T-Mobile’s recent rollout of its 5G Advanced network across the United States is generating significant buzz, especially among smartphone users. However, this advancement is only beneficial for those with compatible devices. The 5G Advanced standard enhances the capabilities of 5G technology, opening doors to new applications such as Extended Reality (XR), cloud gaming, and improved online conferencing. These innovations aim to make location services more precise and elevate the overall mobile experience.
The 5G Advanced standard is based on Release 18 specifications created by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a body that governs telecommunications standards. For a smartphone to leverage the benefits of 5G Advanced, it must feature a modem compliant with these Release 18 specifications. Leading manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek have equipped their latest flagship models with the necessary technology, ensuring compatibility. Unfortunately for Google Pixel users, particularly those awaiting the Pixel 9, the situation is less than ideal.
The Pixel 9 is expected to use the Exynos 5400 modem, which does not support the Release 18 standard, thereby leaving users out of the loop when it comes to experiencing the advantages brought by 5G Advanced. Other high-end devices such as those powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets will enjoy these new improvements, leading to a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among Pixel enthusiasts. Moreover, as speculations arise about Google’s upcoming Pixel 10, there are concerns that it too may lack complete compatibility with 5G Advanced. Reports suggest that it may utilize MediaTek’s T900 modem, which could be limited to the previous Release 17 standard.
While these setbacks may seem discouraging, it’s important to remember that 5G upgrades are designed to cater to emerging technologies like XR and cloud gaming, which promise to redefine the future of mobile connectivity.