Tesco Mobile 5G SIM only review

Tesco Mobile 5G SIM-Only Review UK (2025)

Thinking of going SIM-only with Tesco Mobile and want 5G? You’re not alone. Tesco Mobile has built a solid reputation for value, and with its 5G SIM-only plans, it's positioning itself as a cost-effective choice for UK users who don’t need to splurge on a flagship phone or a major network contract. I’ve tested and researched what Tesco offers, its 5G performance, pros, pitfalls, and whether it’s truly worth switching.

Network Background: Powered by O2

Tesco Mobile doesn’t run its own network. Instead, it rides on **O2’s infrastructure**, which brings some real advantages — notably **99% 4G population coverage**. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

For 5G, Tesco’s coverage closely mirrors O2’s rollout. According to 5G.co.uk, Tesco 5G is available in **over 3,200 UK towns and cities**, though real coverage strength varies significantly. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tesco Mobile 5G SIM-Only Plans (2025)

Tesco’s 5G SIM-only offers are clearly tiered, though they’re only available on **12-month or 24-month deals**, depending on the plan. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• 6 GB 5G: ~£15/month on 12-month deal. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• 25 GB 5G: ~£20/month on 12-month deal. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Unlimited 5G: ~£30/month on 12-month deal. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

There’s also an **unlimited-data SIM** variant: Tesco claims “no data limits and no speed limits” on its unlimited plan, with a “fair use policy” in place. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} According to comparison sites, this is around **£25/month** depending on contract length. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

5G Performance & Coverage

Because Tesco uses O2’s network, its 5G covers many of the same areas as O2. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} This is a double-edged sword: in places where O2 is strong, Tesco performs well on 5G, but where O2’s 5G rollout is patchy, Tesco’s will be too.

According to independent testing (via 5G.co.uk), average 5G download speeds on Tesco (or O2) are around **80 Mbps**. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} That’s quite solid for everyday tasks like streaming, video calls, and browsing — though not always “blazing fastest” 5G.

Real-World Feedback: What Customers Say

Feedback from real users paints a mixed but honest picture:

• Some Reddit users say they **never got a 5G signal** even with a 5G-capable phone — one fixed it by asking Tesco for a **new SIM**. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Others report **dropped connections**, poor 5G reliability, or inconsistent speeds: > “Constant drop outs, says connected in 4 or 5G but just hangs.” :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• On the plus side, some users praise Tesco’s **coverage in odd places or “pools” of 5G**, especially in rural or less obvious areas. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Pricing & Value for Money

Tesco’s 5G SIM-only plans are competitively priced. According to MoneySavingExpert, for example, you can get **60 GB of 5G data for around £11.66/month** when factoring in long-term deals. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Their unlimited 5G SIM sits at a higher price, but Tesco promises **no speed limits** on that plan. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} However, whether you’ll *really* need “unlimited” 5G depends on how much data you use.

Pros of Tesco Mobile 5G SIM-Only

• Widespread 4G Coverage: Leveraging O2 gives Tesco very good reach across the UK. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Fair-priced 5G Options: Multiple tiers from 6 GB up to unlimited give flexibility.
• No Hidden Speed Caps (on Unlimited): According to Tesco, there are no artificial speed limits, though usage is subject to a fair-use policy. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Roaming Perks: Tesco still offers its “Home From Home” roaming to many EU destinations. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Fixed-ish Pricing: Using their Clubcard-price plans helps you “freeze” your basic usage cost, avoiding surprise mid-contract inflation hikes. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Drawbacks & Things to Watch Out For

• 5G Coverage Inconsistency: Because O2’s 5G rollout is still patchy, some areas have poor or no 5G signal. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Customer Service Woes: Trustpilot reviews frequently mention long wait times, unhelpful support, and SIM-swap delays. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Issue with Older 3G Shutdown: O2 is phasing out 3G, which may affect older Tesco users. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• SIM/Activation Problems: Some users on Reddit reported needing a **new SIM** to get 5G working. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Midsize Contract Strictness: Their 5G SIM-only plans often require a 12-month contract, which may not suit everyone. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Price Increases for Non-Clubcard Customers: Without Clubcard deals, some users report price rises or less attractive terms. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Who Is Tesco Mobile 5G SIM-Only Good For?

Based on my experience and the feedback I’ve collected, Tesco’s 5G SIM-only plans are well-suited to:

• Mid-to-high data users: The 25 GB or unlimited plans make sense if you stream, hotspot, or regularly use mobile data.
• People who travel within the EU: If you make occasional trips, their roaming policy (“Home From Home”) is quite helpful. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• Value-minded users: If you're after good coverage (4G + decent 5G) without paying premium network prices, Tesco strikes a good balance.
• Stable-bill fans with Clubcard: Using Tesco Clubcard deals is where price stability is strongest. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

When Tesco 5G SIM Might Not Be the Best Choice

There are scenarios where you might want to look elsewhere:

• If you need ultra-fast 5G everywhere — in some cases, other networks (Three, EE) might give better peak speeds or more consistent 5G.
• If you change your mind frequently — 12-month contracts may feel restrictive for some.
• If you’ve had customer service frustrations before — their support metrics are mixed, with some customers reporting slow, inconsistent help. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
• If your device is older or doesn’t support modern bands — especially relevant given O2’s 3G shutdown risk. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Final Verdict

Tesco Mobile’s 5G SIM-only offering in 2025 is **very compelling** for users who want good value, decent data, and solid network coverage without paying top-tier network prices. Thanks to their use of O2’s infrastructure, you get reliable national coverage plus access to 5G in many urban areas.

However, it's not without trade-offs: you’ll want to check 5G coverage in your postcode, be comfortable with a 12-month deal for 5G, and potentially deal with Tesco’s customer service quirks.

In summary: if you use a fair amount of data, want 5G on a budget, and value bill stability (especially via Clubcard), Tesco Mobile is a very smart SIM-only choice. For ultra-high-speed 5G or frequent switching, there may be more suitable alternatives — but for many, Tesco 5G SIM-only is a well-balanced all-rounder.