Key Points:
- 5G is around 10x faster than 4G, with average download speeds of 200 Mbps.
- 4G is slower, but still remains consistent around the country for streaming and playback.
- 5G features near-zero latency.
- Even basic 5G bands are significantly faster than 4G LTE bands due to how they work.
Looking to understand the difference between 4G and 5G? Then you've come to the right place. While all of Talkmobile's SIM Only plans support 4G and 5G as standard, they are fundementally different and will affect how responsive and snappy your phone feels when browsing the web or streaming content.
This straightforward guide goes through everything you need to know about the two cellular network standards, including speeds, coverage, capacity, and availability in 2026.
How 4G vs 5G connectivity works
4G was introduced in 2012 with the promise of high-speed internet connections for the streaming generation. Its use of traffic via data packets enabled HD and 4K video playback, with speeds up to 5 times faster than 3G, the previous mobile network standard. Think of 4g as a wholesale upgrade of 3G using the existing systems in place.
Meanwhile, 5G is completely different. With 5G, there is no longer a need for large standalone towers, as 5G small cell nodes can be deployed in clusters across a wider area. This means far greater coverage areas, superior signal strength, significantly lower latency, and vastly higher upload and download speeds than the previous standard. It doesn't use existing technology, but relies on its own bespoke hardware. If you're wanting the best from your smartphone, 5G is absolutely the way to go.
4G vs 5G compared
| 4G | 5G | |
| Speed | 20 - 100 Mbps | 1-20 Gbps |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | 20 - 40 ms | 1-10 ms |
| Range | Miles | Meters |
| Structure | Towers (Masts/Roof-mounted) | Cell nodes |
| Capacity | Medium density | High density |
| Coverage | 99% of the UK | Around 80% of the UK |
4G vs 5G speeds
4G is the much older cellular standard, so unsurprisingly there's a difference in performance between it and 5G. The average real-world download speeds of this connectivity method range from 20 to 100 Mbps, depending on congestion, distance to a cell tower, and signal strength. It's technically possible to achieve up to 150 Mbps downloads over standard connections, or up to 300 Mbps with more advanced 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) bands. It's enough to stream HD (and even 4K) video, scroll through social media, make video calls, and browse the web, but it does have limitations.
5G is generally said to be 5-10 times faster than 4G on average, with real-world download rates reaching anywhere from 80 to 240 Mbps. Depending on where you are in the country and your distance from a node, you could see up to 20 Gbps, provided you have a capable handset or device.
Aside from raw data transfers, the core difference here is capacity and consistency: 5G networks are incredibly dense, with up to a million devices per square kilometer and near-zero latency of as low as 1ms. In short, it's a wholesale improvement across the board that you'll 'feel' instantly if coming off 4G.
Is it worth upgrading to 5G?
Deciding to upgrade your smartphone plan from 4G to 5G depends on your use case. For everyday calling, basic web browsing, and light video streaming, the former will be fine. However, anything intensive, such as reliable 4K playback without buffering, online gaming, multi-conference video calls, and heavy downloading, will benefit greatly from 5G improvements.
5G was launched in the UK in 2019, and it's been adopted by major towns and cities ever since. It's highly likely you'll be able to utilise even a basic 5G band, which will be considerably quicker than the previous 4G standard where you are. Talkmobile's coverage map can tell you which bands are supported in your area by postcode, whether that's 2G, 4G, or 5G, and give you updates if there are any disruptions in your area.
