5G vs 4G: How Is One Different From The Other?

5G is predominately differentiated from 4G in terms of speed as it is the next-generation cellular technology. This makes sense as each next-gen cellular tech has been significantly faster than the previous tech.

Highlights

  • In the 2000s, 3G dominated the segment while 4G dominated the previous decade
  • The 5G networks are touted to have the potential to be 100 times faster than 4G.
  • Latency is a delay in the data transfer irrespective of the network's speed

Follow Us

5G

The cellular industry carries out a major upgrade to the wireless infrastructure every decade. In the 2000s, 3G dominated the segment while 4G dominated the previous decade. Now, as we have stepped into the new decade, the 5G networks have already debuted in the US. This might make you think about how 4G and 5G cellular networks are different.




Differences Between 4G And 5G

Below are the major differences between the two cellular network technologies.

Speed

5G is predominately differentiated from 4G in terms of speed as it is the next-generation cellular technology. This makes sense as each next-gen cellular tech has been significantly faster than the previous tech. Currently, 4G speeds can reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps while the real-life performance is not above 35 Mbps.

In comparison, the 5G networks are touted to have the potential to be 100 times faster than 4G. While its theoretical speeds are said to be around 20 Gbps, the real-life performance could range from 50 Mbps to 3 Gbps. The speed depends on the band of 5G being used.

Latency

Latency is another measure, which is the amount of time taken by the information to travel from one point to another. It is a delay in the data transfer irrespective of the network's speed. In 4G, the latency is 50 ms while the same is expected to shrink down to 1 ms in 5G networks.

The reduced latency will be critical for various applications that will let 5G play a major role in the use of connected devices that rely on the cloud for data including self-driving cars.

Coverage

The other major comparison between 4G and 5G is the range of coverage. Even after a decade since the debut of 4G services, it is seen that a majority of rural and remote regions in the country have very poor 4G connectivity. Now, with the arrival of 5G services, it looks like the coverage will be extended but with time. It is limited to a few cities at the launch and then will take almost the same time as 4G to reach different parts of the country. We can expect different implementations including high-, medium-, and low-band 5G with varying speed and bandwidth.

 

Reported By

Managing Editor

Chakri is a go-to guy for your next smartphone recommendation. Back in his engineering days, he used to play with smartphones by installing custom ROMs and that passion got him into the tech industry. He still goes nuts about a smartphone knocking his door for review. Currently managing everything at Telecom Talk, Chakri is trying to master PUBG Mobile in his free time.

Recent Comments

TheAndroidFreak :

Off Topic : MediaTek Dimensity 8400 will focus on better efficiency & AI The performance jump is enough to beat…

BSNL Celebrates 25th Foundation Day with Key Announcements and Initiatives

. :

Awaiting bsnl 700mhz thats awesome where is it is launched...

BSNL Celebrates 25th Foundation Day with Key Announcements and Initiatives

TheAndroidFreak :

Share the speedtest on Jio and BSNL whenever possible.

Vodafone Idea Enhances Network in UP and Uttarakhand with Additional…

Sujata :

galti se service hai bhi to muh ke upar min 5000 mangega lagane ke liye.

BSNL Bharat AirFiber Tariffs Pan-India

TheAndroidFreak :

Lava Agni 3 is great. For day to day usage. Pricing is great as well. Processor should have been better.…

OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15 to Feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 8…

Load More
Subscribe
Notify of
4 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments