The benefits of 5G for your mobile phone include improved coverage, faster speeds, enhanced connection stability, and support for more connected devices. However, the exact benefits you experience depend on your carrier’s 5G deployment and your specific plan and device support.
Key benefits of 5G: better coverage
5G can improve coverage depending on carrier support. Apple notes that iPhone will show the 5G icon based on the carrier network configuration, though in rare cases the icon may appear even when 5G coverage is not available. Apple says the 5G icon may appear even when 5G coverage is not available in rare cases. Google advises checking your Pixel phone against your operator’s 5G network, as not all Pixel 4a (5G) and later models work on all 5G networks. Samsung’s guidance is to choose a network mode option with 5G connectivity in Settings. Samsung’s full settings path is Settings > Connections > Mobile Network > Network mode.
Faster speeds
Apple documents three 5G modes on iPhone: 5G Auto, 5G On, and LTE. 5G Auto uses Smart Data mode and switches to LTE when 5G does not provide a noticeably better experience, while 5G On always uses 5G when available. Apple also offers the Allow More Data on 5G feature, which enables higher-data features such as higher-quality FaceTime, HD Apple TV content, Apple Music songs and videos, iOS updates over cellular, and automatic iCloud backups. Apple’s Allow More Data on 5G enables iOS updates over cellular. Apple’s Allow More Data on 5G enables automatic iCloud backups. Real-world speeds depend on your carrier and plan.
Enhanced connection stability
Apple says 5G Auto can help balance performance and battery life by automatically switching to LTE when 5G is not giving a noticeably better experience. Google’s Pixel help page says the preferred network type can be set to 5G (recommended) in Settings, which provides a similar balance of performance and stability. Google’s full settings path is Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs. Google Pixel preferred network type options include 2G, 3G, and LTE in addition to 5G (recommended).
Support for more connected devices
5G supports more devices simultaneously, but compatibility varies. Apple states that 5G support depends on the carrier and plan, and that your iPhone must be 5G-capable, you can check this by seeing if 5G options appear in Settings. Google says not all Pixel 4a (5G) and later phones work on all 5G networks. Samsung’s support page gives the settings path to enable a 5G network mode. For example, if you're researching home connectivity, you might also check T-Mobile Home Internet speed limits to understand how 5G compares for fixed wireless.
How to enable 5G on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap Cellular Data Options or Mobile Data Options.
- Choose 5G Auto, 5G On, or LTE.
- To use more data on 5G, turn on Allow More Data on 5G.
With Dual SIM, you may need to tap Cellular or Mobile Data and choose the number you want to change.
How to enable 5G on Google Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network and internet > SIMs.
- Tap your operator.
- Select Preferred network type.
- Choose 5G (recommended), 2G, 3G, or LTE.
Confirm that Mobile data is on and Use SIM is on for the operator’s SIM. Note that not all Pixel models support all 5G networks.
How to enable 5G on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Mobile Network.
- Tap Network mode.
- Select the option with 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new phone to use 5G?
Yes, you need a 5G-compatible smartphone. Many manufacturers have released 5G-enabled devices, and the range of options continues to expand at various price points.
Is 5G available everywhere?
5G coverage varies by location and network infrastructure. Major cities and urban areas typically receive coverage first, with expansion to suburban and rural areas over time. Check with your local network provider for availability.
Will 5G drain my battery faster?
5G can use more battery than LTE, but features like Apple’s 5G Auto mode and Google’s 5G (recommended) setting help balance performance and battery life by switching to LTE when 5G doesn’t provide a noticeable benefit.
Can I use 5G on a dual SIM iPhone?
Yes, but you may need to select the specific line you want to change in Settings under Cellular or Mobile Data.
How do I know if my Pixel phone supports 5G on my carrier?
For the wider topic, see T-Mobile Home Internet speed limits.
