Is 4G Network Already Obsolete? - The Truth Might Surprise You

If you just bought a new 5G smartphone and proudly see the “5G” icon lighting up your screen, you might have had this thought:

“So… is 4G basically dead now?”

After all, 5G seems to be everywhere.
Faster speeds. Lower latency. Smart cities. Autonomous cars. Even remote surgery.

With all that hype, it is easy to assume that 4G has already been pushed into retirement.

But here is the short answer:

👉 No. 4G is not obsolete. Not even close.

The Simple Truth: 4G Is Still Very Much Alive

If we had to sum it up in one sentence:

5G represents the future, but 4G still powers the present.

Globally, 4G remains the most widely used mobile network, and in many countries, it is still the backbone of everyday connectivity.

In fact, without 4G, most mobile services—including travel eSIMs and portable WiFi devices—would struggle to function smoothly today.

Why Do People Think 4G Is “Outdated”?

1. 5G Marketing Is Everywhere

Telecom operators, smartphone brands, and tech events have pushed 5G as the next big revolution. Compared to flashy 5G demos, 4G looks… quiet.

Quiet, however, does not mean irrelevant.

2. Almost Every New Phone Supports 5G

Try buying a new smartphone without 5G support—it is surprisingly hard.
This creates a misconception:

“If my phone is 5G-ready, I must be using 5G all the time.”

In reality, most phones switch between 4G and 5G automatically, depending on coverage, stability, and power efficiency.

In Real Life, 4G Does Most of the Heavy Lifting

Let’s step away from keynote slides and look at real-world usage.

Everyday Tasks: 4G Is More Than Enough

Streaming videos, video calls, navigation, social media, mobile payments, online gaming—
4G handles all of these effortlessly.

If a video buffers, it is usually not because of 4G itself, but due to signal quality, congestion, or server-side issues.

Coverage: 4G Is Still More Reliable

In many scenarios—underground stations, elevators, rural areas, highways, and cross-border travel—
4G often provides more consistent coverage than 5G.

For travelers, reliability matters far more than peak speed.

This is why many travel eSIMs and portable WiFi devices still rely heavily on optimized 4G networks.

Cost Efficiency: 4G Makes Sense

Lower infrastructure costs
Mature hardware ecosystem
More affordable data plans

For international travelers, digital nomads, and business users, 4G-based solutions often deliver the best value.

So What Is 5G Really For?

If 4G works so well, why do we even need 5G?

Because 5G is not just about faster phones.

Its real purpose lies in:

Smart factories and automation
Autonomous vehicles
AR / VR experiences
Massive IoT deployments
Smart cities and edge computing

In short:

4G connects people.
5G connects systems, machines, and future infrastructure.

That is a very different mission.

Will 4G Eventually Disappear?

History gives us a clear answer.

2G still exists in some regions
3G is only now being phased out in parts of the world
4G is currently in its prime

What we are heading toward is long-term coexistence, not sudden replacement.

For years to come, 4G and 5G will work together, complementing each other across devices, regions, and use cases.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For travelers and global users, the takeaway is simple:

✈️ Travel eSIMs: 4G remains the most widely supported and stable option worldwide
🌍 Portable WiFi / pocket WiFi: 4G ensures consistent connectivity across borders
📱 Everyday mobile use: 4G delivers a smooth, reliable experience without draining battery

In many travel scenarios, a strong 4G connection is better than an unstable 5G signal.

Don’t Say Goodbye to 4G Yet

Think of 4G as a seasoned professional—
not flashy, not loud, but extremely reliable.

5G is the rising star with huge potential, but it is still growing into its role.

So the next time your phone switches from 5G back to 4G, do not panic.

You are simply falling back on a network that:

Still works. Still delivers. And still powers global travel connectivity.