What is 5G and do you need it in a smartphone

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks after 4G (LTE). It brings faster mobile internet, lower latency and lets the network serve far more devices at the same time.

5G as a multi-lane motorway for data

In plain words

Picture a road. 3G is a narrow country lane, 4G is a decent highway, and 5G is a wide motorway with many lanes and smart traffic lights. More cars (data) travel faster with fewer jams. But the motorway isn't everywhere: leave it and you're back on the 4G highway.

How it works

The phone connects to the operator's base station on certain frequencies - bands.
5G uses wider frequency bands, so it carries more data per second.
New coding methods and many antennas (Massive MIMO) let it serve more people at once.
At first 5G often runs "on top of" 4G (NSA), and later as a separate network (SA) with even lower latency.
If there's no 5G, the phone switches to 4G automatically.

A 5G base station serving many devices at once

Where you'll see it

5G support is listed in the specs of smartphones, tablets, routers and even watches (a lighter version called 5G RedCap). In our comparisons it shows up in the "Connectivity" row or in the version name - for example, Galaxy Tab S11 Wi-Fi and 5G. For 5G to work, the phone must support the bands your operator uses.

Does it matter when buying

It depends on how long you plan to keep the phone and whether there's 5G in your area. Before buying, I'd check your operator's coverage map. If you're keeping the phone for three or four years, 5G is worth having for the future. For a tablet that lives at home on Wi-Fi, paying extra for a modem often makes no sense.

Myths

Myth: 5G is bad for your health. Reality: Scientific research has found no harm when established radiation limits are respected - and 5G operates within them, like previous generations.
Myth: 5G drains the battery much faster. Reality: The first 5G phones did. Modern modems are much more efficient, though power use rises when the signal is weak.

FAQ

Will a 5G phone work on a 4G network?

Yes, 5G smartphones fully support 4G and 3G.

What is 5G RedCap?

A simplified 5G for watches and other small devices - slower, but more efficient.

Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?

Usually not, but it depends on the operator - better ask them.