In order to access Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, you need a 5G phone. Verizon offers a nice selection of 5G phones with a variety of features, specs, and prices. However, Verizon’s 5G network currently covers about 11% of the U.S., so you’ll want to consider whether you get Verizon 5G coverage in your area.

In this Verizon 5G phone guide:


Which Verizon 5G phones are available?

Verizon sells a variety of 5G phones from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and OnePlus. Verizon 5G phones range in price from several hundred dollars to well over $1,000, with all 5G phones available for monthly installment plans, which can help ease the burden of paying one lump sum for a new phone. Whether you’re a fan of the Samsung Galaxy series, enjoy the utility of the S Pen in the Note models, or want the versatility of an LG foldable phone, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Bring your own 5G phone to Verizon

If you don’t see the 5G phone you want through Verizon, you can always buy a new 5G phone through a retailer or manufacturer and bring your 5G phone to Verizon. Just make sure that the 5G phone is unlocked and compatible with Verizon’s network. If you happen to buy a 5G phone through another carrier, you’ll need to buy it outright (as opposed to via monthly installments) so that it’s unlocked when you switch to Verizon.


Should you buy a Verizon 5G phone?

The main thing to consider when deciding whether you should buy a Verizon 5G phone or not is 5G coverage. As of now, Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network covers just 11% of the country, with the best coverage being in Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, and Maryland. Given Verizon’s limited 5G coverage, it may be a little early to invest in a Verizon 5G phone, but you can check out Verizon’s 5G coverage map below just to make sure.

Before buying a verizon 5g phone, you should check verizon’s 5g coverage NEAR YOU

Verizon 5G speeds vs. competitors

It will be very exciting once Verizon’s 5G network expands because Verizon’s 5G speeds are currently the fastest out of the major carriers—and when we say the fastest, we mean it’s not even a competition. According to Open Signal, Verizon’s 5G speeds are ten times faster than T-Mobile’s and eight times faster than AT&T’s 5G speeds. This is because Verizon is using a millimeter-wave spectrum to bring you 5G service. This millimeter-wave spectrum is capable of carrying mass amounts of data at extremely high speeds and with incredibly low latency or delay.

Compare features, specs, & deals

If you’re an early adopter and can’t help buying the latest and greatest tech, then you’ll want to compare prices and specs to find the right Verizon 5G phone for you. Some people may prefer the sophisticated cameras and beautiful display of the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, while others may like the budget-friendly price of the Galaxy A series. For customers loyal to the LG brand, the LG V50 ThinQ might be a nice option.

But before you make a final decision, you’ll want to check out the best Verizon cell phone deals before making a decision. We update the list every single week to reflect the most up-to-date Verizon phone deals, many of which include buy one, get one (BOGO) deals and trade-in deals.


How to buy a Verizon 5G phone

As with all of Verizon’s other smartphones, you can buy a Verizon 5G phone one of two ways:

  • Outright (pay the full retail price)
  • 24-month payment plan

Buying a Verizon 5G phone requires that you pay the full retail price of the phone upfront when you checkout. This can be rather costly, though, with some 5G phones costing upwards of $1,500. Most people choose to go the monthly installment route because Verizon breaks up the RRP of your 5G phone into 24 equal monthly payments. Verizon’s payment plan includes $0 down for qualified customers, 0% interest, and a one-time activation fee. A caveat to the installment plan is that you don’t own your Verizon 5G phone until you make the 24 monthly payments. This means that you’ll have to stay with Verizon for 2 years unless you’re willing to pay off the remaining balance on your 5G device before the installment period is up.


Pros & cons of getting a Verizon 5G phone

Pros:

  • Access to Verizon’s 5G growing network
  • Lightning-fast 5G speeds if Verizon 5G covers your area
  • Verizon 5G phones are some of the latest and greatest devices
  • Awesome perks and features on Verizon’s unlimited plans
  • Access to Verizon’s top 4G LTE network (which 5G phones connect to if 5G isn’t available)

Cons:

  • Verizon’s 5G network currently covers about 11% of the country.
  • Verizon’s unlimited plans tend to be expensive.
  • By the time Verizon’s 5G network has expanded, there will likely be newer and better 5G phones available.

Verizon 5G phone plans

If you decide to purchase a Verizon 5G phone, you’re going to need a Verizon 5G phone plan in order to access Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. Verizon customers on Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, or Get More Unlimited have access to Verizon’s 5G network. Customers on the lowest tier unlimited plan, Start Unlimited, have to pay an additional $10/month to access Verizon’s 5G network.

If you’re currently on a Verizon cell phone plan that isn’t eligible for 5G access, you can always upgrade your Verizon plan online to one of the eligible unlimited plans. It’s super easy to do and takes just a few minutes of your time.

Verizon unlimited plans for 5G phones