Can I Change My 4G Phone to 5G? Everything You Want to Know

As 5G becomes more common, many people ask, Can I change my 4G phone to 5G? The simple answer is no. A 4G phone doesn't have the hardware needed, like a 5G modem or antenna, to connect to 5G networks. These parts can't be added later, so the only way to get 5G is by using a phone built for it.

In this blog, we'll explain why a 4G phone can't be upgraded to 5G, whether 5G data can work on a 4G phone, and how to choose the right 5G device. We'll also share top HONOR phone picks and helpful buying tips. Read on!

Can You Upgrade a 4G Phone to 5G?

The short answer is no—you can't upgrade a 4G phone to support 5G. That's because 5G relies on dedicated hardware, like a 5G modem and compatible antennas, which 4G phones don't have. These parts are built into the phone and can't be added or swapped in later.

Even software updates won't help here. While they can improve performance and add features, they can't enable your device to connect to a network it wasn't designed to support. So even with a 5G SIM card and plan, a 4G phone will still connect only to 4G networks.

If you want to take advantage of 5G speeds, the only solution is upgrading to a 5G-ready phone. Many new models are equipped with full 5G support right out of the box, no extra steps needed.

Can You Use 5G Data on a 4G Phone?

This leads to another common question: if your phone is 4G-only, can it still use 5G data from your plan? The answer is also no. A 4G phone won't recognize 5G signals, even if you're standing in the middle of a 5G zone with a 5G plan active.

That's because 5G data operates on different frequency bands, which require compatible hardware to detect and use. Without a 5G modem inside, a 4G phone simply isn't built to access or benefit from 5G networks.

To actually use 5G data, your device needs to be 5G-capable. If you're ready to make that switch, HONOR offers a range of phones that fully support 5G, designed for faster downloads, smoother streaming, and stronger performance wherever 5G is available.

Best 5G Phones Recommendation

Now that it's clear a 4G phone can't be upgraded or used to access 5G networks, the next step is choosing a phone that's ready for the future.

In this section, we'll walk through some of the best 5G phone options from HONOR, with picks for every type of user, so you can find the right fit with confidence.

1. HONOR Magic V3

Magic V3 is HONOR's flagship foldable phone, featuring an LTPO OLED main screen and spacious aluminum alloy construction, supporting 5G networks with powerful performance and comprehensive features.

Feature

● Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, paired with 12GB/16GB RAM, multiple storage options

● Battery & Charging: 5150mAh battery, supports 66W wired and 50W wireless fast charging

● Durability: IPX8 waterproof, worry free For a 2.5-meter Dive

Suitable for Users: Suitable for users pursuing top-tier performance, photography, screen experience, and portability, especially those who love foldable large screens and gaming or multitasking operations.

2. HONOR Magic V5

Magic V5 is HONOR's currently thinnest and most innovatively designed flagship foldable phone, supporting 5G with dual screens and a powerful processor.

Feature

● Ultimate Design: Only 4.1mm when unfolded (white fiber version), 8.8mm when closed; weighs only 217g

● Screen Performance: 7.95″ inner screen (LTPO OLED, 5000 nits ultra-high brightness), 6.43″ outer screen

● Processor & Storage: Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 16GB RAM + 1TB storage

● Battery & Charging: Global version 5820mAh (China version 6100mAh), 66W wired + 50W wireless + 5W reverse charging

● AI Photography: Advanced imaging technology including AI Super Zoom, AI RAW

Suitable for Users: Designed for users pursuing foldable innovative design, powerful photography capabilities, and portable experience. It's the top choice for high-end users, creative workers, and photography enthusiasts.

3. HONOR Magic7 Pro

Magic7 Pro is a non-foldable flagship emphasizing camera performance and photography experience, while having solid metal construction and excellent display effects.

Feature

● Display & Build: 6.8″ OLED screen, dust and water resistant (IP68/IP69)

● Processor & Configuration: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB/16GB RAM, multiple storage versions

● Camera System: 50MP main camera + 200MP telephoto + 50MP ultra-wide, equipped with AI-enhanced image processing

● Others: Excellent build quality and powerful performance, running Android 15 + MagicOS 9

Suitable for Users: Suitable for users who value photography (especially telephoto and high-pixel photography), performance, and rugged design, such as photographers and video creators.

4. HONOR 400 Pro

HONOR 400 Pro is a mid-to-high-end but near-flagship 5G phone with powerful performance, durable design, and up to six years of system support.

Feature

● Core Hardware: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM + multiple storage options

● Camera System: 200MP main camera + 50MP 3× telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide, supports AI image-to-video functionality

● Battery & Fast Charging: 5300mAh silicon-carbon battery, supports up to 100W wired and 50W wireless fast charging

Suitable for Users: Suitable for users who want flagship-level experience at "mid-range prices," don't want to frequently change phones, and value long-term use and stability.

5. HONOR 200 Pro

200 Pro is a mid-to-high-end phone focusing on portrait photography, co-branded with Harcourt photography studio, emphasizing portrait quality and artistic expression.

Feature

● Photography Performance: 50MP main camera + 50MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide, paired with famous Harcourt's "Portrait Master" mode

● Screen & Hardware: 6.78″ OLED (120Hz, HDR, 4000 nits), Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Android 14 + MagicOS 8

● Battery & Fast Charging: 5200mAh battery, 100W wired + 66W wireless + 5W reverse fast charging

● Design Details: Art Nouveau inspired design, AI background optimization, rich color choices

Suitable for Users: Perfect for users who love portrait photography and emphasize artistic expression and aesthetics, such as photography enthusiasts and social content creators.

Tips to Choose a 5G Phone

As you can't convert 4G mobile to 5G, choosing a phone with built-in 5G support is essential. To help you decide smartly, focus on these key factors:

1. 5G Frequency Band Compatibility: Different countries and carriers use different 5G frequency bands. Before purchasing, confirm whether the phone supports local network frequency bands to avoid being unable to connect to 5G.

2. Battery & Power Management: 5G networks consume more power than 4G, so it's recommended to choose phones with battery capacity greater than 4000mAh and equipped with at least 50W fast charging functionality to ensure good battery life during high-frequency use.

3. Thermal Management System Design: 5G chips generate more heat when running. Poor heat dissipation can easily cause lag or frequency reduction. Choose phones with efficient heat dissipation structures such as liquid cooling and graphite heat dissipation sheets to ensure sustained performance output.

4. Photography & 5G Synergy: High-bandwidth 5G networks bring new experiences for photography and video, supporting real-time uploads, live streaming, and remote control functions.

Conclusion

So, can I change my 4G phone to 5G? The answer is simple—no. A 4G phone lacks the modem and antenna needed for 5G networks, and these parts cannot be added later. Even with a 5G SIM card, it will only connect to 4G. The only way to enjoy faster speeds and smoother connectivity is to upgrade to a 5G-ready device. For faster speeds, better streaming, and long-term value, explore the latest HONOR 5G phones today and experience the future of mobile connectivity.

FAQs

Do I need to change my SIM to get 5G?

No, you do not need to change your SIM to get 5G. A 5G SIM can be used in a 4G phone, but it will only provide 4G connectivity. To access 5G, you need a 5G-compatible phone and a 5G network. Some providers may allow 5G SIM upgrades without changing the SIM card.

Can I enable 5G in a 4G phone?

No, you cannot enable 5G functionality on a 4G phone. 4G phones lack the hardware support required to access 5G networks, which necessitates 5G-compatible devices and New Radio (NR) technology.

Is it worth it to upgrade to 5G?

Upgrading to 5G may be worth it for users who need faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance for high-demand tasks like streaming or gaming. However, it depends on individual needs, budget, and network availability.

Can I put a 5G SIM in a 4G phone?

Yes, a 5G SIM card can be inserted into a 4G phone, but since the phone lacks the necessary 5G hardware support, it will only provide 4G connectivity and cannot deliver the high-speed experience of 5G.

Can a 4G phone use 5G WiFi?

While 4G phones cannot connect to 5G cellular networks, they can still use the fast WiFi offered by 5G routers. This works because the "5G" in WiFi refers to the 5GHz frequency band, not mobile networks, allowing many 4G phones to enjoy quicker speeds and smoother connections at home.

Source: HONOR Club