What is 5G and
how to get it?
The fifth generation of mobile networks is here, but what is it? Learn more about what 5G means and how it can improve your mobile experience in this article!
Everything you need to know about 5G
Hearing all about 5G connection, but not sure what 5G does and how it would benefit you? You’re not alone. 5G offers significantly faster downloads, quicker uploads, and more people to be connected at the same time. That means fewer delays when using your phone and accessing web content. But you’ll need a 5G enabled phone to access it!
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth-generation of mobile networks, following 2G, 3G, and 4G. The latest phones, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra,Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip5, are now being launched with 5G capability, with network providers following suit to provide 5G enabled plans. With Samsung you can buy either with a 5G enabled plan or SIM free 5G enabled mobile phone.
5G vs 4G. What is the difference?
4G was a big step forward from 3G. But while speeds improved, videos could still buffer and video calls weren’t fully stable. With 5G, all of this has changed. 5G provides a Hyperfast, low latency connection with 5G speeds being around 100 times faster than 4G. With a fraction of the latency of 4G, 5G lets you enjoy fewer delays. You can stream 4K videos, join a video call without a glitch, game on the go, and so much more.
Is it worth getting a 5G phone?
Whether you need 5G right now or not depends on how you use your phone. If you want faster online access, or you’re thinking of buying a new phone, it’s worth considering buying a 5G compatible device. Buying a phone that isn’t 5G-ready means you’ll be capped at 4G speeds until you upgrade to a 5G compatible phone at a later date.
What are the benefits of 5G?
5G allows you to stream and browse at much faster speeds than 4G. You can now download HD films, mobile games or music in a matter of seconds and enjoy the same data speed whether you're at home or on the go. 5G delivers life-changing technologies through next-generation networks and with the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z series phones1 being future ready, you’ll be able to keep doing what you love without any interruptions. Whether it’s glitch free video chatting on your bespoke Galaxy Z Flip5, console-quality gaming3 on the Galaxy Z Fold5’s epic 7.6-inch Infinity Flex4 Display or binge watching the latest Disney+ or Netflix series, you'll be thankful for the superfast speeds of 5G.
Does 5G have lower latency?
Compared to 4G, 5G offers a much lower latency rate. Gone are the days of laggy video calls & buffering Netflix. With 5G, you can enjoy smooth video calling and content streaming at home or outdoors. The increased network speed of 5G allows 4K streaming right from your device, so you can enjoy video quality that’s 4x Full-HD resolution. Plus, whether you’re on a work call or catching up with family virtually, 5G will ensure no one’s video freezes while they’re sneezing.
Is 5G good for gaming?
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. The higher speeds will also allow you to play augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) games which historically needed a stable WiFI or wired connection for smooth gameplay.
Looking for an exceptional smartphone for mobile gaming? Check out the incredible Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Boasting an immersive 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, super-powerful processor, smooth 120Hz scrolling, and 5G connectivity, even the most demanding online multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze. You can find out more about Samsung’s latest cutting-edge gaming phones in our ‘What to look for in a gaming phone' buying guide.
Is 5G available for hotspot?
If you find yourself travelling or away from home often, 5G can allow you to use your mobile device as a hotspot for a reliable and fast internet connection. Whether you want to connect your laptop to get some work done or join a video conference with your co-workers, your 5G device will enable you more freedom and flexibility.
Does 5G use more battery?
Some 5G users have noticed their phone’s battery drained faster than usual. However, this depends on many factors. If you have many applications running in the background or if you are using applications which require more power such as some mobile games, your battery may drain faster than usual regardless of your connections.
You can learn more about how to optimise your mobile battery performance or choose the best battery life phone that is perfect for you in our mobile phone buying guide.
Do I need a new SIM for 5G?
The simple answer is no, you do not need a new SIM for 5G. You can use your existing SIM card on your new 5G phone. However, if you want to enjoy the fast speed that 5G has to offer, you need to make sure your SIM card is 5G compatible! All you need to do is to contact your network provider for a 5G-ready SIM card and make sure your data plan has 5G coverage.
Browse our Samsung monthly contract phone or learn more about SIM free phone here.
How to get 5G?
In order to use 5G, you’ll first need a 5G-ready phone or mobile device. After this, you’ll need to be connected to a mobile network and plan that provides 5G1. With Samsung you can buy your phone with a 5G enabled plan and 5G SIM with one of our 5G compatible phones, or choose to go SIM free if you prefer.
Another factor to consider when it comes to 5G phones is whether you are in a 5G enabled location. 5G has been rolling out across the UK since 2019, and continues to be established all over the world. To check if your location has 5G coverage, contact your preferred network provider.
What Samsung phones have 5G?
The latest Samsung flagship phones are all 5G compatible.
- Galaxy Z Fold5 | Galaxy Z Flip5
- Galaxy Z Fold4 | Galaxy Z Flip4
- Galaxy S24 Ultra | Galaxy S24+ and S24
- Galaxy S23 Ultra | Galaxy S23 & S23+
- Galaxy S22 & S22+ | Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
-Galaxy A55
-Galaxy A35
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A54
- Galaxy A34
And more!
Is 5G available on laptops?
Yes! Many of the best laptops now have 5G connectivity such as the noteworthy Galaxy Book3 Pro 3601 and Galaxy Book2 Pro. These stunning laptops keep you connected even when you can’t access Wi-Fi thanks to their super-fast 5G modem2. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast download and upload speeds so there’s now no need to be held back by a lack of connectivity3.
- 1. Available on the 5G model only.
- 2. 5G services are only supported in 5G enabled locations. Actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment.
- 3. Requires optimal 5G connection.
What is LTE laptop?
LTE is a type of 4G technology that is a halfway point between 3G and 4G. Whether you’re in class, making a presentation or gaming on-the-go, LTE offers faster speeds and stability compared to 3G1. LTE laptops such as the Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE and Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 LTE are superb options if you’re looking to stay connected without the flagship price tag.
1. LTE support may vary by models, country, regions and requires 4G LTE network connection.
Which Samsung laptops can connect to 5G?
The following Samsung Galaxy laptops are now available with 5G:
- Galaxy Book3 Pro 360
- Galaxy Book2 Pro
- Galaxy Book2 Go
- Galaxy Book Pro 360
Ready to make the switch to 5G? You can browse the latest Samsung Galaxy 5G enabled smartphones and 5G enabled laptops right here at samsung.com.
Want to make the switch to 5G? To see the full range, browse Samsung 5G products to see the full range of devices that are 5G compatible or take a look at our 5G-ready phones below:
Galaxy Z
Galaxy S
Galaxy Note
Galaxy A
1. 5G functionality requires compatibility network connection and tariff.
2. Some games require paid subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and controller to play (each sold separately).
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