Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →No—not simply to get mobile service. A 4G LTE phone and plan can still provide service wherever your carrier has LTE coverage, and a 5G phone can use LTE when 5G is unavailable. To access 5G, you generally need local carrier coverage, a compatible phone and SIM, and a plan that allows 5G. None of those labels alone guarantees reliable reception where you use your phone.
What you need for mobile service—and what you need for 5G
4G LTE and 5G-NR are distinct mobile technologies, and both remain part of the mobile-service landscape. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to assess LTE availability alongside 5G availability; that does not mean LTE is equally fast or available everywhere. The FCC’s broadband progress reports track availability by technology.
For ordinary mobile service, you need a phone compatible with your carrier’s network and a plan or account that provides service. That service may use LTE rather than 5G. For 5G access, the pieces generally need to line up:
- Coverage: Your carrier must offer 5G where you are using the phone.
- Compatible device: Your specific phone model must support the carrier’s 5G bands and network.
- Eligible plan and SIM: Your plan must permit 5G access, and the SIM or eSIM must be compatible where required.
Requirements can be device- and carrier-specific. Apple’s guidance, for example, says iPhone users need an iPhone 12 or later, a provider that supports 5G, and a 5G mobile plan; availability varies by country, region, and provider. Apple’s 5G support guide applies to iPhone, not every handset.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Can a 5G phone still work without 5G coverage?
Usually, yes. A 5G phone can fall back to an available older network technology, such as 4G LTE, when 5G is out of range. AT&T says, “Your 5G device will still work when you’re not in a 5G area.” AT&T’s 5G support guidance also identifies coverage, a 5G-capable phone, and an eligible plan as requirements for its 5G service. Samsung likewise describes fallback to 4G or 3G when 5G is unavailable, and notes that a phone may switch to LTE during heavy use. Samsung’s 5G troubleshooting guidance covers device, plan, coverage, and SIM checks.
Fallback keeps a compatible phone from depending on a 5G signal everywhere, but it does not guarantee service: LTE or another supported network must also be available. An LTE-only phone, in turn, cannot connect to 5G, but may still provide mobile service where the carrier’s LTE network is available.
Rank #2
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Does a 5G plan cost extra?
There is no universal rule. Plan eligibility and pricing depend on the carrier, plan, and market, and carrier terms can change. AT&T says 5G access is included at no extra charge on eligible unlimited plans; that statement is specific to those eligible AT&T plans. Check AT&T’s current 5G plan guidance for its conditions.
In Canada, Rogers says its plans include 5G access without an extra charge, subject to its requirements for coverage, a compatible device and SIM, and a 5G plan. That is Rogers’ policy, not a general rule for Canadian carriers. Rogers’ 5G FAQ explains its network and plan conditions.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Compare the actual plan’s monthly price, data and hotspot allowances, and congestion or usage terms. The generation name alone does not tell you what data is included or how service is managed. Verizon notes that plan terms may affect data allowances. Verizon’s 5G overview also describes low-band 5G performance as comparable to its 4G LTE, illustrating why “5G” by itself is not a promise of a particular experience.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check whether your service will be reliable where you use it
- Check the carrier’s coverage map for your regular locations. Look at home, work, and places you travel—not just a broad regional 5G label. Maps show published coverage, not guaranteed indoor reception or performance at every spot.
- Verify your exact phone model. Check the manufacturer’s model details and your carrier’s compatibility information. A phone being 5G-capable does not establish that it supports every carrier’s network or bands.
- Confirm the SIM or eSIM and plan requirements. Ask the carrier whether your current SIM is supported and whether your specific plan enables 5G. Read the plan’s data, hotspot, and congestion terms as well as its price.
- Decide whether an upgrade solves a real need. Consider a 5G phone if you want 5G and your carrier, plan, and usual locations support it. If your LTE phone meets your needs and has service where you use it, 5G is not a prerequisite for staying connected.
Coverage, device compatibility, and plan rules differ by country and carrier. The FCC and AT&T information cited here is U.S.-oriented; Rogers’ plan statements apply to its Canadian service. Verify current details with the carrier before changing plans or buying a phone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Immersive 120Hz display* and Dolby Atmos: Watch movies and play games on a fast, fluid 6.6" display backed by multidimensional stereo sound.
- 50MP Quad Pixel camera system**: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and explore up close using the Macro Vision lens.
- Superfast 5G performance***: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor.
- Massive battery and speedy charging: Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, then fuel up fast with TurboPower.****
- Premium design within reach: Stand out with a stunning look and comfortable feel, including a vegan leather back cover that’s soft to the touch and fingerprint resistant.
Rank #4
- Unlocked: Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other major carriers.
- Super-bright 6.8" display + Bass Boost. Enjoy boundless entertainment on a massive, 120Hz display and stereo speakers with 1.7x more powerful bass***.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Go over a day on a single charge with a 5000mAh battery and blazing-fast charging—even charge wirelessly.*
- 50MP** camera system with OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- Stylish yet durable design. Enjoy the premium look and feel of vegan leather with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and underwater protection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
