5G Ultra
5G Ultra explained
5G Ultra is our next level 5G experience. Enjoy greater coverage and improved phone battery life, as well as amazingly fast 5G speeds on our upgraded 5G network.
5G Ultra is currently available on the Samsung Galaxy S21 series and Samsung Galaxy S22 series, with more coming soon.
The benefits of 5G Ultra
Greater coverage
Over 1 million more customers in the UK can connect to our 5G network.
Up to 25% improved battery life
Help prevent the challenge of running out of battery, with up to 3 hours of improved battery performance.
Fast 5G speeds
Experience amazingly fast 5G speeds - around 10 times faster than 4G.
Connect in busy places
Make a call or use your data even when it’s busy – on station platforms, in stadiums, and at festivals.
Where is 5G Ultra available?
We’re rolling out 5G Ultra to a growing number of locations across the UK, including but not limited to London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff. Remember, you’ll need a 5G Ultra-enabled phone to benefit from our 5G Ultra network.
How fast is 5G?
5G and 5G Ultra have average speeds of 150 – 200 Mbps and can reach up to 1 Gbps – this is approximately 10 times faster than 4G.
This means you can download a full HD film in approximately 3 minutes on 5G or 5G Ultra.
Compare 5G Ultra with 5G and 4G
5G Ultra | 5G | 4G |
|---|---|---|
5G Ultra comes with all the benefits of 5G, plus:
| 5G is more responsive than 4G, so streaming is quicker and easier, even in crowded places. With 5G you also benefit from:
| With 4G connectivity, you can expect:
|
How can I get 5G Ultra?
To get 5G Ultra, you'll need a 5G Ultra-enabled device, any Pay monthly plan bought from 24 February 2023 onwards, and to be in an area covered by our 5G Ultra network. Any model from the Samsung Galaxy S21 series or Galaxy S22 series is 5G Ultra ready. 5G Ultra is available at no extra cost to all new and upgrading customers and we’ll let you know when you can connect - there’s nothing you need to do.
In areas without 5G Ultra, you can use our 5G or 4G network. Your 5G Ultra device will then automatically reconnect to the 5G Ultra network once you're back in a 5G Ultra area.
Samsung Galaxy S22+
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
OPPO X3
OPPO X5
Why choose Vodafone 5G?
Reliable, award-winning network
You can rely on our award-winning network to keep you connected to the things and people that matter.
5G in more places across Europe
As well as giving you 5G at home, we’re the first network to bring you 5G abroad.
Unlimited Max data plans
Our Unlimited Max data plans don’t have a speed cap, so your phone can work as fast as it’s meant to on 5G.
No extra cost
5G Ultra costs no more than 4G. We don’t believe you should pay extra for faster speeds, greater coverage, and improved battery life.
Frequently asked questions
5G Ultra is our next level 5G experience.
On 5G Ultra, you can enjoy greater coverage and improved phone battery life, as well as amazingly fast 5G speeds on our upgraded 5G network. It’s powered by our new 5G core network, which is referred to as ‘5G Standalone’ in the industry. 5G Ultra is exclusively available for our Pay monthly customers.
No, you can access 5G Ultra at no extra cost.
The phones in the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, Samsung Galaxy S22 series, Samsung Galaxy S23 Series range, OPPO X3 and OPPO X5 are 5G Ultra ready, with more coming soon.
As this connectivity technology is new to the industry, older devices are unlikely to be 5G Ultra ready. To access the 5G Ultra technology, a smartphone needs to have the right components and software enabled by its manufacturer.
You’ll need a compatible device and to have purchased or upgraded to a new Pay monthly plan from 24 February 2023 onwards to be eligible for 5G Ultra. We’ll notify eligible customers by text when they’re given access to the 5G Ultra network.
You must have the latest software update on your device to use 5G Ultra. To check if there's a system update available for your device, go to Settings > Software update.
5G Ultra is not available when roaming at the moment. If you have a 5G-ready plan and a 5G device, you can roam with 5G wherever it’s available. See where you can access our 5G network in Europe
Greater 5G coverage is due to 5G Ultra's introduction of lower band 5G spectrum. This will allow over 1 million more customers to connect to the 5G network.
As tested on the Samsung S22 device, the 5G Ultra network can provide up to 25% improved battery life (or up to 3 extra hours). This is achieved through the 5G Ultra network's inbuilt battery saving feature. In addition, 5G Ultra is a more efficient network than 5G, communicating with your device less often.
Legal terms
Saving claims verification: see details on the relevant product page.
VAT: All pricing inclusive unless stated otherwise. For prices stated exclusive of VAT, the VAT rate payable is 20%.
Gift with Purchase: See details on product page including any additional terms.
*Annual Price Rise
Pay Monthly Plans (excluding Home Broadband): Monthly price shown and all out of bundle charges will increase each April by the Consumer Price Index rate published in January of that year + plus an additional 3.9%. If you have a Device Plan, this will not affect your monthly Device Plan payments: vodafone.co.uk/pricechanges
Home Broadband: Monthly price will increase each April by the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation published in January that year, plus an additional 3.9%. See vodafone.co.uk/pricechanges for details.
Pay Monthly
Minimum term agreement, eligibility, credit check and terms apply.
Vodafone EVO
Representative example for Device Plans:
Example Device Plan breakdown | |
|---|---|
Total cost of device | £1,000 |
Upfront cost | £100 |
APR | 0% |
Total credit amount | £900 |
Length of contract | 36 months |
Monthly Device Plan cost | £25 |
Figures used in the above (other than the representative APR) are for illustrative purposes only.
Device Plan: means devices purchased from Vodafone under a Consumer Credit Agreement such as phones (Phone Plan), smartwatches (Watch Plan), tablets (Tablet Plan) and laptops (Laptop Plan).
Vodafone EVO:
For Mobile: lets you select a monthly Device Plan Credit Agreement (3-36 months) with a monthly Airtime Plan. Phone Plans over 12 months require a 24-month Monthly Airtime Plan. You can pay off your Device Plan early, and if you do, you can then keep your Airtime Plan on a 30-day contract or leave. If your Airtime Plan ends for any reason, you will need to keep on paying your monthly Device Plan (either in full or monthly)
For Smartwatches: lets you select a monthly Device Plan Credit Agreement (over 3-36 months) with a monthly Connectivity Plan. Watch Plans over 12 months require a 24 month Connectivity Plan. You can pay off your Device Plan early, and if you do, you can keep your Connectivity Plan on a 30-day contract or leave. If your Connectivity Plan ends, the Device Plan is still payable (either in full or monthly). Watch Plans require a Vodafone pay monthly airtime plan and a Connectivity Plan (via Vodafone OneNumber)
For Laptops / Tablets: lets you select a monthly Device Plan Credit Agreement (3-48 months) with a 24 month Data Plan. You can pay off your Device Plan early, and if you do, you can then keep your Data Plan on a 30-day contract or leave. If your Data Plan ends for any reason, you will need to keep on paying your monthly Device Plan (either in full or monthly)
Upgrade from month 3: means a) buying a new Device Plan (which is a credit agreement) and an Airtime/Data/Connectivity Plan (as applicable) and b) either (i) paying off the remaining amount on your current Device Plan prior to upgrading, or (ii) paying for your current Device Plan along with your new Device Plan. Subject to credit check, eligibility and terms.
Trade-in Guarantee: Available when you trade-in an eligible device using our Trade-in Tool, and purchase a new Vodafone Pay Monthly Airtime Plan. Your Trade-in value is guaranteed for 7 days from the date of your Trade-in Quote. Device must be returned within 14 days of the start of your new Airtime Plan and meet our requirements. You can select to receive your Trade-in value via a monthly airtime saving, a credit to your Vodafone account, or a bank transfer. Please see our Trade-in Guarantee terms and conditions, which also details the eligibility criteria.
Trade-in Bonus: Available when we're running a Trade-in Bonus promotion, where you could get an additional bonus on top of the trade-in value for the phone you're trading in, when you buy a new phone. Eligibility for the bonus and the bonus value may vary depending on which phone you're trading in and which new phone you're buying. Please see our Trade-in Bonus terms and conditions, for more information.
Unlimited data: available on Unlimited Lite Plan (max download and upload speed of 2Mbps), Unlimited Plan (max download and upload speeds of 10Mbps) and Unlimited Max Plan. Speed may vary by a number of factors.
5G: You must have a 5G enabled device on the Vodafone 5G network, a Vodafone 5G plan and 5G coverage in the area that you are in. Coverage may be affected by a number of factors. Find out more about our 5G network
Buy-Back Price Guarantee: Customers who bought an eligible phone from Vodafone and trade that phone in via our Trade-in Tool (in a good working condition), whilst upgrading to a new phone and Airtime Plan within the required timeframe, will be entitled to receive a guaranteed buy-back price. Buy-back price varies depending on model variant. Terms apply
iPhone 14 - trade in between 1 September 2023 and 31 October 2023
Samsung Galaxy S23 - trade in between 1 February 2024 and 1 April 2024
iPhone 15 - trade in between 1 September 2024 and 31 October 2024
The UK's Best Phone Buy-Back Price Guarantee: 'UK's Best' because we:
i) guarantee future buy-back price
ii) offer flexible payment options
iii) don't charge extra
iv) offer flexibility to trade in and upgrade from month 3; and
v) boost the trade-in value by £50 vs major competitors.
Details and verification: vodafone.co.uk/buy-back
Roaming
Roaming: using your home data plan to roam in Zone A is included in all of our Pay Monthly plans. For roaming in other destinations, charges will apply depending on which plan you are on.
Roaming Passes: For Pay Monthly customers without European roaming included in their plan, you can purchase an 8 or 15 day European roaming pass to use your monthly UK allowance of calls, texts and data in our Zone B destinations. The 8 day pass is £10 and the 15 day pass is £15. Out of bundle charges such as picture messages, premium calls or premium texts are not covered by this charge. These passes are subject to a 25GB roam fair use policy. Passes become active when you start roaming and only one pass can be used at a time. For more information and terms, visit our roaming page
Mobile Specific Small Print
Lifetime Service Promise: means a) Lifetime warranty covering manufacturer's defects, provided you have an active pay monthly Airtime plan + b) Battery refresh replacing your phone's battery (for 2-3 years) if it fails one of the Battery refresh tool tests. On phones purchased directly from Vodafone.
Lifetime Warranty: is an extended warranty covering manufacturer's defects (on phones purchased via Vodafone directly), provided you have an active pay monthly Airtime plan. Excludes damaged and tampered phones. Terms apply
Battery Refresh: replaces your phone's battery if it fails one of the Battery Refresh Tool tests. Available for up to three years depending on your plan. On phones purchased via Vodafone directly. Excludes damaged and tampered phones. Terms apply
UK's Only Lifetime Service Promise: Vodafone is the only network that offers both i) Lifetime Warranty which covers your phone for manufacturer defects provided you have an active pay monthly Airtime plan, and ii) Battery Refresh which offers phone battery health checks and required replacements for up to 3 years. Terms apply
Smartwatch Specific Small Print
Smartwatch: requires a) Vodafone pay monthly Airtime plan, and b) 12 or 24 month Connectivity Plan (via Vodafone OneNumber). Watch Plans over 12 months require a 24 month Connectivity Plan. Terms apply
Vodafone OneNumber Connectivity Plan ('Connectivity Plan'): uses your minutes, texts and data allowance from your Airtime Plan using Vodafone OneNumber. You must have an Airtime Plan with us in order to purchase a Connectivity Plan. Smartwatch Connectivity plans can be bought for a smartwatch you already own, or for a new smartwatch you purchase through us. Tablet Connectivity plans can only be bought for a tablet you already own.
Two-Year Warranty (formerly called Total Care Warranty) is a 24-month warranty that starts from the date your device (purchased from Vodafone), is dispatched. This covers manufacturer's defects in the materials and workmanship of the device through normal use. Excludes damaged and tampered devices. Not applicable with Laptops. Terms apply
Tablet Specific Small Print
Two-Year Warranty (formerly called Total Care Warranty) is a 24-month warranty that starts from the date your device (purchased from Vodafone), is dispatched. This covers manufacturer's defects in the materials and workmanship of the device through normal use. Excludes damaged and tampered devices. Not applicable with Laptops. Terms apply
Pay As You Go
Unlimited Bundle: An Unlimited Pay as you go Bundle lasts for 30 days. Your bundle will automatically renew every 30 days if you have enough credit. To opt out call 2345. Includes unlimited data and unlimited minutes and texts: minutes to standard mobiles and landlines (UK: 01, 02, 03) and standard texts (excluding MMS) to use in the UK and Zone A. Unlimited Bundle terms, exclusions and destinations
Pay as you go Bundles (Big Value Bundle) excluding Unlimited Bundle: Unlimited minutes to standard mobiles and landlines (UK: 01, 02, 03), standard texts and a set allowance of data (excluding Extras) to use in the UK and Zone A. Last 30 days. Automatically renews every 30 days if you have enough credit. Opt out by calling 2345. Pay as you go Bundles are also known as Big Value Bundles. For more information, please visit our Pay as you go Bundles terms and conditions page
Total Rollover: Any unused allowance from your current Pay as you go Bundle will only rollover from one bundle to the next, for use in the next 30-day period, if your Pay as you go Bundle renews automatically.
Pay as you go 1: You'll pay just £1 each day you use your phone, which gives you: Unlimited minutes, Unlimited texts, 50MB of data to use until midnight. For more information, please visit our Pay as you go 1 terms and conditions page
Roaming: Your data usage is for use in the UK and Zone A destinations only, unless you purchase one of our roaming extras. For more info and destinations beyond Zone A, visit our extras page. For terms visit our terms and conditions pages
Home Broadband
Home Broadband: For details and terms see our Home Broadband page
Insurance
These terms are available in our terms and conditions pages
If you're a consumer go to Consumer then Insurance then Insurance terms and conditions
If you're a sole trader go to Business then Insurance then Insurance - Current
Very Me
VeryMe Rewards: See My Vodafone app for end dates and full terms and conditions. Pay as you go customers must have topped up at least £10 credit on their account in the last 6 weeks to participate.
VeryMe won A Silver in the Brand Partnership Activation of the Year category and a Gold in the Loyalty Activation of the Year category at the 2020 IPM Awards. See verification on the IPM website
VeryMe helped Vodafone win Best Network for Loyalty and Retention at the Mobile Industry Awards 2020. See verification on the Techrader website
Vodafone VeryMe, TMW Unlimited and Mando-Connect won Best Use of CRM at the Loyalty Magazine Awards 2020. See verification on the IPM website
Network
Reliable, award-winning network: The UK relies on Vodafone as a network provider as it:
i) powers critical national infrastructure and 77% of emergency services,
ii) has coverage in 99% of UK homes,
iii) covers 96% of the UK; and
iv) has won numerous awards.
See full details and awards on our Network page
For full terms and conditions, visit our terms and conditions page
Finance subject to status and credit checks. 18 +. Direct debit required. Credit provided by Vodafone Limited, FCA reference Number: 712210, Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN