Should I buy a 4G or 5G phone in 2023? Notable Differences between 4G and 5G technology

As technology is growing day by day the question of whether to buy a 4G or 5G phone in 2023 is becoming increasingly relevant. With 5G networks rolling out in many regions, promising faster speeds and enhanced connectivity, the temptation to upgrade to 5G phones is on the rise.

It is crucial to consider several factors before making your decision. While 5G offers lightning-fast internet speeds, the coverage is limited to some areas only. On the other hand, 4G networks continue to provide reliable and stable connectivity.

Apart from this, the cost of 5G Phones is relatively higher as compared to 4G phones. In today’s post, we will provide you with the merits and demerits of both 4G and 5G phones to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the difference between 4G and 5G technology

Before we move and discuss phones, you should know the basic difference between 4G and 5G technologies as given in the following table.

Features	4G Technology	5G Technology
Internet Speed	Up to 100 Mbps	Up to 10 Gbps
Latency	Around 50 milliseconds	As low as 1 milliseconds
Bandwidth	Limited Spectrum Bandwidth	Wider Spectrum Bandwidth
Capacity	Up to 2000 devices	Designed to accommodate up to 1 million devices per sq. kilometer
Applications	Support limited options like web browsing, video streaming, and online gaming	Advanced applications such as autonomous vehicles, internet of Things, etc.
Deployment	Already widely deployed and available in most regions	Currently being rolled out gradually, with limited coverage in select cities and countries.
Power Efficiency	Better power efficiency than 5G and longer battery life in the device.	Provide good power efficiency

Advantages of 4G phones in 2023

5G is the future. Still, you should consider some factors before buying a 5G phone. As of 2023, 4G phones are still offering a lot of advantages as explained below.

Availability – 4G networks are already established. They are widely available offering consistent coverage in most areas. On the other hand, 5G networks are still being rolled out and may not be accessible in many locations.

Affordability – As 5G technology is new, 5G phones tend to come with a higher price tag. In contrast, 4G phones are affordable and provide you with excellent value for money.

Battery Life – We can say that 4G phones have better battery life compared to 5G phones. The higher speeds and increased data demands of 5G networks drain the battery faster. If longer battery life is your priority then it is better to keep sticking with 4G devices.

Device Compatibility – 4G phones have been around for a long time. So, they are compatible with a wider range of accessories and devices. This means that you will have a wider range of phones to choose from.

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Advantages of Upgrading to a 5G Phone in 2023

Today, upgrading to a 5G phone can unlock a new level of speed, connectivity, and possibilities. Some of its major advantages are as follows.

Lightning-fast speed – With 5G technology, you’ll experience amazingly faster download/ upload speeds compared to 4G. This means that you will have quicker access to apps, websites, etc. It will also allow you to save time and stay productive.
Future-proof technology – Investing in a 5G phone will ensure that you are ready for the future as the new standard for mobile networks continues to expand globally. As more companies will roll out 5G coverage, having a compatible device allows you to take full advantage of the same.
Improved capacity – 5G networks are designed to handle a higher number of connected devices simultaneously. In fact, 5G bands are designed to cater to the needs of up to 1 million devices in a square kilometer.
Enhanced mobile experiences – We can guarantee that with 5G, you will get a never-before phone-using experience. It is so because 5G phones have low latency and the increased bandwidth of 5G enables exciting capabilities like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Improved stream and content quality – With higher bandwidth and faster speeds, streaming videos and music in ultra-high definition becomes effortless. You can enjoy crystal-clear video calls, immersive virtual reality experiences, and seamless live streaming without interruptions.

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Factors to consider before making a Decision

You should consider the following factors when deciding between a 4G or 5G phone.

Network Coverage – Check if your area has 5G network coverage. It is true that 5G is not available everywhere yet. You must assess the availability and strength of both 4G and 5G networks in your location.
Speed and Latency – If you depend on high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, downloading, etc. then you should definitely go for a 5G phone.
Data Usage and Plans – You should always keep in mind that 5G connectivity may require a separate data plan or additional costs. So, if you don’t want to spend extra then it’s better to choose 4G.
Future-Proofing – If you are planning to keep your phone for several years then it is better to choose a 5G phone. We are saying this because 5G networks continue to expand, and having compatible devices will help you make the most of future developments.
Budget – As per our analysis, this is the most important factor when choosing between a 4G and a 5G phone. Consider your budget as 5G phones can often be more expensive than 4G phones. Determine if the additional cost matches your needs and priorities.

Conclusion

The conclusion is simple. You should try to make an informed decision on the basis of your needs and budget. It is worthless to buy a 5G phone if there is no 5G coverage in your area. At the same time, you must know that you will be missing out on a great Internet experience if your area has 5G networks. Your budget is also an important factor that you must consider.

Top 4G and 5G Phone Models From All Major Brands

Brands	Top 4G Phones	Top 5G Phones
Samsung	Galaxy A13, A03, F22, M32, F12, M12,	S20 Fe, S21, S21+, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra.
OnePlus	Nord CE 3 Lite, Oneplus Nord, Nord CE 2 Lite,	11R, OnePlus 11, OnePlus 10R, OnePlus 10 Pro, One Plus 9 Pro, OnePlus 10T
Vivo	Y20, Y16, T1, Y22, Y75, Y21 2016, T1x	Vivo T2x, Vivo V27, Vivo T2, Vivo Y100, Vivo X90 5G, Vivo X90 Pro
Realme	C55, realme 10, Narzo 55, Note 12, C35	Realme 11 Pro, Realme Narzo 60 5G
Oppo	A17, A77s, F19 Pro, A16, A55	F23, Reno 10, Reno 8

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my 5G phone work on 4G networks?

Yes, 5G phones are readily compatible with 4G networks as well.

Is 5G available everywhere in 2023?

No, unfortunately, 5G networks are not available everywhere. In fact, only major cities and urban areas have good 5G coverage as of now.

Will my current apps and services be affected by switching to a 5G phone?

No, switching to a 5G phone should not affect the functionality of your current apps and services. They should continue to work seamlessly but with faster speeds on 5G networks.