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No. The Samsung Galaxy S5 cannot connect to 5G cellular networks. It is an LTE-era phone: Samsung’s specifications identify it as LTE Category 4, not a 5G NR device. A 5G plan, SIM card, or software update cannot add the missing 5G radio hardware.
What network technology does the Galaxy S5 support?
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S5 in 2014 and specified LTE Category 4 connectivity. LTE is a 4G technology; the S5 does not support 5G New Radio (NR). Samsung’s launch announcement and product specifications establish the phone’s LTE capability.
That specification identifies the type of network the phone can use; it is not a guarantee of a particular real-world speed. The S5 may also support older network technologies, depending on its variant and carrier, but none of those capabilities make it a 5G phone.
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Why does my Galaxy S5 show “5GE” or mention 5 GHz?
“5GE” is not 5G
AT&T’s “5GE” label does not mean a phone is connected to 5G NR. Samsung describes the label as a rebranding of its current network, with speeds comparable to 4G. An icon or carrier name cannot add 5G hardware to the S5. Samsung’s 5G guidance explains the distinction.
#1 Best Overall
- Display: 5.1-inches
- Camera: 16-MP
- Processor Speed: 2.5 GHz
- OS: Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
5 GHz Wi-Fi is separate from cellular 5G
The S5’s 802.11ac Wi-Fi capability is a Wi-Fi feature, not cellular 5G support. Wi-Fi can use the 5 GHz band; that number describes a Wi-Fi radio frequency and does not indicate a connection to a 5G mobile network. Samsung lists Wi-Fi and LTE separately in its Galaxy S5 announcement.
Can a SIM card, plan, or update make the S5 5G-compatible?
No. Those may affect access to a carrier’s service, but they cannot retrofit the phone with 5G NR radio capability. Samsung says using 5G requires a 5G-capable device as well as service and coverage. Some older SIM cards may also be incompatible with 5G service, so check the carrier’s requirements for any replacement phone.
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
Could the Galaxy S5 still work on a carrier?
Possibly, but that is a separate question from 5G compatibility. Support depends on the exact S5 model, the carrier’s compatible bands, and which legacy networks the carrier still operates in your location. Samsung’s U.S. support pages show that S5 variants differ: the AT&T SM-G900A lists LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/17, while the Verizon SM-G900V lists LTE bands 4/13. Neither is 5G-capable.
These examples are not confirmation that either model currently works on a particular carrier. Before relying on the phone, find its model number in the device settings or on the handset and ask the carrier whether that precise variant is supported. Samsung’s Galaxy S5 carrier-specific support information can help identify variant differences.
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)
What to check if you need 5G
- Choose a 5G-capable phone. Confirm that its specifications identify 5G NR support; LTE or a “5GE” label is not enough.
- Match the exact model to your carrier and region. Check the carrier’s compatibility information and supported bands for the precise model number.
- Confirm local 5G coverage and service. A capable handset cannot connect to 5G where the carrier does not offer compatible coverage.
- Check SIM requirements. Ask the carrier whether your SIM can be used with the replacement device or needs to be changed.
Samsung’s 5G setup guidance covers the general device, coverage, and SIM considerations. Availability and requirements vary by carrier 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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