Is 5G Worth It in 2026?
Updated: July 2026
5G has been around for several years now, and coverage in the UK is approaching near-universal. If you're still on a 4G phone or plan, you might be wondering: is it finally time to upgrade? The short answer is yes — but let's break down exactly why.
The Speed Difference Is Real
5G isn't just a marketing term — the speed difference vs 4G is substantial. On EE's 5G network, average download speeds clock in around 185 Mbps, compared to roughly 35 Mbps on 4G. That means downloading a 2GB HD movie takes about 90 seconds on 5G versus over 7 minutes on 4G. For everyday use like streaming, video calls, and large file downloads, the difference is immediately noticeable.
Lower Latency Changes Everything
5G latency (the delay between sending and receiving data) is typically 10-20ms compared to 4G's 40-60ms. This matters for: cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now), video calls without lag, real-time collaboration tools, and even everyday web browsing which feels snappier.
Better Battery Life on 5G Phones
Counter-intuitively, modern 5G phones often have better battery life than 4G-only models — not because 5G uses less power (it actually uses more), but because 5G phones have larger, more efficient batteries and more power-efficient processors. The latest Snapdragon, Tensor, and A-series chips are built on 3nm and 4nm processes that dramatically improve efficiency.
5G Plans Aren't More Expensive Anymore
In 2026, 5G is included as standard on virtually all new phone contracts and SIM-only plans. You can get unlimited 5G data from Three for £20/month — that's cheaper than many 4G plans were two years ago. The premium that networks once charged for 5G access has effectively disappeared.
Future-Proofing
The UK is already beginning to phase out 3G networks, and 4G will eventually follow. A 5G phone purchased today will work perfectly for the next 5+ years as networks continue investing in 5G infrastructure (including standalone 5G, which offers even better performance). Buying a 4G phone in 2026 means buying into a technology that's being sunsetted.
The Verdict
If you're buying a new phone in 2026, 5G is a no-brainer — it costs nothing extra, delivers genuinely better performance, and keeps you future-proofed. The only reason to skip 5G would be if coverage at your specific location is poor (check your network's coverage map first), but for the vast majority of the UK population, 5G is now faster, more reliable, and better value than 4G.
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