5G phone: is the upgrade really worth it? - Nijverdal
Is a 5G phone really a must? In this article I explain clearly what you get, what to look out for and whether upgrading at The Phone Shopper makes sense.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-03-04
What is a 5G phone and why does everyone talk about it?
As the owner of The Phone Shopper I hear that question every week. People walk into our shop in Nijverdal and ask: ''Do I really need to buy a 5G phone now?'' We see it regularly in the shop: a lot of confusion, a few myths and sometimes a quick decision that was not needed at all.
A 5G phone supports the newest mobile network: 5G. In short: faster internet, less lag when gaming or on video calls, and better capacity in busy areas. Whether you will actually notice it depends on a few things.
Where will you really notice it?
In practical terms you notice it with:
- Downloads and uploads are faster. Big files move along more quickly.
- Streaming in high quality (4K) on your phone runs more smoothly.
- Lag is lower for online gaming and video calls feel nicer.
- In busy areas your connection is more stable because 5G handles far more users.
But if you mainly use WhatsApp, email and the occasional video, the gain is often modest.
Advantages and disadvantages of a 5G phone
Here is what we see in the shop. No theory, real situations.
- Advantage - speed: definitely noticeable if you frequently download large files or stream a lot of video.
- Advantage - future-proof: if you buy a phone to keep for several years, 5G is a good investment.
- Disadvantage - battery: some older 5G models use more power. That is resolved on newer devices, but do watch out for it with refurbished examples.
- Disadvantage - coverage: 5G is not equally good everywhere. In many villages and rural areas 4G is still perfectly fine. In Nijverdal it varies, depending on your provider and location.
Refurbished 5G? Yes or no?
We often get asked whether a refurbished 5G phone is a sensible choice. My answer: usually yes. You get modern hardware at a lower price. Do pay attention to battery health and warranty though. At The Phone Shopper we check every device thoroughly. Feel free to come to Willem Alexanderstraat 11 to have a look at them.
When is a 5G phone genuinely worth the upgrade?
Five situations in which I recommend it in the shop:
- You use a lot of data, watch plenty of high-quality video and do not want any buffering.
- You are a gamer and need low latency.
- You work on the move a lot with cloud apps or video meetings.
- You want to buy something that will last a few years without feeling dated.
- You live or work in places with good 5G coverage.
Not your situation? Then a 4G device with a good battery and a solid update policy is often better for your wallet.
Our experience in Nijverdal
All sorts of people come into our shop in Nijverdal. A young couple absolutely wanted 5G for gaming and streaming. Great choice. A 68-year-old lady mainly used her phone for calls and WhatsApp and gave the 5G option no priority at all. Both choices were right. It comes down to usage, not hype.
Practical tips when buying
A few tips I give every customer:
- Check your provider's coverage in the places where you spend most of your time.
- Look at the battery health on refurbished 5G phones.
- Check whether the manufacturer still promises software updates. Updates keep your device fast and secure.
- Compare real-world speeds instead of just specifications on paper.
And one small but important point: if your budget is tight, it is smarter to invest in screen quality and battery than in 5G at all costs.
The cost picture
A 5G phone can be more expensive, but refurbished options give you a lot of value for less money. In our shop we often see people choose a refurbished 5G phone and save a few hundred euros that way. You can put those savings towards an extra case or good insurance.
Is now the moment to upgrade?
Short answer: that depends on you. Do you want to stop worrying about speed and have something future-proof? Then a 5G phone is worth it. Do you use your phone mainly for the basics? Then you can happily wait or go for a good refurbished 4G option.
Not sure? Give us a call on 0548-549536 or drop into The Phone Shopper at Willem Alexanderstraat 11. We will look at your usage and budget together. No sales tricks, just honest advice.
Final word
I often tell customers: technology should help you, not get in your way. A 5G phone can bring a lot of good things. But only if it fits the way you use your phone. Would you like advice, a comparison or to try a device? Visit our shop in Nijverdal or go to our website. We are happy to help you in person.
Call to action: visit The Phone Shopper at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 or call 0548-549536 for advice and a fair offer. See you soon!
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Willem Alexanderstraat 11
7442 MA Nijverdal, Overijssel
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