The 5G Auto and 5G On settings on an iPhone provide different approaches to managing 5G connectivity, impacting performance and battery life.
5G On
When the setting is configured to 5G On, the iPhone will prioritize connecting to a 5G network whenever it is available. This means that the device will consistently attempt to maintain a 5G connection, even in situations where the signal may be weak or unstable. While this can provide faster data speeds when the connection is strong, it often leads to increased battery consumption due to the device's constant search for a 5G signal. Users may experience reduced battery life as a result of this setting, especially if they are in areas with patchy 5G coverage[1][4].5G Auto
In contrast, the 5G Auto setting allows the iPhone to intelligently switch between 5G and other available networks, such as LTE, based on signal strength and quality. This mode is designed to optimize battery usage by only connecting to 5G when it provides a noticeable improvement in performance. If the 5G signal is weak or does not enhance the user experience significantly, the device will automatically revert to LTE, which is generally more stable and consumes less power. This approach not only helps in conserving battery life but also ensures a more reliable connection overall[1][6][7].Summary
In summary, 5G On forces the device to stay on a 5G network regardless of conditions, potentially draining the battery faster. Conversely, 5G Auto dynamically adjusts connectivity based on network conditions, providing a balance between performance and battery efficiency. Users may prefer 5G Auto for better battery management and reliability, especially in areas where 5G coverage is not fully established[3][4].Citations:
[1] https://comitsolution.com/blog/5g-technology-benefits
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1auiqr5/5g_or_lte/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/zvg8c6/5g_auto_vs_on/
[4] https://www.telecomhall.net/t/should-i-turn-5g-on-or-auto/22175
[5] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/5g-auto-vs-on-vs-standalone.2428915/
[6] https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-turn-on-off-5g-on-iphone/
[7] https://support.apple.com/en-us/108383
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G