5G vs 4G: Key Differences, Speed Comparison & Benefits (2025)

Introduction

Remember when 4G speed first made streaming and video calls effortless? Fast-forward to 2025, and 5G speed has changed how we work, play, and connect. But with all the buzz, many still wonder is 5G really that much faster than 4G LTE? And more importantly, do you actually need it?

This guide breaks down 4G v 5G speed, what LTE really means, and how to choose the right Circles.Life plan for your lifestyle.

What Is LTE and How Does It Relate to 4G?

If you’ve ever seen “LTE” beside your signal bars and thought, what is LTE exactly? — you’re not alone.
LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, a network technology that bridges the gap between 3G and 4G. Think of it as the engine that powers 4G LTE networks.

So when you see “LTE,” you’re basically still using 4G speed, just through a slightly different technical process. It’s the standard for reliable data connections before 5G rolled out.

4G Speed vs 5G Speed: What’s the Real Difference?

Here’s the quick version:

• 4G speed: Average download speed of 25–100 Mbps.

• 5G speed: Average 300 Mbps – 1 Gbps (and growing fast).

In simple terms, 5G is up to 10× faster than 4G. That means smoother 4K streaming, lag-free gaming, and instant downloads.

Why 5G Matters in 2025

Singapore’s 5G coverage now reaches almost every major district. With AI-powered apps, remote work, and AR experiences growing daily, 5G speed is no longer a luxury — it’s the new standard.

Benefits include:

• Lower latency for real-time gaming and video calls

• Improved network capacity so crowded areas stay fast

• More energy-efficient data use on modern phones

• Stronger AI and IoT integration for smart devices

4G Plan or 5G Plan: How to Choose the Right One?

Choosing between 4G and 5G depends less on hype and more on your habits. Here’s what to check before you switch:

Check your usage

If you stream videos, games online, or rely on mobile hotspot daily, 5G plans offer the speed and stability you need. For basic browsing and social apps, 4G speed still does the job.

Look for flexibility

The best plans don’t trap you in long contracts. Circles.Life lets you change or cancel anytime so you can test 5G v 4G speed without commitment.

Avoid lock-ins

Skip hidden fees and 12-month commitments. All Circles.Life plans are SIM-only and month-to-month.

Data rollover

Unused data shouldn’t go to waste. Plans that carry over data give you more value for money — especially for 4G users.

Data roaming

If you travel across Asia, check roaming coverage. The new 5G Borderless Roaming Plan includes free roaming in 7 countries.

Compare more than price

A few extra dollars a month for 5G speed often means triple the data and AI-powered tools like CirclesAI, so look beyond just the monthly fee.

Circles.Life 4G & 5G Mobile Plans 

Last updated: November 2025

4G vs 5G: Which One Is Right for You?

4G is great if…
you mostly scroll through social media, chat on messaging apps, or want a no-fuss plan that keeps bills low. It’s also ideal if you use older phones without 5G support or stay mostly on Wi-Fi.

5G is worth it if…
you’re always on the move, bingeing Netflix on the train, joining Zoom calls on the go, or playing low-latency mobile games. It’s for users who demand 5G speed and seamless performance everywhere.

Key Things to Know About 4G & 5G Plans in Singapore

• 5G plans typically cost more than 4G, but you get better network capacity and AI tools.

• You’re not just paying for speed — you get low latency and future-ready coverage.

• 4G speed is enough for daily browsing, social media, and music streaming.

• 5G speed unlocks faster downloads and real-time experiences.

• 4G remains budget-friendly, perfect for lighter data users.

• The trade-off with 4G is slower speed and older infrastructure, while 5G continues to expand island-wide.

The 5G Evolution: What’s Next After 5G?

The journey doesn’t stop at 5G. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• 6G Networks: Projected for the 2030s, 6G aims for speeds of up to 1 Tbps.

• AI-driven Networking: AI will optimize traffic, reduce lag, and personalize connectivity.

• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Critical for robotics, telemedicine, and autonomous driving.

5G isn’t just a trend—it’s a stepping stone.

How to Check If Your Phone Supports 5G

To experience 5G, your device must support it. Here's how to check:

1. Check your phone settings:

   • On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type. If 5G is listed, your device supports it.

   • On iPhone: Supported models include iPhone 12 and newer. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.

2. Use your model number:
   Search “[your phone model] 5G support” online.

3. Contact your carrier:
   Some phones have 5G capability but need carrier provisioning to activate it.

Tip: All Circles.Life 5G-ready SIM cards work with compatible phones.

How to Switch from 4G to 5G

Upgrading is simple if your phone supports 5G and you’re in a covered area:

1. Get a 5G-compatible phone if you don’t already have one.

2. Activate a 5G mobile plan, like Circles.Life’s 5G-ready plans.

3. Enable 5G in your settings.

4. Restart your phone if the network doesn’t switch automatically.

Environmental Impact: Is 5G More Sustainable?

One of 5G’s unsung advantages is its energy efficiency. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• 5G can transmit more data using less energy per bit than 4G.

• 5G infrastructure supports sleep modes and energy-aware routing, especially in IoT devices.

• Cloud-native architecture allows dynamic resource allocation, reducing idle energy waste.

However, 5G also requires more base stations, especially for mmWave. The industry is actively working to make these greener with solar power, AI optimization, and improved cooling tech.

How Reliable is 5G Compared to 4G?

While 5G promises blazing-fast speeds, reliability is equally important—especially for mission-critical tasks like remote surgeries, autonomous vehicles, or industrial automation.

4G Reliability:

• Mature infrastructure

• Consistent coverage even in rural areas

• Fewer drop-offs in signal

5G Reliability (as of 2025):

• Urban areas: Highly stable and fast, thanks to widespread deployment of small cells and mmWave towers

• Rural areas: Still catching up, mostly supported by low-band 5G (which offers longer range but lower speed)

• Indoor environments: Mid-band and mmWave performance is improving with better indoor repeaters

Verdict: 5G is catching up fast, but 4G may still be more reliable in some less-populated areas—for now.

How 5G Enables the Internet of Things (IoT)

Optimized for: 5g and iot, 5g use cases, 5g applications

One of the standout features of 5G is its ability to connect up to 1 million devices per square kilometre—a game-changer for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Key 5G-enabled IoT Applications:

• Smart homes (automated lighting, voice assistants, energy monitoring)

• Smart cities (traffic control, public safety, waste management)

• Healthcare (wearables, remote monitoring, emergency services)

• Agriculture (soil sensors, autonomous tractors, climate monitoring)

• Manufacturing (real-time inventory tracking, robotics, predictive maintenance)

Because 5G drastically reduces latency and improves bandwidth, it can support real-time communication between devices, even in dense environments.

What Devices Are 5G-Compatible in 2025?

5G support is now standard in many mid-range and flagship devices. Here’s a quick look at popular 5G-ready devices:

Apple

• iPhone 12 and newer, including the new iPhone 17 series launched in 2025.

• These models all support 5G, fulfilling Apple’s push toward full-5G compatibility.

Samsung

• Galaxy S21 and newer; specifically the Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra) launched in early 2025.

• Galaxy Z Fold / Z Flip series include latest Z Fold 7 / Z Flip 7 iterations (implicitly 5G) albeit not rigorously listed here.

• Galaxy A52 5G and newer “A-series” with the “5G” variant tag.

Google

• Pixel 5 and newer; specifically the Pixel 9 (and Pixel 9 Pro/XL) launched in 2024 and widely available in 2025.

• These support 5G and add advanced AI features.

Other Brands

• OnePlus 8 and up.

• Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, realme — most of these brands’ recent mid-range & flagship models support 5G

Don’t forget: To fully use 5G, you also need a 5G-compatible SIM and a plan with 5G access (like those offered by Circles.Life).

Is 5G More Secure Than 4G?

Optimized for: 5g security, 5g vs 4g privacy, is 5g safe

Yes—5G is more secure than 4G thanks to several upgraded protocols:

• Built-in encryption: 5G encrypts more of the control plane and user identity data by default.

• Network slicing: Dedicated virtual networks for sensitive apps or businesses reduce vulnerability to attacks.

• Edge computing: Data can be processed closer to the source, lowering interception risks.

However, with increased connectivity comes increased responsibility. 5G will support billions of IoT devices, so cybersecurity will remain a priority across all layers of the network.

5G Around the World: Global Rollout Status

Optimized for: 5g rollout 2025, 5g availability, global 5g adoption

As of 2025, over 100 countries have launched commercial 5G networks. Here’s a global snapshot:

• Singapore: Nearly full 5G Standalone (SA) coverage in urban areas

• South Korea & China: Leading in 5G deployment and use cases

• USA: Mix of low, mid, and mmWave deployment across carriers

• Europe: Mid-band 5G is common; mmWave adoption is growing

• India: Rapid 5G expansion with focus on rural connectivity

• Africa & Southeast Asia: Gradual 5G rollout focused on high-density urban hubs

Circles.Life users in Singapore enjoy one of the fastest-growing 5G networks in Asia, with constantly expanding coverage and optimized plans.

Final Thoughts: 4G vs 5G in 2025

The evolution from 4G to 5G marks a monumental leap in mobile technology—transforming how we connect, communicate, and create. With dramatically faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to support millions of devices, 5G is not just an upgrade—it's the foundation for the future of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, immersive entertainment, and real-time applications that were once unimaginable. Still, 4G remains a dependable workhorse for millions, especially in areas where 5G infrastructure is still maturing.

So, should you switch? If your digital lifestyle involves high-definition streaming, cloud gaming, AR/VR, or working remotely with large data loads, making the move to 5G is well worth it. But if you’re a casual user satisfied with video calls, browsing, and social media on-the-go, 4G can still serve you well. 

Whichever network you choose, Circles.Life has both 4G plans and 5G mobile plans tailored to your needs—so you can stay connected your way, now and into the future.