What Is 5G & How to Get 5G | Samsung UK (2024)

The fifth generation of mobile networks is here, but what is it? Learn more about what 5G means and how it can improve your mobile experience in this article!

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Everything you need to know about 5G

Hearing all about 5G connection, but not sure what 5G does and how it would benefit you? You’re not alone. 5G offers significantly faster downloads, quicker uploads, and more people to be connected at the same time. That means fewer delays when using your phone and accessing web content. But you’ll need a 5G enabled phone to access it!

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What is 5G?

5G is the fifth-generation of mobile networks, following 2G, 3G, and 4G. The latest phones, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra,Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip5, are now being launched with 5G capability, with network providers following suit to provide 5G enabled plans. With Samsung you can buy either with a 5G enabled plan or SIM free 5G enabled mobile phone.

What Is 5G & How to Get 5G | Samsung UK (5)What Is 5G & How to Get 5G | Samsung UK (6)

5G vs 4G. What is the difference?

4G was a big step forward from 3G. But while speeds improved, videos could still buffer and video calls weren’t fully stable. With 5G, all of this has changed. 5G provides a Hyperfast, low latency connection with 5G speeds being around 100 times faster than 4G. With a fraction of the latency of 4G, 5G lets you enjoy fewer delays. You can stream 4K videos, join a video call without a glitch, game on the go, and so much more.

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Is it worth getting a 5G phone?

Whether you need 5G right now or not depends on how you use your phone. If you want faster online access, or you’re thinking of buying a new phone, it’s worth considering buying a 5G compatible device. Buying a phone that isn’t 5G-ready means you’ll be capped at 4G speeds until you upgrade to a 5G compatible phone at a later date.

    What are the benefits of 5G?

    5G allows you to stream and browse at much faster speeds than 4G. You can now download HD films, mobile games or music in a matter of seconds and enjoy the same data speed whether you're at home or on the go. 5G delivers life-changing technologies through next-generation networks and with the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z series phones1 being future ready, you’ll be able to keep doing what you love without any interruptions. Whether it’s glitch free video chatting on your bespoke Galaxy Z Flip5, console-quality gaming3 on the Galaxy Z Fold5’s epic 7.6-inch Infinity Flex4 Display or binge watching the latest Disney+ or Netflix series, you'll be thankful for the superfast speeds of 5G.

    What Is 5G & How to Get 5G | Samsung UK (9)What Is 5G & How to Get 5G | Samsung UK (10)

    Does 5G have lower latency?

    Compared to 4G, 5G offers a much lower latency rate. Gone are the days of laggy video calls & buffering Netflix. With 5G, you can enjoy smooth video calling and content streaming at home or outdoors. The increased network speed of 5G allows 4K streaming right from your device, so you can enjoy video quality that’s 4x Full-HD resolution. Plus, whether you’re on a work call or catching up with family virtually, 5G will ensure no one’s video freezes while they’re sneezing.

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    Is 5G good for gaming?

    Definitely! As 5G is a big improvement from 4G in terms of latency rate and speed, it offers a far better gaming experience. If you’re a gamer, 5G will enable you to play online games without a hitch - on both mobile and gaming devices as well as

    laptops

    through a hotspot. The higher speeds will also allow you to play augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) games which historically needed a stable WiFI or wired connection for smooth gameplay.

    Looking for an exceptional smartphone for mobile gaming? Check out the incredible

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

    . Boasting an immersive 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, super-powerful processor, smooth 120Hz scrolling, and 5G connectivity, even the most demanding online multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze. You can find out more about Samsung’s latest cutting-edge gaming phones in our

    ‘What to look for in a gaming phone'

    buying guide.

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    Is 5G available for hotspot?

    If you find yourself travelling or away from home often, 5G can allow you to use your mobile device as a hotspot for a reliable and fast internet connection. Whether you want to connect your laptop to get some work done or join a video conference with your co-workers, your 5G device will enable you more freedom and flexibility.

    Does 5G use more battery?

    Some 5G users have noticed their phone’s battery drained faster than usual. However, this depends on many factors. If you have many applications running in the background or if you are using applications which require more power such as some mobile games, your battery may drain faster than usual regardless of your connections.

    You can learn more about

    how to optimise your mobile battery performance or choose the best battery life phone that is perfect for you

    in our

    mobile phone buying guide

    .

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    Do I need a new SIM for 5G?

    The simple answer is no, you do not need a new SIM for 5G. You can use your existing SIM card on your new 5G phone. However, if you want to enjoy the fast speed that 5G has to offer, you need to make sure your SIM card is 5G compatible! All you need to do is to contact your network provider for a 5G-ready SIM card and make sure your data plan has 5G coverage.

    Browse our

    Samsung monthly contract phone

    or learn more about

    SIM free phone

    here.

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    How to get 5G?

    In order to use 5G, you’ll first need a

    5G-ready phone or mobile device

    . After this, you’ll need to be connected to a mobile network and plan that provides 5G1. With Samsung you can buy your phone with a

    5G enabled plan

    and 5G SIM with one of our 5G compatible phones, or choose to go SIM free if you prefer.

    Another factor to consider when it comes to 5G phones is whether you are in a 5G enabled location. 5G has been rolling out across the UK since 2019, and continues to be established all over the world. To check if your location has 5G coverage, contact your preferred network provider.

    What Samsung phones have 5G?

    The latest Samsung flagship phones are all 5G compatible.

    -

    Galaxy Z Fold5

    |

    Galaxy Z Flip5

    -

    Galaxy Z Fold4

    |

    Galaxy Z Flip4

    -

    Galaxy S24 Ultra

    |

    Galaxy S24+ and S24

    -

    Galaxy S23 Ultra

    |

    -

    |

    Galaxy S22 Ultra

    -

    Galaxy S21 FE

    -

    Galaxy A55

    -

    Galaxy A35

    -

    Galaxy A53

    -

    Galaxy A33

    -

    Galaxy A54

    -

    Galaxy A34

    And more!

    Is 5G available on laptops?

    Yes! Many of the best laptops now have 5G connectivity such as the noteworthy Galaxy Book3 Pro 3601 and Galaxy Book2 Pro. These stunning laptops keep you connected even when you can’t access Wi-Fi thanks to their super-fast 5G modem2. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast download and upload speeds so there’s now no need to be held back by a lack of connectivity3.

    • 1. Available on the 5G model only.
    • 2. 5G services are only supported in 5G enabled locations. Actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment.
    • 3. Requires optimal 5G connection.

    What is LTE laptop?

    LTE is a type of 4G technology that is a halfway point between 3G and 4G. Whether you’re in class, making a presentation or gaming on-the-go, LTE offers faster speeds and stability compared to 3G1. LTE laptops such as the Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE and Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 LTE are superb options if you’re looking to stay connected without the flagship price tag.

    1. LTE support may vary by models, country, regions and requires 4G LTE network connection.

    Which Samsung laptops can connect to 5G?

    The following Samsung Galaxy laptops are now available with 5G:
    -

    Galaxy Book3 Pro 360

    -

    Galaxy Book2 Pro

    -Galaxy Book2 Go
    -

    Galaxy Book Pro 360

    Ready to make the switch to 5G? You can browse the latest

    Samsung Galaxy 5G enabled smartphones

    and

    5G enabled laptops

    right here at

    samsung.com

    .

    Want to make the switch to 5G? To see the full range, browse

    Samsung 5G products

    to see the full range of devices that are 5G compatible or take a look at our 5G-ready phones below:

    Galaxy Z

    Learn more

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    Galaxy S

    Learn more

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    Galaxy Note

    Learn more

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    Galaxy A

    Learn more

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    1. 5G functionality requires compatibility network connection and tariff.
    2. Some games require paid subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and controller to play (each sold separately).

    The World of 5G

    Explore what capabilities the future of 5G holds.

    Learn more

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    Explore our 5G phones

    See all

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    FAQs

    What Is 5G & How to Get 5G | Samsung UK? ›

    5G is revolutionary because it helps more devices connect and work simultaneously. In order to use the 5G network, you must have a mobile phone that supports 5G and a 5G supported network provider, and you must be in an area where the 5G network is serviced. In this case, it will automatically connect to 5G.

    What are the disadvantages of a 5G network? ›

    While 5G's algorithms are even more comprehensive than its predecessors, users are still vulnerable to cyberattacks. One area of concern is encryption. While apps on 5G networks are encrypted, the 5G NR standard doesn't have end-to-end encryption, leaving it open to certain kinds of attacks.

    How do you know if your phone is 5G? ›

    However, a quick online search or a check in the phone's settings will be able to confirm 5G support. In the Android settings app, the user can search for 'Preferred Network Type' to see which kind of cellular connections are supported. If 5G is on the list, that means the phone can connect to the network.

    What does 5G mean on your cell phone? ›

    Q: What is 5G? A: 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.

    What is the main issue with 5G? ›

    The introduction of 5G has created some cybersecurity risks, notes the U.S. Department of Homeland and Security. One fear is malicious software and hardware being introduced into the 5G supply chain. Plus, 5G uses more information than previous technologies, which leaves more room for error.

    What is the real purpose of 5G? ›

    5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology. It is designed to increase speed, reduce latency, and improve flexibility of wireless services.

    Do you need a special phone for 5G? ›

    In order to use 5G, you'll first need a 5G-ready phone or mobile device.

    How do you check if my phone can connect to 5G? ›

    Make sure that you're in an area with 5G coverage. Contact your carrier if you're not sure. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. If you see this screen, your device is 5G capable.

    Do you need a new SIM card for 5G? ›

    Let's assume that you've checked, and you do have a 5 G-compatible smartphone. Hurray! Now we can revisit the earlier question: Do you need a new sim card to access the 5G network? The short answer is no, you do not need a new sim card to upgrade to 5G if your current sim card is working on 4G.

    Do I automatically get 5G on my phone? ›

    If you have a 5G compatible device, are with a 5G enabled network provider and are in a 5G area, you should connect to 5G automatically. If you are not recieving a 5G signal, try turning your device off and then on again.

    How to check 5G availability? ›

    Use a network coverage map: Most mobile carriers provide coverage maps on their websites that show where their 5G networks are available. These maps can be a good starting point, but they may not be entirely accurate, as they don't always reflect real-time network conditions.

    Are LTE and 5G the same? ›

    5G gives faster data speeds than LTE and supports more devices and users on the same network. Here is how long it would take to download a 1 GB file on different networks: On a 5G network, it would take about 10 seconds. On an LTE network, it would take about 2 minutes.

    Should my 5G be on or off? ›

    Turning off 5G really extends your battery life.

    Switching 5G off saves battery because, when connected to a 5G signal, your cell phone is basically connecting to a bunch of different, smaller networks all at once. This rapid loss of charge may also cause your phone to heat up.

    Does 5G mean you have Internet? ›

    5G is the latest wireless standard for cell phones, but it also makes up the backbone for an emerging type of Wi-Fi. Dubbed 5G home internet, it's a fixed wireless setup that gets you internet service over a router that connects to outdoor radio towers and small cell transmitters.

    Is 5G worth it? ›

    5G offers a lot of benefits, including wider channels (increased speed), lower latency (responsiveness), and more bandwidth (the ability to connect a lot more devices at once). But before you make the move to a 5G cellular router, you'll want to make sure you're in a position to take full advantage of it.

    Why turn off 5G? ›

    Here are some advantages to switching back to 4G on your Samsung device. Preserves your battery life. Your phone's battery will drain faster on 5G than on 4G due to its higher data transfer speeds and the need for your device to constantly search for a 5G signal, especially in areas with limited coverage.

    Which is better, 4G or 5G? ›

    The biggest difference between 4G and 5G is latency. 5G can offer low latency under 5 milliseconds, while 4G latency ranges from 60 ms to 98 ms. Lower latency brings advancements in other areas, such as faster download speeds.

    What is the threat of 5G? ›

    Some of these 5G security risks include: Cyber-Attacks: 5G networks will be exposed to various cyber threats, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, potential data breaches, and ransomware.

    What is the issue with 5G coverage? ›

    Update Your Device: Make sure your phone or device has the latest software updates. Sometimes, updates can include improvements for connectivity. Check for Network Outages: It's possible that the 5G network in your area is experiencing issues. You can check with your mobile carrier for any reported outages or issues.

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