5G – which phones are compatible, how does it work, and how soon will it roll out?

Jun 3 , 2020

Here we tell you how 5G works and which phones have implemented the next-generation technology. Photo: EPA-EFE

Is your Apple, Samsung or Huawei smartphone 5G compatible? Is it worth upgrading? What are the benefits? Which countries are getting it first, and how has coronavirus affected things? STYLE has the answers

It’s not hard to see why 5G is becoming increasingly popular. The telecommunications technology offers speedy internet access that can make life more convenient for people the world over. Furthermore, experts are predicting that 5G will be a critical need in the near future as the “internet of things” becomes commonplace and devices ranging from cars to refrigerators come online.

At the same time, setting up 5G networks comes with its challenges in certain parts of the world. Because 5G high-frequency waves don’t travel far, carriers need to build more nodes so people can access 5G with ease. China, South Korea and the US are all leading the charge to implement 5G as quickly as possible – but they’re not the only nations who are rapidly transitioning to the technology.

Swedish company Tele2 announced the launch of the first 5G network in the country. Photo: DPA

So far, Sweden, Estonia and Turkey are also among the countries making great progress in providing 5G access to all of their citizens.

What phones are compatible?

TM Roh, president and head of mobile communications business of Samsung Electronics, unveils the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G smartphone. Photo: Reuters

If you bought a mobile phone last year, the odds are that it’s a 5G phone. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra are all 5G compatible, as are the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G and OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McClaren. LG’s V50 and V60 ThinQ phones can use the technology as well.

Huawei’s latest mobile phones are 5G compatible. Photo: Xinhua

Huawei also has a 5G phone, the Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G, which is considered to be one of the best 5G phone options available. Other great choices include the Xiaomi Mi 10 series, the Realme X50 Pro 5G and the Nokia 8.3 5G. Apple and Alcatel are set to release 5G phones later this year. Most if not all of these phones currently retail for at least US$1,000, but experts believe prices will dip down in 2020 as companies compete with each other to produce affordable models.