Do we have 5G phones in Nigeria? Yes.
In this article, you will know what 5G is, get examples of 5G enabled mobile devices available in Nigeria together with their specifications.
You will also know how it works and how cellular technology has evolved.
Cellular technology has experienced tremendous improvements over the decades. In other to keep track of these developments, we need to go back to history.
The first generation of mobile networks (1G) came by in 1979 in Japan before moving to the UK and the USA.
The 1G network offered a bandwidth capacity of 30KHz and a speed of 2.4kbps through an analog technology called Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), which used Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) modulation.
With this, 1G could only allow for voice calls but it suffered from signal interference, it wasn’t reliable, and had limited protection.
In 1991, 2G networks were introduced. 2G has bandwidths of 30KHz to 200KHz which allowed users to send MMS and SMS messages, though at low speeds but is up to 64kbps.
3G arrived in the year 2000. It was known as CDMA2000 in the USA and UMTS in Europe. 3G changed the way mobile devices were used.
Apart from enabling voice calls just as the precedents have done, it also introduced social connectivity.
3G was made to support high-speed data that will enable users to make video calls, browse the internet, share files, play online games and even watch TV online.
While 2G would take longer for a music file to get downloaded, 3G would enable such downloads for about 11 to 90 seconds.
The introduction of 4G brought about innovations in smartphones. 4G is the first IP-based mobile network and the first generation of the cellular network to use Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology to deliver incredible download speeds of between 10Mbps and 1Gbps which offers users improved voice quality, instant messaging services, quality streaming, and fast download speeds.
Shortly after its introduction, 4G became burdened with demands placed on it. Emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented Reality (AR) increased global demand for mobile bandwidth.
And now, 5G is finally here!
Telecommunication and technological advancements are never stagnant. The fifth Generation cellular network (5G) is the latest in cellular technology.
It is engineered to increase the speed of wireless networks. Data transmitted through wireless broadbands can travel at multigigabit speeds using 5G.
5G will increase the amount of data used or transmitted over wireless networks because of the availability of more bandwidths and advanced antenna technology.
This network can connect everything and everyone together not excluding machines, robots, objects, and even devices.
With 5G technology, data speed delivery will be higher than 4G, it will be more reliable and available, latency will be ultra-low and new industries will be connected.
5G is better than 4G because it is significantly faster, it has more capacity, has low latency and it uses a broader spectrum than 4G.
Qualcomm evaluates that 5G could enable browsing and download speed about 10 to 20 times faster in the real world than in the laboratory.
Why do we need 5G?
5G is an iteration of 4G. The world has gone mobile and we consume more data every year.
We are in an era when video and music streaming is now mainstream. Existing spectrum bands are becoming thronged, therefore, leading to a breakdown in service, especially when people in the same area are trying to gain access to online services at the same time.
5G is better at handling thousands of devices at the same time. Now, that’s the real definition of “faster”.
While 4G phones are all over the market and mobile network technology is upgrading to 5G, there will be upgrades in mobile hardware (5G phones).
Smartphones that are 5G supported have started making their way into the market, now, we will take a look at some of the best 5G mobile phones that are available now.
Samgung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
It features Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 888 (5nm). However, this processor is only available in smartphone models sold in the USA and China.
It has a 6.8-inch dynamic OLED display, which happens to be the biggest S21 series. This is probably one of the best 5G phones you should consider buying if you are looking for mobile devices with s-pen stylus support.
Its common specifications include:
- It has a 6.8-inch, AMOLED 2x Display, 1440 x 3200 Pixels (515 PPI) and, 120Hz Refresh rate
- Android 11, One UI 3.1
- 12GB / 16GB RAM
- 128GB/ 256GB Built-in Storage
- Triple Rear Camera
- 40MP Front Camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in as the latest member of the iPhone 12 smartphone series.
iPhone 12 Pro Max is the first iteration of 5G phones from Apple. It supports a lot of 5G bands making it one of the best 5G phones available.
It features a brilliant 6.7-inch and one of the best cameras on a smartphone. With iPhone 12 Pro Max, expect a smooth operation.
Its common specifications include:
- 6.7 inch camera Retina with XDR OLED Display, 1284 x 2778 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (458 PPI)
- Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
- iOS 14.1
- 6GB RAM
- 12GB / 128GB / 256GB / 512GB Built-in Storage capacity
- 12MP Front Camera
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is a premium smartphone from the S20 series that was launched in 2020. It has good aesthetic designs.
With the launch of the Galaxy S21, the S20 series will now be available at a cheaper price, making the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G one of the best 5G phones to look for price drops.
Its common specifications include
- 1440 x 3200 Pixels (511 PPI)
- Android 10, One UI 2
- 12GB RAM / 16GB RAM
- 512GB / 256GB /128GB Built-in Storage, With Support for external Storage capacity Via Micro-SD
- 0.3MP + 12MP + 48MP + 108MP Quad Rear Camera and 40Megapixels Front Camera
OnePlus 8 Pro
OnePlus Pro is also one of the 5G phones making entries into the market.
It has been available since April 2020. This phone comes with 128GB built-in storage and 8GB RAM or 256GB built-in storage and 12GB.
Currently. It runs on Android 10 but it is upgradeable to Android 11.
Users get a great viewing experience due to the 6.78-inch AMOLED display and a 1440 x 3168 pixels.
If you want value for your money, this phone should be considered for purchase.
Its common specifications include:
- 1440 x 3168 pixels, (513 PPI), 6.78-inch AMOLED display
- Android 10.0; OxygenOS 10.0
- Snapdragon 865 Octa-core (7 nm+) Processor
- 8GB / 12GB RAM
- 128GB / 256GB Inbuilt Storage
Reno4 Pro 5G
Oppo, a new-age smartphone company has a Reno4 Pro 5G in the market. Though, the Reno5 series has been announced to be available soon.
This smartphone has a 6.55-inch AMOLED display. It however comes with what can only be described as a mid-range processor in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G. However, there is an option of 8GB or 12GB RAM.
Oppo guarantees its 5G connectivity to allow smooth mobile internet running for each user so that streaming of high-resolution content and cloud gaming become effortless.
Its common specifications include
- 1080 x 2400 pixels (402 PPI) and 6.55-inch AMOLED
- Android 10; ColorOS 7.2
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 (7 nm)
- 8GB RAM / 12GB
- 128GB / 256GB Built-in Storage
