You need 5G if you want significantly faster downloads, smoother high-res streaming/gaming, and better performance in crowded areas, especially if you live in a 5G-covered zone; otherwise, if 4G suffices for your data use (browsing, social media) and 5G coverage is poor, sticking with 4G is fine, as 5G becomes essential for future tech like AR/VR, but isn't a must-have today for basic use.
5G Speeds in Australia: Benefits
While 4G networks typically offered download speeds of up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second), 5G can reach staggering speeds of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second). This means that a movie that would take minutes to download on 4G can now be downloaded in mere seconds on a 5G network.
(But if you were to build a brand new network today, you would likely use 5G only.) They won't even starting thinking about 4G obsolescence until 6G is established, in the early 2030s.
The biggest difference between 4G and 5G is the speed. 5G has the potential to be up to 10 times faster, because the way 5G works means that it uses smaller wavelengths and much higher frequencies which can support far more simultaneous connections than 4G.
5G can act as many different networks
While 4G networks were mostly designed for phones, 5G networks were designed for much more flexible use, replacing the need for many special-purpose networks. They can even function as many separate networks – all at the same time. This cool 5G technology is called network slicing.
Definitely! As 5G is a big improvement from 4G in terms of latency rate and speed, it offers a far better gaming experience. If you're a gamer, 5G will enable you to play online games without a hitch - on both mobile and gaming devices as well as laptops through a hotspot.
While 5G's algorithms are even more comprehensive than its predecessors, users are still vulnerable to cyberattacks. One area of concern is encryption. While apps on 5G networks are encrypted, the 5G NR standard doesn't have end-to-end encryption, leaving it open to certain kinds of attacks.
5G may be the new standard of wireless internet, but 4G still has its uses, especially if you need online backup. 4G technology has been available for 15 years, and experts consider 2030 to be the year we'll begin phasing it out.
The cost of 5G technology
While you might think you'd be expected to pay more for 5G than 4G, in many cases, you'd be wrong. Networks like Vodafone, Three, O2 and EE have made 5G a standard part of their new plans. It just comes down to whether you have a 5G-compatible mobile phone to actually be able to use it.
With network switching, poor signal strength, and data-hungry apps, 5G devices can drain batteries faster than 4G models. However, by adjusting network settings, switching to Wi-Fi when possible, and using battery-saving modes, you can significantly extend your phone's battery life.
While 2G and 3G networks are now being phased out globally, both 4G and 5G networks continue to coexist. If a 5G network isn't available, the phone will automatically connect to a 4G network, or possibly an earlier network service, depending on availability.
5G can deliver faster speeds, but only in well-covered areas. NBN provides wider coverage across Australia.
Here are some of the most popular devices to be affected: Alcatel 2038 Alcatel OneTouch 2045 Apple iPhone 5 Apple iPhone 5C Apple iPhone 5S Aspera A42 Doro PhoneEasy 623 OPTUS Doro 6521 Google Pixel 2 XL Huawei E5331 Huawei E5251s-2 Huawei Y6 Prime Nokia 301 Oppo A57 Oppo F1s Oppo F5 Youth Optus X Smart Samsung Galaxy ...
5G, the latest generation of mobile networking, surpasses 4G network capabilities and exceeds 4G's goals for general speeds, latency and density. 5G offers significantly faster speeds, up to 100 times faster than 4G, typically up to 1 Gbps, and supports advanced use cases, such as AI applications and edge computing.
Optus remains in first place for 5G Download Speed
Optus wins the 5G Download Speed award outright for the sixth consecutive time. Optus wins with a score of 208.7Mbps, comfortably ahead of Telstra and Vodafone, which place in second and third, respectively.
Conventional network systems, like cable and fiber infrastructure, provide better connectivity and reliability overall. 5G will not replace cable or fiber internet. Rather, 5G can complement wired internet services.
Turning off 5G really extends your battery life.
Switching 5G off saves battery because, when connected to a 5G signal, your cell phone is basically connecting to a bunch of different, smaller networks all at once. This rapid loss of charge may also cause your phone to heat up.
It depends on your needs. If you live in an area with strong 5G coverage and regularly stream, game, or download large files, upgrading can deliver noticeably faster speeds and lower latency. If coverage in your area is limited or you're happy with 4G, you may prefer to wait.
T-Mobile currently covers about 95% of the U.S. population and leads the nation in 5G coverage, reaching over 330 million people. Its mid-band 5G spectrum (2.5GHz) provides an ideal balance between speed and range — offering better performance than AT&T's low-band 5G and broader reach than Verizon's mmWave network.
A modern 4G phone in 2025 can still provide an excellent mobile experience for most daily tasks. You can expect: Reliable internet browsing and social media use. Smooth video streaming in HD.
Factors such as network congestion, signal strength and coverage, device limitations, background apps, data throttling, and SIM card issues all play a role in your 4G experience.
The good news is that 4G LTE will be available for at least a decade to come, and will co-exist with 5G networks. In this post, we'll provide updates on the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks and the outlook for 4G LTE and 5G networks, to support those who are planning their migration path.
Cybersecurity risks: The expansion of 5G networks increases the number of connected devices, raising the threat of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. With more data traveling over the network, the potential for cyberattacks or breaches becomes a concern.
If you're on the move and need high-speed internet for your phone or tablet, 5G is an excellent option. It provides enough bandwidth for 4K streaming and competitive gaming. But at home, a fiber broadband plan is still the smarter choice.
'Not worth it'
It found that while phones often display the 5G logo, the data being transmitted is still carried by older 4G infrastructure. The difference isn't always obvious to users, but it can mean slower downloads and buffering in places where they expect the ultra-fast network.