After all the hype and speculation, it finally looks like 5G mobile networks are coming to the UK later this year. What does this mean exactly? Well, for laymen, that means mobile data will be faster than ever – some estimates suggest it could be up to 10 times faster than the current 4G network – meaning you can browse, stream and download remotely, like never before!
But regular mobile phone users won’t be able to take advantage of the new super-fast network until they upgrade their handsets to 5G compatible models. Due to the huge technological leap between 4G and 5G, today’s handsets simply cannot handle the power. Fortunately, some mobile phone makers have already announced their Switch ready 5G handsets. Let’s look at previously announced models and rumors, so you know what to worry about when 5G hits your area.
Samsung Galaxy S10 X
Unsurprisingly, most of the big dogs in the industry have been working on a 5G handset to coincide with the advent of technology, and one that hasn’t been shy about its plans is Samsung. All the rumors seem to point to an improved version of the recently released Samsung Galaxy S10 – perhaps called the “S10 X”.
In addition to the increased speed of 5G, the phone will also be more powerful than its predecessors, with 10GB of RAM and a 5,000Ah battery. All of this combined will mean a very expensive flagship smartphone. So, if you are planning to be one of the first to buy a 5G mobile, you may want to consider purchasing comprehensive mobile phone insurance to protect your investment.
Oppo 5G Phone
While several large companies have announced – or at least have in development – their flagship 5G phones, many others are claiming their will be the first to hit the market. A competitor to this auspicious title is Oppo, a Chinese manufacturer who claims to have been able to upgrade their existing top model with 5G, essentially denying the need for a brand new handset.
If that turns out to be true, Oppo could very well beat its competitors in the market with a 5G-capable device, and signs point to them being ready to launch their product by April.
iPhone 2019
As you might expect whenever new technology pops up, Apple is basically working hard at developing their own model of iPhone. While they’re very unlikely to be the first company to launch – new iPhones typically came out in the fourth quarter – it’s fair to say that much of the market is eagerly awaiting their take on 5G technology.
One issue that is currently blocking Apple’s iPhone 5G is its inability to source 5G chips from Qualcomm, the supplier of the majority of 5G chips to other manufacturers. Instead, they’ll have to find another vendor to make their own, which But if they want to stay competitive in the market, they’ll have to release a 5G-capable device, rather than waiting a whole year later to join the race. .
Huawei P30/ Mate 30
Huawei hasn’t been shy about their desire to release a 5G smartphone in 2019, even going so far as to tell the media which models could use the technology. Although the company faces challenges in international markets, the brand is still strong in Asia, and you might expect it to become more dominant if it can be one of the first to release a 5G model. .
The two models that have been identified, the P30 and Mate 30, are slated for release in March and October respectively, so depending on Huawei’s progress, they could be one of the first or last companies to get their phones there. . Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports that Huawei’s much-vaunted foldable smartphone could also be 5G enabled, so we could see two tech revolutions in one.
Honor 5G Phone
As a sub-brand of Huawei, it’s no surprise that Honor is also working on a 5G handset, which is slated to land in 2019. While there’s no indication of which model will be released, there is has had speculation that the 5G-capable model will be an upgraded Magic 2, or some other variant.
They also claim to be the first company to bring their product to market, joining a whole list of competitors making similar claims – but only time will tell!
It doesn’t matter if you prefer iOS or Android, high end or mid-range, it looks like there will be plenty of choice when 5G finally comes to the UK, so you’ll be able to stick with your favorite model. while reaping the benefits.
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