London calling: EE 5G standalone user review

EE’s new 5G standalone network in London largely does what the marketing promises. In real-world use, it feels consistent and reliable, and at its best it responds quickly enough to make everyday apps and browsing feel smooth. This is not a lab test but a user-level check: walking the streets, riding public transport, and using the network the way a normal customer would.

Performance holds up across much of the city, with speeds and latency that stay within a narrow, usable range rather than swinging wildly. The network does not transform the mobile experience into something radically new, but it does reduce the small delays and patchiness that often irritate users on older 4G or non-standalone 5G connections. For people in London considering an upgrade, EE’s 5G standalone currently looks like a solid, workmanlike step forward rather than a revolution.