Difference Between 5G vs 4G LTE & Which Should You Choose?

5G vs 4G LTE: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The internet is part of almost everything we do—streaming movies, working from home, gaming, and staying connected with friends and family. For years, 4G LTE has been the go-to mobile internet standard. Now, 5G promises to change the game with faster speeds and smoother performance.

But here’s the real question: should you make the switch now, or stick with what you have? Let’s break down 5G vs 4G LTE.

What 4G LTE Offers

4G LTE—short for "Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution"—has been around since the early 2010s. It made mobile internet fast enough for things like HD video streaming, video calls, and online shopping without constant buffering.

On average, 4G LTE speeds range from 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps, depending on your location and provider. That’s enough to watch Netflix in HD, make Zoom calls, browse social media, and download apps without much delay.

Its biggest strength is coverage. 4G LTE is available in most places—cities, suburbs, and rural towns—making it one of the most dependable options for people on the move.

What 5G Brings to the Table

5G, or "Fifth Generation" wireless, is designed to be much faster and more responsive than 4G LTE. In strong coverage areas, 5G can deliver speeds over 1 Gbps. That means downloading a 2GB movie in under a minute instead of waiting several minutes.

Another advantage is lower latency—the delay between sending and receiving data. This makes 5G great for real-time tasks like online gaming, live streaming, and virtual reality experiences.

It also has the capacity to handle more connected devices at once without slowing down—important for busy networks or "smart home" setups.

Speed vs. Coverage

Speed is where 5G shines, but coverage is where 4G LTE still has the upper hand.

1. 4G LTE is everywhere. It’s been built out for more than a decade and covers almost the entire country.
2. 5G is still catching up. In big cities, you might get incredible speeds. But in rural areas or smaller towns, the coverage might be weak or nonexistent, meaning your phone will fall back to 4G LTE anyway.

Do You Need New Equipment?

If you want to use 5G, you need a 5G-ready device. That means upgrading to a newer smartphone, hotspot, or router that supports the technology.

If you’re happy with your current 4G LTE device and speeds, you can keep using it without a problem. 4G LTE isn’t going away anytime soon.

Battery Life and Performance

One thing many people notice with 5G is that it can use more battery, especially when the phone switches between 4G and 5G networks. In areas with strong 5G coverage, this isn’t a big issue, but in patchy coverage areas, it can drain power faster.

For people in rural areas, RV travelers, or anyone on the road, a strong 4G LTE signal might be more reliable and power-efficient.

When 5G Makes Sense

5G is worth considering if:

• You live in an area with strong 5G coverage.

• You need the fastest speeds for work or entertainment.

• You use data-heavy apps like 4K video streaming, VR, or large file transfers.

• You’re upgrading to a new device and want to future-proof your investment.

When 4G LTE is Still the Better Choice

4G LTE might be better if:

• • You’re in an area where 5G coverage is weak or not available.
• • Your current speeds meet your needs.
• • You don’t want to upgrade your phone or hotspot right now.
• • You value consistent, stable service over maximum speed.

Providers like Ubifi focus on delivering strong LTE internet where it matters most—places where 5G hasn’t fully reached, like rural homes, RVs, and travel destinations.

Advantages of 5G

• • Very high speeds for downloads and streaming.
• • Low latency for gaming and live video.
• • Handles more devices at once.
• • Supports advanced tech like smart cities and autonomous vehicles.

Advantages of 4G LTE

• • Widespread coverage across the country.
• • Reliable in rural and remote areas.
• • Works with most current devices.
• • Stable performance for everyday internet use.

Conclusion

5G is fast, exciting, and the future of mobile internet—but it’s not fully available everywhere yet. If you’re in a city with strong coverage and have a compatible device, it’s worth making the switch for the speed boost alone.

If you’re in a rural or remote area, or you just want dependable coverage wherever you go, 4G LTE is still the smart choice. With providers like Ubifi offering reliable LTE plans, you can enjoy strong, consistent internet without worrying about coverage gaps.

FAQs About 5G vs 4G LTE

1. How much faster is 5G compared to 4G LTE?

5G can be up to ten times faster than 4G LTE in ideal conditions.

2. Will 4G LTE still work after 5G becomes common?

Yes. 4G LTE will remain in use for years alongside 5G.

3. Does 5G work in the countryside?

Not always. 5G coverage in rural areas is still limited but expanding.

4. Do I need a new phone for 5G?

Yes, you’ll need a 5G-compatible device to access the network.

5. Is 5G worth it right now?

If you have strong coverage and want faster speeds, yes. Otherwise, 4G LTE is still a great option.

Kevin Peterson is a telecommunications expert and proud Chicago native with over a decade of industry experience. He’s passionate about expanding internet access and improving infrastructure, especially in underserved communities. Committed to bridgi