Not sure if I used the correct terms but what is the difference in security and privacy between downloading from a public wifi (or a closed wifi; with password) and mobile hotspot (sharing 4G/5G data from your phone to your computer)? Which one is recommended or does it not matter?
When you use a hotspot from your phone the site/peers/whatever sees an IP that your ISP has assigned to you and could share that with authorities etc.
When you use a WiFi they see an IP assigned to the owner of the WiFi.
Security wise its easier for others in the WiFi to try and fuck with your computer since you are on the same LAN.
So it depends on what you fear the most.
most properly configured public wifi will enable client separation, of course that potentially still leaves lower level protocol and radio attacks.