Which iPhones Have 5G? Your Complete Guide
5G plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and other providers are the new thing in wireless service. It is the latest upgrade in cellular service from 4G LTE data speeds and has been steadily rolling out for the last few years on Apple and Android Phones.
Now, it is becoming the norm for a phone to support data on both an LTE network and a 5G network. If you want the fastest speeds available with the best connection, then you will want a phone that supports a 5G network.
Apple is always a good choice when looking for a top-of-the-line, ultra-modern phone, especially if you’re not interested in the latest Samsung Galaxy. If you’ve had your eyes on one of the latest iPhone models but are not sure if it has 5G capabilities, then we are here to help you. We will give you a list of all the 5G-compatible iPhones on the market and run through their apps and features. You’ll go into the future of cell service with all the right knowledge at your fingertips!
Knowing Which iOS Phones Have 5G Coverage
It can get daunting trying to figure out which phone will give you the fastest internet speeds with no loss in the quality of your calls and texts. Let’s dive right in so you can see at a glance which iPhones will provide you with impeccable 5G service.
- The new iPhone 14 Pro/iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 14/iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 13/iPhone 13 Mini/iPhone 13 Pro/iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Mini/iPhone 12 Pro/iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPad Pro with Cellular Option
- The iPhone 11 and other earlier models do not support 5G coverage
So you know which iPhones support 5G, but what if you are not sure which model is right for you? Let’s give you the full rundown.
iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
The iPhone SE is a stripped-down version of the iPhone. This is great if you want a smaller phone, do not care as much about advanced features, or want the tech of an iPhone in a budget-conscious version. It has a 4.7” screen, an advanced single-camera system, and 15 hours of battery life.
Compared to the other models that have 5G connectivity, it lacks Face ID, is not as durable, nor is it as water resistant, and does not have as broad a spectrum of 5G bands, meaning it might not have as fast of internet speeds, but it will still be beyond what 4G is capable of.
iPhone 12 All Models
The iPhone 12 is the earliest iPhone model to still have coverage at 5G speeds. It features a dual camera system, 17 hours of battery life, and a 6.1” screen. It has a weaker processor unit — even compared to the iPhone SE — so it’s not as powerful as the latest models. It has a lower storage capacity, starting at 64 Gigabytes and maxing out at 256.
The iPhone 12 Mini offers the same complement of features but in a smaller 5.4” display, with 15 hours of battery life instead of 17. The Mini is a good option if you think phones are just too big. Both the iPhone 12 and the Mini come in an aluminum frame.
On the other side of things is the iPhone 12 Pro, which offers storage starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB. It also offers an upgrade to the camera, allowing for a great range of zoom and more clarity on Facetime calls. The iPhone 12 Pro Max does the same, but increases the battery life to 20 hours and the display size to 6.7”. Both of these models come with a stainless steel frame.
iPhone 13 All Models
The iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Mini are the next steps up and both offer 5G support. They offer 19 hours and 17 hours of battery life respectively. Their chipset is better than that of all the iPhone 12 lines, but the camera system is actually the same as the iPhone 12 and Mini. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, on the other hand, offer an enhanced camera compared to the iPhone 13.
The screen has been upgraded to be more durable, but the frame is also aluminum. Screen sizes are the same as what you would get with the iPhone 12 line of phones.
The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are actually very close to the basic iPhone 14 line in terms of power. The Pro has some advantages over the iPhone 14 in fact, like ProMotion, which we will talk about when we get to the iPhone 14 Pro.
Offering 22 hours of battery life, the Pro camera system which features three cameras, and a stainless steel frame, the iPhone 13 Pro also features storage that starts at 128GB and goes up to 1 terabyte. That’s a lot of storage space!
You probably guessed it, but the Pro Max increases the screen size and goes up to a 28-hour battery.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus are not far off from the Pro line of phones and are somewhat incremental upgrades from the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. They are immensely durable, with a great dual camera system, which lacks the zoom capabilities of a three-camera system but includes the Photonic Engine for better color. It has more safety options than the iPhone 13 Pro, giving you SOS functions via satellite and crash detection, plus loading content at faster speeds overall.
You get many of the same great features of the iPhone 14 Pro, not including the newest tech listed above, and sacrifice a bit of camera power for a more budget option.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
The Pro line is the latest in iPhone technology. With improvements to the camera and several unique new features, they are the most advanced iPhone available.
The iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1” display, 23 hours of battery life, four levels of optical zoom, and a 48MP three-camera system featuring an ultra-wide telephoto lens. It also upgrades the phone to a stainless steel frame, as well as improving the chipset that runs the device. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is not all that different but offers a few improvements. It has a larger screen at 6.7” and 29 hours of battery life.
Probably the most important new features would be the Always-On display, ProMotion technology, and Dynamic Island. What does all that mean exactly? Let’s check it out.
Always-On Display: This feature allows your phone to continue to display the time and important widgets on your screen even after it locks. No more picking up your phone or pressing the unlock button to check the time.
Dynamic Island: Dynamic Island replaces the notch on older models that houses the front cameras. This black space still houses the cameras and takes up part of the display, but it now functions as a notification area, and, as its name says, dynamically changes shape and size to fit different information.
ProMotion Technology: This technology is designed to make interactions with your phone smoother. Scrolling through text, drawing on your phone, and watching videos should all appear to be smoother and with virtually no lag.
So Which Phone Should You Choose?
You have heard all the features these 5G compatible phones include, but what if that does not help make it any easier to pick? Let’s break it down into what you want to do.
For the Inner Photographer
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are going to offer you the best camera, hands down. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are your next best bets with their 3 cameras offering you three levels of optical zoom.
For the Adventurers
The iPhone 12, 13, and 14 Pro and Pro Max lines all contain stainless steel frames and ceramic shield front glass. These will be more durable than any of the other iPhone options with 5G. With Satellite SOS, the iPhone 14 Pro will be sure to keep you safe when you are out of communication range, and the iPhone 14 is a great backup option as it has this same feature. Don’t forget to check out our broadband plans if you’re going to be away from a WiFi connection.
For the Communicators
You want to be able to talk and text, and you do not want to worry about your phone dying on you while you do. A Mini option might be recommended because the smaller display allows for easier typing and less weight when talking. Most Mini iPhone models have lesser battery life, so choose a more advanced model if you want more talk time.
For the Budget Conscious
Maybe you are not worried about having the latest features on your 5G phone, but just want a quality phone that works and offers the best high-speed connection. The iPhone SE is the most affordable option, while the iPhone 12 is also less expensive. Mini options are usually more affordable than their full-size counterparts, and in many cases, you can get a more current option in a mini form for the same price as an older-generation full-sized phone. That’s just smart money management.
A New Phone
Now that you know all the details, you’re ready to shop. No matter the phone you pick, you will be prepared for blazing-fast internet speeds on your new 5G iPhone.
Sources:
iPhone 14 Pro: What Dynamic Island Does and How to Use It | MacRumors
What is ProMotion? Apple's 120Hz screen tech explained | Trusted Reviews
What is 5G? Definition, Benefits and Use Cases | TechTarget.com