Does 5G drain your battery faster?

As we step deeper into the 5G era, many of you might have this doubt: “Does 5G drain your battery faster?” It’s a valid question, and one that’s been on the minds of tech-savvy users and casual mobile users alike. At Vi, we’re here to break it down for you.

Does 5G Affect Your Battery Life?

Let’s start with the basics. Yes, early reports and user experiences did suggest that 5G could use more battery compared to 4G. This isn’t because 5G is inherently less efficient. Rather, it’s because your device works a bit harder when switching between 5G and 4G networks, especially in areas where 5G coverage is still expanding.

In its initial phases, 5G infrastructure was not as dense, meaning your phone might’ve had to search longer for any band of 5G signal. This back-and-forth process between network types, known as “ping-ponging”, can put additional strain on your battery. Also, faster data transfer means some apps pull more data, more quickly, which can use up both battery and data if you're not careful.

How Today’s Tech is Solving the Problem

But here’s the good news: we’re not in the early stages anymore. Smartphone manufacturers and network providers like us at Vi have been working hand-in-hand to ensure that 5G works smarter, not harder.

Modern smartphones are equipped with advanced chipsets like the latest Snapdragons, MediaTek Dimensity, A18, etc. These processors are built specifically to handle 5G more efficiently. These chipsets are designed with better power management, reducing unnecessary battery drain even when you're on a 5G connection.

Moreover, operating systems are smarter than ever. Android and iOS now come with power-saving modes that optimise 5G usage, balancing performance and efficiency. When paired with our growing and stabilised 5G network coverage, the connection becomes more consistent, which in turn reduces the energy your phone uses when searching for a signal. So, while 5G can use more battery under certain conditions, modern upgrades across devices and networks are steadily ironing out these challenges.

Tips to Maximise Battery Life on 5G

Still wondering how to get the most out of your battery while enjoying the benefits of 5G? Here are a few tried-and-tested tips from us:

• Use Wi-Fi when available: If you’re at home or at work, connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network. This not only saves battery but also preserves your mobile data.

• Enable battery saver mode: Most smartphones have a built-in battery saver that reduces background activity and optimises performance. Switch it on during long days.

• Turn off 5G when not needed: If you’re in an area with weak 5G coverage, it’s okay to switch to 4G temporarily to prevent battery drain from constant signal searching.

• Close unused apps: Apps running in the background can use both data and battery. Make it a habit to close the ones you’re not actively using.

• Keep your software updated: Updates often come with improvements to power efficiency, especially for connectivity and network handling.

With these simple steps, you can strike the right balance between high-speed internet and a long-lasting battery.

Why Vi’s 5G Makes a Difference

At Vi, we’ve designed our 5G mobile services with our customers in mind. Whether you're browsing, streaming, gaming, or working remotely, our network is optimised for reliability, speed, and efficiency. Our 5G mobile plans are tailored to offer fast internet access, seamless mobile connectivity, and generous data quotas, because we know how important it is to stay connected without worrying about limitations. And with robust infrastructure in place, we’re reducing unnecessary signal switching, which contributes to better battery efficiency. Here are some of our 5g prepaid and postpaid mobile plans:

Prepaid:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹299	28 Days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 1GB/Day Data, 100 SMS/Day
₹349	28 Days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 1.5GB/Day Data, 100 SMS/Day, Unlimited Night Data (12 AM – 6 AM), Weekend Data Rollover, Up to 2GB Backup Data via Vi App
₹365	28 Days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 2GB/Day Data, 100 SMS/Day, Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM), Weekend Data Rollover, Up to 2GB Backup Data via Vi App
₹579	56 Days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 1.5 GB/Day Data, 100 SMS/Day, Unlimited Night Data (12 AM- 6 AM), Weekend Data Rollover, Up to 2GB Data via Vi App
₹649	56 Days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 2 GB/Day Data, 100 SMS/ Half-day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM Free Data), Weekend Data Rollover, Up to 2GB Backup Data via Vi App
₹859	84 Days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 1.5 GB/Day Data, 100 SMS/Day, Unlimited Night Data (12 AM- 6 AM), Weekend Data Rollover, Up to 2GB Backup Data via Vi App
₹979	84 days	Truly Unlimited Calls, 2GB/Day Data use, 100 SMS/Day, Get 84 days access to ViMTV, Subscription, Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM – 12 PM), Weekend Data Rollover,  Up to 2GB Backup Data via Vi App
₹3599	365 days	Truly Unlimited calling services, 2 GB/Day Data Use, 100 SMS/Day, Half Unlimited Data from 12 AM to 12 PM, Weekend Data Rollover, 2GB Backup Data Every Month via Vi App.

 

Postpaid:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹451 (Vi Max 451)	Monthly	- 50GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover - Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM) - Unlimited Calls - 3000 SMS/Month - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App        - Choose any 1 free from below:     - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) - JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription        - Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription         - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹551 (Vi Max 551)	Monthly	- 90GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover        - 3000 SMS/Month        -Unlimited Calls -Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM) - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App        - Choose any 2 free from below:        - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)   - Amazon Prime Subscription: 6-months trial with paid yearly auto-renewal - JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription       - Sony LIV subscription : 360 days of mobile plans   - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)        - EazyDiner: 1-year access (two coupons of EazyDiner quarterly membership)              - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹751 (Vi Max 751)	Monthly	- 150GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover -Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM) - 3000 SMS/Month        -Unlimited calls        - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App        - Choose any 3 free from below:                      - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)        - Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal        - JioHotstar subscription : 1-year TV+Mobile subscription        - Sony LIV: 360 days TV+Mobile subscription       - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)        - EazyDiner: 1-year access (two coupons of EazyDiner quarterly membership)              - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹1201 (REDX 1201)	Monthly (6-month lock-in)	- Unlimited Data, Unlimited calls       - 3000 SMS/Month       - Lock-in period: 6 months      - Additional benefits:                      - International Roaming: 7-day i-RoamFree pack (worth ₹2999)                      - Airport Lounge Access: 4 times per year (Domestic & International)        - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App                    - Fully loaded with benefits:       - Netflix Basic Plan: Watch on 1 device (auto-renewing at no extra cost)                                   - Amazon Prime: 6-months trial with paid yearly auto renewal                      - JioHotstar: 1-year TV+Mobile subscription        - Sony LIV: 360 days of TV+Mobile subscription                      - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)                      - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover

 

So, does 5G drain your battery faster? It can, but not as much as it used to, and certainly not when your device and network are optimised for it. Thanks to better chipsets, smarter software, and stronger networks that are engineered for efficiency, you can enjoy the lightning-fast speeds of 5G without constantly checking your battery percentage.

At Vi, we are proud to be part of this digital evolution, making high-speed connectivity accessible and efficient for all. With Vi’s 5G, you're not just getting faster internet, you’re getting a smarter, more balanced mobile experience.

Liked what you just read? There’s a lot more to explore! Get up to speed with All You Need to Know About Vi's 5G Service, understand the key difference between 4G and 5G, stay alert with What is digital arrest? A cyber scam that you must be aware of, and learn smart ways to stay safe online with What is data loss protection and Tips to safeguard your personal information. Your digital know-how starts here!