Is your phone 5G capable?

5G is becoming more common in many countries, including Australia, where major mobile networks are gradually expanding its 5G coverage. While current NBN speeds can reach up to 80-90 Mbps, 5G has the potential to deliver speeds up to 20 Gbps.

Beyond speed, 5G significantly reduces latency, or the delay in data transmission. While 4G has a typical latency of around 50 milliseconds, 5G could reduce this to just 1 millisecond, greatly enhancing user experience. Lower latency means faster and more efficient connections, which is crucial for the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data processing. 

We recently talked about the end of 3G with certain big names, so knowing whether your phone is 5G capable is important for staying connected.

Networks that can't keep up with these advancements might struggle to stay relevant. In our latest article, we dive into which phones are 5G capable - is yours on the list?

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile technology, following 4G. It offers faster speeds for phones, tablets, and other devices, with improved reliability. 

5G aims to reduce lag during video calls and streaming, and supports more devices connected at once. 

While it is still being rolled out in Australia and globally, 5G could potentially be faster than current NBN speeds.

Is 5G better than 4G?

Yes, 5G is faster and more advanced than 4G. It can deliver speeds up to 20 times faster than 4G, which means quicker data transfers and less lag during video calls. 

5G also enhances gaming and allows more devices to connect simultaneously without slowing down the network.

Is your phone 5G capable?

Although 5G networks are expanding quickly, only a few phones currently support this technology. It may still be a while before we can fully take advantage of everything 5G has to offer. However, leading brands like Samsung and Huawei already have flagship models that are 5G-compatible.

How to tell if your phone is 5G capable

Here are some simple ways to check if your smartphone supports 5G:

Look for the 5G logo

Many 5G phones have a 5G logo on the back. However, newer flagship models might not have this logo. If you don’t see it, check the phone's model number and look up its specifications online to see if it supports 5G.

Download a speed test app

Install the Speed Test app by Ookla from Google Play or the Apple Store. After downloading, disconnect from Wi-Fi and turn on mobile data. If your phone supports 5G, you should see high speeds during the test.

Check the price

5G phones are generally more expensive. If you paid over a thousand dollars for your phone, it might be a 5G model. Be cautious of carriers using a “5G E” label, which indicates an improved 4G LTE rather than true 5G.

Test the connectivity

Ensure you’re in an area with 5G coverage, as you won’t be able to test 5G capabilities in a location without 5G service.

Check the Wi-Fi certification

Look for “Wi-Fi 5” or “802.11ac” in the wireless connectivity settings. This can help confirm if your phone is capable of 5G.

Note that 5G is a hardware feature and cannot be added through software updates. Some phones, like certain Motorola models, offer 5G through removable accessories.

When will I have access to 5G?

You might already be able to access 5G if you’re with Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, depending on your location. However, 5G is still being rolled out, so full coverage may take some time. 

Telstra plans to cover 95% of the population with 5G by mid-2025, and Optus and Vodafone are also expanding its networks.

Current 5G phone options

Samsung was early to offer 5G phones in Australia with its Galaxy S20 series in 2020, and OPPO followed suit with other brands like Apple and Google joining later that year.

To connect to Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone’s 5G networks, you'll need a compatible 5G device. We've highlighted some of the most popular 5G phones available, though this list might not cover all options.

Apple iPhone 5G phones

Even though Apple joined the 5G market a bit later, it now offers a range of 5G-enabled phones. The first 5G model was the iPhone 12 series, followed by the iPhone 13 in 2021, the iPhone 14 in 2022, and the latest iPhone 15 series in 2023. All these models come with built-in 5G capability.

Samsung 5G smartphones

Samsung led the way in Australia with its first 5G phone, the Galaxy S10 5G, in 2019. Since then, the company has introduced many more 5G-compatible models at various price points.

The Galaxy S21 series, released in early 2021, was the first to offer 5G across all its models. This 5G support continued with the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 series, as well as the foldable Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip phones.

Google 5G phones

Google launched its first 5G phone in late 2020 and now has several options available. These include the Pixel 8, Pixel 7, Pixel 6 series, Pixel 5, and the Pixel 4a 5G.

OPPO 5G smartphones

OPPO offers a smaller selection of 5G phones compared to major brands like Apple or Samsung, but these are often among the most affordable. 

Some OPPO models may not be available through Australian telcos, so you might need to buy one outright and choose a SIM-only plan. Available options include the OPPO Find X5 and X3 series, as well as the A54 and A75 models.

Motorola 5G phones

Motorola offers several 5G options in Australia, including theMotorola Edge 30 Series. This series includes high-performance models like the Edge 30 Pro, known for its sleek design and powerful specs.

For a more budget-friendly choice, the Moto G 5G provides a solid 5G connectivity without breaking the bank and theMotorola ThinkPhone is the latest addition, designed with a focus on durability and business use.

Nokia 5G phones

Nokia has made its mark with the Nokia 8.3 5G. This was one of Nokia's first 5G phones, offering robust performance and longevity. The Nokia XR21 is a more rugged phone designed to withstand tough conditions while providing reliable 5G connectivity.

Huawei 5G phones

Huawei's 5G offerings include the Huawei P40 Pro+. Despite the lack of integrated Google apps, this phone delivers strong 5G performance and advanced features.

LG 5G phones

LG had a few 5G models, such as the LG V60 ThinQ 5G, a well-rounded phone with 5G support and a high-quality display.

However, LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, so you might not receive software updates beyond that point.

Should I get a 5G phone?

5G is quickly becoming standard in new flagship phones across Australia, but the network isn’t fully available everywhere just yet. Even if you own a 5G phone, you might not get 5G coverage in your area until the network is fully rolled out. 

As of June 2023, Telstra's 5G network covers 80% of Australians, while Vodafone reaches about one million people.

The upside is that while 5G offers faster speeds, a 4G phone still handles everyday tasks like downloading, streaming, and uploading just fine. If you're not ready to upgrade to a 5G phone, you can still enjoy good performance with 4G, though it might be slower compared to 5G.

Connect with Compare Broadband

While we don’t sell phone plans at Compare Broadband, we are fully aware of the upcoming changes in 5G. 5G home Internet is something we are paying attention to, and if you want to ensure that you have your finger on the pulse for your home Internet, then why not connect with us and see whether your 5G Internet service will be available?

You can call our Australia-based team on 1300 764 000 today.