4G vs 5G: What’s the difference?
Published 27/07/2026
10 minute read
Overview
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between 4G and 5G really is, don’t worry – you’re not alone. While both technologies keep your phone connected to the internet, they offer different levels of speed, responsiveness, and network performance. Understanding how they compare can help you make the most of your mobile experience and decide whether upgrading to a 5G device is right for you.
How does 5G compare to 4G?
In simple terms, both 4G and 5G are mobile network technologies that keep your smartphone connected – whether you’re streaming video, browsing, gaming, or making video calls.
5G, short for fifth generation, is the latest global standard for mobile connectivity and the successor to 4G. Compared with previous generations it delivers significantly faster download and upload speeds, lower latency and much higher capacity to support more connected devices.
By combining newer radio technology, improved network infrastructure and access to additional spectrum, 5G can deliver faster, more reliable performance than traditional 4G networks.
Think of 5G as the next evolution of mobile connectivity. While 4G made mobile streaming and video calling commonplace, 5G takes things further with faster speeds, near-instant responsiveness, and the ability to connect many more devices at once. That means smoother streaming, quicker downloads and a better gaming experience. It also enables advanced capabilities like network slicing, which allows different types of traffic to be prioritised, helping to maintain reliable performance for services like video calls and gaming – even during busy periods.
The technology
4G LTE is the foundation of mobile connectivity. It delivers reliable coverage and consistent performance for everyday connectivity but has limited capacity and can become congested in busy areas.
5G NSA (Non-Standalone) is the most common form of 5G today. It combines 5G radio technology with a 4G core, enabling operators to roll out 5G quickly, delivering faster speeds and greater capacity. However, reliance on the 4G core limits some advanced capabilities, including the lowest possible latency and full network slicing.
5G SA (Standalone) is the full implementation of 5G. It uses a dedicated 5G core network with no dependence on 4G infrastructure, unlocking significantly lower latency, improved efficiency, enhanced reliability and advanced network capabilities like network slicing. It provides the foundation for the next generation of connected experiences, from cloud gaming and augmented reality to smart cities and autonomous technologies.
Feature | 4G | 5G |
|---|---|---|
Download speed | Up to 300Mbps | Up to 50Gbps |
Latency | ~36-58ms | ~1-10ms |
Capacity | Good | Much higher |
Coverage | Extensive UK coverage | Growing rapidly |
Network architecture | LTE core | NSA or SA |
Advanced features | Limited | Network slicing and advanced IoT support |
How fast is 5G compared to 4G?
One of the biggest differences between 4G and 5G is download speed – how long it takes a video or app to download or for a webpage to fully appear. 5G can deliver much faster speeds than 4G, as well as significantly lower latency, making browsing, streaming and gaming feel much more responsive.
Speed comparison
Based on a RootMetrics report from the first half of 2025
Network type | Average download speeds | Peak download speeds | Theoretical maximum download speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
4G | 36.4 Mbps | 90 Mbps+ | 300 Mbps |
5G | 80-210 Mbps | 916.8 Mbps+ | 10-50 Gbps |
Latency
Latency is the time it takes for your device to communicate with the network – often referred to as ‘lag’, it affects how quickly your actions gets a response, whether that’s opening a link, sending a message or pressing a button in a game. Lower latency means a more responsive experience, helping online games feel smoother, video calls feel more natural and connected devices respond quicker.
5G significantly reduces latency compared to 4G, helping these actions feel almost instant.
- 4G latency: ~36-58 milliseconds
- 5G latency: can drop to ~1-10 milliseconds
How does 5G coverage compare to 4G?
4G provides coverage across more than 99% of populated areas and is designed to deliver a reliable connection over long distances, including indoors. While 5G coverage continues to expand, it uses a mix of different frequences to balance coverage, capacity and speed. Higher frequency 5G can deliver much faster speeds than 4G but the signals don’t travel as far and can be more easily affected but obstacles such as buildings and trees. That’s why 5G requires a denser network of sites and infrastructure to deliver its full performance.
As 5G Standalone deployment grows, coverage and performance will continue to improve, helping unlock the full potential of 5G – from faster, more responsive connectivity to entirely new services and experiences.
You can check coverage in your area using our mobile coverage map
What are the benefits of 5G over 4G?
Faster speeds
5G can deliver significantly faster download and upload speeds than 4G, making it faster to download large files, stream high-quality video and access cloud-based services. In some areas 5G can also provide a viable alternative to traditional copper broadband (FTTC – Fibre to the cabinet), helping bring high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses that don’t yet have access to full-fibre broadband.
Lower latency
Latency is the time it takes for your device to communicate with the network. 5G reduces this delay, creating a more responsive experience for activities such as online gaming, video calls and controlling connected devices.
Greater capacity
5G networks can support many more connected devices at the same time. This helps maintain performance in buys locations such as city centres, transport hubs, stadiums and large events.
New capabilities
5G Standalone networks support advanced capabilities such as network slicing, allowing network resources to be tailored to different types of traffic and services. This helps unlock new features that aren’t possible on traditional 4G networks.
Built for the future
As demand for mobile data continues to grow, 5G provides the foundation for the next generation of connected devices, services and applications. It also helps support emerging technologies that require faster, more responsive and reliable connectivity.
4G made mobile internet mainstream; 5G builds on that foundation with faster speeds, lower latency, greater capacity and advanced capabilities designed for the future.
How do I get 5G?
To access 5G, you’ll need three things:
A 5G compatible smartphone – most modern smartphones support 5G. You can check if your phone supports 5G using our device help guides, or by checking with your manufacturer. We also have a handy guide on 5G phones to help you choose.
A 5G enabled SIM or eSIM and Airtime Plan – your plan must include 5G and you’ll need a compatible SIM. You can check if your plan includes 5G by logging into My Vodafone and selecting ‘Plans’. We also have more information on eSIM and SIM only deals
5G coverage – you’ll need to be in an area with 5G network coverage. You can check coverage in your area using our coverage map
If you have everything required, your phone should automatically connect to 5G when it’s available.
Learn more in our guide: What is 5G?