Mobile speed depends on coverage, distance to the antenna, the frequency band used and the number of connected users. A 4G or 5G speed test shows the speed actually available on your smartphone or mobile router.
4G and 5G: what speeds should you expect?
| Technology | Typical download | Typical upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G | 10 to 100 Mbps | 5 to 30 Mbps | 20 to 50 ms |
| 4G+ | 50 to 200 Mbps | 20 to 50 Mbps | 20 to 40 ms |
| 5G | 100 to 1,000 Mbps | 30 to 150 Mbps | 10 to 30 ms |
These values are indicative. In dense areas, 5G can exceed 1 Gbps; in rural areas, 4G may stay below 20 Mbps.
Why does mobile speed vary so much?
Coverage and the antenna
The closer you are to the antenna, the better the signal. Walls, basements and concrete buildings strongly reduce quality.
Number of users
Bandwidth is shared. At peak hours or in tourist areas, speed can drop.
Frequency band
Low frequencies travel further but offer less speed. High frequencies are faster but more sensitive to obstacles.
Phone and plan
An older phone may not support all 4G/5G bands. Some plans also throttle speed after a data threshold.
How to test your mobile speed properly
- Turn off the VPN and hotspot.
- Make sure you are not connected to Wi-Fi.
- Stand near a window or outdoors.
- Run the test several times in different places and at different hours.
- Note the technology shown (4G, 4G+, 5G).
Watch your data: a speed test can use several hundred megabytes, or more on 5G. Keep an eye on your plan.
How to improve mobile speed
Move to a more open area, enable 5G if your plan and phone support it, and check supported bands. For fixed use, a 4G/5G router with an external antenna can improve reception. Also compare operators: coverage varies greatly by location.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my 5G slower than 4G?
5G sometimes uses high frequencies that penetrate less well. With a weak signal, the phone may fall back to a more stable 4G connection. Coverage and the local antenna play a major role.
Does a speed test use my mobile data?
Yes. A full test can use several hundred megabytes, especially on 5G. Avoid running it repeatedly on a limited plan.
How do I test my mobile connection quality?
Measure download, upload, ping and jitter. Ping is especially important for video calls and online gaming.
Can a 4G/5G router replace fiber?
Yes in some cases, if coverage is good and your plan has enough data. Latency and stability are usually worse than fiber.
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