What are the Pros and Cons of 5G Smartphones?
5G smartphones are designed to cater the performance demands of 5G connectivity spectrum. There is a lot of hype surrounding 5G technology nowadays. There are various benefits and drawbacks of buying smartphones that support 5G technology.
Let’s explore a range of factors linked with 5G technology to help you decide whether you should buy a 5G smartphone or not.
What is 5G?
5G is the 5th generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks. After the previous four mobile network standards including 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G, the 5G technology has been launched to offer even more bandwidth speeds. 5G smartphones are well-engineered to deliver peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, and a more uniform internet experience to users around the globe. This technology holds the tendency to connect various industries and allow you to enjoy fast downloading speeds on your smartphones.
Pros of 5G Smartphones
Peak Data Speeds
One of the main benefits of 5G smartphones is their ability to deliver high connection speeds, all becomes possible with the 5G technology. Unlike prior technologies through which downloading multimedia files would have taken hours. Smartphones with 5G support are able to download movies and other related files in just a matter of seconds. Another key area where 5G smartphones come in handy is fast-paced gaming. The newly launched technology is aligned enough to offer you processing speeds up to 20Gbps.
Low-Latency
Latency is actually an interval between the moment when a device sends a data to a receiver and the moment when the receiver is able to use that information. Smartphones equipped with 5G technology takes significantly less time to respond to commands. The latency which used to remain between 60 ms to 98 ms in the case of 4G, 5G smartphones have successfully managed to take it down to 5ms. With latencies this low, supported mobile phones offer lag-free and real time communications.
Increased Bandwidth
An enhanced bandwidth means the possibility to achieve more things in far less time. As the 5G technology comes with a wide frequency and fast connections speeds, you can now enjoy a smooth and unform connectivity. With 5G, you don’t need to be worried about fighting for data. With more bandwidth available, you are now enabled to do a lot more with your 5G smartphones.
More Capacity
5G technology has a higher network capacity than 4G and 5G network can support 10 times more traffic than a 4G network. It implies that more users and devices including smartphones, computers, tablets and more can now be connected using 5G network. This advantages of 5G technology hold more benefit for the network carrier rather than the end user. However, it indirectly impacts the user experience of 5G smartphone users.
A More Unified System
Unlike the 4G network, the 5G connectivity spectrum is more uniform and is designed to not only connect smartphones, tablets, laptops, or computers. But 5G network can also connect IoT, smart cars, cutting-edge houses, state-of-the-art health care system and many more. Moreover, as 5G supports various connectivity bands such as low-band, medium-band, and high-band, 5G smartphone users are exposed to smoother connection speeds.
Cons of 5G Smartphones
Security
As with any innovative technology, hackers find a way to breach the network security protocols, eventually compromising the data the millions of users. Same is the case of 5G smartphones. Experts are concerned that being a recent technology with more bandwidth and managed by software, hackers can get unauthorized access to the software. A single cyber attack on the network can affect numerous users using 5G on their smartphones and other devices.
Less Battery Life
When it comes to network speeds, we always want more and more speeds. Although, 5G phones offer you higher connection speeds than 4G smartphones but these phones drain away faster than their 4G models. Some users also reported that running a 5G network one their devices make the machines hot. Therefore, technology manufacturers have to craft ways to increase the battery life and ensure and efficient cooling system in 5G smartphones.
Broadcast Limitation
High frequency radio waves of 5G technology are not able to travel as far from their towers as 4G waves are capable of. 5G rays are prone to be halted by tall building, trees or any other physical objects comes in the way. Therefore, to ensure an uninterrupted and even coverage, there is a need to install more 5G towers on the ground. Until then, folks owing smartphones with 5G coverage are expected to experience a spotty coverage of 5G for some time.
Low Upload Speeds
As mentioned above in the pros section, downloading speeds that you enjoy on your mobile phones are incredibly high. However, when it comes to uploading the content, 5G network doesn’t show an impressive performance. Although the speeds are still better than 4G LTE network, most of the time you notice uploading speeds not more than 100 mbps.
Higher Prices
Since 5G is a latest technology and its supportive hardware components are rear, 5G smartphones cost you more money than 4G devices. As a newer technology, manufacturing cost of 5G supported technology devices is quite higher. In addition, until now, 5G connectivity is available in limited areas of the world. Therefore, mobile phones manufacturing companies are producing only a limited 5G supported smartphones. It is another major reason behind the costly price tags associated with 5G mobile devices.
Final Verdict
5G smartphones have a lot of features to offer you but these phones also exhibit certain cons as well. Their higher prices, compromised security, and less battery life are a few of the areas that need improvement. For now, we will advise you to invest money on a 5G supported smartphone only, if you are residing in an area where 5G connectivity is available. Secondly, do consider your budget whenever you are planning to buy a 5G smartphone as It may cost you a bit more money.