What is 5G, and how is it different from 4G?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile network, and the short version is that it is faster and handles crowds better than 4G. Downloads land quicker, video buffers less, and busy places like stations or festivals cope better when everyone is online at once.
For most day to day use, 4G is still perfectly fine. Where 5G pulls ahead is speed and responsiveness, especially in busy areas or when you are tethering a laptop. Think of it as a wider motorway rather than a brand new car.
So is 5G actually worth it for you? That comes down to a few simple things.
Is 5G worth it for you?
For a lot of people, yes, and increasingly you get it whether you went looking for it or not. Around 94% of SIM only plans now include 5G, usually at no extra cost, so most new deals come with it as standard.
Whether you actually notice the difference is the real question. If you stream on the move, game, work off your phone or live somewhere with strong 5G coverage, it is a genuine upgrade. If you mostly browse on wifi at home, 5G is a nice to have rather than a must.
5 things to check before you switch to 5G
Before you pick a 5G plan, run through these. They take a couple of minutes and stop you paying for something you cannot use yet.
Your 5G checklist
- Check 5G coverage at home and work on the network’s own map.
- Make sure your phone supports 5G. Older handsets do not.
- Compare the price against a 4G plan. If 5G costs the same, take it.
- Look at the data allowance, since faster speeds make it easier to use more.
- Keep an eye on battery, as 5G can use a little more on some phones.
Does 5G cost more than 4G?
Usually not any more. There was a time when 5G came at a premium, but that has largely faded. On most networks, 5G is bundled in at the same price as 4G, so you rarely pay extra for the faster option.
That is good news for switchers. You can often move to a 5G deal without spending more, and sometimes for less than your current plan, depending on your usage. Our guide to cheap mobile networks shows how the smaller providers offer 5G on the big networks’ masts.
Is 5G coverage good enough yet?
It depends where you are. 5G coverage has spread fast across towns and cities, and it keeps improving, but it is still patchy in some rural and indoor spots. The regulator Ofcom tracks how far each network reaches.
Before you commit, check your own postcode on the network’s coverage map. Strong 5G where you spend your time makes the upgrade worthwhile. Weak coverage means a good 4G plan may serve you better for now. If you already own your handset, a SIM only deal is usually the cheapest way onto 5G, and SIM only versus a phone contract explains why.
Frequently asked questions about 5G
- Do I need a new phone for 5G?
- Yes, if your current handset only supports 4G. Most phones from the last few years are 5G ready, but older models are not.
- Does 5G use more data?
- Not by itself, but faster speeds make it easier to stream and download more, so your usage can creep up. Keep an eye on your allowance.
- Is 5G worth it in a rural area?
- Often less so, for now. 5G coverage is strongest in towns and cities. Check your postcode on the network map before you switch.
- Will 5G drain my battery faster?
- On some phones, a little. The effect is usually small, and many handsets switch between 4G and 5G to save power.
