Should You Upgrade to 5G Now or Wait in 2025?

As the expansion of 5G networks continues in 2025, the question remains as to whether now is the time to buy a 5G phone or rather wait for it to improve. 5G is changing the way we use our smartphones by offering faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved connectivity. We at 247GreenGadgets help consumers decide whether to buy or trade in a phone. This 500-word guide discusses the pros and cons of upgrading to 5G now or waiting, helping you decide what best suits your requirements.

Reasons to Upgrade to 5G Now

1. Higher Speeds and Lower Latency

5G download speeds range between 100 Mbps and 10 Gbps, way higher compared to 4G’s 30 to 50 Mbps download speeds, hence enjoying streaming, playing games, or downloading large files should be its forte. For instance, a file that is 1GB big and would take 2 minutes to download on 4G can be downloaded within seconds on 5G. Also, with a latency of as low as 1 ms, it allows almost real-time communication, making it suitable for such applications as video calling or online gaming.

2. Growing Coverage

Now is the perfect time to buy a 5G phone, as there is a huge opportunity to be creeped by so many consumers: By 2025, 65 percent of the global population is expected to access 5G network. Urban areas, including those of the United Kingdom such as London and Manchester, have been equipped with solid 5G infrastructure from carriers such as EE and Vodafone. If you reside in an urban area, then purchasing a 5G phone from 247GreenGadgets will allow you to access these speeds already.

3. Future-Proofing

Most new mobile phones in 2025, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 9a, are 5G-capable as 4G networks are slowly being phased off, just like 3G. So, buying a new phone now puts you in the best position for what comes next when 5G becomes the normal, and 5G-Advanced launches with smarter, more efficient networks.

4. Cheap Options

Budget-friendly 5G phones-and-two: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (£200) and Motorola Moto G (2025) (£200). Refurbished 5G phones from 247GreenGadgets give you even more savings; iPhone 12 starts at £250, all vetted in quality and come with a warranty.

Why wait to upgrade?

With good 5G presence in cities, rural areas still seem to be hunched by coverage gaps. High-band 5G (mmWave) has a small range and thus requires dense infrastructure, an infrastructure setup that is currently not prevalent outside the cities. If you are in a rural area, 4G might be just fine for you; and if you can wait, better coverage might come.

2. Battery Drain

5G can drain batteries faster than 4G, streaming or gaming being the primary culprit, due to the higher demand for power. Of course, phones like the Galaxy S25 optimize power efficiency; others older 5G may not perform that well. So if battery life is what you’re after now, then stick with 4G.

3. Pricey

5G phones and plans can set you back a little more. While budget 5G phones will be affordable, premium models, such as the iPhone 16 Pro, will set you back 999 British Pounds. The same can be said for some carriers charging some extra for 5G plans. So, barring an urgent need, wait for the economy to develop with 5G.

Time for an Upgrade?

If you are residing in an urban setup with pretty demanding apps or simply an avid 5G phone, the fine metal is that 5G upgrades may well be needed now. People living in rural setups or those with very basic needs (for example, calls, texting) would better make do with the wait till 2026 for more extensive coverage and better prices. At 247GreenGadgets, we deal with refurbished 5G phones at a price suitable for any wallet, whereas our trade-in program (at 247greengadgets.co.uk/sell-to-us/) assists with offsetting the costs in an environmentally friendly manner.

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