Hype or Hope
Do your apps really have a need for speed?
4G VS. 5G: WHICH APPS TRULY NEED THE UPGRADE?
With the rise of 5G networks, many are wondering if they really need to make the switch. For most users, the answer is: not necessarily.
While 5G promises lightning-fast speeds and ultralow latency, many everyday apps run just fine on 4G, making 5G more of a luxury than a necessity for the average person. Let’s break it down.
For the vast majority of users, 4G is more than sufficient to run these common apps smoothly
APPS THAT WORK PERFECTLY ON 4G
Social Media
(Facebook, Instagram, Twitter):
Browsing, uploading photos, and watching videos work seamlessly on 4G.
Email & Messaging
(Gmail, WhatsApp, iMessage):
Sending texts, emails, and even video calls don't require the speeds 5G offers.
Mobile Games:
Most non-AR or cloud-based mobile games run smoothly on 4G.
Streaming
(YouTube, Netflix, Spotify): 4G can easily handle video and music streaming at HD quality without buffering.
Basic Cloud Services
(Google Drive, Dropbox):
Uploading and downloading documents, spreadsheets, and photos isn’t bandwidthheavy enough to need 5G.
APPS THAT BENEFIT FROM 5G
Though most people don’t need 5G, certain applications thrive with its enhanced speed and lower latency
APPS THAT BENEFIT FROM 5G
Cloud Gaming
(Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming): 5G’s faster speeds and low latency are essential for a smooth gaming experience without lag.
4K Streaming
While 4G can handle HD video streaming, 4K content or highbandwidth media streaming can benefit from 5G’s superior speeds.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Apps that rely on real-time data processing, like AR shopping apps or VR gaming, require the faster connection 5G provides.
Smart Cities and IoT
Applications related to smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and largescale IoT implementations need the infrastructure and speed of 5G to perform optimally.
5g - Nice to have, but not essential
In today’s tech-driven world, the race for ever-faster cellular speeds has turned into a constant chase, with 5G often marketed as an essential upgrade. But for most everyday tasks—scrolling through social media, streaming music, or sending messages 4G speeds are more than enough.
The pressure to upgrade can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to step back and assess whether the promise of ultra-high-speed connectivity actually meets your needs.
Instead of getting caught in the rat race, consider whether faster speeds will truly enhance your experience or if it’s just the allure of having the latest technology.
Founded in 1998, Intenna Systems, LLC. is a leading provider of customized, cost-effective, in-building wireless networks. With over two decades of design and deployment experience, Intenna continues to provide comprehensive cellular and public safety network DAS solutions to an impressive resume of healthcare, corporate, hospitality, public venue and government clients nationwide. We are distinguished by our unparalleled experience, ability to navigate challenging environments, commitment to quality and customer focus. Reach out to Intenna today to learn how we can help you create the wireless environment that your employees, customers and patients now require.