Yes, 5G smartphones can work on 4G networks. While 2G and 3G networks are now being phased out globally, both 4G and 5G networks continue to coexist. If a 5G network isn't available, the phone will automatically connect to a 4G network, or possibly an earlier network service, depending on availability. So, if you have a 5G phone but are in an area with only 4G coverage, your phone will simply use the 4G network for calls, texts, and data. Once you enter an area with 5G coverage, it will switch back to using 5G, assuming the correct settings are enabled.
Certainly, if your smartphone is powered by MediaTek Dimensity, it has a modem capable of operating on global networks. MediaTek Dimensity 5G platforms now range from flagship to entry-level, benefiting from MediaTek’s advanced 5G modems, which are fully integrated into the main chip. This integration, unlike some alternative platforms, ensures comprehensive features, as well as the best possible performance and power efficiency.
However, one caveat is that if you already own an older 5G smartphone, newer smartphone chips feature modems with updated standards, technologies, and supporting components that can improve both 5G and 4G coverage, reception, performance, and power efficiency.
Even if you already own a 5G smartphone, new 5G chips and modems enhance the connected experience. Here's why:
New Standards
3GPP is a global collaboration between telecommunications organizations that creates and maintains the technical specifications governing mobile networks and devices. Every 18 to 24 months, a new version of the standard is released. 5G launched with Release 15, but now Release 18 has just been approved. Each release upgrades the performance, capabilities, and features of 5G, iteratively improving it. However, new modems must be designed to take advantage of these features, meaning older phones miss out.
New Technologies
Beyond 3GPP standard features, MediaTek develops its own unique enhancements that upgrade the 5G experience, specifically for its Dimensity-powered smartphones, as well as other 5G-enabled products such as CPE devices, IoT, vehicles, laptops, and more. These enhancements are sometimes labeled, like 5G UltraSave or MMAI, our in-modem AI, or are streamlined to work seamlessly in the background.
New Components
A 5G modem by itself can’t do much. It needs to work with a series of components, called an RF front end, that converts the digital modem signals into a 5G radio connection. MediaTek collaborates with an ecosystem of companies to validate their supporting components with its 5G modems, and these components also receive regular upgrades, improving performance, reception, and contributing to gains in power efficiency.