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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11No. The Samsung Galaxy S5 cannot connect to 5G cellular networks. It is an LTE-era phone: Samsung’s 2014 specifications identify it as LTE Category 4, not a 5G NR device. A new SIM, 5G plan, or software update cannot add the missing 5G radio capability.
What network does the Galaxy S5 support?
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S5 in 2014 and specified LTE Category 4, a 4G technology. Its official specifications do not list 5G NR support. See Samsung’s Galaxy S5 announcement and product specifications.
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That LTE classification describes the phone’s network technology, not a guaranteed real-world speed. Whether a particular S5 can still use a carrier’s remaining older service is a separate question, and depends on the exact model, carrier, country, and current network availability.
Why the exact S5 model matters for older networks
Galaxy S5 variants were made for different carriers and do not all use the same LTE bands. For example, Samsung’s U.S. support specifications list LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/17 for AT&T model SM-G900A, and bands 4/13 for Verizon model SM-G900V. These examples do not establish that either model will work on a carrier today; they show why the model number and carrier’s current compatibility requirements matter. Samsung’s carrier-specific pages include the AT&T variant and Verizon variant.
#1 Best Overall
- Display: 5.1-inches
- Camera: 16-MP
- Processor Speed: 2.5 GHz
- OS: Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
Find the model number in the phone’s settings or on its label, then ask the intended carrier whether that precise variant is supported on the network available where you will use it. Do not assume a phone that once worked on a carrier remains supported as networks change.
Does “5GE” mean the S5 has 5G?
No. Samsung describes AT&T’s “5GE” label as a rebranding of its current network, with speeds comparable to 4G; it is not 5G NR. A carrier icon or network name does not prove that an older phone has 5G hardware. Samsung explains the distinction in its 5G usage guidance.
Rank #2
- 5.1(inch) Super AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen, 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution w/ Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Operating System: Android OS, Internal Memory: 16GB, 2GB RAM (microSD Up to 256GB)
- 16 Megapixel Camera with Phase Detection Autofocus, f/2.2, 31mm, 1/2.6" Sensor Size w/ 2 Megapixel Front Camera with f/2.4, 22mm lens, 1080p @ 30fps
- Processor: QuadCore 2.5 GHz Krait 400, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801
- Removable Lithium Ion 2800 mAh Battery, Dimensions: 5.59 x 2.85 x 0.32 inches, Weight: 5.11 oz
Is 5 GHz Wi-Fi the same as 5G?
No. Wi-Fi and cellular network generations are different technologies. Samsung’s S5 announcement lists 802.11ac Wi-Fi separately from LTE cellular service. A Wi-Fi connection using the 5 GHz band does not mean the phone can connect to a 5G cellular network.
What do you need to use 5G?
Samsung says 5G use requires a 5G-capable device and coverage in the service area; some older SIM cards may not be compatible. The carrier’s service, regional availability, and SIM requirements also matter. The Galaxy S5 does not meet the device-capability requirement, so changing its plan or SIM cannot make it a 5G phone. Check Samsung’s 5G guidance and confirm requirements with your carrier.
Rank #3
- This mobile phone is compatible with T-mobile network ONLY and other cellular carriers using the T-mobile network. Will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon or Sprint.
- LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17 (700 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600)
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED Capacitive Multi-Touchscreen w/ Protective Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Quad-Core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 Processor, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 81, Adreno 331 Graphics
- Internal Memory: 16GB storage, 2GB RAM + micro SD Slot for Expandable Memory (memory card not included)
Keep the S5 or move to a 5G phone?
If you only want to keep using the S5, first confirm that its exact variant remains supported by your carrier for the services you need. If 5G access is the goal, choose a 5G-capable phone and check its regional model and band compatibility with your carrier, along with local coverage and SIM requirements. Do not select a replacement based only on a “5G” label; confirm those details for the specific model and location.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G: HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100l, 4G: LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600
- 5.1" Super AMOLED Capacitive Multi-Touchscreen w/ Protective Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Android v4.4.2 (KitKat), Quad-Core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 Processor, Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 81, Adreno 330 Graphics
- 16 Megapixel Camera (3456 x 4608 pixels) w/ Autofocus, LED Flash + Front-Facing 2 Megapixel Camera
- Internal Memory: 16GB (11.2GB user available), 2GB RAM + microSD Slot Expandable up to 128GB
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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