5G Revolution: How it is changing the way we use our phones

Remember when downloading a song took minutes or when video calls felt like watching a slideshow? Those days are fading fast thanks to the 5G revolution. With lightning-fast speeds and near-instant connectivity, it is redefining what our smartphones can do.

And while you may already know the basics of what it is and how it works, the true revolution lies in how this fifth-generation network is reshaping everything about our mobile experience, from streaming high-quality content on the go to enabling smarter cities.

So let’s dive into six ways 5G is impacting mobile usage and explore what you can do to make the most of it.

1. Enhanced mobile experiences

Zooming through the digital world

With 5G speeds reaching an average of 10 Gbps – that’s up to 100 times faster than 4G – you can say goodbye to buffering. You can stream 4K without a hitch, download entire seasons of shows in a matter of seconds while waiting for your coffee and enjoy virtually lag-free video calls.

Lag? What’s that?

Ever tried to play an online game or join a live auction and felt frustrated by delays? 5G’s ultra-low latency – as low as 1 millisecond – means actions happen in real-time. Whether you’re gaming, trading stocks or controlling smart devices, everything responds instantly.

2. Mobile phones as productivity powerhouses

Work from anywhere

5G’s faster speeds are a game-changer not just for entertainment but also for professional use. In fact, the technology has the power to turn your phone into a mobile office. Access tools like Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft 365 seamlessly, edit documents, collaborate and meet deadlines without being tied to a desk.

Cloud computing at your fingertips

Need to render a video or crunch data? 5G’s speed makes heavy computational tasks possible on your phone via cloud computing and businesses are leveraging this to empower employees on the move.

Real-time collaboration

Use apps like Teams, Slack or Trello with instant updates and notifications so that team projects become more fluid, while communication barriers disappear.

3. Next-level personalisation and AI-powered services

AI on demand

From virtual assistants that can anticipate your needs to AI-powered apps that can process huge amounts of data, 5G is making these services faster, more reliable and more intuitive. From real-time language translation, smarter camera functions that can enhance your photos in milliseconds or AI predicting what apps you’ll need based on your location and habits, the technology enables more responsive, personalised mobile experiences. And AI-powered services extend beyond apps and into customer service, healthcare, finance and education.

4. The rise of mobile gaming

Gaming on-the-go like never before

Mobile gaming has skyrocketed in recent years and 5G is giving gamers even more reason to leave their consoles behind. Its low latency means you can enjoy fast, real-time response times, critical for action-packed games or esports competitions. No more input lag, delays or slow-loading multiplayer matches.

What’s more, with cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia, you no longer need to download massive files or worry about your phone’s storage. Instead, 5G enables you to play games directly from the cloud, allowing you to pick up a high-quality game on your phone with console-level graphics from anywhere.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) take center stage

Immersive digital experiences

Remember Pokémon GO? The phenomenon was one of the earliest mass-market AR successes. But it was just the beginning. Augmented reality, where digital elements are overlaid on the real world, has found countless applications. From AR filters on social media to AR-enhanced shopping experiences where you can virtually try on clothes or visualise furniture in your home, the possibilities are vast. Virtual reality, which immerses users in entirely digital worlds, is also set to become more mainstream. Whether it’s VR gaming or virtual meetings that allow you to “teleport” into the same room as your coworkers, 5G is powering the shift towards more immersive digital interactions.

Education transformed

More and more schools are now using AR/VR to create immersive learning. Students can take virtual field trips to historical sites or explore the human body in 3D and thanks to 5G, these experiences are accessible right from their smartphones.

6. Expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT)

Smart cities and you

5G isn’t just about improving the experience on your phone though. It’s about integrating your device into a broader ecosystem of smart technology. For one, the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects everyday objects to the internet, is about to get a major boost from 5G and as it becomes more widespread, it may enable smart cities, where everything from traffic lights to parking meters is connected. In fact, several cities in China are already experimenting with 5G-enabled smart traffic systems., whereby data is sent from thousands of devices across the city to control traffic lights, reduce congestion and improve emergency response times. Just imagine your phone guiding you to an available parking spot or alerting you if your car is about to run out of time when parked at a time-restricted bay.

Your phone as the ultimate remote control

Thanks to the sheer number of devices 5G can support (up to 1 million per square kilometer), your phone can easily interact with your home, office or town infrastructure in real-time. Sync with wearables like smartwatches or fitness trackers to get health updates, notifications and more without any delays. Monitor security cameras or even start your coffee maker from your phone, instantly.

How to make the most of 5G

Now that you know the incredible ways 5G is transforming mobile phone use, you might be wondering how to take full advantage of these benefits. Here’s what you need to do:

Check your device

First things first, make sure your smartphone is 5G-compatible. Many new models from brands like Apple and Samsung, support 5G. If you’re due for an upgrade, now’s the time. And remember, with GO you can trade in your old device for a brand new one.

Choose the right plan

A 5G mobile plan is essential to unlock the benefits. Whether you’re looking for a pay-monthly plan with unlimited data, a pay-as-you-go option or a hybrid plan that combines the best of both worlds, we’ve got you covered. All our mobile plans feature full-speed 5G, ensuring you experience the fastest and most reliable mobile connectivity.

Update your apps

Many apps are releasing 5G-optimized versions so make sure you keep your apps updated to enjoy enhanced features and better performance.

Experiment with 5G

Start exploring 5G-enabled services such as cloud gaming, AR shopping or AI-driven apps that enhance your mobile experience.

The 5G revolution is here and it’s transforming our smartphones into powerful tools that enrich our lives in countless ways. From unprecedented speeds to innovative applications, 5G is opening doors to experiences we only dreamed of before. It’s time to embrace the future of mobile connectivity. Are you ready to ride the 5G wave?