19th Jul, 2024
Are you planning to upgrade your network to 5G for a better network experience? That’s a good decision indeed!
But, are you still trying to figure out whether your old SIM will support 5G or not?
Well, We Voice can assure you that it is a common doubt that everyone faces when switching their network. So, you are not alone. In this blog, we will try to resolve this common query and let you know whether you need a new 5G mobile SIM card or can carry on with the old one.
You Need a Compatible Smartphone
Before going into the details of a 5G SIM, there is one thing that you must need and that is a smartphone-compatible for 5G SIM. It is quite easy to check whether your current phone is 5G enabled or not. Go to the ‘Settings’ and then tap on ‘Connections’. Then, go to ‘Mobile Networks’ and choose ‘Network Mode’. There you will find a few options for auto-connect. It will either say ‘2G/3G/4G/5G’ or ‘2G/3G/4G’. If you find the first option in your phone, consider it as a sign that your existing smartphone is 5G compatible. If not, you might have to go for the other option.
Not always. It depends on the type of SIM carrier you have in your current phone. If it supports 5G technology, then you may not need to have a new SIM. Also, if the sim itself is compatible with the 5G network, then you will not need to get a new SIM. Most of the SIMs available today, even the ones designed for supporting 4G/LTE networks are compatible with 5G network access.
However, some mobile network service providers like T-mobile suggest their customers get a new 5G mobile SIM card for this purpose. We Voice, being in collaboration with T-mobile offers new SIM cards to their users for absolutely free. The new SIM cards are built to support the 5G architecture in the best possible way.
The only problem that the customers might face while using their old SIM card for 5G access is that they will be denied access to the 5G network if they don’t upgrade their data plan for the same.
What’s Different in the 5G Network?
Let us give you two good reasons for switching your network to 5G. Firstly, the fifth generation of wireless technology is capable of high-speed data transfer. And, the speed is at least 100 times faster compared to 4G. While the 4G/LTE network can speed up to 100 MBPS, the 5G network can provide 20 GBPS.
Secondly, 5G network providers take pride in low latency. Latency is nothing but the total time taken for data receiving and sending. And, because of the high performance architectural amendments done for the 5G network, the latency is even less than 5 milliseconds. So, people with a 5G mobile SIM card can experience high-quality video streaming and gaming sessions.
Is there a difference between 4G and 5G SIM Cards?
While changing the network or just changing the SIM card, you might wonder how the 4G and 5G SIM cards are different, when they look exactly the same?
Well, the physical appearance of both these SIM cards might be similar, but the network capabilities may differ. The exclusively designed 5G mobile SIM card is made to harness the complete potential of the 5G network. People using these SIM cards can experience its high-speed and lower latency in full swing.
The 4G SIM cards, on the other hand, may support the 5G technology. However, the SIMs are meant for working the finest in the 4G spectrum, not in the 5G spectrum. So, when it comes to leveraging the full benefit of the network, the two SIM cards have a solid difference, indeed!
Will a 4G SIM Card Work in a 5G Phone?
What really happens when you put your old 4G SIM in your brand new 5G enabled phone? Well, the good news here is that it will work. A 4G SIM card can perfectly function in a 5G phone, providing you 5G network access due to the SIM card’s forward technology compatibility.
However, if you get a message in your phone where the mobile carrier is asking to get a 5G mobile SIM card, we would suggest that you should do that. Only then, you will be able to experience an improved coverage and speed.
On the other hand, if you try to use a 5G SIM in a 4G-only phone, it might not work as you wished. You will be able to use the SIM but the network will be limited to 4G only. To get access to the 5G network, you must need a device that has 5G network compatibility. Otherwise despite having a 5G SIM, you might have to stay happy with 4G network benefits only.
Summing Up
So, if you look into the write up above, it will be clear for you that to have better coverage, improved speed and low latency, it is best to combine a 5G SIM with a 5G-enabled device. This pair may work the best, but you are not required to change your SIM if you have a 4G SIM and a 5G enabled mobile phone as the 4G SIM will work in that case because of its network forwarding capabilities. However, if you don’t have a 5G enabled device, no SIM will be able to give you 5G network access.