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Lower latency (meaning near-instant response times)
As mobile technology evolves, understanding the difference between LTE and 5G is key to making informed decisions about your smartphone and mobile data usage. While LTE has powered our mobile experience for over a decade, 5G is designed for the future, delivering faster speeds, better responsiveness and the capacity to handle more devices than ever before.
But is 5G better than LTE? Should you keep your phone on LTE or switch to 5G? This guide breaks down what you need to know so you can get the most out of your mobile plan.
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is the wireless standard that brought faster speeds and improved performance to mobile networks beginning in the late 2000s. It's reliable and widely available, especially in areas where 5G coverage may still be expanding.
5G, on the other hand, is the next generation of mobile technology. It’s built to support much more than just faster downloads. 5G delivers:
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Higher capacity, ideal for crowded areas
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Faster speeds, enabling HD streaming, mobile gaming and video calls with ease
LTE was made for yesterday’s mobile demands. 5G is made for today – and ready for what’s next. Discover how Spectrum can connect you to nationwide 5G with no extra fees.
Yes, when comparing 5G vs LTE, speed is one of the biggest improvements:
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LTE download speeds typically range from 5 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
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5G download speeds can reach well over 1 Gbps in optimal conditions.
That’s up to 10x faster – or more.
Whether you’re streaming HD videos, playing multiplayer games or working on the go, 5G can deliver smoother, faster and more reliable mobile experiences.
And yes, 5G does use more data – because you're able to do more, faster. Downloading a high-res video on 5G might take seconds instead of minutes on LTE, which encourages higher-quality content and more usage.
If you're in an area with strong 5G coverage and have a compatible device, leaving your phone on 5G is usually the better option. You'll experience:
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Faster load times
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Smoother video and audio streaming
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Better performance in crowded places (like stadiums or city centers)
However, in some situations – like when you're in a rural area – your device may automatically switch to LTE for better coverage. That’s one of the advantages of Spectrum’s network: it uses both LTE and 5G to give you the strongest possible signal, wherever you are.
If you’re wondering how to change LTE to 5G, it’s usually simple:
- Make sure your phone supports 5G.
- Make sure you have a 5G-capable SIM card.
- Go to your phone’s network settings and select “5G Auto” or “5G On.”
If you're a Spectrum Mobile® customer, your device should already be set to automatically use 5G when available depending on its compatibility.
At Spectrum, we’re focused on giving you more – more speed, more power and more reliability on mobile. That’s why we’ve ensured our customers have access to nationwide 5G at no extra cost, all you need is a 5G compatible phone.
Whether you're comparing LTE vs 5G or deciding which network to use on your phone, Spectrum ensures you're always connected to the best available mobile experience.
No contracts, no added taxes – just powerful mobile service that keeps up with your life. Explore Spectrum Mobile’s data plans that all include 5G access.