5G vs 4G: What’s the difference?

We’ve come a long way since 1979, when first-generation wireless gave us mobile voice calls. 2G introduced text messaging. With 3G came web browsing, basic computing, and mobile apps. 4G gave us speed and video. The latest wireless standard—5G—has arrived, promising even higher data speed and improved connectivity.

But what exactly is the difference between 4G and 5G? What does the new capability mean for individual and business communications? 

At Asurion, our tech experts help millions of customers make smarter tech decisions every day. Whether you’re looking to protect your smart home devices, make your home internet faster, or solve common smart home tech issues, we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know about choosing 4G vs 5G network technology.

What is 4G?

Introduced into the markets towards the end of the 2000s, 4G is the fourth generation of cellular network technology. It transmits data, with download speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps in ideal conditions.

Like other cellular connectivity, 4G operates via a radio system:

1. Cell towers send out a radio signal.
2. Your device connects to the nearest one.
3. Data travels back and forth between your device and the internet.

However, 4G introduced several capabilities that previous generations of mobile networking couldn’t support:

• Multiple traffic types, including voice, video, and data
• IP-based communication methods for all traffic types
• Improved bandwidth efficiency through carrier aggregation and orthogonal frequency-division multiple access

These benefits allowed 4G to become the most innovative generation of cellular technology in the 2010s and achieve near-universal usage within the decade. Millions of users still use 4G around the world. However, reports project that 5G will surpass 4G connections in North America in 2025. 

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth and latest generation of cellular network technology. Like 4G, 5G cell towers use radio waves to connect devices to network infrastructures and transmit data between them. However, it’s far superior to all the previous generations. It offers:

• Increased energy savings for connected devices
• Enhanced connectivity
• Faster network speeds
• Real-time communication capabilities
• High-frequency spectrum usage to support faster internet speed and more devices

Differences between 4G and 5G

The main difference between 4G and 5G is that 5G offers significantly improved capabilities over 4G 

Technical 

5G isn’t just a faster version of 4G but a complete overhaul of how networks operate.

Base stations

One key difference between 4G and 5G is the technology that transmits signals. Like previous generations, 4G transmits signals from cell towers. However, 5G uses small cell technology — low-powered antennas the size of pizza boxes placed much closer together on light poles, rooftops, or inside buildings to improve coverage and support more devices in a busy area.

Signal Splitting

Both 4G and 5G use a technique called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which splits a wireless signal into multiple, narrower frequency channels to avoid interference. In 4G, these channels are usually between 1.4 MHz and 20 MHz wide. With 5G, the system can handle 100 MHz channels or more, which allows it to deliver faster speeds and lower latency.

Performance

Latency, speed, and capacity are the most important performance metrics of a cellular network technology. 5G significantly improves on these metrics compared to 4G.

Latency

One of the noticeable performance differences between 4G and 5G is latency. 5G offers lower latency than 4G, with an average range of 1 to 10 milliseconds. Since a 5G network processes data closer to where it’s needed, instead of sending it to a central data center, data travels a shorter distance to cut down on delay. 4G latency ranges from 20 milliseconds to 40 milliseconds. 

Download speed

5G uses a new radio interface designed for wider bandwidth and higher frequency that delivers faster download speeds. Unlike 4G’s speed that typically ranges between 20 to 1000 Mbps, 5G's maximum download speed can reach 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps in ideal conditions. However, the typical speed ranges from 1 Gbps to 3 Gbps.

Capacity

To enhance network capacity, 5G deploys more antennas across smaller, more distributed, sites. As such, 5G supports more users and connected devices simultaneously, an area where 4G often fell short.

Application and use cases 

New applications and use cases for 5G are being discovered every day. But here are some common examples that show how people are already using 5G to transform their world.

Enhanced mobile broadband

One of the most immediate applications of 5G is improving mobile internet access. It’s not just about faster download speeds, but more about delivering a consistent, strong connection, even in areas where the current network struggles.

Consider, for example, the times you’ve tried to stream an ultra-high definition video on a busy network like a busy airport? With 4G, you often hit limits. The network gets overloaded, the speed drops, and the experience becomes frustrating. 5G can handle such a situation with ease by offering you:

• Higher bandwidth, so more data can move at once
• Faster speed, often 10X or more than 4G
• Greater capacity to serve many users without slowing down

Smart homes

5G is set to improve smart home devices in several ways. Firstly, its high bandwidth supports many devices that communicate constantly without lag. Your camera, voice assistants, smart locks, and other smart appliances can capture, process, and sync info in real time without delay or dropouts.

Secondly, the low latency can allow your smart home devices to communicate with each other and the cloud almost instantaneously. As such, your smart devices can respond to commands faster and work together seamlessly.

AR/VR

Beyond faster speeds, 5G brings latency down to just a few milliseconds. The near-instantaneous response time is critical for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), where every interaction and response needs to happen in real time. This responsiveness makes AR and VR experiences feel more natural and immersive, as action and visuals stay in perfect sync.

Autonomous vehicles

5G sets the foundation for autonomous vehicle networks. Since self-driving cars rely on rapid communication between vehicles and traffic systems, 5G’s low latency, high speed, and capacity to handle a large amount of data can support a fully connected transportation ecosystem. With 5G, data exchange happens in milliseconds, allowing vehicles to respond to road changes, avoid collisions, and optimize routes with far more accuracy than before.

Choosing between 4G and 5G comes down to what you need from your network. If you’re happy with solid speeds for browsing, streaming, and everyday apps, 4G still works well. But if you want faster downloads, lower lag, and better performance for smart devices, gaming, or even future tech like autonomous vehicles, 5G offers a clear advantage. No matter which option you go with, knowing the differences can help you make the best choice for how you live, work, and stay connected.

Here’s a Discovery- and SEO-optimized FAQ section for your blog on 5G vs 4G: What’s the difference?, focusing on commonly searched questions and People Also Ask (PAA) queries not already directly addressed in the article:

FAQ

Do I need a new phone to use 5G?

Yes, if your current phone is not 5G-compatible. If your device only supports 4G, it will continue to connect to 4G networks even if 5G is available in your area.

Is 5G more secure than 4G?

5G is designed with stronger security measures than 4G, including improved encryption and better protection against spoofing and hacking. However, like any network, security also depends on your device settings and how you use it.

Does 5G drain your battery faster than 4G?

In some cases, yes. Using 5G can use more battery, especially in areas where the signal is weak and your phone is constantly searching for a better connection. Many newer devices have optimizations to manage this.

Is it worth upgrading to a 5G phone now?

If you live in an area with strong 5G coverage or need faster speeds for gaming, streaming, or remote work, upgrading can be worth it. If 5G coverage is limited in your area, sticking with 4G for now might make more sense.

How can I tell if my phone is using 4G or 5G?

Most phones show a small icon at the top of the screen that says “5G” when connected to a 5G network. If you see “4G” or “LTE,” your device is connected to a 4G network instead.