4G and 5G are generations of mobile network technology, each representing a significant leap in terms of performance, capabilities, and applications .
The key differences between 4G and 5G are:
5G offers significantly faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity compared to 4G. 5G networks can achieve peak download speeds of up to 10 Gbps, while 4G is typically limited to around 1 Gbps. 5G also has much lower latency, with response times under 10 milliseconds, compared to 4G’s 30-50 millisecond latency. Additionally, 5G can support many more connected devices per square kilometer than 4G.
| 4G | 5G | |
| Full-Form | Fourth-Generation Technology | Fifth-Generation Technology |
| Speed | Maximum theoretical speeds can reach up to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) for downloads and around 100 Mbps (megabit per second) for uploads under ideal conditions. | Theoretical speeds can exceed 10 Gbps for downloads and up to 1-2 Gbps for uploads, depending on the frequency band used and network conditions. |
| Latency | Around 30 to 50 milliseconds (ms). This is the time it takes for a signal to travel from the user to the network and back | Expected to be as low as 1 to 10 milliseconds, which significantly enhances real-time communication and responsiveness. |
| Range | Longer range due to lower frequencies | The shorter range on higher frequencies but compensated with more base stations. |
| Bandwidth | 600 MHz – 2.5GHz | 28-39 GHz |
| Device Connectivity | Primarily Smartphones and tablets | Devices ranging from smartphones to IoT devices to industrial equipment. |
| Network Architecture | Relies on large cell towers for coverage | Uses a combination of cell towers and small cell networks for consistent networks |
| Network Efficiency | Efficient but faces congestion in densely populated areas. | Highly efficient with better traffic handling |
| Energy Consumption | Higher energy consumption. | Designed to be more energy efficient |
| Backward Compatibility | Compatible with 2G and 3G | Compatible with 4G and earlier standards |
| Application | HD video streaming, high-speed browsing and mobile apps | Autonomous Vehicles, Telemedicine, AR/VR, Smart Cities |