What Does '5G-Ready' Mean?
Heard the term '5G-ready' mentioned recently? That's because rollout of the ultra-fast new 5G mobile network is officially underway.
Behind the scenes, there's been a lot of preparation to not only prepare the country for 5G, but to ensure we have the right equipment on hand to get the most out of it too. Discover all the 5G facts, and explore what exactly is meant by the term '5G-ready', right here.
What is 5G?
The next iteration of mobile network, 5G stands for fifth generation. It promises to deliver a much faster and much more capable service than its predecessor 4G, with download speeds of up to 10Gbps and a latency time (the time taken to open a downloaded file) of 1 millisecond.
To put this into context, the 4G service you're most likely using right now is capable of download speeds of 300Mbps. To download a full-length film on 4G it'll probably take you around 2-3 minutes, but on 5G you'll be ready to press play in 4-40 seconds.
What does '5G-ready' mean?
In order to connect to the 5G network, you'll need to be using a 5G-ready device. 5G-ready handsets feature a 5G-specific modem, and are also likely to have a larger battery and faster, more powerful processors to support the more data-heavy tasks enabled by using 5G.
5G-ready phones will still be able to connect to 4G and 3G networks, however, so you'll never be without a connection even if you leave a 5G supported area.
5G-ready phones available
There are already a handful of 5G-ready phones currently available, and many more are expected to be released in the coming months.
Here's a look at a few of our favourite 5G-ready phones available so far:
Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is the 5G-ready version of Samsung's popular 2019 flagship. Featuring a premium design, you can expect nothing less than a sleek, refined design, an impressive quad-lens camera system and loads of Samsung exclusive features from this device.
Working behind the scenes on the Galaxy S10 5G, you'll find an advanced Exynos 9820 chipset which effortlessly delivers a lag-free performance, and has what it takes to keep up with the demanding speeds of 5G. This means you can watch movies in HD and play some of Android's best games in outstanding detail.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G also features a 6.7-inch QHD+ display that's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for added durability. There's an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner built into the screen, and facial recognition technology tucked away in the tiny notch at the top of the display.
The 12MP + 12MP + 16MP + 3D quad-lens camera delivers professional shots in any light, and the 10MP front-facing camera will serve you well whether you're snapping selfies or joining a video call with friends.
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G
Launched by Chinese smartphone giants Xiaomi, the Xiaomi Mi Mi 3 5G is another 5G-ready smartphone available to pick up for a great price right now. It's one of the first 5G-ready handsets available in the UK.
As well as connecting you to the 5G network for a smoother, faster and more reliable service, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G offers a 6.39-inch display with an amazing screen-to-body ratio of 93.4% and a sleek ceramic casing. Slide up, and you be able to access the camera, your most used apps and even answer calls in seconds.
The Mi Mix 3 5G has an AI supported 24MP rear camera that features Sony's IMX576 sensor for even more defined, detailed photos. It's one of the best image sensors on the market, and can snap away even in bright or low light.
The combination of the phone's 3,800 mAh battery and Snapdragon 855 chipset mean you can expect nothing less than a fast, reliable performance from the Mix Mix 3 5G - especially when connected to the new fifth generation mobile network.
Excited about the prospect of 5G arriving on your doorstep? Make sure you're prepared with a 5G-ready phone from Mobiles.co.uk.