AT&T is decommissioning its 3G network in favor of its superior 4G network, so you may need to upgrade your iPhone model if you want to continue using the service. Which one should you get, and do you even need a new phone?
Since the iPhone 4S, all subsequent iPhone models have included 4G connectivity. The iPhone 5 and later models are therefore 4G-capable. Also included are the three iPhone SE models and the two iPhone 14 models that were released in September. Beginning with the iPhone 12, and continuing with the iPhone 13 and later models, 5G has been available (they still include 4G).
Let’s compare 4G to 5G in terms of speed, performance, and latency, as well as all the hullabaloo surrounding 4G and the models that support it. We’ll also discuss how to identify your phone’s version so you can decide whether or not you need to upgrade.
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What is 4G?
The fourth-generation (4G), fourth-generation long-term evolution (4G LTE), or fourth-generation advanced wireless network (4G Advanced) is a technological upgrade from the previous-generation (3G) wireless system. Although it serves the same function as 3G—that is, to transfer data and phone calls to mobile devices—it does it at a higher rate and with more storage capacity. The introduction of 4G radically altered how we make use of mobile internet.
While 3G networks weren’t exactly lightning fast, the advent of 4G networks has opened the door to a slew of new mobile uses, such as streaming high-definition videos. Thus, it transformed mobile devices into fully functional computing devices.
Mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, can now do practically all of the same functions as a desktop or laptop computer. On top of that, 4G networks guarantee constant speeds no matter where you are or what information you require.
Which iPhone Models Have 4G?
All iPhones released after the iPhone 5 have 4G connectivity because they are compatible with 4G LTE networks. To help you out, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the available 4G models:
iOS Devices: iPhone 5, 5c, and 5S
The iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and 6s Plus
In the SE, SE (2020), and SE (3rd Generation) (2022)
iOS Devices: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone X, XS, XR, XS Max, XR
You can choose from an iPhone X, XS, XS Max, or XR.
A Look at Apple’s New iPhones
There are five different versions of the iPhone 12: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12
It includes the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max, and any subsequent model.
What’s the Difference Between 4G and 5G?
Among the various distinctions between 4G and 5G, speed stands out as the most notable. Although theoretically, 4G can support rates of up to 100 Mbps, most users report experiencing speeds of between 35 and 50 Mbps.
By comparison, 5G is a hundred times faster than 4G, with theoretical speeds of up to 20 Gbps and practical speeds of between 50 Mbps and 3 Gbps.
The delay is another key distinction. 5G guarantees latency below 5 ms, while 4G’s latency ranges between 60-98 ms. There are many advantages to having lower latency, including faster download times.
If you’re looking for a faster download speed than what 4G can offer, 5G can reach up to 10 Gbps, which is a tenfold improvement over 4G’s maximum speed.
Coverage
Last but not least, the two plans are not equivalent in terms of coverage. Four-square coverage is available in virtually every major city. Although 4G service is spotty in some rural parts around the world, 5G is still only available in a select number of major cities and has a long way to go before it is as pervasive as 4G.
Each of the three 5G bands will have its unique implementation, complete with its own set of specifications for maximum speed and bandwidth.
How to Tell Which Version You Have
Whether you have 3G, 4G or 5G can be determined in a few different ways.
A 4G or LTE icon will appear in the status bar at the top of the screen when you are in an area with 4G coverage and your 4G plan is active. You’ll see “3G” if it’s a 3G network, and “5G,” “5G+,” “5G UW,” and “5G UC” if it’s a 5G network.
One other method of verification is to:
To access the Cellular settings, use the Settings application.
After that, we will discuss your cellular service alternatives.
In Voice & Data, your choices will be laid out before you. To illustrate, LTE and 3G will appear if you only have access to 4G (and not 5G). Similarly, 5G will be a possibility if it becomes available. Visit TheActiveNews.com for more recent information.