Which Portable WiFi Is Better? ZTE U10S Pro (4G) vs ZTE U30 Air 5G – Real-World Test

Choosing between the ZTE U10S Pro and the ZTE U30 Air 5G comes down to what you need most: high-capacity shared 4G connectivity, or higher peak 5G performance when coverage is strong.

We tested both devices around our Silverstone location (indoors and outdoors) to compare real-world performance, everyday usability, and consistency.

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Quick Comparison — U10S Pro vs U30 Air 5G

Feature	ZTE U10S Pro (4G)	ZTE U30 Air (5G)
Network	4G LTE (plus 3G fallback)	5G + 4G LTE
Max theoretical speed	Up to 300 Mbps	Up to 867 Mbps (WiFi peak)
Devices supported	Up to 32 devices	Up to 10 devices
WiFi bands	2.4GHz	Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
Display	Built-in screen	Compact interface (minimal display focus)
Battery	3000mAh (up to ~10 hours)	Up to ~10 hours
Best for	Shared use, travel groups, stable everyday connectivity	High-speed use in strong 5G areas, remote work, streaming

Important: Real-world mobile broadband performance depends more on signal quality and network congestion than the “4G vs 5G” label alone.

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Design & Everyday Use

ZTE U10S Pro (4G)

The U10S Pro is a practical, low-cost 4G MiFi router built for shared connectivity. It supports up to 32 connected devices, making it ideal for families, students, shared houses, travel groups, caravans and light office use.

• Connect up to 32 devices (phones, tablets, laptops, consoles and more)
• Simple setup: insert any nano SIM and connect
• Built-in screen shows signal, battery, speeds, users and more
• QR code makes WiFi sharing quick and easy
• 3000mAh rechargeable battery for up to ~10 hours use

If your priority is connecting lots of devices and keeping things simple, the U10S Pro is an excellent choice.

ZTE U30 Air 5G

The U30 Air 5G is built for people who want a faster performance ceiling where 5G coverage is strong. It supports both 5G and 4G LTE, uses dual-band WiFi, and is designed to deliver higher speeds for modern usage like remote work, streaming and large downloads.

• 5G + 4G LTE support for wider coverage
• Dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for improved performance
• 2x2 MIMO to help improve signal efficiency
• Connect up to 10 devices
• Portable pocket design suited to travel and commuting

If your priority is speed in strong coverage areas (and you connect under 10 devices), the U30 Air 5G is the better fit.

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Real-World Speed Test (Silverstone Area)

Both routers were tested multiple times across several days in and around our Silverstone office — including indoor and outdoor testing locations.

Coverage in this area can be inconsistent depending on the network and exact placement. Indoor signal can drop quickly away from windows, while outdoor results can fluctuate due to congestion and mast distance.

Average Recorded Speeds (Typical Range)

• ZTE U10S Pro (4G): 50–70 Mbps
• ZTE U30 Air (5G): 70–120 Mbps (stronger outdoors)

Understanding the Results

Even though 5G has a higher performance ceiling, it still relies on stronger signal conditions to hit its best speeds. In mixed coverage areas, a stable 4G connection can feel more consistent — especially indoors.

• 5G is fastest when signal is strong and congestion is low
• In weaker areas, 5G devices may fall back to lower-performance bands or 4G
• Indoor placement (especially near windows) can dramatically change results
• Network congestion impacts both 4G and 5G

Key takeaway: signal quality and device placement have a larger impact than whether a router is labelled 4G or 5G.

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Which Should You Choose?

Choose the ZTE U10S Pro (4G) if:

• You need to connect lots of devices (up to 32)
• You want a built-in screen for easy monitoring and management
• You want a low-cost, reliable travel WiFi solution
• You mainly use the hotspot indoors or in mixed-coverage areas
• You want simple setup with no configuration required

Choose the ZTE U30 Air 5G if:

• You have strong 5G coverage where you will use it most
• You prioritise faster download speeds for work or streaming
• You connect fewer devices (up to 10)
• You want dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for improved performance
• You want a more future-proof portable WiFi option

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Verdict

The ZTE U10S Pro is the better option for shared use, lots of connected devices, and simple everyday reliability at low cost.

The ZTE U30 Air 5G is the better choice if you want higher peak speeds and you spend most of your time in areas with strong 5G coverage.

In short: choose based on where you’ll use it and how many devices you need to connect — not just the spec sheet.

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Buy With Confidence from eFones

• UK stock
• Unlocked to all networks
• UK support
• 2-Year LIVEWIRE warranty
• Easy returns

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are real speeds lower than advertised?

Advertised speeds are theoretical maximums under ideal conditions. Real-world performance depends on coverage, congestion, placement (especially indoors), and the network you use.

Is 5G always faster than 4G?

No. 5G can be much faster in strong signal conditions, but 4G can feel more consistent in weaker or congested areas — particularly indoors.

Which is better for multiple devices?

The ZTE U10S Pro supports up to 32 simultaneous connections, making it the better choice for shared use such as families, students, travel groups and small offices.

Any tips to improve hotspot speed?

• Place the device near a window or higher up indoors
• Try different rooms — small changes in position can make a big difference
• Use 5GHz WiFi (on the U30 Air 5G) for faster speeds at closer range
• Test at different times of day to avoid peak congestion