Why 5G Uses More Battery
Yes, 5G can indeed use more battery than 4G LTE in many cases. Many users, including those with devices from Samsung, Apple, and others, have reported faster battery drain when connected to a 5G network. This may seem surprising since 5G was designed to offer more efficient data transfer. However, several factors contribute to this increased battery usage.
One of the main reasons is how carriers deploy 5G networks. Many use what is called Non-Standalone 5G (NSA). In this setup, your phone connects to both 4G and 5G simultaneously—4G for calls and texts and 5G for data. This dual connection increases the phone's power draw, leading to faster battery drain. On the other hand, Standalone 5G (SA) does not rely on 4G networks and, therefore, consumes less power.
How Much More Battery Does 5G Use?
The extent to which 5G drains your battery depends on various factors such as your device, the type of 5G network (NSA or SA), and signal strength. Older 5G phones typically used more power because they came with a separate 5G modem. Today’s phones often feature integrated modems, which help reduce battery drain but don’t eliminate it completely.
Signal strength plays a huge role as well. When you’re far from a 5G tower, your phone has to work harder to maintain the connection, which can result in faster battery depletion. This issue is more noticeable in areas with fewer 5G towers.
Comparing Battery Life: 5G vs 4G LTE
To give you an idea, early 5G smartphones like the iPhone 12 lost about one to two hours of battery life when connected to a 5G network versus 4G. Apple has since introduced features like Smart Data Mode, which automatically switches off 5G when not needed, helping to conserve battery life. Similarly, users with Pixel 6 devices noticed improved battery life after disabling 5G.
On newer devices such as the Pixel 8 or other top-tier 5G phones, the difference in battery life between 4G and 5G is becoming less noticeable. However, some level of battery drain is still present.
Does 5G Use More Battery Than Wi-Fi?
Yes, cellular networks like 5G will always consume more battery than Wi-Fi. The reason is simple: the further you are from a 5G tower, the harder your phone has to work to maintain a connection. This increases battery usage. In contrast, when you’re on Wi-Fi, you're typically much closer to the router, and the signal is stronger, reducing the phone’s power consumption.
How to Conserve Battery Life on a 5G Phone
If you’re concerned about battery drain, one simple solution is to turn off 5G when you don’t need it. This can result in significant battery savings, especially if you're in an area with poor 5G coverage. You can easily switch to 4G LTE in your phone’s settings. Additionally, newer phones come with features like Apple’s Smart Data Mode or adaptive battery management tools that help reduce power consumption by turning off 5G automatically when it’s not required.
