5G Mobile: Is it Time to Upgrade Your Smartphone

Will 2023 be the year of 5G mobile? As the hype continues to build, will this be the year you finally get connected with the latest in mobile networking technology?

While many smartphone users are already enjoying the faster speeds provided by 5G networks, coverage around the country remains limited compared to 4G. In addition, you will, of course, need a 5G-enabled smartphone, which for many will mean upgrading an old handset.

There’s a number of factors you’ll need to weigh up when it comes to accessing 5G services. As it stands, many new smartphones at all price ranges are now arriving to market equipped with 5G connectivity. And mobile providers are continuing to expand their coverage areas. If you’re planning on upgrading your smartphone this year, it will be worthwhile considering a 5G-enabled model.

Below we take a look at:

• 5G’s benefits
• Whether you’ll need to pay extra to access 5G services
• Where Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees are in their respective 5G rollouts
• Some 5G smartphone options in the budget, mid-range and premium price categories

What is 5G and what benefits does it provide?

From 1G through to 2G, 3G and 4G, each new mobile network generation has ushered in a range of improvements over previous generations. As the 5G rollout gathers momentum, it promises strong advancements over 4G and is set to support a variety of new mobile applications.
One of the main, headline-grabbing features of 5G is significantly faster data transfer speeds. While estimations vary, there’s a significant gap in the peak speed capabilities of 4G and 5G:

• 4G – a potential peak speed of 300Mbps
• 5G – a potential peak speed of 20Gbps (1Gbps equals 1000 Mbps)

While real-world speeds won’t be as fast (at least any time soon), this nonetheless points to 5G’s far greater data transfer capacity.

For instance, downloads that may have taken minutes via 4G, can be completed in a matter of seconds using 5G.

In addition, 5G substantially reduces latency (data transfer delay, often referred to as lag) and significantly improves network traffic capacity (enabling enhanced network efficiency) compared to previous mobile network generations.

Will you need to pay extra for 5G services?

As it stands, the three major mobile network providers Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees are each currently including 5G access with their respective prepaid and pay monthly mobile plans at no extra cost.

However, there is no guarantee consumers will not have to pay extra to access 5G in the future. For instance, both Spark and Vodafone advise via their respective websites that 5G is included with plans at no extra cost for a limited time.

When it comes to pricing, it’s very much a case of watch this space at present. New deals are likely to arrive to market in the coming years as 5G coverage expands and it becomes a more entrenched offering.

It is, of course, worthwhile shopping around and comparing the offers of all providers in determining which plan best suits your needs.

Where is 5G currently available?

Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees are each respectively rolling out 5G network infrastructure around the country. This means that customers are able to access both 4G and 5G networks in areas where 5G networks are now live.

Of course, 5G networks will continue to expand throughout 2023. If you don’t currently have 5G in your area, it will be worthwhile keeping an eye out for its arrival.

Spark has previously advised it’s aiming to deliver 5G coverage to approximately 90% of the population by the end of 2023. It states that more locations are being added every month, and 5G is now available at more than 30 locations across New Zealand.

Spark’s network coverage map can be found here.

Vodafone last year advised that by 31/0824 it will have rolled out 4G or 5G to everywhere currently served by 3G. Its 5G network is live in parts of Auckland, Hamilton, the Bay of Plenty, Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Southland.

Vodafone’s network coverage map can be found here.

2degrees advised last year that it had launched 13 new 5G coverage areas. Under its contiguous rollout, 2degrees has expanded its 5G coverage in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with a focus on providing coverage in connected areas.

2degrees’ network coverage map can be found here.

5G smartphones for all budgets

If you’re keen to access faster 5G mobile internet, you will, of course, need a 5G-enabled smartphone. The good news is that, beyond the premium price category, 5G models are now arriving to market at all price points.

The following is a selection of 5G-enabled smartphones in the budget, mid-range and premium price categories.

Budget phones

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

The Galaxy A13 5G brings together a range of features at a budget price point. As the name suggests (there’s also a 4G Galaxy A13), faster 5G connectivity is a key selling point of this device. Price: $287

Oppo A77 5G

The Oppo A77 5G offers 5G connectivity, packaged with a variety of other features, at a comparatively affordable price point. If you’re looking for 5G at a lower price, this is another model worthwhile considering. Price: $379

Mid-range phones

Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G

The Oppo Reno8 Lite 5G arrived to market in mid-2022, decked out to deliver powerful all-round performance. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G mobile platform paves the way for faster 5G connectivity. Price: $649*

Apple iPhone SE

Apple released its latest iPhone SE in March last year, providing customers an iPhone offering in the mid-range price category. The iPhone SE’s 5G connectivity enables a more streamlined online experience. Price: from $849*

Premium phones

Samsung Galaxy S22

The Galaxy S22 was unveiled in February last year, sporting all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a flagship device. Given that Samsung has recently taken the wraps off its Galaxy S23 line-up, it could be worthwhile keeping an eye out for bargain Galaxy S22 prices. Price: $1299*.

Apple iPhone 14

Launched in September last year, the iPhone 14 is decked out with a range of upgrades and new technologies. Apple states 5G enables “incredibly fast downloads and uploads, better streaming and real-time connectivity”. Price: from $1599*.

*Prices given approximate and correct as of 10/02/23. Prices should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote. Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar author Martin Kovacs. Martin is a freelance writer with experience covering the business, consumer technology and utilities sectors. Martin has written about a wide range of topics across both print and digital publications, including the manner in which industry continues to adapt and evolve amid the rollout of new technologies