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VPNs for ad-blocking Even if coverage on par with today’s 4G networks is still a ways off, many Aussies already have limited access to the super-fast speeds made possible by the next-generation mobile network. It’s not quite time to put all your chips on 5G, but those expecting coverage might be considering their next smartphone upgrade. Even if you struggle to get a 5G signal at your address, 5G phones will revert to regular 4G coverage, where the reception isn’t strong enough. So you’re free to upgrade and future-proof your handset even if the next-gen network is still a pipedream in your area. Here are the most popular 5G phones already available in Australia through every telco. While size is the most tangible difference between the top-end of the iPhone 13 lineup and the rest, the iPhone 13 Pro Max also boasts a larger battery and a more capable camera. The difference between the performance offered by this device and the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro isn’t huge, but if you’re looking for areas where the biggest iPhone of 2021 has the edge, they’re easy enough to find. Although the iPhone 13 Pro Max doesn’t quite make the most of the larger form-factor in the way that something like the Galaxy S22 Ultra or a Galaxy Note series device would, it’s still the most compelling candidate for those looking for the best 5G phone that runs on iOS. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a new Galaxy Note in all but name. Even if it shirks away from competing with Google and Apple when it comes to camera quality, the Galaxy S22 has both beat when it comes to catering towards power users. A sleeker refreshed design and the return of the S-Pen stylus as an integrated accessory rather than an add-on are likely music to the ears of consumers disheartened by the recent demise of the Galaxy Note series. If this year’s Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ seemed a little underwhelming to you, that’s probably because Samsung saved their best tech for last, and specifically for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Some might miss the convenience of facial recognition, sure, but acclimatizing back to touch ID isn’t as cumbersome as you might imagine. The Pixel 5 was our top pick for Android smartphones in 2021 and the Google Pixel 6 Pro builds on that legacy in strong fashion. If you’re in the market for an Android-based 5G phone and don’t fancy paying the high price attached the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, then the Pixel 6 Pro is a more than worthy alternative. It’s a phone with everything you need and an absence of the unnecessary parts that make phones expensive. For an asking price of less than $500, consumers come away with 5G connectivity, a 90Hz OLED screen, a quad-lens camera and all-day battery life. While the Motorola Moto Edge 20 Fusion 5G can’t compete with flagships like the iPhone 13, this more modest take on what 5G smartphones should offer (and how much they should cost) is easier to live with than you might expect. Back in 2020, Reviews.org’s Joe Hanlon questioned whether the Samsung Galaxy A71 was actually the best Samsung smartphone of 2020. Our recent assessment of the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G was similarly enthusiastic. The Galaxy A73 5G’s two-day battery life and stunning Super AMOLED display see it hold its own as an alternative to the Galaxy S21 FE, which is actually about $200 more expensive. The quad-lens rear camera isn’t going to replace your Nikon or Panasonic Lumix camera anytime soon, but smartphone photography has never been Samsung’s strength to begin with. The Galaxy A73 5G makes a calculated gamble that consumers looking at a mid-tier 5G smartphone like this one care more about practical performance than pretty pictures, and it’s a bet that pays off. The ROG Phone 5 isn’t available on any plans, and at an RRP of $1,699, it’s not cheap. However, you can get it for $916 at Kogan and chuck in a SIM-only plan. Check out Oppo Find X3 Pro plans below, or catch it from $939 on Kogan. In 2022, Aussies can pick up a 5G handset for as little as $349 outright. In some ways, that’s radically changed the equation. 5G isn’t necessarily going to be an extra you expect to pay a premium for, but something included as standard. However, in other respects, the same small print that applied to early 5G handsets continues to be apply to modern ones. The first few generations of 5G handsets often included both a 4G and 5G modem. That extra hardware contributed to a shortfall in power efficiency, causing many 5G devices to drain their batteries faster than their 4G counterparts. For that reason, those shopping for a 5G phone will want to favor more recent devices over older ones. The closer you are the cutting edge, the less impact that 5G connectivity is likely to have on overall battery life. Research conducted by Ookla in 2021 found that the iPhone 13 Pro Max led the pack when it came to median 5G download speeds in the United States and Canada. However, that edge in 5G speed may not necessarily hold up in Australia. For most consumers, the difference between 4G and 5G speeds is going to be much more significant and noticeable than the difference between different sub-generations of 5G devices. That said, the cost associated with 5G connectivity has fallen over the last two years such that, if you are looking to buy a new phone in Australia, making sure it has 5G is a smart way to futureproof that purchase. With a few exceptions like Apple’s iPhone range, most manufacturers and carriers include 5G in the branding for relevant devices. Although this makes naming conventions a little clunky, it does make it a little easier for consumers to tell whether a device has 5G without having to dig into spec sheets.
