Side-by-side comparison of 5G Auto and 5G On settings on iPhone and Android smartphones.

Understanding 5G Auto vs. 5G On

When configuring your smartphone’s network settings, choosing between “5G Auto” and “5G On” can significantly impact your device’s performance and battery life. Understanding the technical distinctions between these settings is crucial for optimizing your mobile experience.​

5G Auto (Smart Data Mode)

“5G Auto” is designed to intelligently manage your device’s connection by switching between 5G and LTE based on current usage and network conditions. This mode aims to conserve battery life without compromising performance. For instance, during activities like streaming music with the screen off, the device may default to LTE to save power.Conversely, for high-bandwidth tasks like video calls or large downloads, it will utilize 5G to ensure optimal performance. ​

5G On

Selecting “5G On” forces your device to connect to 5G networks whenever they are available, regardless of the task or battery implications. While this ensures maximum speed and low latency, it can lead to increased battery consumption, especially in areas with inconsistent 5G coverage.

Configuring 5G Settings on Your Device

For iOS Devices

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Select Cellular Data Options.​
  4. Tap Voice & Data.
  5. Choose between:​
    • 5G On
    • 5G Auto (default)​
    • LTE

For Android Devices

  1. Open Settings.​
  2. Navigate to Network & Internet.​
  3. Tap Mobile Network.​
  4. Select Preferred Network Type.​
  5. Choose between:
    • 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto)
    • 5G Only
    • 4G/3G/2G

Note that the exact menu names may vary depending on your device manufacturer and Android version. ​TrishTech.com


Devices Supporting 5G Auto and 5G On Settings

iOS Devices

All iPhones from the iPhone 12 series onward support 5G and offer both “5G Auto” and “5G On” settings:​

  • iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max​
  • iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max​WhistleOut
  • iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max​
  • iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max​
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)​WhistleOut

These models provide users with flexibility in managing their 5G connectivity preferences. ​

Android Devices

Many Android smartphones released in recent years support 5G and offer similar settings:​

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer​
  • Google Pixel 5 and newer​
  • OnePlus 8 series and newer​
  • Motorola Edge series​
  • Xiaomi Mi 10 series and newer​
  • LG V50 ThinQ and newer

It’s important to note that the availability of specific 5G settings may vary based on the device model, manufacturer, and carrier. ​


Conclusion

Choosing between “5G Auto” and “5G On” depends on your priorities:​

  • 5G Auto is ideal for users seeking a balance between performance and battery life.​
  • 5G On is suitable for those who prioritize maximum speed and low latency, regardless of battery consumption.​

By understanding and configuring these settings appropriately, you can optimize your device’s performance to match your usage patterns and preferences.​