5 Ways to Test Your 5G Connected Device

With the rollout of 5G networks, there's been a lot of buzz about how it will revolutionize connectivity. But how do you know if your 5G connected device is living up to its potential? Here are 5 tests you can run to find out.

1. Speed Test

The first thing most people think of when it comes to testing their network is speed. For 5G devices, this is where you should see the most improvement compared to 4G. One easy way to test your speed is to use an online speed test tool like Ookla's Speedtest. Just make sure your device is connected to a 5G network before you run the test.

2. Latency Test

Speed isn't the only metric that matters, especially for applications that require rapid response times. That's where latency comes in – the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. Lower latency means less delay in your device's response. Testing latency is a bit trickier than speed, but you can use tools like Ping or Traceroute to get an idea of your device's latency.

3. Signal Strength Test

5G networks use different frequencies and wavelengths than 4G, which means they have different properties when it comes to transmitting signals. In general, 5G signals don't travel as far or penetrate walls as well as 4G signals. That means that even if you're in an area with 5G coverage, you may not be getting a strong signal. To test your 5G signal strength, you can use your device's built-in signal meter or download a network monitoring app.

4. Battery Life Test

Since 5G devices use more power than 4G devices, it's important to make sure your battery can keep up. To test your device's battery life, start by fully charging it and then using it as you normally would. Keep track of how long it takes for the battery to drain completely. You can also compare your device's battery life on 5G vs. 4G networks to see if there's a noticeable difference.

5. Heat Test

One issue with 5G devices is that they tend to generate more heat than 4G devices, especially if you're using them for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming video or playing games. If your device gets too hot, it can slow down or even shut down to prevent damage. To test your device's heat levels, try using it for a prolonged period of time and see if it gets noticeably warm. You can also invest in a thermal camera to get an accurate temperature reading.

Conclusion

5G networks are still in the early stages of deployment, and there's a lot we still don't know about how they'll perform in the long run. However, by testing your 5G connected device using the methods above, you can get a better sense of how it's performing today and what you can do to improve it. Just remember to stay safe and follow best practices when testing any electronic device.