After a recent software update proposed by certain operators, many users of compatible smartphones are observing a particular behavior of 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) when they leave their device on standby. Where the connection previously switched to less energy-consuming modes (like 4G or a lighter 5G) on standby, the 5G NSA continues to remain connected in the background, even when the screen has been off for a long time.
When does the 5G NSA remain active even on standby?
On several 5G compatible phones, after applying the operator update, users have noticed that the 5G NSA no longer automatically switches to a less energy-consuming mode when they lock their smartphone or leave the device at rest. The consequence is simple: the 5G chip remains active, maintaining the connection with the antenna in its most “intense” mode, thus consuming more energy than when it is deactivated or in 4G/lighter 5G mode.
This behavior can be observed particularly in network settings or through mobile diagnostic applications showing a stable 5G connection, even after several hours without visible use of the phone.
How does this affect the battery?
5G, when active continuously, demands more radio resources than 4G or “economy” modes. On a typical smartphone, where network consumption can already represent a significant part of the battery on standby, keeping the 5G NSA active can reduce autonomy outside of effective use.
Reports shared by users indicate a reduced standby autonomy of 5 to 15% compared to the state before the update. For example, where a device could lose 3 to 5% of battery overnight, some now report losses of 7 to 10% under similar conditions.
For users who do not rely on 5G continuously, this means a noticeable decrease in the duration between charges, even without active use.
Why does 5G remain active after the update?
Operator updates often contain parameter adjustments related to radio management, network protocols, and how the smartphone interacts with the provider’s infrastructure. In some cases, a new configuration may:
- force a higher priority to 5G NSA for certain bands or conditions,
- modify the strategy of switching between radio modes on standby,
- adjust internal network profiles without necessarily indicating it in the update notes.
This type of adjustment can be motivated by a perceived better coverage, a desire to stabilize the data connection, or the adoption of new network configurations on the operator’s side. However, the side effect is that the 5G radio remains active longer than before when the device is on standby.
Data observed by users since the update
In several user groups and technical discussion threads, informal surveys reveal that:
- 43% of 5G NSA users notice that the smartphone remains in 5G connection even on standby,
- 30% observe a faster decline in autonomy since the update,
- 27% do not perceive any notable change.
These proportions, although from non-scientific community feedback, show that the phenomenon is widespread enough to be noticed by a significant portion of users.
Which scenarios are most affected?
Keeping 5G active on standby seems particularly noticeable in the following situations:
- when the smartphone remains locked for a long time without interaction during the day,
- during nighttime periods,
- in areas where 5G NSA is present but often fluctuates (leading to frequent reconnections),
- when background applications continue to request network data (updates, synchronization).
In these cases, the connection does not switch to a less aggressive mode for autonomy, which increases energy consumption outside of active use.
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Are other devices or configurations affected?
Feedback comes from different 5G NSA compatible models, not just a single smartphone. This indicates that the change lies more in the network settings provided by the operator than in a hardware limitation specific to a model.
That said, the impact varies according to:
- the specific software versions installed,
- the configuration of the local operator’s 5G bands,
- the background data usage profile,
- the state of the battery or the phone’s energy-saving settings.