what is 5G — and why can it be 10× faster?
5G is the newest generation of mobile network. In plain words: more speed, less waiting, and video calls home that stay sharp even when everyone around you is online.
5G is the fifth generation of mobile network. It moves more data at once and responds faster, so in good conditions it can be up to 10× faster than 4G. For you, that means clearer video calls home, faster downloads and less buffering — especially in busy places.
In this guide
first, what does the "g" mean?
"G" simply means generation. Every ten years or so, mobile networks take a big step forward:
- 2G — calls and SMS.
- 3G — the first real mobile internet.
- 4G — fast enough for video, maps and apps. Most of the world still runs on it.
- 5G — the newest generation: much more capacity, much faster responses.
why can 5G be up to 10× faster?
Think of the network as a road. 4G is a good road. 5G is a much wider highway with smarter traffic lights. Three things make the difference:
- Wider lanes. 5G uses wider radio channels, so far more data can travel at the same moment.
- Smarter antennas. 5G antennas aim their signal towards your phone instead of spraying it in every direction — less waste, more speed.
- Faster reactions. The delay between tapping and the network answering (called latency) is much shorter. Video calls feel more natural, with less freezing and fewer "can you hear me?" moments.
One honest note: "up to" matters. Your real speed depends on your phone, how close you are to an antenna, walls around you and how busy the area is. But in most places 5G covers, the difference is easy to feel.
what does 5G change for you?
Speed tests are nice, but what matters is your day:
- Video calls home stay sharp — even in the evening, when everyone in the building is calling family at the same time.
- Photos and videos send in seconds — share your day with your children without waiting.
- Movies and series load instantly — less buffering on your day off.
- Busy places still work — bus stations, markets, crowded dorms.
how do I know if my phone supports 5G?
It takes one minute:
- Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → Mobile networks → Network mode. If you see "5G", your phone supports it.
- iPhone: iPhone 12 and newer support 5G. Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Options → Voice & Data and choose "5G Auto".
- Look at the top of your screen. When you're on 5G, you'll see 5G next to the signal bars.
Not sure? Send us your phone model on WhatsApp and we'll tell you in your language whether it supports 5G — and how to switch it on.
5G + a big data package = the full picture
Fast speed with a small data package is like a sports car with an empty tank. When everything loads faster, you naturally use more — longer calls, better video quality. That's why every Qmobile plan comes with 5G and 500GB of data: so you can enjoy the speed without counting megabytes. Read more in why a 500GB data plan makes sense in Israel.
quick answers
It can be. In good conditions 5G can reach speeds up to 10× higher than 4G, because it uses wider radio channels and smarter antennas. Your real speed depends on your phone, where you are and how many people are online — but 5G is noticeably faster in most places it covers.
You need a phone that supports 5G. Most mid-range and flagship phones from the last few years do. Check Settings → Mobile network → Preferred network type and look for "5G". If you only see 4G, your phone will still work on our 4G network.
5G itself doesn't use more data — the same video costs the same megabytes. But because everything loads faster, people tend to watch more and in higher quality. That's why a big data package matters on 5G.
5G uses radio waves, like 4G, Wi-Fi and radio before it, and operates within international safety limits set for mobile networks. If you have a personal health concern, speak to a doctor — we're always happy to answer network questions.
Yes. Qmobile customers get 5G on Israel's leading network, together with 500GB of data and unlimited calls and SMS in Israel.
Yes. Any foreign or international worker in Israel with a 5G phone and a 5G plan gets 5G where the network covers. Qmobile plans include 5G on Israel's leading network.
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far away — just got closer
5G · 500GB · unlimited calls & SMS in Israel · free SIM · support in your language