Qualcomm Shows Off 5G Test Phone, But Size Concerns Some

Qualcomm issued a press release this week in which they announced that they have successfully completed a 5G network phone call. This is good news for the development of 5G networks, but one detail has some people concerned. The test phone shown in the press release is very large, leading some to wonder whether mobile 5G is really feasible if the devices are going to have to be so large to accommodate the necessary 5G antennas.

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Samsung Preparing 5G-Capable Galaxy S10 Plus

According to a South Korean report, one version of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S10 Plus phone will be 5G-capable (a 4G variation will also be available). Due to the additional antennas required for 5G compatibility, the 5G version is likely to be a bit more expensive than the 4G, but the speed advantage will be significant in areas that have 5G coverage available.

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5G-Ready Moto Z3 To Launch Soon

Motorola is launching their newest model this month, and they are looking to the future by making it 5G-ready. The Moto Z3 is technically a 4G phone, but it will support a 5G “Moto Mod” add on that users can snap onto the phone to take advantage of 5G networks when they become available. The Moto Z3 will be available on the Verizon network on August 16.

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Apple Abandons Intel for 5G iPhones

According to Calcalist, Apple has decided not to use Intel’s “Sunny Peak” 5G modem for their first 5G iPhone, which is planned to launch in 2020. It’s unclear which supplier Apple will turn to now for this critical component or how it will impact the timeline of their 5G phone development.

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Leaked Pics Show Possible Motorola Mod to Bring 5G to Phones

XDA-Developers has obtained specs and photos of the upcoming Motorola Moto Z3 Play, the latest of which showcase a very interesting “Moto Mod” add-on that would make the Z3 Play one of the first 5G-capable phones on the market. The photos show an attachment that connects to the back of the phone, complete with an antenna “lip” along the top for 5G connectivity. While it would obviously add bulk to the phone, it’s a very unique idea that has the potential to allow Z3 Play users to add 5G capabilities as needed and streamline when it’s not needed.

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Huawei Plans for 5G Handset in 2019

Huawei made a splash at their Global Analyst Summit in Shenzhen this week, showing off their plans for 5G. Counterpoint Analyst Neil Shah tweeted throughout the event, sharing the announcements along with his commentary. Perhaps the most exciting announcement was that Huawei will be launching a 5G smartphone in the second half of 2019 running its own 5G chip.

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5G Phones To Arrive in 2019

Eighteen carriers and 18 device makers have already backed it.

The promise that we’ll see the first 5G phones by 2019 has now become even more of a sure thing.

Eighteen global carriers will start 5G speed trials in 2018, using a new Qualcomm modem that’s built to handle huge amounts of data at almost instantaneous speeds — at least theoretically. The list includes VerizonAT&T and Sprint in the US; Orange, BT and Vodafone in the UK and Telstra in Australia. (Full list below.)

What’s more, 19 global device makers have also thrown their weight behind Qualcomm’s X50 5G modem, including LG, HTC, Oppo (which owns OnePlus), Vivo, Xiaomi and the startup behind Nokia-branded phones. This partnership expands on a previous pact with Chinese phone makers in January. Scroll to the end for the full roster.

The commitment by so many carriers and handset makers underscores the reality that 5G — after years of hype — is finally upon us. The technology, which promises faster and more responsive wireless networks, is expected to radically transform our world and power other burgeoning tech like self-driving cars and the vast universe of connected devices that make up the Internet of Things.

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