Internet speed explained: What you really need to know
In our mobile and constantly connected world, a stable Internet connection on smartphones is essential. Whether you need to quickly find a route on the map, stream music and videos, or simply chat with friends, the speed of your mobile data determines how smoothly these activities run. We all know the frustrating feeling when an app loads forever or constantly interrupts a video just because the Internet connection is too slow.
What speeds are there and what do the different Internet speeds actually mean?
When you are with eSIMs and if you have mobile phone plans, you will come across many abbreviations and terms that can seem confusing at first glance. One of the most common abbreviations you'll encounter is 4G or 5G in combination with LTE. These terms refer to the generation of cellular technology and the speed at which data is transmitted over the network.
But before we go deeper into what these terms mean, it's important not the terms GIGABYTE (gigabytes) and Gto confuse (generation). GIGABYTE stands for gigabytes and refers to the volume of data, i.e. the amount of data that you can use before your tariff may be throttled or incur additional costs. G On the other hand, stands for the generation of mobile radio technology and has nothing to do with the amount of data, but with the speed at which this data is transmitted.
How is speed measured?
Internet speed is usually measured in kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second). Here's an overview of what you can expect at different speeds:
- 128 kbps: At this speed, downloading a 1GB file is virtually impossible — it would take over 17 hours. Streaming is also barely feasible at this speed; even simple websites can load extremely slowly.
- 256 kbps: Here, downloading 1GB of data will take around 8.5 hours. Streaming audio is possible, but streaming video remains a problem. Simple web applications can be used, but with significant delays.
- 512 kbps: A 1GB download takes approximately 4.5 hours. Videos could be played in low resolution (360p), but even that is not guaranteed. Surfing and retrieving emails are possible, although not optimal.
- 1Mbps: At 1 Mbps, it takes around 2 hours to download a 1 GB file. Standard definition streaming is possible, but HD content will stutter. Browsing, emailing, and video conferencing are largely hassle-free at this speed.
- 5Mbps: Here you can download a 1GB file in around 30 minutes. HD streaming on one device is easy, and even multiple devices can stream simultaneously in standard definition.
- 10 Mbps and more: A 1GB download takes less than 15 minutes. HD and 4K streaming work smoothly, and online gaming and video conferencing are also possible without delay.
These speeds are to be understood as general guidelines. Actual experiences may vary depending on network usage and provider.
After clarifying the absolute speeds, the question is what do 4G and 5G speeds actually mean?
4G/LTE: The fourth generation
4G, also known as LTE (Long Term Evolution), is the current standard for mobile data connections and theoretically offers speeds of up to 300 Mbps. In reality, however, speeds vary significantly depending on network coverage, number of users, and other factors. On average, users with 4G connections reach around 15 to 40 Mbps, although higher values are also possible in well-developed areas.
For everyday use — such as browsing the web, streaming music and videos in HD quality, or using social media — these speeds are usually more than enough. Navigating with map apps or sharing photos and videos also works smoothly. Even for mobile work, such as sending emails or participating in video conferences, 4G offers a stable and reliable connection.
5G: The future of mobile Internet
With 5G The next generation of mobile data connection is available, which enables even faster and more powerful connections. In theory, speeds of up to 20 Gbps can be achieved with 5G, which is 66 times the maximum 4G speed. In practice, however, these extremely high speeds are rare, and on average, users can expect around 100 Mbps — a significant increase over 4G.
However, the benefits of 5G go beyond mere speed. 5G also offers significantly lower latency, meaning that the delay in data transmission is minimized. This is particularly important for applications that need to work in real time, such as online gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and autonomous vehicles. It will also be easy to stream 4K or even 8K videos with 5G, as will the simultaneous connection of several devices without noticeable loss of speed.
When is it worthwhile to switch to a 5G-enabled smartphone?
Whether you should switch to 5G depends on your individual needs. If you frequently use data-intensive applications, such as high-quality video conferencing, online gaming, or streaming high-resolution video, then 5G can offer significant added value. Even if you live or work in an area with a well-developed 5G infrastructure, the switch could make sense.
However, for most everyday applications and in areas where 5G is not yet widely available, 4G continues to provide more than adequate performance. The switch to 5G will become increasingly relevant in the coming years, but currently the need depends heavily on your usage patterns and specific requirements.
conclusion
Whether 4G or 5G — both technologies offer impressive options that can vary depending on your needs. 4G remains a solid standard for most everyday applications and is well developed in most regions. It offers enough speed for all common mobile activities, from streaming to online gaming.
5G On the other hand, it opens up new horizons, especially for users who depend on maximum speeds and minimal latency times. It is the future of the mobile Internet and will become increasingly important, particularly in urban areas and for data-intensive applications. By understanding the differences between generations, you can choose the plan that best suits your digital lifestyle.
