4G vs 5G: A Comparison of The Two IoT Technologies

July 23, 2025
IoT FAQs

4G vs 5G are two different generations of mobile network technology. They have some key differences in terms of speed, bandwidth, latency, and capabilities. Here is a summary of the main differences:

4G vs 5G

Speed

5G is much faster than 4G, offering up to 2.5 Gbps download speed and 1.25 Gbps of upload. 4G, on the other hand, can only reach up to 1 Gbps of download speed and 500 Mbps of upload. So 5G can support more data-intensive applications, such as high-resolution video streaming, virtual reality, and cloud gaming.

Latency

5G has lower latency than 4G, meaning it has less delay or lag time in communications between devices and servers. The latency of 5G is about 1 ms, while the latency of 4G is about 50 ms. 5G can enable more real-time and interactive applications, such as remote control of vehicles, robots, and medical procedures, as well as on-line gaming and video conferencing.

Bandwidth

5G has more bandwidth than 4G, meaning it can support more devices and users simultaneously without compromising the quality of service. 5G uses higher frequencies than 4G, such as millimeter waves, which are less congested and can carry more data. 5G also uses smaller and more directional antennas, serving over 1,000 more devices per meter than 4G. This means that 5G can handle the growing demand for internet access from smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, wearables, and IoT devices.

These are some of the major differences between 4G vs 5G. However, these differences also depend on the availability and coverage of the networks, as well as the compatibility and performance of the devices. To enjoy the full benefits of 5G, you will need a 5G-enabled device and a 5G network provider in your area.

In an IoT project, both 5G and 4G are used for data backhaul in the gateway, i.e., LoRaWAN gateway, AoA (Angle of Arrival) gateway, .etc. 4G is often used because:

4G module is cheaper.
Speed, bandwidth, and latency do not have a significant influence on the system’s performace.

Many vehicle trackers use 4G because 4G has better coverage worldwide than 5G, while 2G and 3G are phasing out. Some high-accuracy GNSS positioning technologies, such as RTK (RealTime Kinematic) and PPK (Post Processed Kinematic), use 4G because they need faster and more data communication during positioning. Check our whitepaper here.