Tue, 28 Oct 2025

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 Is my mobile lying to me? When 5G doesn't mean 5G

New research shows that 40% of the time a phone displays the 5G symbol, it is actually using a 4G connection.
New research suggests that when you see the 5G symbol on your phone, it doesn't necessarily mean you're getting 5G speeds. In fact, tests found that nearly 40% of the time, phones display the 5G logo but are actually using a 4G connection. This can result in slower downloads and buffering, even when you think you have access to ultra-fast internet. The study was conducted by Policy Tracker, which tested 11,000 connections across London, Birmingham, and North Lincolnshire with four different phones and network providers. The findings reveal that mobile networks currently define 5G as the "presence" of a signal in an area, rather than a guarantee of connection to it. This means that even if you have a contract that includes 5G, your phone can still drop down to 4G if a faster connection is not available. New research suggests that standalone 5G, which promises true 5G speeds all the time, may not be worth the extra cost, as contracts are expensive and coverage is patchy. Consumer expert Jasper Griegson from Resolver points out that customers have the right to clarity about what they're paying for, but currently, mobile networks don't provide accurate information. Mobile UK, representing Britain's major mobile operators, confirms that the 5G icon doesn't necessarily mean a live 5G connection, but rather indicates that you're in an area with 5G capabilities.
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