What is 5G?

5G has the potential to revolutionise the way we use our phones, with speeds that could be up to 100 times faster than 4G. And with networks rolling out their 5G coverage across more of the UK and most new handsets being released with 5G compatibility, now could be the perfect time to upgrade to 5G.

Most SIM cards offer 5G speeds for no extra cost. So, provided you have a 5G-compatible device, you can make the most of these faster speeds without having to pay more. If you’re tempted, take a look at our best mobile phone contracts and SIM only deals.

Or, if you’re still wondering what all the fuss is about with 5G, here’s what you need to know about 5G to help you decide if it’s worth upgrading.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth and new generation of mobile internet technology and a serious step up from 4G.

5G can be up to 100 times faster than 4G, although real life speeds are currently measuring at between 1.4 and 14 times faster than 4G.

It should ultimately enable you to download movies and stream music within seconds, rather than minutes. And it could eradicate the lag time or slight delay you may experience when gaming.

How fast is 5G?

5G is much faster than 4G. It has the potential to reach speeds of 10 Gbps, (gigabits per second), compared with 4G at 100 Mbps, meaning it could be up to 100 times faster.

But in reality, current 5G download speeds are measuring between 1.4 and 14 times faster than 4G speeds. So, while it doesn’t deliver the lightning-quick speeds we were initially promised, it’s still a massive step up from 4G, especially as it becomes more widely available across the UK.

When using 5G, it’s possible to download a 4K movie, (100 GB) in less than 90 seconds, compared to over two hours with 4G.

However, it’s worth pointing out these are the potential top speeds with 5G and it isn’t available everywhere right now. Even if you buy a 5G phone and price plan, while you may have the technology, you may still not be able to make full use of it, depending on where you live or work.

Which smartphones support 5G?

To get 5G, you’ll need to start by buying a 5G compatible phone. And brands including Apple, Samsung and Huawei all sell 5G phones. In fact, all iPhones from the iPhone 12 onwards are compatible with 5G. You just need to make sure you also have a 5G SIM card and you’re in an area that has 5G connectivity to enjoy the faster speeds.

Is 5G a lot better than 4G?

While 5G is unquestionably a lot faster than 4G, to get the optimum speed, (as well as having a 5G handset and price plan), you’ll need good 5G coverage in the area you’re in.

So if you live in an area with poor 5G coverage and want to download a movie or stream music, you may be unlikely to see much benefit.

On the downside, using 5G can mean you lose battery power faster compared with 4G.

Is 5G more expensive than 4G?

You might imagine 5G would be more expensive than 4G but that’s not necessarily the case.

While the cost of buying a new phone is a factor if you want to upgrade to a 5G phone, once you’ve got one, you can pick up 5G SIM only deals from under £5 a month.

As 5G can make streaming and downloading faster and easier, it’s worth checking your data usage package to ensure you’re covered, and not likely to be liable for extra charges if you exceed your current limit.

Should I get a 5G phone?

If you don’t have 5G, there’s no need to worry that your phone will stop working or work any less efficiently than normal if you stick with 4G. However, with news that many networks have switched off their 3G coverage, it’s worth considering a 5G device next time you upgrade your handset to futureproof your purchase.

Right now, whether you stick with your existing handset if you’re happy with it, or upgrade to a 5G phone depends very much on your mobile habits.

If you tend to use your phone for business and often need to download or send big files, or use your phone for streaming or gaming, it may be worth considering a 5G model next time round.

Before doing this, it’s worth making sure you’re nearing the end of your contract, or beyond any minimum term, otherwise you could be clobbered with penalty fees.