Taiwan’s mobile landscape is at a crossroads. 5G launched in mid-2020, and by early 2025, the three major operators—Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone (FET), and Taiwan Mobile (which merged with T-Star in 2023)—have rolled out substantial 5G coverage. Yet 4G remains widely used, especially for budget-conscious consumers. This article compares 5G vs 4G in Taiwan across speed, coverage, pricing, and real-world use cases, helping you decide which technology fits your lifestyle.

1. Network Coverage and Availability

5G in Taiwan operates on a mix of sub-6 GHz (3.5 GHz band) and mmWave (28 GHz), though mmWave is limited to dense urban hotspots. Chunghwa Telecom leads with over 8,000 5G base stations as of late 2024, covering 95% of population centers. Far EasTone and Taiwan Mobile (including former T-Star spectrum) have similar footprints, but rural areas still rely heavily on 4G.

4G coverage is virtually ubiquitous. According to the NCC (National Communications Commission), 4G LTE covers over 99% of Taiwan’s populated areas. In remote mountain regions or offshore islands, 4G is often the only reliable option. If you frequently travel outside major cities, 4G provides more consistent connectivity.

Key takeaway: 5G is excellent in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other urban centers, but 4G remains the safety net for rural travel.

2. Speed and Performance

5G delivers significantly faster peak speeds. In practice, Chunghwa’s 5G averages around 400–600 Mbps download, while Far EasTone and Taiwan Mobile range 300–500 Mbps. 4G LTE typically offers 50–150 Mbps in good conditions. For most smartphone tasks—social media, streaming video, web browsing—4G is already sufficient. However, 5G shines for large file downloads, high-resolution video calls, and cloud gaming.

Latency also differs: 5G achieves 10–20 ms, while 4G averages 30–50 ms. This matters for real-time applications like online gaming or video conferencing. A 5G speed test in Taiwan showed that Chunghwa’s 5G latency can drop to 8 ms in optimal conditions.

But 5G speeds can be inconsistent. Throttling after exceeding data caps is common on budget 5G plans. Also, 5G signals struggle with building penetration; you may drop to 4G indoors. 4G’s lower frequency bands (e.g., 700 MHz, 900 MHz) offer better indoor coverage.

3. Pricing and Plan Comparison

5G plans in Taiwan are more expensive than 4G, but the gap is narrowing. As of early 2025, entry-level 5G plans start around NT$599 per month (e.g., best 5G plans Taiwan 2025), while similar 4G plans can be as low as NT$199 (prepaid) or NT$399 (postpaid).

Here’s a typical breakdown:

  • 4G budget plans: NT$199–399, 5–10 GB data, unlimited throttled speeds (e.g., 1–3 Mbps).
  • 4G mid-range: NT$499–699, unlimited data with fair-use policy (e.g., 100 GB full speed then throttle).
  • 5G entry-level: NT$599, 24 GB full-speed data, then throttle to 5–10 Mbps.
  • 5G premium: NT$1,399+, unlimited full-speed data (some with 5G+ mmWave).

For heavy data users, 4G unlimited plans (e.g., NT$499 from Taiwan Mobile) are far cheaper than 5G unlimited (NT$1,399+). However, 5G plans often include perks like streaming service subscriptions (e.g., Disney+, Netflix) or higher hotspot allowances.

Prepaid options also differ. 4G prepaid SIMs (e.g., prepaid SIM card Taiwan buying guide) offer 7-day unlimited data for around NT$300–500. 5G prepaid is rare; only Chunghwa offers a 5G prepaid plan (NT$899 for 30 days with 30 GB).

4. Device Compatibility

To use 5G, you need a 5G-capable smartphone. Most mid-range and flagship phones sold in Taiwan since 2022 support 5G (e.g., iPhone 14/15/16 series, Samsung Galaxy S24/S25, Google Pixel 8/9). However, budget phones (under NT$6,000) often lack 5G. If you’re on a tight budget, 4G phones are cheaper and still widely available.

If you plan to buy a new phone, consider best smartphones 2025 Taiwan for 5G models. For used phones, where to buy used phones Taiwan often lists 4G-only devices at steep discounts.

Also, 5G drains battery faster than 4G due to higher processing power. Many users toggle 5G off to save battery when not needed.

5. Use Cases: Who Should Choose What?

Choose 5G if you:

  • Download large files (e.g., movies, games) frequently.
  • Stream 4K video or use cloud gaming (e.g., GeForce NOW).
  • Need low latency for real-time video conferencing or remote work.
  • Live or work in central Taipei, Xinyi, or other dense 5G areas.
  • Want the latest tech and don’t mind paying a premium.

Choose 4G if you:

  • Are on a budget (NT$500 or less per month).
  • Use data primarily for social media, web, and standard video.
  • Travel often to rural areas or need better indoor coverage.
  • Have a 4G phone that still works fine.
  • Want unlimited data without high cost (4G unlimited plans are cheaper).

6. Operator-Specific Differences

Chunghwa Telecom has the largest 5G coverage and fastest speeds, but its plans are pricier. Far EasTone offers competitive 5G plans with good bundled content (e.g., Disney+). Taiwan Mobile (post-merger with T-Star) has a strong 4G network and affordable 5G options, especially for students (see student mobile plans Taiwan).

If you’re considering a switch, compare Far EasTone vs T-Star comparison (though T-Star is now part of Taiwan Mobile, legacy plans may still exist). For families, family mobile plans Taiwan offer discounts on multiple lines.

Business users may benefit from corporate mobile plans Taiwan, which often include 5G at reduced rates.

7. Future-Proofing

Taiwan’s 5G is still evolving. The government plans to auction additional spectrum in 2025–2026, which may improve speeds and coverage. However, 4G will remain active for years; operators have committed to maintaining 4G until at least 2030. If you buy a 4G phone today, it will work for the foreseeable future.

For most users, the decision boils down to budget and data usage. A 4G unlimited plan at NT$499 is hard to beat for value. But if you crave speed and are willing to pay, 5G offers a tangible improvement.

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