What is 5G and
how to get it?

The fifth generation of mobile networks is here, but what is it? Learn more about what 5G means and how it can improve your mobile experience in this article!

Everything you need to know about 5G

Hearing all about 5G connection, but not sure what 5G does and how it would benefit you? You’re not alone. 5G offers significantly faster downloads, quicker uploads, and more people to be connected at the same time. That means fewer delays when using your phone and accessing web content. But you’ll need a 5G enabled phone to access it!

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth-generation of mobile networks, following 2G, 3G, and 4G. The latest phones, like the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 FE, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8, are now being launched with 5G capability, with network providers following suit to provide 5G enabled plans. With Samsung you can buy either with a 5G enabled plan or SIM free 5G enabled mobile phone.

What is the difference between 4G and 5G?

4G was a big step forward from 3G. But while speeds improved, videos could still buffer and video calls weren’t fully stable. With 5G, all of this has changed. 5G provides a Hyperfast, low latency connection with 5G speeds being around 100 times faster than 4G. With a fraction of the latency of 4G, 5G lets you enjoy fewer delays. You can stream 4K videos, join a video call without a glitch, game on the go, and so much more.

Is it worth getting a 5G phone?

Whether you need 5G right now or not depends on how you use your phone. If you want faster online access, or you’re thinking of buying a new phone, it’s worth considering buying a 5G compatible device. Buying a phone that isn’t 5G-ready means you’ll be capped at 4G speeds until you upgrade to a 5G compatible phone at a later date.

Is my phone 5G?

The easiest way to check is in your phone's settings, look under Connections or Mobile Networks for a "5G" toggle, or check the status bar for a 5G icon when connected. You can also compare your exact model number against Samsung's list of 5G-compatible devices, or check your phone's original packaging or spec sheet, which will state its network compatibility.

What are the benefits of 5G?

5G allows you to stream and browse at much faster speeds than 4G. You can now download HD films, mobile games or music in a matter of seconds and enjoy the same data speed whether you're at home or on the go. 5G delivers life-changing technologies through next-generation networks and with the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy Z Series phones being future ready, you’ll be able to keep doing what you love without any interruptions.

Whether it's glitch free video chatting on your bespoke Galaxy Z Flip8, console-quality gaming on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra's epic 8-inch¹ main display, or binge watching the latest Disney+ or Netflix series, you'll be thankful for the superfast speeds of 5G.

1Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold6’s Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

Does 5G have lower latency?

Compared to 4G, 5G offers a much lower latency rate. Gone are the days of laggy video calls & buffering Netflix. With 5G, you can enjoy smooth video calling and content streaming at home or outdoors. The increased network speed of 5G allows 4K streaming right from your device, so you can enjoy video quality that’s 4x Full-HD resolution. Plus, whether you’re on a work call or catching up with family virtually, 5G will ensure no one’s video freezes while they’re sneezing.

Is 5G good for gaming?

Definitely! As 5G is a big improvement from 4G in terms of latency rate and speed, it offers a far better gaming experience. If you’re a gamer, 5G will enable you to play online games without a hitch - on both mobile and gaming devices as well as laptops through a hotspot. The higher speeds will also allow you to play augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) games which historically needed a stable WiFI or wired connection for smooth gameplay.

Looking for an exceptional smartphone for mobile gaming? Check out the incredible Samsung Galaxy S26 FE. Boasting an immersive 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful Exynos 2500 processor, and 5G connectivity, even the most demanding online multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze. You can find out more about Samsung's latest cutting-edge gaming phones in our ‘What to look for in a gaming phone' buying guide.

Can I use 5G as a mobile hotspot?

If you find yourself travelling or away from home often, 5G can allow you to use your mobile device as a hotspot for a reliable and fast internet connection. Whether you want to connect your laptop to get some work done or join a video conference with your co-workers, your 5G device will enable you more freedom and flexibility.

Does 5G use more battery?

Some 5G users have noticed their phone’s battery drained faster than usual. However, this depends on many factors. If you have many applications running in the background or if you are using applications which require more power such as some mobile games, your battery may drain faster than usual regardless of your connections. 

You can learn more about how to optimise your mobile battery performance or choose the best battery life phone that is perfect for you in our mobile phone buying guide.

Do I need a new SIM for 5G?

The simple answer is no, you do not need a new SIM for 5G. You can use your existing SIM card on your new 5G phone. However, if you want to enjoy the fast speed that 5G has to offer, you need to make sure your SIM card is 5G compatible! All you need to do is to contact your network provider for a 5G-ready SIM card and make sure your data plan has 5G coverage. 

Browse our Samsung monthly contract phone or learn more about SIM free phone here.

How do I get 5G on my phone?

In order to use 5G, you’ll first need a 5G-ready phone or mobile device. After this, you’ll need to be connected to a mobile network and plan that provides 5G1. With Samsung you can buy your phone with a 5G enabled plan and 5G SIM with one of our 5G compatible phones, or choose to go SIM free if you prefer. 

Another factor to consider when it comes to 5G phones is whether you are in a 5G enabled location. 5G has been rolling out across the UK since 2019, and continues to be established all over the world. To check if your location has 5G coverage, contact your preferred network provider.

What Samsung phones have 5G?

- Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra | Galaxy Z Fold8 | Galaxy Z Flip8
- Galaxy Z Fold7 | Galaxy Z Flip7
- Galaxy S26 Ultra | Galaxy S26+ | S26 and S26 FE
- Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S25+ | S25 and Galaxy S25 FE
- Galaxy A57 5G
- Galaxy A37 5G
- Galaxy A27 5G
- Galaxy A17 5G
And more!

Is 5G available on laptops?

Yes! Many of the best laptops now have 5G connectivity such as the noteworthy Galaxy Book5 Edge 5G1. This stunning laptop keep you connected even when you can’t access Wi-Fi thanks to their super-fast 5G modem2. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast download and upload speeds so there’s now no need to be held back by a lack of connectivity3.

  • 1. Available on the 5G model only. 
  • 2. 5G services are only supported in 5G enabled locations. Actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment.
  • 3. Requires optimal 5G connection.

Ready to make the switch to 5G? You can browse the latest Samsung Galaxy 5G enabled smartphones and 5G enabled laptops right here at samsung.com.

Want to make the switch to 5G? To see the full range, browse Samsung 5G products to see the full range of devices that are 5G compatible or take a look at our 5G-ready phones below:

Galaxy Z

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Galaxy Z Galaxy Z

Galaxy S

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Galaxy S Galaxy S

Galaxy A

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Galaxy A Galaxy A

1. 5G functionality requires compatibility network connection and tariff.
2. Some games require paid subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and controller to play (each sold separately).

The World of 5G

Explore what capabilities the future of 5G holds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if my phone is 5G ready?

    The quickest way to check is in your phone's settings, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks (or search "5G" in settings) and see if a 5G toggle appears; if it does, your phone supports 5G. You can also check the box, manual, or the manufacturer's spec sheet for "5G" listed under network/connectivity. On newer Samsung devices, a small 5G icon will also appear in the status bar when you're connected to a 5G network. All current flagship and mid-range Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S26 FE, Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and Galaxy A-series 5G models like the Galaxy A57 5G, come 5G-ready out of the box.

  • Once you have a 5G-ready phone and a 5G-enabled SIM, you can confirm you're actually connected by checking the status bar at the top of your screen. You'll see a "5G" or "5G+" symbol next to your signal bars instead of "4G" or "LTE."

  • 5G simply stands for "fifth generation." It's the fifth generation of mobile network technology, following on from 2G, 3G, and 4G. Each generation has brought faster speeds and better connectivity, and 5G is the biggest leap yet, offering dramatically faster downloads and uploads, lower latency, and the ability to keep more devices connected at once without slowing down.

  • In most cases, yes, you can insert your existing SIM into a new 5G phone and it will still work for calls, texts, and data. However, to actually get 5G speeds, your SIM needs to be 5G-compatible. If you're not sure, it's worth contacting your network provider, who can usually send you a free 5G-ready SIM and confirm your plan includes 5G coverage.

  • Nearly all of Samsung's latest devices are 5G-enabled, including the Galaxy S26 FE, Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and previous-generation flagships like the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra. 5G is also available on more affordable devices, such as the Galaxy A57 5G, Galaxy A37 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, and Galaxy A17 5G, meaning you don't have to buy a top-tier flagship to get 5G connectivity.

  • 5G connectivity itself doesn't automatically mean poor battery life. Actual battery drain depends more on how you use your phone, including background apps, screen brightness, and power-intensive tasks like gaming. Modern 5G phones, including the Galaxy S26 series, are designed with battery optimisation in mind to help balance faster connectivity with all-day battery performance.
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