The super-fast data speeds of 5G aren't just limited to the wealthy -- we're now seeing the service become available on much more affordable handsets. What once seemed like a distant dream is now common, with all of the top phones released in the last year, including the iPhone 13 series and Samsung's Galaxy S21, being fully enabled to take advantage of those 5G phone speeds. The Pixel 6 arrived recently too, though the picture regarding 5G is rather murky for Google's new flagship phone.

Though it won't replace 4G in its entirety, 5G is the next generation of mobile connectivity. 5G works fast, and many industries will benefit from the new network, including drones, self-driving cars and the internet of things. Its growth across the US, the UK and the wider world has been fast, but it's still not everywhere, so make sure 5G coverage is available -- or at least coming soon -- in your area before you splash the 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 S21 Ultra even if you're not in a 5G zone. In fact 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.