iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 mini users:

[s2mike]

Pretty self explanatory...which cellular option are you using?

If you’re using LTE because 5G isn’t an option, please select “5G isn’t available in my area.”

If 5G is available, but you choose not to use it, please select “LTE.”

 

[s2mike]

Been trying to find some iPhone 12 mini 5G Auto vs LTE battery life comparisons.

I’ve been using LTE exclusively, but maybe this week I’ll try turning on 5G Auto to see how much of a difference it makes.

 

[QCassidy352]

5G auto, but I’m mostly on wifi these days...

 

[Wig321]

Forced to use 4G because I’m using dual sim. Don’t have 5G in my area and 4G speeds are fast enough anyway.

 

[taneff]

I did use both 5G auto and LTE but find almost no to no difference in battery life. So this way I get 5G too in the city. If it would have a way higher battery drain I would use LTE only but imo it does not.

I would try it, now you have a good comparison how it effects BL and then decide.

 

[LED]

In my area I’ve noticed no difference in speed between 5G and LTE so I’ve set mine to LTE in an effort to preserve battery. I’m not certain it’ll save me much but I’ll go on the assumption there is more drain with 5g auto.

 

[maj71303]

I'm using LTE because you can't get 5G using dual sim in the USA at this time. I'm in an area with 5G but until the limitation update for dual sim LTE it is.

 

[vin1717]

Mine is on AT&T and I have to upgrade by plan to get access to 5G, so my mini doesn't even have an option for it at the moment. The phone is super fast already, I'm on wifi 95% of the time until the middle of next year, and I read about the battery drain that 5G creates so I'm not even bothering to upgrade the plan.

 

[Dapperedodo]

My plan does not support 5G (yet) but I finally got an updated phone that fits in my pocket

 

[s2mike]

My mini takes a massive battery hit when I’m on 5G Auto and using the phone (social media, messages, web browsing) and streaming Music all at the same time.

Like, I drop 1% every two or three minutes. It’s not nearly as bad on LTE. I don’t notice any speed difference between LTE and 5G (speed tests show a difference, but it’s not noticeable to me), so I’ve been sticking with LTE.

 

[JW313]

Dual Sim here (TMO and VZW) coming from an 11pro battery life isn't nearly as good, but I have a charger at my desk, car and home. I can keep it above 50% most days anyway.

On days that I have not used a charger I can get my normal use from 7am to 11pm with 5-10% left.

 

[rjedoaks]

On my mini there is no 5G option in the cellular data settings. Only LTE and 4G. Does this mean my new plan hasn’t kicked in yet? I’ve had the phone for about a week. But I’m coming off an unlimited

 

[JW313]

On my mini there is no 5G option in the cellular data settings. Only LTE and 4G. Does this mean my new plan hasn’t kicked in yet? I’ve had the phone for about a week. But I’m coming off an unlimited

Who is your carrier?

 

[rjedoaks]

ATT. The 5G map shows no coverage in the area. So I just figured the 5G would kick in when it’s available. But I don’t know

 

[JW313]

The fact that in your cellular options it doesn't even show 5G as an option is interesting. I dont know if ATT locks it or not.

 

[rjedoaks]

Iv’e been looking for an answer before going back to Att

 

[s2mike]

Iv’e been looking for an answer before going back to Att

You should contact AT&T.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I use “5G ON” 24/7.

 

[vin1717]

Iv’e been looking for an answer before going back to Att

It has to do with the type of data plan you have. If you have an Unlimited Plus plan, there is no 5G access. You need to upgrade to the Unlimited Elite or Unlimited Starter to get 5G access. In my case it's a $15-$30 monthly billing increase, which isn't worth it.

 

[DumbPhone]

aah..before put mini auto 5g...have many time not change lte sometime 5g not good...now mee put lte only...it ok...may be 5g portland no good...may be need wait verizon develop...kaa

 

[rjedoaks]

It has to do with the type of data plan you have. If you have an Unlimited Plus plan, there is no 5G access. You need to upgrade to the Unlimited Elite or Unlimited Starter to get 5G access. In my case it's a $15-$30 monthly billing increase, which isn't worth it.

Now I understand. I just checked my plan. Upgrade to 5g is an option. I don’t need it for the price hike. Thanks for the clarification. Plus 5g is non existent in my area

 

[s2mike]

I use “5G ON” 24/7.

You should've voted!

 

[Apple_Robert]

You should've voted!

Thanks for reminding me. Just voted.

 

[s2mike]

Twice as many mini users purposely going with LTE over 5G.

I’m guessing maybe those are the more heavy users, as I’ve definitely noticed a difference in battery life between the two.

 

[splifingate]

I've noticed neither an obvious decrease in speed, nor an increase in power consumption, when using auto (VZW [Un]limited, usually connected to regular 5G) . . .

. . . recent ground travel from ATL into the South and North Carolinas has allowed for the flip to LTE in a few areas, but I never subjectively noticed the change.

With active GPS and audio streaming, I can cut my battery to less than 40% in a day; regular usage (calls, email, a good bit of txtng, etc.) gets me to <20% in about two days.

I prefer to keep my brightness to ~50% during the day, and ~20% after dark.

Very pleased with this Little Wonder

Regards, splifingate