5G technology is being rolled out worldwide, and virtually every phone brand has jumped on the bandwagon. In this Canstar Blue guide, we will run through what 5G is and whether it’s worth buying a new 5G phone just yet.
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What is 5G mobile?
5G is the next generation of mobile network technology, currently being rolled out across the country and worldwide by major carriers. 5G data speeds are extremely fast, potentially offering download speeds of one gigabit per second (1 Gbps) or faster.
Maximum 5G speeds are theoretically faster than those offered by the NBN, which offers potential speeds up to 1Gbps. However, the speeds you actually experience with a 5G phone will vary based on factors such as your location, plan, provider and device.
What are the benefits of buying a 5G phone?
Buying a 5G phone will allow you to move to a 5G mobile plan and access your telco’s 5G network anywhere coverage is available. 5G has two key benefits for consumers in their day-to-day smartphone usage.
- Network capacity: 5G is projected to have a bandwidth able to accommodate up to 100x more network traffic than previous technology. This means you’ll have faster speeds and a stronger performance, even at crowded events.
- Speed: 5G has the potential to deliver speeds of up to 10Gbps, although maximum Australian mobile speeds typically fall between 200-500Mbps as of 2024. However, this is still much faster than what was previously available with 4G technology.
Is 5G better than 4G?
The short answer is yes, 5G is better than 4G. Theoretically, 5G is capable of reaching speeds 20 times faster than 4G, reducing lag on video calls, making it quicker to send and receive texts and have a smoother social media scrolling experience.
While 5G is now widely available, the nationwide rollout hasn’t yet finished. If you don’t live in an area where 5G is currently offered, you’ll still be able to download, stream and more with 4G.
Can I use a 5G phone on a 4G network?
Yes! Even if you live in an area that doesn’t yet have access to 5G, if your device is 5G-enabled, you will still be able to use it on the 4G network.
5G phones on plans
Compare plans for some of the leading 5G phones available in Australia below.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of 24-month 256GB Samsung Galaxy S24 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the 128GB Google Pixel 9 on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our mobile phone comparison tool to see plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Related: The best 5G phones in Australia
Should I buy a 5G phone?
There are a couple of things that you should consider when making a purchase decision.
1. Your location
Depending on where you live, you may already be able to access your telco’s 5G network. However, as the technology is still being rolled out, customers in more remote areas may still be waiting for coverage. Therefore, if you’re not able to access 5G, you don’t need to jump on a 5G phone just yet.
However, Telstra has confirmed that it aims to cover 95% of the population with its 5G network by mid-2025, with Optus and Vodafone having similar plans to expand coverage. So if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, looking for a device that’s 5G-ready means you won’t be limited to 4G.
Keep in mind that even if you’re not yet covered by 5G, you’ll still be able to use 5G-ready phones on your telco’s 4G network.
2. Your budget
New phones aren’t always a cheap investment, even with the variety of models and price points on offer. However, as networks roll out and more manufacturers adopt 5G technology, phones with 5G capabilities are becoming much more affordable.
Premium phones now generally come with 5G as standard, and many mid-range devices also offer 5G connectivity. Budget phones still tend to stick to 4G-only, but you can find 5G-ready phones starting from around $250 outright.
3. How do you use your phone?
The last thing that is important to consider is what you use your phone for. If you are an avid social media user and regularly use your phone for activities that require super-fast speeds and reliable network connections, a 5G phone may be the best option for you.
Overall, it’s up to you whether you’d like to move to a 5G phone ASAP. If you live or work in an area with strong 5G coverage, want faster and more reliable phone speeds, and have the budget to upgrade your device, it may be worth considering a 5G phone.
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