4G LTE: 4G LTE has a theoretical peak download speed of up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second) and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second).
5G: 5G offers significantly higher theoretical speeds. The initial 5G specification allows for up to 20 Gbps download and 10 Gbps upload speeds in ideal conditions.
Spectrum & Bandwidth:
5G operates across a wider range of frequencies, including low-band, mid-band, and high-band (often referred to as mmWave). The use of higher frequencies (like mmWave) in 5G allows for faster data rates but may have limitations in terms of coverage and penetration through obstacles.
4G LTE predominantly operates on lower frequency bands. While this provides better coverage and penetration, it might not achieve the same high data rates as the higher frequency bands used in 5G.
Deployment Status & Infrastructure:
The rollout of 5G is still ongoing in many regions. Initial 5G deployments might not always achieve the full potential speed due to various reasons such as limited infrastructure, interference, or network congestion.
4G LTE networks have been more established and widespread. In areas where 5G coverage is limited or in the early stages of deployment, users might experience slower speeds compared to mature 4G LTE networks.
Network Congestion:
As more users adopt 5G devices and networks, there can be instances where the 5G network becomes congested, leading to reduced speeds. Similarly, 4G LTE networks can also experience congestion during peak usage times.
Device Capabilities:
The performance experienced by users depends not only on the network but also on the device they are using. Older 5G devices or those with less advanced hardware might not support the full range of 5G features, potentially leading to varied performance results.
Latency & Other Factors:
5G promises not only faster speeds but also significantly reduced latency (the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination). Lower latency in 5G can lead to more responsive applications, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and real-time gaming.
However, in certain situations, due to factors like network configuration, device compatibility, or interference, some users might perceive delays or reduced performance on 5G compared to their experiences on 4G LTE.
