling but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Big Apple hoops.

Green group hint: Hoops winners.

Blue group hint: Shoes.

Purple group hint: Look at the logo.