5G phones
What's the Difference Between 4G and 5G Phones?
If 4G was fast, 5G is just plain ridiculous. But what’s the actual difference between 4G and 5G? 4G gave us decent streaming, solid coverage, and fast-enough speeds. But now 5G is here, and it’s built for everything we’re doing now and what’s coming next.
Compared to 4G, a 5G phone offers:
- Way faster downloads
- Less lag when gaming or streaming
- Stronger signal in crowded places
But it’s not just about speed. 5G phones are also built with better tech under the hood, which means they’re ready for the latest apps, smarter features and longer software support. The best part? We’ve got them all right here.
As Australia’s leading retailer of mobile phones and anything tech, we’ve got the latest 5G phones from the biggest brands in the game, including Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
What Can 5G Phones Do?
A 5G phone gives you speed where it counts. But the biggest win is how it changes the way you use your phone every single day. Here’s what that looks like:
- Stream in high quality, anywhere: Smash through full episodes in 4K on the bus, in the car or while you wait for your coffee. No buffering. No dropouts.
- Apps and updates download in seconds: Grab that new game or system update while you’re walking between meetings. Too easy.
- Gaming is smoother and snappier: Whether you're on COD Mobile or streaming from the cloud, 5G keeps things quick with almost no lag.
- You’ll still have signal in packed spots: At a stadium? Music festival? Airport? 5G handles big crowds without killing your connection.
- Uploading is actually fast now: Whether it's TikTok, work files or your weekend vlog, 5G gets it online quicker with no stress.
What Are the Best 5G Phones Right Now?
Whether you’re team iOS or team Android, 5G is now baked into heaps of the latest models. From flagship with pro-level cameras to great-value models that punch above their price, you’ll find 5G phones across every budget, every brand and every type of phone at JB:
- Apple iPhone 17 Series, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Apple iPhone 16 Series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Series, including the Samsung S25 Ultra, Samsung S25 Plus, and Samsung S25.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Series, including the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, and the more wallet-friendly Galaxy Z Flip7 FE.
- Samsung Galaxy A Series, like the A35 and A55, offer 5G capabilities.
- Google Pixel 10 Series, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
- Google Pixel 9 Series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
- ASUS, including the ROG Phone 9, ROG Phone 8, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- OPPO. OPPO 5G phones offer big tech at top value.
- Motorola. 5G is a big feature of the new Motorola G84 and Razr 40 range.
- Nokia. The Nokia G42, XR21 and X30 models all offer 5G options.
- TCL. TCL phones are packed with features that are easy on the budget.
- NOTHING. The NOTHING Phone 3a and CMF Phone 2 Pro offer innovative features at a great price.
There is also a heap of great-value accessories to go with 5G phones, including iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Galaxy Fold & Flip accessories.
Do 5G Phones Get Better Reception?
Like everything, reception depends on where you are, but in a standard setting, 5G phones offer faster and more reliable connectivity. Reception for 5G phones will also work a little differently than 4G because it:
- Requires no big towers
- Needs smaller base stations
- Sits on existing street infrastructure
- Has more base stations for better reception
Are 5G Phones Backward Compatible?
Yes, 5G phones are backward compatible. Your 4G phone still works with 3 G, and the same is true for 5G phones and 4G networks. That helps the value of 5G phones because there may not be 5G everywhere you go, and when you go outside a 5G area, it will work on 4G.
Every new generation of mobile phones supports the previous one. So, yes, 5G mobile phones support 4G, which means finding a new phone doesn't mean you have to wait for the 5G coverage to be everywhere. It also means 5G smartphones will give you extra value, big features for tomorrow, and the best of both worlds now.
Do I Need A 5G Phone?
If you're using your phone for streaming, gaming, working, or just keeping up with the world, the answer’s pretty simple. A 5G phone gives you faster speeds, better performance, and way more value long-term. With 5G now available in heaps of areas across Australia, there’s never been a better time to upgrade.
At JB, we’ve got the lot. From the latest flagship releases to budget-friendly options, we’re stacked with phones for every kind of user. Plus all the gear to go with them, like cases, chargers, accessories and more.
Shop online or hit up your nearest JB store and chat with our team. We’ll help you find the right 5G phone, fast.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed / advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed / advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.